Here are some of the most common questions we hear from people who are interested in our program. Select a question you would like answered, or scroll down to read all the answers.

1. How do I apply to Trident Tech?
2. What is the cost of the classes?
3. What is the cost of equipment, books and lab fees?
4. How much access is there to the equipment?
5. Is there film work available locally?
6. Are the class times flexible?
7. Can I transfer to another school?
8. Can I make my own movie?
9. Will Trident Tech help me find a job?
10. I want to do work in both film and video, is that possible?
11. Do students get paid to work on film shoots?
12. What kind of jobs can I get after I have my certificate?
13. What happens when I'm on a shoot and must miss some classes?
14. Can I work and still take classes?
15. I want to be a writer or director will this program help me?
16. Is filmmaking an easy way to make money?
17. What's the difference between film and video?
18. Is working in film hard?

1. How do I apply to Trident Tech? return to top
You can write the school and they will send you an application, download an application on or you can connect to Admissions Office for more information.

Trident Technical College
Admissions Office
7000 Rivers Avenue
P.O. Box 118067
Charleston, SC 29423-8067
Phone: (843) 574-6111

2. What is the cost of the classes? return to top
The cost of classes at Trident varies depending on your residential status. Please check with the Admissions Office and the business office to get the latest cost per credit hour and school fees.

3. What is the cost of equipment, books and lab fees? return to top

There are no equipment fees or lab fees at this time. But,  independent projects are not funded by the school. Other fees may include film processing for Photography classes. At the beginning of each semester the instructor of each course will go over any costs for the course and/or book requirements.

4. How much access is there to the equipment? return to top
As much as you want within reason, and within the needs of other students and classes. We encourage the students to check out the equipment and to come in during posted school hours to practice all they want. The equipment doesn't do any good getting dusty on the shelves.

5. Is there film work available locally? return to top
Yes, there is a fair amount of feature and commercial film shot in the area. The college has a strong working relationship with the State Film Office, and we are informed when films come into our state. We also have a rental program within our film department, which offers 60% off normal rental rates if our film students are used on a production. The rental program has been very successful in helping to train our students. Most of our students have worked on professional shoots outside of their class work.

6. Are the class times flexible? return to top
 As the program grows bigger we find that we must offer classes a couple of times a year instead of only once. So as we grow, yes, the classes and times will be more flexible. Most of the film classes are offered at night so that a student can work and still take classes. It also makes it possible for students to go out on film shoots during the day and return to their classes at night.

7. Can I transfer to another school? return to top
Yes, you can. We have had several students transfer to some of the best film schools in the country. The training that you receive at Trident Technical College is exceptional in that our program provides on-location, hands-on experience in all areas of film production using 16mm and 35mm film equipment. Many schools will accept our courses upon reviewing their content. Trident Technical College and the Radio Television/Film Department will do all that it can to provide any school with the information they need to accept our students.

8. Can I make my own movie? return to top
Yes, we encourage it. You can either make your film in FLM 256 Film Production IV which is designed for just that purpose. Also, you can take FLM 260 Professional Experience in Film. As an enrolled film certificate student you can do small projects on your own as long as equipment is available and you have the permission of the head instructor.

9. Will Trident Tech help me find a job? return to top
Yes, we will do all that we can to help you secure employment. Part of the mission of our college is to help in the job placement of students. You must understand that the film industry is primarily a freelance business, so you will always be looking for a new production to work on. Networking and word-of-mouth are the best ways to find work, but the college is actively looking for employment for their students. The film program is establishing internships with area production companies.

10. I want to do work in both film and video, is that possible? return to top
Yes, it is. At our school we have two separate programs, the Film Program and the Radio/Television Program. In the Film program we use film cameras and film equipment. We do not use video equipment in our hands-on training. The program in Radio/Television concentrates on training students to work in television and radio stations. The Film Program offers 3 certificate programs while the Radio/Television Program offers an associates degree. As a student at TTC you would be able to take classes in both areas, in fact the film classes count as electives in the Radio/Television program.

11. Do students get paid to work on film shoots? return to top
 It is between the production company and the student if they get paid. Most of the companies do pay the students anywhere from $50.00 to $120.00 a day, but a few companies do not pay students. The school will not ever ask a production company to pay a student. The student must learn their negotiating skills early in the industry.

12. What kind of jobs can I get after I have my certificate? return to top
The mission of the Film Program is to train its' students to find work in entry level positions in the film industry. These jobs could range from a PA (production assistant) to a grip, boom operator, AC (assistant camera operator), 2nd AD (assistant director), etc.... However, you can't just walk onto a large set and say "I have a certificate from TTC, give me a job", no matter who you are. You must prove yourself and pay your dues. Having some experience with the equipment and knowing what to do on a location shoot helps you to keep the entry level job and helps you advance to other positions.

13. What happens when I'm on a shoot and must miss some classes? return to top
If you are on a shoot that has been authorized by your film instructor you will be excused from all your FLM, RTV and ART 105 classes. You will be excused from the classes, but not from the assignments that are due or the class work including notes, quizzes and tests.

14. Can I work and still take classes? return to top
Yes, most of our students are older (for college students) and already have a job or need to have a job to pay for their education. We do encourage the students to look for jobs that have flexible hours so if a shoot does come up they will have a chance to work on it.

15. I want to be a writer or director will this program help me? return to top
The Film Program is designed to teach the student how to work with film equipment and how to use it so that they can secure employment in the film industry. This practical experience can be valuable to a student who ultimately wants to become a writer or a director by giving them exposure to the realities of working with equipment on location, however, the training in this program is designed to prepare a student to work in a position such as a PA, grip, AC or editor.

16. Is filmmaking an easy way to make money? return to top
If you are Mel Gibson, maybe (and even he paid his dues). People do make good money in the film business. But like every other business it takes hard work, time, and you have to be good at your job.

17. What's the difference between film and video? return to top
 That is a hard question to answer in just a few lines. Film is used extensively in Hollywood movies, many national television commercials and television dramas. Video is used for broadcast purposes such as local commercials, news, and reality television programs. Both mediums are distinctive in their look and use. Each require special skills to be used effectively

18. Is working in film hard? return to top
Yes, Yes, Yes, YESSSS. It is also one of the most rewarding jobs around. You will appreciate your hard work after you sit back and see the beautiful piece of art you have created. The hours are long, 10-14 hours a day is normal on a shoot, a lot of times you work 6 days a week, and the majority of the work is freelance. On the brighter side, you have a chance to travel, everyday is different, and as you get better at your job, you will be paid better.