The Silent Shapers of Entertainment: How Arts Majors Make Their Mark 

  Oyewande Precious

 In a world where STEM courses are celebrated and deemed more valuable to society, arts majors are often left to grapple with feelings of inferiority. But what if we explore the arts — History, Theater, Philosophy, Classics, and other courses that hold immense value not just for society, but for the entertainment industry as well?

 In recent years, it has become evident that many of those making waves in entertainment aren’t arts majors, which raises the question: does studying the arts really contribute to the entertainment industry?

While arts majors may face challenges when it comes to recognition and respect, they bring unique and invaluable skills to the entertainment industry. For instance, Theater majors understand the power of storytelling, both in terms of acting and the craft of stage production. This knowledge can be applied in film and television to create riveting dramas or laugh-out-loud comedies.

Similarly, History majors can draw on their knowledge of the past to create historically accurate and immersive settings in movies and TV shows. In the same vein, Classicists and Language Arts majors can help preserve and interpret ancient texts, enriching the entertainment industry with their unique cultural insights and language expertise. Each of these fields brings something special to the table, and while they might not always be recognized as essential.

Now, let’s delve into the specific ways these fields contribute to entertainment, showcasing their importance and their role in shaping society:

History majors: History majors can help entertainment writers, directors, and producers create accurate and believable historical settings for films and TV shows. 

Philosophy majors: These critical thinkers can help entertainment writers and directors explore complex ethical and philosophical themes, adding depth and nuance to storylines. They can also help evaluate potential storylines and character arcs, ensuring that they are ethically sound and coherent. A distinguished personality to explore who studied philosophy Wole Soyinka: He is a Nobel Prize-winning Nigerian playwright, poet, and novelist. He studied English, Greek, and philosophy at the University of Ibadan.

Linguistics majors: These language experts can work as translators and interpreters for international productions, helping to bridge language gaps and ensure that dialogues and scripts are culturally accurate.

Religious Studies majors: Religion plays a significant role in many films and TV shows, either as a central theme or as a backdrop for characters and storylines. Religious studies majors can help ensure that religious beliefs and practices are accurately and respectfully represented on screen, preventing cultural misappropriation and misrepresentation.

English majors: They can serve as scriptwriters, editors, and researchers, ensuring that the written content for films, TV shows, and online media is of the highest quality. Notable ones in this field include Niyi Osundare -A distinguished Nigerian poet, playwright, and linguist. He studied English, Yoruba, and Linguistics at the University of Ibadan and has written numerous books and plays. He has won numerous awards, including the Commonwealth Poetry Prize, the Noma Award for Publishing in Africa, and the Fonlon-Nichols Award for contributions to human rights in Africa.

Music majors: They can work as composers, creating the musical score and soundtracks for films and TV shows, which can greatly enhance the emotional impact of music on society. From Joss Whedon to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the entertainment industry is filled with countless examples of arts majors making their mark in the world. This success is not limited to America; even in Nigeria, there are countless examples of arts majors finding success in various industries, including the likes of Niyi Adebayo, Niyi Osundare, and Dr. Joshua Olutayo Agboola.

In a world that is increasingly dependent on technology and automation, the arts remain the beating heart of our shared cultural experiences. From the immersive visuals of a film, to the haunting melodies of a TV show’s score, to the thought-provoking themes that shape our worldviews, the arts give life and depth to the entertainment we enjoy.And while the contributions of arts majors may often go unrecognized, their impact on the entertainment industry is incalculable.

So, let us not forget to honor the arts and the artists behind them, who continue to shape our world in ways both subtle and profound. For, without the arts, our world would be much quieter, less vibrant, and less human. As we continue to create and consume entertainment in the digital age, let us remember that arts majors are the unsung heroes that make our stories come to life.

In conclusion, these arts majors from Nigeria have made their mark in the entertainment industry by following their passions and pursuing higher education. Whether it’s writing, music, or theater, there are countless avenues in the entertainment industry for those who are willing to work hard and dedicate themselves to their craft. These success stories are proof that the entertainment industry is filled with opportunities for those who are willing to take the leap and follow their dreams. So, if you are an arts major, don’t be afraid to explore the industry and find your niche. It is important to highlight the fact that the industry is constantly evolving and growing. With the advent of digital media and streaming platforms, the entertainment industry has become more diverse and accessible than ever before. This means that there are more opportunities for arts majors to make their mark in the industry, whether it be through traditional avenues like film, television, and theater, or through new mediums like podcasting, content creation, or streaming. So, arts majors should not be discouraged by the idea that the entertainment industry is a tough nut to crack.