Question by ransumsmemory: Is anyone going to school for film production ?
What is it like what do you do
How are you going to use your degree the way you want
After college or still in college are you waiting for your big break in film
are you planning to go big in L.A
Just wondering because I’m anting to go to school for film but i dont want to work really hard all my life and when im gray and old finally have my big break.
Best answer:
Answer by bjdzyak
The important part of your question is your reference to the “big break.”
What everyone who aspires to work as a professional in the film industry needs to understand is the “big breaks” rarely, if ever, happen. Those who find the success they are looking for typically have worked very hard and have sacrificed something (family, family time, comfortable financial life, traditional house, etc) in exchange for the career.
Can you just be “discovered”? Well, nothing is impossible, so you could just happen to run into the exact right person at the exact right time and be handed the career you want. It could happen… but it probably won’t, so you don’t want to base your career path on such a long shot.
Instead, take control over your own career and life and improve your own odds. The very FIRST thing you need to do is to figure out precisely what “job” it is you’d like to spend your life doing. Saying “I want to make films” or “I want to be a filmmaker” isn’t enough. Do you want to be Director? Or a Producer? Or a Cameraman? Or an Editor? Or a Writer? None of those? A combination of those?
And then ask yourself what kind of career and work you’d like to do? Are you interested in being a “starving indie filmmaker” or would you prefer to work in the big leagues on “Hollywood” large budget features?
Once you figure those questions out, the next step is to learn exactly what those jobs entail, what it takes to get there, what your typical day will be, and what the realistic chances are of getting that job. You can find those answers by reading the book “What I Really Want to Do: On Set in Hollywood.” It is vitally important for you to know what you’re getting yourself into BEFORE you choose a filmschool. Why? Because not all schools are created equally. While one school may be perfect for one person, it may not be the best for YOU. So once you know what it is you’re aiming for in life, research the available filmschools (over 700 worldwide!) to find the one that is best for YOU. There is a comprehensive list of ALL of them with contact information at http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com.
Then, realize that no matter what school you go to, the diploma or certificate WILL NOT guarantee anything. It won’t qualify you for the job you want and will not automatically ensure you an entry-level position. School is there to give you exposure to the filmmaking process in a fairly safe environment. The professional industry runs almost completely on word-of-mouth, meaning, you will get jobs from people you know and people who know you and what you can do.
So, while you’re still in school, make the time to go out into the real world and volunteer on professional productions of any kind. Look for indie films being made near you and inquire at local production companies for internship opportunities. You’ll be learning how real professionals actual work every day AND you’ll start your own network of contacts who will be able to offer you work and real income. Building that network and experience will help you get where you want to go.
If you do those things, you will likely work in the industry and be on your way to doing what you really want to do.
Good luck!
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
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