Film career

A

AnarchyiNtheUS

Active member
Filming is my passion, being behind the camera gives me another point of view of the world, I can't explain it in words but I bet thats how you all feel. A career in film is what im striving for mostly as a director, I know you've proably all heard that so have I so I do know the odds are quite against me. But I'm going to try not so much to be a big time hot shot but because at least I know I had fun in my life time doing something I loved. Well now to a question, I looked up the threads about film school, I still don't know which one or if at all to go, but has anyone had experience with any kinds of summer programs offering filming ed. or digital filming ed. In the U.S. Or any kind of advice.

If your wondering why, I want into such a rant above, I couldn't say why, It just came out.

Well thanks, hope to be getting the AGDVXA this Oct.

Well take care....
 
Re: Film career

Sigh

This question is a never ending mystery and of course very important. I do not knokw your age but I will give you my two cents.

I am 34 and have never gone to film school. In fact, I have no degree at all. At one time I was in ART school and then dropped out to join the USCG. Am I regretting not having a degree? Not at all. There was a time when I wanted a degree because that was the "Thing to do.". I realized over the last few years that "something" being the thing to do is not necesarily my way of doing things. Although I was always placed in COLLEGE PREP classes and always scored high on proficiency exams I have always hated school, hated authority and hated structure.

That being said.

School is not for everyone and when it comes to FILM SCHOOL we are in a unique position that allows us to make films, get discovered, get work and make a living not only within the industry but reach the pinnacle of the profession without a degree. It seems a staple in most artists who have "MADE IT" to have the same back story: dysfunctional homes, dropped out of school (H.S. or College), had numerous jobs and/or positions and then finally MADE IT.

If I could go back and do it again and the circumstances were there Id go to college if not just for the degree but for the experience. College is an experience that not everyone gets and what better way to get an education than in one you want to actually do (FILMMAKING) as oppossed to getting the DEGREE in something you have no idea or even care about. IN fact, the majority of people I have talked to over the years are either:

a. Not doing what their Degree is
b. Regretting they got a Degree in (Insert Field)

The beauty of College is that you are forced to do the "2 Years" of General Education and then moving on to declaring a Major (accompanied with a Minor). But that can suck if after 2 years one still does not know what to do! Without knowing your age, perhaps in 2 years you have discovered something else (although I have no idea what that could be as I dream of filmmaking still).

If you want to make films and JUST KNOW IT, then get the gear (Much less than what it cost for an education) and start making films. You can always go back to school. You can go to school and make films on the side and if one day you decide that the film thing isnt going to happen at least you can FALL BACK on something to pay the bills, raise the family.

Me? I have a GED, own a business that is going to break 6 figures in the first year and am still dreaming about making films. IN fact, my goal is to sell this business in a few years and retire to make films full time.
 
Re: Film career

Oh no not this again  ::)

Here's my 2c's-I'm in film school now and I absolutely love it. I'm attending SDSU and most of the film professors are part time and actually doing films either for television or assisting in real motion pictures up in LA...so they know their stuff. Everything is hands-on. No bullshit. They take it very seriously. You have deadlines and such just like any other set. No book in this world can replace the experience i've gained. It's an excellent tool for meeting people and learning what you love. It's a win win situation. Most people say to save the money and make your own film. I think that's insane. At least if your films tank in school, you still have all the knowledge and the degree for backup. Hell, it scored me a cushy p/t editing job at NBC, and i havent even graduated. I wouldnt even think twice about getting a degree... but that's me.
 
Re: Film career

I'm trying to get into a studies film program at my college (just got here a few days ago). The graveyard nearby is purportedly across from where Joss Whedon wrote Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the movie), so that's a good sign. But everyone I've talked with (except my parents who want me to stay in school) says to write a script, save up money, and spend it on making a movie, not on film school. I'm not convinced, though, but I do believe that if you have the skills (to write, direct, light, manage actors, etc. etc....it's not easy!) then you should just go for it.

I'm also sort of drunk so don't pay too much attention.
 
Re: Film career

Id like to clarify that although I subscribe to the MAKE A FILM side I dont mean go spend thousands and thousands of dollars; I mean, in this day and age for under $5000 you can get more or less what you need to start making films and that is what you should do. I would never be the one to "Max out the cards, Get the Super 16 and pay for a filmout!"

And Dan, brings up valid points. If filmschool is for you (school actually) then by all means get it over with.
 
