Film School, misc.......

[cheez avenger]

This thread, unless there's one that was already started, is for those that want to talk amateur shop.


Who's been to film school, who's going, who thinks it's a waste of time, etc...

Personally, I would love to get a degree in Film at some point, maybe undergrad, just to bridge the gap in getting my MLS. This won't happen for several years, because I'm way behind.

Right now, there's a Cinema program that I will be starting on in the Spring at the local community college. The good news is that I won't have to pay for it, because the BOG waiver will cover it.

My background is in special fx make-up, but damn it, i think I have a film, at least one, in me. I don't know what it is, but it's in there somewhere.

I guess this thread is for those that are aspiring or are in the industry. IDK why I called the thread Film School, but all topics with regards to film/film technique can be discussed here. Every aspect, if you will. Let's have some fun!

[twonunpackmule]

Film grad here.

Really, I looked at it as "connections". Though, I'd say I haven't really used the ones I made there. The work I've gotten has been through my own means. I'm currently looking into going back to school, with a study in Literature (I enjoy creative writing but don't want to completely focus on just that. John Hopkins offers a program...I rather not.)...and possibly some Business courses (for work)

Anyway, it depends on what you're looking for. To me, it was semi worth it to find out what I wanted to do. However, doing what I'm doing, I didn't need a "degree" for it. Most of the education is acquired on set.

Now, for the more technical aspects such as camera, editing, sound, lighting, and grip....it does help to go to a school that offers you training in those fields. Most teach the "theory" and train you to be pretty much be a Director. You don't even get to touch the gear until like Year 3 or so, and when it happens the gear is old. It really pays to know the equipment. If you can work the equipment, and have friends that can too...then you really already well on your way to making a film. The other "needs" is money, and time. This is harder to come by.

I'm sure, having the connections already will make this easier. I mean, friends are always willing to help each other out. You just got to make sure to feed them well, and work with them. I mean, friends will work for free...but only so much. You can't abuse them.

Most will say Short Films are a waste of time. To a degree...I agree. However, I think if you can do them cheaply, and quickly, then they are a real learning tool. It helps you start figuring out your work method, and you start learning how to deal with problems. Each film is going to to have it's own set, and none of them are really ever going to have the same solution...but known how to handle yourself and look for solutions is what it's all about.

Honestly, I'd say take individual courses. Don't go for the "degree". Learn what you can on your own, through "practice". Pay for the learning of equipment.

Theory can be read from books.

Oh, and surround yourself with good people. They make you look good.

Like if you know a person who likes to light, make them your DP. If you know someone who likes Camera, make them your Camera Op. So on and so on. It's really important that everyone knows what they're doing, not just you. You'll chew your own head off if that's the case. Not everyone can be Robert Rodriguez.

Scheduling is also very important. Learning how to plan your day will make the day so much calmer.

[cheez avenger]

^ I'd use the undergrad film degree as leverage to get me into an MLS program. Then again, French is what I'm looking into, and just getting a "certificate in achievement" in cinema from the local CC, which I can get for free. With all of that, I can be a film librarian, or be able to go onto a job in film restoration/preservation.

I've even taken Dov Simen's course. Ironically, I already had his book, which I paid 10$ for. I was pissed when I arrived for the first day of his weekend course; he basically spouted off verbatim the same spiel from his book. He knows his shit, but I was disappointed that it wasn't newer material.

I do regret going to make-up school back in the day, but when I went, there was no Myspace, networking sites, etc.... 99% of all of my gigs have been gotten through networking sites. Then again, I'm no fortune teller. We didn't have that back in the early part of this decade. Shit, I'm really dating myself, aren't I.

[twonunpackmule]

I'm two years out. I've worked for one year in the "Biz". It took me close to 8 months to nab my first job. It's fun, but freaking hard. Especially in my area. I need to move, but work isn't as steady for me, and moving without a job is suicide. So...I'm stuck in the mean time. One of the reasons I want to go back to school.

