I hate student films...
- Thread starter Mattykins
- Start date
MikeGunter
Well-known member
The one thing about student films is that they are allowed to fail.
It's a free pass, learn from it and don't do it again.
It's a free pass, learn from it and don't do it again.
alex whitmer
Veteran
Totally agree, but with that comes a certain responsibility to those who are there to help the film succeed. I think the hardest lesson student filmmakers learn (hopefully) is that film is 100% a collaborative art, and that means losing any 'Madonna' tendencies.
The next big lesson is organization skills. Some get it, many don't.
Yup, film school may teach a lot of cool things, but I'm not seeing much in the way of 'team player' and 'make good on your commitments' skills coming out these days.
A lot of great films come out of the student efforts, no doubt about it. But man, I really wonder what the fall-out rate is among student filmmakers - the ones who jump in thinking it's the coolest thing on earth, only to discover it's really hard work that requires polished people skills, and they quickly jump ship, sell their equipment, blame the cat, and look for something far less challenging.
DVX has a few brilliant student filmmakers. The ones who will make it.
a
The next big lesson is organization skills. Some get it, many don't.
Yup, film school may teach a lot of cool things, but I'm not seeing much in the way of 'team player' and 'make good on your commitments' skills coming out these days.
A lot of great films come out of the student efforts, no doubt about it. But man, I really wonder what the fall-out rate is among student filmmakers - the ones who jump in thinking it's the coolest thing on earth, only to discover it's really hard work that requires polished people skills, and they quickly jump ship, sell their equipment, blame the cat, and look for something far less challenging.
DVX has a few brilliant student filmmakers. The ones who will make it.
a
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craigbowman
Veteran
Its simple. If you hate student films then don't work on them. If the student running his film wants you to haul all the gear while they put their feet up that's up to them. Don't like it. Don't sign on to student films. How someone else behaves on a set is their responsibility. You are responsible for how you behave on a set. Learn to be a professional and quit flapping about everyone else. If you're volunteering then you signed on. Sets are not a democracy.
alex whitmer
Veteran
The behavior of one affects the whole, whether it's a student film or a big Hollywood production. Just ask Shannon.
Granted there is no way to predict how things will unfold, but if things do get to the point of ridiculous and even abusive, then no, you don't have to stay 'signed on'. The kid needs some manners.
There is tremendous creativity and discovery in student film, but at the same time there are handfuls of young folks with zero people skills, and a handful of those have zero interest in learning them. It's those student films that go from enthusiastic to nightmare in no time, and much of the responsibility is with the director (like a Quarterback) to keep things focused and moving forward in a positive environment for all the players. Anyone who shirks that responsibility should not be in film, or any other profession where more than one person needs to interact.
Good sets are democratic. Everyone has their input, and everyone brings something to the whole. What the director decides to do with the input and unique skills is up to them. If one chooses to run their set as a dictator, then they need to expect results dictatorships often produce. Crap.
Student films are not by default bad. It's the general lack of experience and the arrogant refusal to admit it that hurts so many of them. It's the ones that open themselves to the experience and ideas others bring that have the greatest chance to succeed.
An actor with four films to their credit will have some ideas. The camera person with several films to their credit will have some ideas. The burger flipper who has watched a hundred films be made will have some ideas.
The strongest societies are those with a free exchange of ideas, and I would hold that to be true of movie sets as well. Hence the reason a sixteen-year old film student can produce better films than a forty-year old professional - attitude.
If the filmmaker wants to put their feet up while the crew hauls equipment, you're right, that's up to them. And if someone signs on knowing full well the filmmaker was just such a person, then that is their choice as well. However, if they sign on with a reasonable expectation they will be treated with respect, and soon discover that is not the case, then they are also free to leave.
Many bite the bullet and see it through so as to not jeopardize the whole. Those are called Saints. After that, they are free to not work with that person again. And the filmmaker is free to continue being a jerk, or make adjustments and chalk it up to experience.
Granted there is no way to predict how things will unfold, but if things do get to the point of ridiculous and even abusive, then no, you don't have to stay 'signed on'. The kid needs some manners.
There is tremendous creativity and discovery in student film, but at the same time there are handfuls of young folks with zero people skills, and a handful of those have zero interest in learning them. It's those student films that go from enthusiastic to nightmare in no time, and much of the responsibility is with the director (like a Quarterback) to keep things focused and moving forward in a positive environment for all the players. Anyone who shirks that responsibility should not be in film, or any other profession where more than one person needs to interact.
Good sets are democratic. Everyone has their input, and everyone brings something to the whole. What the director decides to do with the input and unique skills is up to them. If one chooses to run their set as a dictator, then they need to expect results dictatorships often produce. Crap.
Student films are not by default bad. It's the general lack of experience and the arrogant refusal to admit it that hurts so many of them. It's the ones that open themselves to the experience and ideas others bring that have the greatest chance to succeed.
An actor with four films to their credit will have some ideas. The camera person with several films to their credit will have some ideas. The burger flipper who has watched a hundred films be made will have some ideas.
The strongest societies are those with a free exchange of ideas, and I would hold that to be true of movie sets as well. Hence the reason a sixteen-year old film student can produce better films than a forty-year old professional - attitude.
If the filmmaker wants to put their feet up while the crew hauls equipment, you're right, that's up to them. And if someone signs on knowing full well the filmmaker was just such a person, then that is their choice as well. However, if they sign on with a reasonable expectation they will be treated with respect, and soon discover that is not the case, then they are also free to leave.
Many bite the bullet and see it through so as to not jeopardize the whole. Those are called Saints. After that, they are free to not work with that person again. And the filmmaker is free to continue being a jerk, or make adjustments and chalk it up to experience.
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Doc Bernard
Indie Arms Member
Very nicely stated, Alex.
Unfortunately, Matty, student films are great way for you to build up a reputation and build your skill set. Get what you can out of them, while at the same time build relationships for your career. Learn from them, both what to do and what not to do.
You have to take the good with the bad, if you really want to be a serious and professional film-maker. Not every set is going to be the dream set. And if you wait for just those jobs, might as well pack the camera up. I am going to say it again, quitting now is not a good idea, both for your rep and in general.
Too bad you are not in my area, I could get you on a set of student film that would blow your mind away.
Unfortunately, Matty, student films are great way for you to build up a reputation and build your skill set. Get what you can out of them, while at the same time build relationships for your career. Learn from them, both what to do and what not to do.
You have to take the good with the bad, if you really want to be a serious and professional film-maker. Not every set is going to be the dream set. And if you wait for just those jobs, might as well pack the camera up. I am going to say it again, quitting now is not a good idea, both for your rep and in general.
Too bad you are not in my area, I could get you on a set of student film that would blow your mind away.
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