Re: Film career

your totally right john. making films is tons cheaper than ever. if you've got the skills and your an incredible director, DP, whatever... then by all means take advantage of that. School is definately not for everyone. I just think it's kind of like playing with fire unless you have incredible talent in filmmaking... and i've noticed a lot of people here do
 
Re: Film career

I decided my junior year of high school that film was for me. My parents felt that it was not a real profession, and they said that they wouldn't pay for me to do it. So I moved out of their house, started working full time and enrolled in a local community college to work for my GE. Well after taking every single film class they offered (and getting A's I might add) while working, my parents decided that I was serious about it, and after showing them some of my work, and telling them that I was a part of a film that won awards in a festival, they decided to support it, so they are now paying for the tuition and books. (still workin full time though, gotta pay those bills and get that Chrosziel Follow Focus!)

But I digress, I've always hated school, done well in classes I liked, but hated the bull ****. I will be off to Long Beach next summer for their film program. It's all about how you learn, I found that a balance of film classes, and shooting my own stuff when I can teaches me what I need to know.

So it's really a personal thing man. But for me, it's workin.
 
Re: Film career

I understand the sighs, this is a ongoing debate only because it works for some and not for others I can see that.

Oh I'm a Junior in Highschool well heres another Q if you don't mind, what kind of highschool electives or classes do you all recommend.

We offer a directing class, for theatre but you have to take three years of drama, I of course didn't want to act and didn't take it, damn.

My parents arn't fully convinced and probably think its just a phase. I think because my cousin had the same dreams and is stuck doing crappy used car commercials.

I can see filmschool is a tool, it can work for you or against you, going there won't make you a great filmmaker, the reason I'm considering it is because I want to learn the technical side. Which I know they can teach that who knows maybe even make some contacts. That and the parties c'mon woooooo.

There's still some time before I go to college so I want to learn as much as I can, so to my original question is there any workshops or summer programs that might be useful.

Thank you.. bell just rung crap im gonna be late.
 
Re: Film career

High school classes suck! Summer programs are overpriced! (Well, I talked with someone who found one that was a couple weeks shooting 16mm and learning to write screenplays for about $1,400 purportedly.) But honestly, get a book on cinematography, practice with your camera, and learn Final Cut Express or something (or Pro if you shoot 24pA...stupid lack of pulldown removal in FCE). Most film schools don't care a bit about technical know-how but instead about creativity and ability to tell a story. Become a good writer and creative thinker. Remember, the cameraman may know more about operating the camera than the screenwriter, but whose story is being told onscreen? If you know the technical aspects as well as good storytelling, you're in the best position possible, of course, but most film schools only care that you know how to write well.
 
Re: Film career

High school. College. Law school. Years of employment. Financial success and stability. Self-financed.

'Taint for all, but workin' for me. ;D

And besides, a liberal arts education is invaluable, IMHO, for anyone who wants to be professionally creative, especially in a storytelling field.
 
Re: Film career

Anarchy,

I really relate to your questions and comments.

When I was a sophomore in high school I decided I want to be in the film business. Initially, I was afraid to tell me parents of this. My father is a successful attorney and my mom envisioned me taking the legal path as he did, and I think my dad did as well.

I eventually told them my desired career path and my mom laughed. They thought it was a phase as well. I spent my last two years of high school proving my dedication to the craft. They eventually were convinced that film was the path I should take, although they were very weary. They even got to the point of helping me purchase film gear and pay for film stocks to make my films.

As far as film schools go I got some wise advice from Roger Christianson (Directed "Suddenly Susan", "Friends", prof at USC). He said "Do you want to learn how to make films? Or do you want to learn how to network?" This is a good question to ask yourself when considering film schools. There are some excellent film schools that do a phenemenal job at teaching you the nuts and bolts of filmmaking...some may consider these schools to be "trade schools". However, these schools are often not as strong for networking and connecting yourself with the industry when compared with say USC, AFI and NYU. You absolutely learn how to make films at a school like USC, but there are other film schools where politics are less of a factor, and the focus is more of the craft. I have many friends who went to film school at USC film and they all say it is intensely competitive, cut throat and political. I guess a lot of it comes down to your personality.

I am now 22 and I just graduated from college. I chose not to go to film school, instead I studied economics at Washington University in St. Louis in their evening program. I am very happy I did this. I used my days to make films, network with the tiny but ambitious industry in St. Louis and made friends with the pros there. They helped me shoot my films and mentored me, in exchange I helped them with their projects and it worked out nicely. I came out of college with a couple short films and a bunch of spec commercials, and a nice "back up" degree that actually adds some nice credibility. My reel and dedication was seen by a top dog at Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis which led me to their adveritising agency, DDB Chicago, where I am now producing. I do what I love everyday, and I couldn't be happier (and I'm getting paid for it!)