[cheez avenger]

I hear ya, I did 5 years of freelance, which had it's moments of fun, sex, booze, etc., you know, the rock n roll lifestyle, but on the set. Then the problem hit that I was to address. Money. It wasn't coming in. The experience was great, but I might as well have been volunteering. There's so much one can do before one expects a decent wage.

Luckily I have a great "day gig" that I have no intention of quitting on, because I actually love the work.

The end goal would be to combine both loves. Film andLibrary Science; and that's where the whole film librarian/restoration/preservation aspect fits in. In addition to learning a 3rd language. And travel. See, I can go on forever.

Of course, I want to also get some experience in actual film making. I've got make-up, still photographer down, what's next? Screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, producing, directing, etc.....

I envy Robert Rodriguez.

[twonunpackmule]

My resume is like an Alien Language for people not familiar with the world of "freelance". They think I can't hold a job. Like I quit after 2 days.

[cheez avenger]

Originally Posted by twonunpackmule

My resume is like an Alien Language for people not familiar with the world of "freelance". They think I can't hold a job. Like I quit after 2 days.

The worst part is that people (posers) rely way too much on IMDB. Hell, 75% of my work isn't even on there.

IMDB is not an indicator of success or your ability.

[twonunpackmule]

I've never posted myself.

HAHAHAHA

[cheez avenger]

So what's your specialty? Directing/Producing?

[twonunpackmule]

Originally Posted by cheez avenger

So what's your specialty? Directing/Producing?

No. HAHA! Though, I'm in the Assistant Director Branch of the Field. I've only got a year work experience. Not that high up.

My interest fall onto writing and directing, I guess. Though, I'm a bit more of a realist and trying to work towards AD. I like being on set.

[cheez avenger]

Originally Posted by twonunpackmule

No. HAHA! Though, I'm in the Assistant Director Branch of the Field. I've only got a year work experience. Not that high up.

My interest fall onto writing and directing, I guess. Though, I'm a bit more of a realist and trying to work towards AD. I like being on set.

haha, I should have said aspiration.



What genre are you writing in? What type of projects do you hope to direct, does it matter?

Are you going to get a graduate degree?

[twonunpackmule]

Originally Posted by cheez avenger

What genre are you writing in? What type of projects do you hope to direct, does it matter?

Mostly Comedic. Though, I do like Steam Punk (my student script was in this genre) and Post Apocalyptic. It sort of stems from my youthful days of "hating" on everything.

Originally Posted by cheez avenger

Are you going to get a graduate degree?

This part is hard for me. I might have to repeat a ton of courses/take a ton of courses to open up a new path. My degree is pretty specific, and doesn't really overlap onto others. So, I'm currently in the "talking" stages with some Universities. If I go back, it's full time. I don't want it to take 4 + years.

[cheez avenger]

Originally Posted by twonunpackmule

Mostly Comedic. Though, I do like Steam Punk (my student script was in this genre) and Post Apocalyptic. It sort of stems from my youthful days of "hating" on everything.



This part is hard for me. I might have to repeat a ton of courses/take a ton of courses to open up a new path. My degree is pretty specific, and doesn't really overlap onto others. So, I'm currently in the "talking" stages with some Universities. If I go back, it's full time. I don't want it to take 4 + years.

I'm into horror.

How does Steampunk/Apocalyptic/Horror, sound????

[twonunpackmule]

Originally Posted by cheez avenger

I'm into horror.

How does Steampunk/Apocalyptic/Horror, sound????

I believe they all have elements that sort of share off each other. Mainly, I think all Post Apocalyptic are indeed, Horror. Though, trying to put the Steam Punk in there might be a bit strange. It could work.

[MondayC]

I'm taking a year of general credits, then transferring to Columbia College Chicago.
The irony is that I can't even get a camera job at the crappy local news station because all my jobs were freelance. This station went from rather nice cameras to these awful $50 flip-cams for the sake of convenience, so it seems any idiot should be able to get a job there.