Skip to main content
4 answers
4
Asked 1113 views

What field would I have to be in to make movies

I'd like to make movies, the tech part though. Not acting, I would like to edit the film or possibly even record it #graphic-design #video-production #video-editing

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

4

4 answers


0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Charlie’s Answer

I'd look into film school to learn the production skills. Understand though film making is very niche field. So it's all about networking and working hard to make a reputation of yourself. I'd also study business or marketing. Not only as something to fall back on, but a lot of people making films are also entrepreneurs in a sense. If you're not heading the production, you're most likely going to be freelancing a lot. If you want to make films of your own, the biggest hurdle is finding investors. That's where a business background comes in. i do not think there are a lot of gigs working for big studios who have their own crew. However applying your skills to television or advertising may pay the bills until you can network to a movie production. Most Hollywood films only hire union people, but to get into the union you have to have a sponsor and have experience. Which in a sense Is a catch 22.
Also too, you don't necessarily have to finish film school. My cousin didn't and he's working on independent films and television projects. Everything from editing, producing, pre-production, etc. He left school early, hooked up with a guy who had a business doing productions for weddings and sweet 16 parties. Which one of his clients was a major celebrity comedian who hired them to do a couple projects. Then they moved to LA, and two years later was working on a popular Netflix sitcom. How far you take film school is up to you.

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Roger’s Answer

Here's the deal with film making: It's not like surgery where you HAVE to be a qualified before you can even get near an OR. In fact most of Hollywood's elite didn't get any formal education in the motion picture arts. Many of the top professionals in the industry came through the ranks via a wide variety of means, having studies any number of other non-specific syllabi. It's a matter of having incredible passion, stamina, being able to face relentless rejection, raw talent, a broad knowledge of styles from all the great fillmakers, a story to tell and most importantly it comes down to who you know. What sort of connections and contacts can get you in to pitch meetings, get you representation and open doors for you.

That doesn't mean that a film education is a bad thing (I happen to have one), but be clear that reason you would go to film school is to further your education in cinema studies as you begin to hone your craft - but by no means will your degree open any doors to where the real opportunities are. Sorry for being so blunt, but this is the truth.

Roger recommends the following next steps:

Watch all the classics from all the masters of cinema. Read, read, read. Write, write, write and figure out a way to build a rolodex of real connections in the industry.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Debbie’s Answer

You should study film production. Look for a school that gives you good hands on experience and has a good internship program. Studying in a local hub is helpful. I studied in the NYC area and was able to find good internship programs and work before graduating.

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Stephanie’s Answer

http://college.usatoday.com/2016/05/06/americas-best-colleges-for-a-major-in-film/
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/best-film-schools-2016-top-united-states-rankings-920344


Videography, cinematography, film, communications, and broadcast journalism are all great fields to be in for studying film. There are so many great software programs out there too (like imovie, gopro software, etc) that allow you to start learning and experimenting now for minimal costs. Being a writer or an artist can also help as a filmmaker; gaining broad experience in social sciences and fine arts will give you a unique vantage point and understanding of your subjects before you go to film then. Good luck!

0