Film School

[Viserov]

I'm a senior studying Computer Science at a university, but have just now come to realize that maybe this isn't for me. I only have half a year left before I graduate, so I may as well get my degree. But, I have recently taken an interest in film-making or, more specifically, learning directorial work. Does anyone here have any advice in how to get into this field and/or reputable film schools to learn the process?

(Probably not, but I'm open to listening to any ideas.)

[radioboy]

NYU is supposed to be one of the best film schools in the country

I'm currently studying radio/TV/film (that's the full title of the major) at Rowan University in glassboro and I love it

Those are both kind of far from you though

[Viserov]

Is it a four-year program?

[radioboy]

here it is

i know NYU has a graduate film program but im pretty sure there's a 4 year one too

[Fred Derf Veteran]

[Moved to Media Editing Forum]

I'm guessing that budding film-makers will be there.

[roxics]

Filmmaking is a hard sport. I'd recommend you learn a real career skill as you have been. Alot of indie films never make it anywhere. We get into for the passion of it mostly. I've been doing it for 13 years as a hobby. I'm just finishing my first feature film and have several other short films completed over the years.

I'll put it to you this way. Everyone wants to be a director. But that is probably the hardest route to take to get into the industry if that is your goal. It's better to study some more specific and needed like a sound mixer or gaffer or cinematographer. Film school is good for teaching you the basics and perhaps giving you contacts for people you can work with (i.e. other films students) but don't expect to come away with a degree and be able to get a job directing films. It doesn't work that way. It's a business that revolves around product. To be successful you need to create a really good product and even that is only part of the deal. You also need to be able to put that product in the right peoples hands and advertise it. Then it depends on the market and whether or not people want to buy into that film at that point in time. Only about 0.3% of films submitted to Sundance film festival for instance will get distribution. Even then the filmmakers may never see any money from them or it may never get on a video store shelf let alone a played in a theater. But tehre are ways around that.

The best directors know a little bit about what everyone does on a film set. From their DP to their grips to craft services.

The best way to learn is hands on experience. Go out and get with a film crew lugging around equipment or start making films yourself with your buddies. So many people underestimate the filmmaking process. They go and see movies and think it would be a lot of fun to be involved in making them. Then they get on location and have to hold up a boom mic or reflector for 12 hours a day and suddenly it's not so fun anymore just actual work. But if you're of good spirit you know that all that work does pay off with the finished product, even if no one but yourself and your crew will ever see it.

[Viserov]

Thanks for the reply, roxics. It really gave me a lot to think about. Did you go to film school yourself, or just learned as you went?

[roxics]

I've pretty much just learned as I went. But I did take a 13 week course once at the Detroit Film Center back in 1998.

[Viserov]

So, you think it's easier to do other behind-the-scenes work and make your way up to directorial work? Or perhaps start as a screenwriter?

[roxics]

Well typically Hollywood (if that's the route your looking to go) isn't a corporate ladder you can work your way up. If you start as a grip or a gaffer or something nobody is going to one day hand you a directors position. Same is typically true if you are a screenwriter.

But being any of those things are usually more in demand and the things you can learn being on a film set and the connections you can make with others can be helpful when you do branch out to make your own film.

Still the only way you'll be able to be a director though is to just start directing films. Like I said earlier it's all about product. You need to make a good product to show your skills. This is why so many indie filmmakers go out and do it themselves. If they can direct a movie that is good they may be able to sell that film and get the backing to direct a bigger project.

It's more like being in business for yourself, making and selling a product then it is being hired into a company for a job.

The best thing you can do is just start directing films if you want to be a director. If you're really good or know the right people you might have a shot at getting bigger projects one day. This is why filmfestivals exist. To show the works of new directors who are hoping for a sale and backing for a bigger project.

Edited January 26, 2005 by roxics

[Viserov]

Thanks for the really helpful insight.

Now... do you want to bring me on for any future film projects? ;)

[arstewart]

Well to be honest you have to have skills. Do you have skills? You know like...numbchuck skills, computer hacking skills....

I'm working up to make a long post here about the film school i go to, but things are busy right now so give me a couple of days....perhaps even the weekend.

[black.ops]

My dad is a director, and teaches at Capilano College in Vancouver BC. From what I have heard it is a great school for film.

[Viserov]

Well to be honest you have to have skills.  Do you have skills?  You know like...numbchuck skills, computer hacking skills....

I'm working up to make a long post here about the film school i go to, but things are busy right now so give me a couple of days....perhaps even the weekend.

585363587[/snapback]

Thanks... I really appreciate the e-mail with the info, by the way.