2 answers
1
Question
Updated
1099 views
What has been your experience as a queer woman in the film industry??
I'm a high school senior looking to major in Film and Television production at Chapman University and I'm worried about going into a male dominated field.
Login to comment
2 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Reese !
You are most FORTUNATE to have the opportunity to attend Chapman University for Film ! I congratulate you as this will be an outstanding experience at this "paradise" campus ! Advisor Karin is right - try not to label yourself and I, not as a "queer woman in the film industry" as you've described yourself, can probably give you some advice about what your concerns may be. I think that you'll be happy at Chapman. It is one of the top private schools and your experience is going to be unique to you and wonderful !
So, as an ordinary, regular older person who is an actress and has been around media and has known people and their paths and experiences, I think I can reassure you. No one will be able to tell you how it'll be in the Film Department. It's going to be an experience you will have and one day be able to share with younger people to encourage them..
Worrying about how people will take to you is only going to provide a barrier that may affect your full potential, so throw worry out the window and celebrate yourself as a filmmaker and television person as you approach your new journey ! You will meet like-minded people, people of all backgrounds and many women have been in film, television and radio for decades already, so you do not have to be apprehensive about that aspect of it. Not sure why these things have all of a sudden become issues because even when it wasn't common to be a woman filmmaker, in television or have a certain intimacy preference, people as such were doing it without worrying about it. Try not to make it a thing and you will have a clear mindset and be able to work at your best.
Film and Television should not be considered a male "dominated" field. There are too many people involved in film and television to narrow it as that. There are also many, many independent filmmakers male and female, young and old. Feeling good about who you are also helps with accepting others as they are and recognizing their value. Try not to label, prejudge or bind stereotypes to others and that way you'll be open to meeting lots of people that you will enjoy and who will enjoy you. Focus on the work, everything film and television !
Chapman University has a unique support service through the Dean of Students Office on campus. If you ever need support for anything you can visit that office. They know of resources both on campus and off campus to help with personal growth, social and academic issues.
The film and television industry has greatly changed over the decades from when I first started, so there is a sort of mindset today and I think it's best that you learn it yourself once you start your career. In college, you will most likely be eager to start and work on projects and gain knowledge about the various aspects of the business. If you can possibly do so, once in a while get some friends together and go see some TV shows being taped in Hollywood or Burbank. You'll get a feel for how it's done after being in their studio audience.
If you haven't already done an orientation of the university and the Film and Television Department, this will most likely ease your mind and promote a positive and enthusiastic outlook. Chapman offers an in-person Guided Tour, A Self-Guided in-person Guided Tour using a mobile app, and an in-person Media and Arts Tour. Read the details at the colleges' website.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Do not give up ! People are waiting to meet you and your amazing talents !
You are most FORTUNATE to have the opportunity to attend Chapman University for Film ! I congratulate you as this will be an outstanding experience at this "paradise" campus ! Advisor Karin is right - try not to label yourself and I, not as a "queer woman in the film industry" as you've described yourself, can probably give you some advice about what your concerns may be. I think that you'll be happy at Chapman. It is one of the top private schools and your experience is going to be unique to you and wonderful !
So, as an ordinary, regular older person who is an actress and has been around media and has known people and their paths and experiences, I think I can reassure you. No one will be able to tell you how it'll be in the Film Department. It's going to be an experience you will have and one day be able to share with younger people to encourage them..
Worrying about how people will take to you is only going to provide a barrier that may affect your full potential, so throw worry out the window and celebrate yourself as a filmmaker and television person as you approach your new journey ! You will meet like-minded people, people of all backgrounds and many women have been in film, television and radio for decades already, so you do not have to be apprehensive about that aspect of it. Not sure why these things have all of a sudden become issues because even when it wasn't common to be a woman filmmaker, in television or have a certain intimacy preference, people as such were doing it without worrying about it. Try not to make it a thing and you will have a clear mindset and be able to work at your best.
Film and Television should not be considered a male "dominated" field. There are too many people involved in film and television to narrow it as that. There are also many, many independent filmmakers male and female, young and old. Feeling good about who you are also helps with accepting others as they are and recognizing their value. Try not to label, prejudge or bind stereotypes to others and that way you'll be open to meeting lots of people that you will enjoy and who will enjoy you. Focus on the work, everything film and television !
Chapman University has a unique support service through the Dean of Students Office on campus. If you ever need support for anything you can visit that office. They know of resources both on campus and off campus to help with personal growth, social and academic issues.
The film and television industry has greatly changed over the decades from when I first started, so there is a sort of mindset today and I think it's best that you learn it yourself once you start your career. In college, you will most likely be eager to start and work on projects and gain knowledge about the various aspects of the business. If you can possibly do so, once in a while get some friends together and go see some TV shows being taped in Hollywood or Burbank. You'll get a feel for how it's done after being in their studio audience.
If you haven't already done an orientation of the university and the Film and Television Department, this will most likely ease your mind and promote a positive and enthusiastic outlook. Chapman offers an in-person Guided Tour, A Self-Guided in-person Guided Tour using a mobile app, and an in-person Media and Arts Tour. Read the details at the colleges' website.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Do not give up ! People are waiting to meet you and your amazing talents !
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Reese,
I can't speak for the film industry, but please don't self-discriminate! If film is your passion and it's what you want to do, go for it! Your voice is important!
All the best to you! You got this!
KP
I can't speak for the film industry, but please don't self-discriminate! If film is your passion and it's what you want to do, go for it! Your voice is important!
All the best to you! You got this!
KP