Film School Projects

[DeadEyesSmiling]

Hello there,

I'm currently in film school, with an emphasis in Writing/Directing, but I also have a background in cinematography, and am being asked to DP some student projects. Where I'm having a problem is that I don't think the scripts are very strong, and I'm questioning whether or not the set exposure is worth working on a bad project. Any advice would be awesome...

Should I take the project, build my reel, and enjoy the time on set? Or should I wait until something comes along that is going to have a better chance at a quality result?
For what it's worth, I'm not getting paid, but no one is at film school

Thanks!

-DES

 

[Finnegan]

My philosophy is that until you're big enough to turn down opportunities to make films, never turn one down. Obviously, you'll miss a couple because you're already committed to another one but you should ALWAYS be working. I'd rather be the cinematographer on the set of a poorly written film then chilling at my house watching movies or playing video games. Even if the story is poor, it gives you a chance to hone your skill. Why not do that?

 

[craigbowman]

You've been asked to DP, not review the movie. Its your job to make every shot look fantastic. Period.

Otherwise, where would it end? So the craft services people you hired won't make lunch because they think the second act of your screenplay is a bit too obtuse for them?



If you ever plan to work in this industry professionally, you'll get a lot further if you can learn to leave your ego at home.

 

[DeadEyesSmiling]

You've been asked to DP, not review the movie. .

Well, it was both actually. First I was given the script to look over and give feedback, then a couple days later I was asked if I was available to DP. But I understand your point, and that is great advice. I'm just worried that giving my notes on the script will come across as not wanting to work on the film. Should I just hand the script back, say, "I enjoyed reading it and I'd be honored to work on the project." ?

Thanks again!

-DES

 

[Huy Vu]

You've been asked to DP, not review the movie. Its your job to make every shot look fantastic. Period.

I disagree, when you ARE NOT GETTING PAID, all you gotta go on is your enthusiasm for the project. If you think the project sucks and it's going to do nothing for you, why do it? If you go into a project with no faith in it, that translates into bad energy all around and will ultimately hurt the quality of your work. I've worked on more than a few such projects and it never turns out well. Now if you pay me, I'll shoot whatever you want, but otherwise if I don't like a script I'll turn it down. That's being professional.

 

[clang]

Well, it was both actually. First I was given the script to look over and give feedback, then a couple days later I was asked if I was available to DP. But I understand your point, and that is great advice. I'm just worried that giving my notes on the script will come across as not wanting to work on the film. Should I just hand the script back, say, "I enjoyed reading it and I'd be honored to work on the project." ?

Thanks again!

-DES

If you're asked for feedback, always give it, honestly and constructively - the biggest fault of 'film school' films is crappy scripts. Have they actually used your feedback to make some script improvements? If so, that suggests you're heading in the same directions and so maybe you'd be the ideal DP. But if it's still a mess, maybe they only want you to DP because you're available and free - in which case you have to ask yourself: could you use your time writing/directing a better project yourself? If nothing else better is available, then sure, DPing a crappy film is better than DPing nothing...

 

[RyanT]

While you're in school shoot all the crappy projects you can. It's even easier to experiment and try new things the crappier the projects are, if anything, they're a blessing. When you get out though, stop. Spend that time finding directors who are worth your while, because you'll never get very far shooting bad projects.

I do agree with Huy though. I got roped into one project that I thought was terrible and it did translate into bad work for myself. A lot of the time I spent arguing with the inexperienced crew, they mostly were on it because I didn't want my experienced friends to see this project I was working on. Eventually I do feel like it got to a point where I just stopped caring because I felt like there was no point in my shooting. Things just didn't make sense and I was just trying to give the director anything that would make him halfway happy.

 

[Steve Laramie]

I asked the same question a month ago and took some massive dvxuser flack. In my opinion if you dont aspire to be a DP you want to direct, then its a good idea. It will give you film set experience and I always like to work with Directors that have DP experience so they have reasonable expectations.

 

[j]

> Should I take the project, build my reel, and enjoy the time on set?
> Or should I wait until something comes along that is going to have
> a better chance at a quality result?


You forgot quite frankly the most important thing (You may not know it right now) you will get out of film school:

Making contacts. It cannot be emphasized enough. Shoot as many projects as you possibly can and build a reputation for yourself as someone who is competent and great to work with. Film school is a unique opportunity that will only last a couple of years. Take advantage of the networking opportunity. The contacts you make now will propel your career for the rest of your life. (assuming you are not an idiot/jerk)