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What is something you know now about being in the film industry that you wish you knew before you started? #fall25
I am a first year college student looking to get into the film industry right after graduation. What can I start doing now and what should I do in the rest of my years? #fall25
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Gianella !
Since you are already in college (you didn't mention if you are a film student) and you already live in Los Angeles, you are just going to have to trust the path and trust the journey. There is nothing anyone can tell you about their own filmmaking career that will be helpful to you. You have to do the work for your courses, work on your projects and get your opportunities that are available to you at the time they are available.
I'm not sure what you're majoring in, but a film major will teach you everything you'd need to know about your future career. This is one career that if you try to guess at it, over think it or go by other people's experiences, it will cause worry, so try to be patient and enjoy the process of learning and creating where you're at now, not four or five years from now.
There's nothing anyone can say that will prevent you from the challenges you would face because there will be completely different people involved and different circumstances. The only way to gain insight on working with film is to do it and learn from, and enjoy every project. An academic or film school path for this career is supposed to prepare you for the future. No one knows how it will go.
If you are studying film now, I am not sure what you're asking about what you could do now. Where are you going to Film School or what college are you attending ? Is it for Film ? If so, that's just what you should be doing right now. If you are not clear about it, you'll have to make stronger connections in your film department/film school and really be around to understand the things filmmakers do. It's a given that networking and making contacts are crucial. People that study film know just where to go and be at for it, so increase your socialization around other film students and be in your film department more than for just class attendance.
It's okay to not know how your film career will be. No one knows, even if they get advice constantly. You are in charge of how it goes, but if you are studying it now, stay in the present and focus on what is being taught. If you feel that your school is not a strong enough path, even though it's in the heart of the film industry - then consider transferring to a better film school. one that could give you a clear picture of the work and what the career is like.
No one can write the script for your life, so as for what to do with the "rest of your years", that's up to you. You'll have a career and a personal life and no one, especially people that do not know you, can tell you what to do. You will need to learn how to make choices for your personal life as well as for your career.
So think about your film path, is it giving you an idea of what this career is all about, or should you transfer to a better program to start relating to being a film professional ? It's up to you.
Best wishes in all you do !
Since you are already in college (you didn't mention if you are a film student) and you already live in Los Angeles, you are just going to have to trust the path and trust the journey. There is nothing anyone can tell you about their own filmmaking career that will be helpful to you. You have to do the work for your courses, work on your projects and get your opportunities that are available to you at the time they are available.
I'm not sure what you're majoring in, but a film major will teach you everything you'd need to know about your future career. This is one career that if you try to guess at it, over think it or go by other people's experiences, it will cause worry, so try to be patient and enjoy the process of learning and creating where you're at now, not four or five years from now.
There's nothing anyone can say that will prevent you from the challenges you would face because there will be completely different people involved and different circumstances. The only way to gain insight on working with film is to do it and learn from, and enjoy every project. An academic or film school path for this career is supposed to prepare you for the future. No one knows how it will go.
If you are studying film now, I am not sure what you're asking about what you could do now. Where are you going to Film School or what college are you attending ? Is it for Film ? If so, that's just what you should be doing right now. If you are not clear about it, you'll have to make stronger connections in your film department/film school and really be around to understand the things filmmakers do. It's a given that networking and making contacts are crucial. People that study film know just where to go and be at for it, so increase your socialization around other film students and be in your film department more than for just class attendance.
It's okay to not know how your film career will be. No one knows, even if they get advice constantly. You are in charge of how it goes, but if you are studying it now, stay in the present and focus on what is being taught. If you feel that your school is not a strong enough path, even though it's in the heart of the film industry - then consider transferring to a better film school. one that could give you a clear picture of the work and what the career is like.
No one can write the script for your life, so as for what to do with the "rest of your years", that's up to you. You'll have a career and a personal life and no one, especially people that do not know you, can tell you what to do. You will need to learn how to make choices for your personal life as well as for your career.
So think about your film path, is it giving you an idea of what this career is all about, or should you transfer to a better program to start relating to being a film professional ? It's up to you.
Best wishes in all you do !
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Gianella
You are very welcome for he advice !
Michelle M.
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
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Steve’s Answer
At first, I wasn't great at networking, but it's so important to connect with others. Believe in yourself without boasting. Remember, you'll meet people as you rise in your career, and you'll see them again as things change. This goes both ways. Look for opportunities that excite you. It's great to have big dreams, but make sure they are achievable. Dream big, but stay practical. Face challenges directly. Be wise, clear-headed, and plan carefully. There's no final destination if you're on the right path. Your career is a journey, so enjoy every moment and the people you meet along the way.
Thank you so much!!
Gianella