If you're attending college, would you ditch it to free up time for filmmaking jobs?

S

sb2012

Member
I started out in a performing arts high school, did a few school plays, also found work as an extra for one hollywood film while in school. Over time, I started focusing more on studying writing/directing than acting. Then I got sidetracked by life (i.e. crazy relationships, stress, etc.) and everything film-related in my life was set back. Now I'm in my late 20s, I made my first short last year, I have a great job in the health field that pays well and I just started going to school for a health-related degree (that's the only way my job will help pay for it, if it's health field related). I was looking at these ads for some filmmaking jobs and acting jobs online and it just hit me... am I wasting time going to school? I just feel a sense of inadequacy.

Sure, I can make my own films and such, no problem. Writing? No problem, can be done from home or on the go from my laptop. But as far as participating in other ppl's work, it's all about working around their schedules. All these PA jobs, acting jobs, etc. all over the place -- Between full time work and going to school, how on Earth would I find time for that? A close friend of mine is around the same age as me, he doesn't have a steady 9-5, does a lot of temp stuff and what not, but he's done more acting and set work in the past 10 years than I have, now he's a "regular" background actor on a popular TV series. Now I'm looking back and saying to myself, this could have been me.

I would love to gain more on-set experience in such in other ppl's work, because anyone who has any passion for this art form should at least be doing some on-set stuff here and there, right?

Should I ditch school or should I stick to what I'm doing (filming and writing my own material, on my time)? Then again, there's no telling if my schedule would be any better if I did ditch school, I work 5 days a week, afternoon shift. If I stay in school, I'll be building towards a higher paying job which means more money I can put away to make my own films, financial stability, etc. But if I go the other route, I could be risking a most likely financially stable future.

Should I just be happy with what I'm able to do, filmmaking-wise, on my own time and forget about applying for other filmmaking/acting jobs?
 
Don't ever quit school... odds are it will be the biggest mistake of your life... other odds are that you'll never go back. Sure you may hear a few exceptional success stories, like your friend's... but go with the best odds.

Most of my work in the past year has been with hospitals... I don't know what kind of work you do in the health field... but I've met plenty of people I wouldn't mind switching places with... I've got friends who are doctors and nurses... my ex was/is an RN... it's good money, benefits, and virtually guaranteed job (income) security.

I know some freelancers that have been really successful... but it's a different world. It sounds like you have some good momentum towards something you can bank on... and you're young enough that you can always change your mind after you've got "plan b" in your back pocket.
 
Absolutely agree with what Mattinstl says. I'm only back in the game after many years being in a diiferent field where i was much more successful than the 10 years I spent in film and photography in my 20's. Your health care carreer can be a base to help support your video "habit" and a life. The odds are against you reaching even the same success with video production, or acting, let alone being a superstar. Do some acting on the side, spend a year or two with a local ensemble, volunteer some free video work and see if they think you have what it takes.
 
sb2012 said:
just feel a sense of inadequacy.

but he's done more acting and set work in the past 10 years than I have, now he's a "regular" background actor on a popular TV series. Now I'm looking back and saying to myself, this could have been me.

Should I just be happy with what I'm able to do, filmmaking-wise, on my own time and forget about applying for other filmmaking/acting jobs?
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I know what you're feeling. That sense of inadequacy is a longing to be picked by the industry, singled out for your talent, and brought to the fountain by the cognescenti. It's a longing steeped in our culture and it's pretty much baloney. 95% of SAG actors do not make a living at acting. It's rare and the fountain is drying up. Look at the music industry.

It is my experience that if you want to do the best work you need to produce it yourself or engage with a group, a theater group, or like-minded film people and produce your own work. Then you will have a satisfaction unknown to those who only long for acceptance into the industry. You will do things that the industry won't let you and if you are good and you do something wonderful they will come find you and want to co-opt you and your work. That's how it works best, in my opinion. Witness Beck Bennett. MattinSTL brought him to our attention on another thread. His webseries Fresh Perspective got him a national commercial gig that has everyone talking about him. Check him out.

I mean no disrespect to your friend but is background work what you aspire to? You can do a kickstarter campaign, rent a theater, and play Hamlet. Which do you think is more gratifying?

Coppola - "I’m going to be shot for saying this. But who said art has to cost money? And therefore, who says artists have to make money? In the old days, 200 years ago, if you were a composer, the only way you could make money was to travel with the orchestra and be the conductor, because then you’d be paid as a musician. There was no recording. There were no record royalties. So I would say, “Try to disconnect the idea of cinema with the idea of making a living and money.” Because there are ways around it."

Make a living. Be an artist. If you do something noteworthy you may succeed in garnering their attention, if not, you've done what you wanted to do.
 
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Also agree with Mattin, don't quit school. Also consider that you may find yourself having to pay back the fees your work has contributed, they have made an investment in you and you may be contractually obligated to finish.

It never hurts to have a trade to fall back on and as suggested you'll be surprised what opportunities open up in your current workplace. In house promotion and training video opportunites may become available. Colleagues may delight in connecting you to others you can work with (people love to matchmake).

If you can't make it happen on weekends, what makes you think you can make it happen full-time? Treat it as a test of your commitment. Additionally you can do what you want when it's part-time. When you are relying on it you have to do what you can turn a buck on.

