Which internship is more valuable?

V

vertigoanton

Active member
So I took the plunge and I'm now ready to work for free, pay my dues, and put myself in a position to make the contacts that may help me in the future. Ideally, I want to direct - be the captain of the ship.

I've heard some people suggest that going the post route - assistant editor and then to editor - is a good way to get a shot at working behind the camera. But I've also read that aspiring directors should get exposure to the various departments - G&E, Art Dept., and Camera - so they will know how each of them are run.

I figure that working on different sets might work out for me because not only am I picking up some valuable set experience in each department, I'm also meeting different producers, DPs, and directors who may remember the way I worked. These may also be the people I'd be working with for one of my own projects.

Am I thinking logically, or should I still consider editing internships? (If I couldn't direct, I'd love to edit instead)

Any thoughts from those who have taken either of these paths?
 
I think as a director you need to know every job fairly well including editing. As for networking though I'd imagine you'd meet more people on the actual set. I'd start there and see where that takes you. Or just do which ever path sounds the most interesting and enjoyable.
 
jdaja: thats a standard piece of advice but there are many directors who arent familiar with the basics of any of the departments. Special Effects, for instance, deals with the producer up until the shot when the director says "more boom!"

I've seen a lot of directors who delegate everything except the performances of the actors. Their understanding of departments really has more to do with preproduction when they communicate to their department heads.

That's why I think the art department is a good start. The art department has a lot of creativity that comes into play during preproduction, so that you learn how pieces come together long before the day of shooting.

Of course Im not talking about Peter Jackson or Spielberg, who embrace every aspect of filmmaking. Just the guys that land these directing jobs on television shows who have the opportunity to make it big. They delegate so much that you could point to any piece of equipment on their set and say "what's that?" & they'll either ignore you or shrug.

Regardless, I also think you should learn a little about everything. Start filming your own shorts! Oh, and the title "Assistant Director" is misleading! Do not train to become one thinking the job will be creative!
 
Thanks guys...just realized i put it in the wrong category so i appreciate the non-crucifixion - I know it's like bad internet form or whatever.

Anyway, thanks for the advice. I have worked on a few student shorts and was able to put together my own that was pretty well-received. It's not perfect by any means, but definitely proud that of what we were able to accomplish - especially with a VERY modest budget (like $700) and a short time frame.

That said, I do want to get better at my craft and surround myself with people who are good at theirs. I'm all about collaboration and always want to strive to make the best possible product we can. I like the idea of being in the editing room, being challenged to take the audience on the same ride the director sees in his/her head. But I also kind of dig how the Art Department plays such a big role (of course, under the director's guidance) in the film's look.

All in all, I'm just one of those aspiring filmmakers who just wants to get a taste of everything. Because all that exposure can't hurt in the long run, right? Although I do worry that not specializing may end up being a longer way around. But hey, it's a marathon, not a sprint, right?

Thanks for letting me wax emotional real quick.
 
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