Confused Film/Video college graduate with no career…what to do?

Question by razzledazzleem: Confused Film/Video college graduate with no career…what to do?
OK..so in a few months I’ll have my Bachelor’s of Science from a decently respected four-year college here in Maryland. I enjoy making films/videos with a passion…and I consider myself very good at editing, possibly writing a short film/video/commercial. I have received many accolades for my work at school and I even submitted one to the Maryland Film Festival as I think it stands a shot to be viewed; it’s a documentary about homelessness in Baltimore city, very powerful stuff…That being said, I’m 23 and the parents are getting pretty antsy that I get a job now, so I can only imagine how they’ll be after I graduate. I definitely don’t want to do the whole Best Buy associate thing, been there done that. No retail or anything like that as I’d go crazy.

My, technically “double major” is Computer Information Systems with a Networking focus and I worked at Social Security headquarters for a year as an IT Specialist and was also very good at my job…but I realized sitting at a desk working on PC’s wasn’t for me, it was just mind-numbing bureaucratic work. So I gave up a lifetime of job security and a great pension to preserve my sanity. My question is…what can I do now? Are there any careers in film/video (freelancing, working for production company, shooting weddings?) where I can save up for a little bit and then be self-sufficient to get my parents off my back, perhaps move out on my own? A lot of the guys I go to school with are already doing stuff like they were electricians on the set of ‘The Wire’ here in Baltimore. They’re starting their careers by being gaffers, grips, best boys..film stock loaders. All those technical positions. I really don’t know how to do any of that…all I know is how to write films/videos and shoot them and edit them, that’s all I know. Are there jobs for me or do I have to look in another direction when I graduate with my 3.2 GPA in film/video?

So many people are going to community colleges to learn a new craft after graduation. Other people are going to like law school…or to get their MFA in film (which really doesn’t help you get hired, I’ve been told). Everyone’s giving me so much advice about going to grad school or forgetting about this film business and going to work as an IT guy at some office, just doing films/videos in my spare time. But it’s my passion…I want to tell stories, move people, I can’t do that fixing some PC at some office. So what do I do? Does the world need anymore lawyers, I’m tired of studying and I know that it’s a very demanding 3 years of law school…Should I go to the community college and get a certificate in something like criminal justice so that I can be a legal assistant or something, at least that’s more fun than computers. Maybe I could be like a multimedia teacher at high school if I get certified…?

Honestly guys, I really don’t care what I do. Whether it’s being a Forest Park Administrator, being one of those Special-ed teachers at my old high school, whatever!! I’m just trying to get my parents off my back and earn some money, somehow, be it through film or some other career. Do you guys have any advice on something like that? Where I can be around people, social, not behind a desk…Be creative and express myself both verbally and through written word. Maybe I could start my own business and show old ladies how to set up their computer…people like me and I’m a nice guy. Would that work? I’m just trying to get my parents off my back…cuz they’ve been supporting me, paying thousands of dollars for college these last 5 years, and I just have to move out and get on with my life!!!

I beg you guys, please help!!!

Best answer:

Answer by Capt Janeway
If you have filming and editing gear or have access to it, then go and make films! Follow your passion and success will follow.

Go and do a bit of research into how many freelancers are actually out there filming and selling their films to TV stations and so on. Many documentaries are shot not by those will million dollar budgets, and is often these low budget films that are excellent quality and win awards.

Think outside the box. Don’t follow your friends doing menial backstage work. This will not get you to the point of making films. Filming will get you to make films.

Why not travel the world filming areas affected by global warming? If you don’t have enough money, start in your home country. Then show these films in public libraries, schools and to TV stations. This is just one idea. Use your passion to come up with better ideas.

Let your passion show you the way. Don’t get sidetracked by parents wanting you to make money. Money by itself will not give you fulfilment and happiness. Filming will. Do it.

Hope this helps.

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