I offered almost the opposite advice to the OP of the link Fluoro provided but he is younger and can much more afford to get 'distracted by life' for the next few years (and will, that's what early to mid-twenties are for). Get your qualifications and then make the decision. I went back to school when I was just a couple of years older than you. I don't think I could do it again.
 
In today's employment climate persons that have more than one skill set are going to be the most successful. I have always had carpentry and technical writing to fall back on which I have had to do on several occasions. Also, the more you know the more you are worth.
 
Here was my response from the other thread, hope it's helpful:

I'm 28 and I apparently read the manual backwards as I am only recently (as of 3 years ago) beginning to pursue my dream now that I already have a wife, 3 kids, house, and a full-time job in an unrelated field (IT & Systems). Because of this, I get my gear and accessories as I can afford them (that is to say, infrequently) and I only shoot stuff on nights/weekends. I can't take advantage almost all crew calls in the area as they require daytime work during the week. I've only had 2 cash-paying gigs in the last year and I fund my web hosting and services out of my regular paycheck.

The whole "do some PA gigs and work your way up on the set" career trajectory is not an option for me. If I were single or even kid-less, I'd quit my job and pursue my dreams full-time, but that just isn't possible. Thankfully I live in an incredible digital age where I can make connections, put my work out there, and steadily put myself in a position where I can make a career out of this. It's not ideal, but at least it's possible without endangering the welfare of my family.

I say all that to echo what others are saying to you... you're 23 and have no other major obligations. I'd give anything to have been in your position 5 years ago. You can afford to risk it all, fail, and bounce back. If not, you can at least afford to put more of your time and effort into this than most people. I say cut back your expenses as much as possible, stick to an efficient budget, get a part-time job to supplement the income, and take as many legitimate jobs that you can to build your reel/experience so you're continuing to put yourself in a better position to be able to accomplish your goal of being a successful filmmaker.

Good luck!
 
Just go for it. If you really want film enough you'll find a way.

These days there's no such thing as a safe path. Being brave and taking risks is the safest path.

I'm paraphrasing from Seth Godin. He writes a lot about taking risks, choosing a creative career etc.
 
If you want to be a writer/director of films as your full time profession, start doing it. You will find a way if you must.


If you want to be comfortable, happy, and successful in the eyes of others, then stay in school and make the most money you can.
 
Stay in school and finish it. Then take a stab at the unknown knowing that you have something to fall back on. And that will, I'm sure give you more confidence to take more risks knowing that. imo. Just get the education under your belt and then your free to explore.
 
Gord.T said:
Stay in school and finish it. Then take a stab at the unknown knowing that you have something to fall back on.
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Don't have something to fall back on. Because then it's way more likely you will fall back on it...

Just work shitty cafe jobs until you make it at what you love.
 
im all about following your dreams, following your heart, making it happen.

But no, I would not. I would stay in school and make fun movies while in school. Even if you're really good at filmmaking it's not easy to make a lot of money (taxes, gear expenses, clients, more and more people with video gear and "good enough" quality, etc.) And you build way more connections with who you know.

Anyway. I'm tired. Just don't quit school you'll be sorry and I'm not an old grouch who doesn't believe in following your heart. I'm 28 doing this full time and did it during school, and I'm really glad I finished school.
 
Colleges these days are pretty much a business. Their agenda is not always to the student's best interest. Whoever is in control of the college system obviously do not want the mass population to take power over them. Be very cautious of accumulating high amt. of debt. I'd seriously reconsider the value of a BA/BS degree in the arts field. Is a BA degree worth $60K of debt? It is if you can land a decent job that can pay it off within 3-4 years. There's just no certainty here. It's somewhat risky. Here in Southern CA, I see many people w/ BS & MS and have no real high paying jobs. I was born in the mid 70s. There were really great jobs. Corps were recruiting you all over. It's not the case any more these days.

Presently. working at Wal-Mart and other greedy corps stocking items is not what a BA/BS grad should be doing. It seems to me the most people born in the 1980s and beyond are experiencing this problem. I can't deny reality. It's depressing. Just 10-15 years ago, it was a completely different landscape. A 4-yr college degree had value. Now it's pretty much depreciated by excess supply of grads and not enough full-time jobs available. I'd say at least earn an 2-yr AA/AS degree. 4-yr BA/BS degree, you can stall, advance or retreat based on the current health of the country.
 
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MattinSTL said:
Don't ever quit school... odds are it will be the biggest mistake of your life... other odds are that you'll never go back. Sure you may hear a few exceptional success stories, like your friend's... but go with the best odds.

Most of my work in the past year has been with hospitals... I don't know what kind of work you do in the health field... but I've met plenty of people I wouldn't mind switching places with... I've got friends who are doctors and nurses... my ex was/is an RN... it's good money, benefits, and virtually guaranteed job (income) security.

I know some freelancers that have been really successful... but it's a different world. It sounds like you have some good momentum towards something you can bank on... and you're young enough that you can always change your mind after you've got "plan b" in your back pocket.
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I agree with Mattin on this, You need a degree to fall back on, I love anything to do with film production, So I teach it at a Performing arts school, but teachers make squat, So I also own speedwash laundrymat with my wife, And I also work with special needs children a couple days a week, This is just to explain that film production can be your first love, but it's hard to make a steady living unless your well established. I think you should keep your career, and pursue film at the same time. If you start making enough to live off of, then slowly transition, but never ever let go of your bread and butter, there's just way to much competition in this field, especially since anyone can afford a camera these days.
 
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