Where to start?

ricky

ricky

Member
I have discovered my passion for filmaking a bit late in life as I am 32 now with wife and kids. I am not sure if it is worth my time to go to film school or just grab a cam and see what happens. I think the school helps you get contacts in the field and certifies you as a "filmmaker". But alot of folks seem to say the opposite. Needing any and all advice on this. If school is the best way maybe someone has some reccomendations. I live in Dallas, TX. Would also like to make local connections and possibly help out on any video/film project they are undertaking so that I can gain experience. Thanks
 
Hey, ricky - never too late to start. I got started at the age of 41.

Regarding school - there will always be hot debate about whether or not this is necessary. Personally, I think you could learn a lot and save yourself some valuable time (being so damn old) by going to some kind of school. Doesn't have to be full time, total immersion school. But take some classes, be actively involved in learning how to operate a camera, light a scene, edit video - it can be much easier to do that in a class or workshop setting than just trying to noodle your way through it alone.

See if a local college or univeristy has some kind of certificate program. I enrolled in a 6 month documentary production certificate program at the University of Washington and it was the best thing I've done in a long time. It was evenings and weekends and I learned a HUGE amount and also made really important connections with people that I still work with and collaborate with today (2 years later).

Just picking up a camera and starting to shoot is certainly one way to learn about filmmaking, but so much better to go throught the process of learning the techniques and sensibilities in a concentrated and focused environment with other people who are just as excited to be learning it as you.

One thing you learn when you start making videos is that the more you learn, the more there is still to learn. It's really pretty endless as technology changes just about every day. If you can concentrate on learning the fundamentals through either a series of classes, or one concentrated program, then you'll have a much more solid foundation from which to navigate the dizzying array of technologies.

If nothing else, you might only learn how not to make films, but at least you'll know that much, and you'll know why you feel that way.



Good luck!
 
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Wow, I think that is the answer I was looking for. Thank you for detailing it out. Was not sure if my question really made sense but you nailed it with your reply.

Working in a full time job not in the film/video industry while trying to learn it is definetly a task. I always thought I had to go full stream into a degree program of sorts. But you makes sense that I can attend a class here and there or a certificate program.

Also good to know there are newbies in the higher age bracket. Most people I run into are 25 and under and already have alot of experience and working on their features. Wish I had that figured out at that age.

Thanks again for the response I will give this alot of consideration.
 
Hey Ricky it is not the age that drives us to do things it is the drive in you that make the things possible.
Age is just a number and the higher it is the wiser you are.Use it to your advantage.
Bus No 8 makes lots of sense.
Good luck .
 
Ricky, I live northwest of the metroplex. I just graduated high school and make short films every now and then, im always looking for dedicated people to help me out.
 
hey ricky! 4 years ago I was in the same exact situation you 're in right now and i absolutely couldn't pass up the opportunity to try to help. I have a son and a wife and hardly much money so you could only imagine the pressure. Well, I made the choice to go to film school... I did learn alot of things... mostly traditional ways that big budget hollywood makes films... basic editing...basic writing...lighting...visual effects...sound design...dialogue replacement... you know the technical stuff. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't trade it for the world... BUT the truth of the matter is I'm still paying my film school loans... and the wierd thing is the best industry job i ever got was working for myself... i've been hired to direct a breast cancer awarness documentary in the east coast, i've also worked for KTVU news in the bay... iv'e worked on many projects for OTHER people but i was never really able to explore creatively. Truthfully iv'e learned the most technically and creatively by just picking up a camera and doing it. I'm more of a hands on guy... I'm not telling you not to go... i actually think your best bet is to follow the BUS NO. 8's advice and enroll in some workshops... that way you can learn as you go and you won't have to pay 40k plus on a BS

here's a link http://www.whygotofilmschool.com it's a pretty good jump start... it's actually a book my brother and i wrote together... some of the stuff is dated but its free... it's first semester stuff but you'll find it somewhat helpful... here's a cool first semester trick that i find myself still addicted to: watch your favorite movie on MUTE... without the sound! you'll find it's much easier to dissect the visuals. then... play the movie back only this time just listening to the audio... i think that will keep you busy for a bit... I'll apologize before hand if you know all this stuff already!! take care and good luck!!
 
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Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone. I am starting to look for some workshops opening soon hre in Dallas dwnloading a copy of whygotofilmschool and will email mikecost soon. Thanks again
 
A lot of us call ourselves "FILMmakers" .....but (speculation on my part) I doubt that only a few of us has actually shot and edited photographic film stock....and how many of those have actually processed that 16mm/35mm film stock
Its the sign of the times.....
and just remember "Video Killed The Radio Star"

"Film at 11" (Tape at 10)
 
CharlieG said:
A lot of us call ourselves "FILMmakers" .....but (speculation on my part) I doubt that only a few of us has actually shot and edited photographic film stock....and how many of those have actually processed that 16mm/35mm film stock
Its the sign of the times.....
and just remember "Video Killed The Radio Star"

"Film at 11" (Tape at 10)
Click to expand...

You're right. Film is a dying medium, and the big debate has shifted from "film or digital?" to "will film still be around?", but the term "a film" and "film maker" will stick around and still apply. Those terms came about only because, once upon a time, film was the only medium to shoot on. They're not going to change it because we shoot on different mediums now. Plus "Film Maker" sounds so much better than "Video Maker". ;)

However, as for film school, I know at Concordia (where I'll be going) we'll be learning to use and edit film, and I know the fine arts program uses only film. It all depends on the program you go to. Plus here in Quebec it's super cheap to go to film school, or rather any school for that matter.

As for school vs no school debate... well if you do go to film school (workshops since you're working and have a family to feed), be sure it's about the technical of film making, and not the art, as the art is something you can develop on your own.

It really is great for contacts though. As they say, it's not what you know, but who you know. That especially applies for the film industry. All the friends I make, and the people I know, have become my crew and my advisor's.

You'll notice, once you start trying to getting into the industry, of how small of a world it really is. I'm just starting off, and I already know people through people through people. People that have taken me onto their projects, or asked to be part of mine.

Don't underestimate the power of contacts.
 
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