There are so many routes into this business. I think you should cater your route to your personality. If you are really internally motivated, and can provide yourself with personal goals and structure, save your money and go for it outside of film school! Be humble, be friendly, network and go for it! The key to this business is surrounding yourself who do good work, and exchange favors and just make friends. Befriend a DP, a sound guy, a production designer, etc....they will help you make your films and you help them with their projects. (and you will surely form excellent friendships in the process)

If you are a person who needs structure go to film school. There are some excellent programs out there that will give you strong education in film. Really do solid research, and find one that fits your personality. If you do end up at a film school, take advantage of every resource they have available!

I spent about $15,000 of my own money in college making films. If I went to a film school like USC I probably would have spent $120k+ on tuition and production costs and probably wouldn't have a reel much different than I do now.

Best of luck!

-nathan brown, www.nathanpbrown.com
 
Re: Film career

My opinion is

If I was to go to School I would not get a degree in FILM. (Id consider a minor though)
 
Re: Film career

I share your point of view, John.

IMHO the best way to be a filmmaker is to watch, watch, watch movies and try to analyse them.

Imitation is a necessary beginning.

After, the technics involved in making a film IMHO are accessible to most of people concerning by the need to be a filmmaker.

(Digital way, technically speaking is certainly harder than film. With a dvx100a, you need to understand 8 parameters or more to get good results, with film much less)
(Not including lightning your scene or other things)

[quote author=John Hudson link=board=Offtopic;num=1094003018;start=0#1 date=08/31/04 at 19:19:05]Sigh

Me? I have a GED, own a business that is going to break 6 figures in the first year and am still dreaming about making films. IN fact, my goal is to sell this business in a few years and retire to make films full time. [/quote]


btw, to help a frenchie to improve his english. What means GED ?

thanks in advance :)
 
Re: Film career

GED is a General Education Degree

I dropped out of High School as a Junior (I was emancipated when I was 16 and my father kicked me out of the house and I had to support myself; I tried going to high school during the day and working at night but it wasnt working.) So...

The GED is a 5 Part Test that covers the arts, math, science, english etc. It is the same thing as a DIPLOMA and is a ticket out of High School; which is a joke.
 
Re: Film career

Not all High Schools are jokes. Well, I guess it depends what you find funny...

Matty McDermitt dropped out and got a GED, too, btw. If you have that level of dedication, it's often worth it. A lot of people I know have GEDs. Then again, Matt's parents are also purportedly very supportive which helps too (I met his mom; she seemed to be really nice!)
 
Re: Film career

Thanks John.

You've got a hard path... :(

---

>which is a joke

I see that everywhere is the same circus...

From here, we have a vision of the USA as a country of self made men where diplomas are not really important at the opposite of france for example.
 
Re: Film career

..depends on what you want to do .. most of professional jobs have schooling, or work experience as a prerequisite. but the entrepeneur can do whatever they want if they are so inclined to work at it.
 
Re: Film career

POLICAR

To be fair, no not all High Schools are jokes. In general terms, I saw through these teachers (any adult really) at an early age for what they really were and I also had (still do kind of) a major issue with anyone telling me what to do, demanding respect by fiat, chastising and pre-judging by stereotype. As a lad, this pissed me off because I could see these teachers as the normal people they were (insecure, fat, lazy, uncaring and unhappy). It pissed me off the way they treated other students and ATTEMPTED to treat me. (Lord knows I had my own issues as a child). I have a few teachers in mind that stand out as people I respect and remember to this day but overall I saw them for what they really were. High School as a joke to me is actually a deeper subject that spans the WAY TO DO THINGS. Goto School, get a job, retire, die. Its what we are suppossed to do. I hate that kids are punished for not be good at say MATH where they might tremendously EXCEL in the ARTS or Literature. I think High School is an extremely important foundation for any person but think that the entire METHOD TO THE MADNESS needs an overhaul. I dont think the current system is the right way to do it. I wish High School would prepare kids for reality and life and not just a bridge to College. NOt all kids move on to College for whatever reason but coming out of High School the kids are just as Naive the day they entered it.

IMHO of course

hvpz

I guess you could say I had a hard path, but I take responsbility and place no blame on my upbringing. Too many people use that as an excuse. Thee comes a time when a man must take responsibilty for their own actions and choose their own path no matter how rough. Did my childhood suck? Hell yeah, no XMAS, No BDAYs, Abusive Father (physical and Mental) but the best thing ever to happen to me was the emancipation. Free at last Free at LAst! :) Today, at 34, I am a business owner, happily married to a wonderful woman, have the best friend in my whole life (my 4 and half year old son) and live life generally good natured and with a positive outlook. The path was tough, but I find myself on a smooth road today. Not everyone in America is a selfmade man. IN fact, the majority are slaves to the American Machine. Very few people get to do what they want to do and how they want to do it. Very few take the chances needed to steer their own course. I am a believer that one must be happy with themself before they can be truly succesful.

Not a therapy session, I speak freely as always.
 
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