3 answers
Kaino
Student
Miramar, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
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What are the steps you should take during college to better your chances of employment in the film industry after college.
i am a senior in high school going on to college soon to study film, and i am curious to know what are the best steps to take to ensure employment in the film industry after college. #film #in #film-production #industry
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3 answers
Mark Wagner
screenwriter
86
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Kaino,
You might want to start learning what you'd like to do in the film industry by taking a basic filmmaking course. Do you want to produce, direct, act, write, aim the camera, light the set, record the sounds, edit or compose music? Also, you might want to design the poster ads or trailers? Quite a few people decided to watch movies and criticize them. They even get paid to read and evaluate scripts for contests. Once you've decided what will be your career, then discuss the business and employment with a teacher. Take a look for advice online from the pros. You could subscribe to Twitter, Facebook, Studio 32, Deadline, Variety (yes, it's online now). When you're looking for info about the production companies and agencies, then you could pay $19.95 monthly for IMDBPro. Just remember, we all started working some job that paid our bills, especially rent and credit debts. Best luck Mark
You might want to start learning what you'd like to do in the film industry by taking a basic filmmaking course. Do you want to produce, direct, act, write, aim the camera, light the set, record the sounds, edit or compose music? Also, you might want to design the poster ads or trailers? Quite a few people decided to watch movies and criticize them. They even get paid to read and evaluate scripts for contests. Once you've decided what will be your career, then discuss the business and employment with a teacher. Take a look for advice online from the pros. You could subscribe to Twitter, Facebook, Studio 32, Deadline, Variety (yes, it's online now). When you're looking for info about the production companies and agencies, then you could pay $19.95 monthly for IMDBPro. Just remember, we all started working some job that paid our bills, especially rent and credit debts. Best luck Mark
Steven Bachrach
Filmmaker/Screenwriter/Educator
20
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hi-
You wrote that you are intending to go to film school, I believe, in your original question. Why a director? Most directors study all aspects of filmmaking (writing, basic cinematography, editing, etc....) before they even take a directing class. Many programs require them to also take an acting class or 2 to get a better feeling for what it's like to act for the screen. The reason they do all this is because the director has to understand well everyone's job (and perspective) on the set, as well as pre-production and production aspects of the project. If you write your own scripts while in school, and then direct them, that work can be a great springboard to getting professional jobs.
You wrote that you are intending to go to film school, I believe, in your original question. Why a director? Most directors study all aspects of filmmaking (writing, basic cinematography, editing, etc....) before they even take a directing class. Many programs require them to also take an acting class or 2 to get a better feeling for what it's like to act for the screen. The reason they do all this is because the director has to understand well everyone's job (and perspective) on the set, as well as pre-production and production aspects of the project. If you write your own scripts while in school, and then direct them, that work can be a great springboard to getting professional jobs.
Mary Winkler
Film and Media Arts at Temple University
7
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Pick up a camera and shoot as often as you can. Having a degree in the film industry sets you apart to a certain extent. Getting hired is really just proving you know what you're doing and you know the right people. Adobe Cloud offers a deal for students where you can get all of their editing programs (Premier, Photoshop, AfterEffects, etc) for 20$ a month. I suggest taking what you film and start teaching yourself how to edit through tutorials. Also, completing internships whenever you have time (even for no credits) and working with other students. Working on a set means working well on a team. A good entry level job is still hard to find without any experience. This is a competitive industry. No one will hold your hand if you start to fall behind. Staying as far ahead as your peers as possible and constantly educating yourself outside of the classroom gives you more of a chance of landing the job of your dreams. Luckily, it is a fun and exhilarating industry that proves to be rewarding.