4 answers
John
Student
Roxbury Township, New Jersey
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Questions
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Need multiple opinions as this is really stressing me out. Input?
I recently considered getting into film production by attending the LA Film School and becoming a Director. I would probably be one of those directors who writes my movies and does the cinematography, but I have one issue: the idea of doing just one thing terrifies me. I would love to be a director but also want to do other things. Maybe be a musical artist or producer or something else and I just don't know what. I love physics and philosophy and geopolitics but I don't want to be a professor or something. I also don't want to just be a director and would likely end up being a generalist of sorts. I am also worried that if I go to school for film then I won't be able to pursue other things. Input?
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, John !
I'd be happy to give you some advice on such a wonderful career choice and your other interests !
First of all, there is no reason to be worried. It's great to have a lot of interests, but let's take the film career first. Yes, you would be totally engrossed in film studies if you study film and you don't have to relocate to L.A. to do so. You are only less than an hour away from New York City. There are many, many opportunities right on the east coast for you for all of your interests. So reconsider moving to L.A. because the relocation issue will only give you something else to worry about since you are in worry mode now. And that may be good because it shows that you are concerned and want the best action for your plans. There's nothing wrong with just doing one thing and with Film, there will be opportunities to incorporate your other interests since you have the knack for writing and directing your own scripts. Sounds exciting to me.
You can incorporate your musical interests into your film work very easily through scoring and doing music videos. After you graduate film school, your life will be very different from now. You will have met industry contacts by than, have the know-how, discovered your personal film making style, have lots of contacts and groups to network in. I wouldn't worry about the future at all, just enjoy the journey. You can very easily become a producer as you've mentioned you'd like, but everything takes time. Things don't happen overnight- another reason why it's best not to worry. Film school will, in my opinion, open a lot of doors for you and your other interests if you pace yourself and enjoy being in the moment.
If you seriously can't give up moving to L.A., this will be something to worry about. Leaving friends and family, the expense and adapting from east coast ways to west coast L.A. I've done the same thing in a round about way to begin an acting career. But I did in an era when things were affordable and times were very different. Consider starting out in New York but follow your heart if L.A. is heavy on your heart like it was with me. I do not regret the route I took, but times and rents are much different today.
Your studies in Film will indeed create the ability to be a generalist. You'll learn it all. The important thing is to network and you don't know right now, but many interesting things and opportunities will come to you. Education doesn't stop after film school. You can pursue anything. If you stress about it now, it will hold you back and you'll accomplish nothing because stress will be driving you. If you become immobilized like that, in the future, if you didn't accomplish your dream, you may regret and resent it, so take the first step now. Once you are engaged in film school, you'll see how things will fall into place. Many directors and writers do other things.
I hope that this has been helpful. I do have some insight about your concern so I wanted to share this advice so you could have something to think about and toss worrying out the window. You're going to be just fine ! Best wishes to you with your awesome plans !
I'd be happy to give you some advice on such a wonderful career choice and your other interests !
First of all, there is no reason to be worried. It's great to have a lot of interests, but let's take the film career first. Yes, you would be totally engrossed in film studies if you study film and you don't have to relocate to L.A. to do so. You are only less than an hour away from New York City. There are many, many opportunities right on the east coast for you for all of your interests. So reconsider moving to L.A. because the relocation issue will only give you something else to worry about since you are in worry mode now. And that may be good because it shows that you are concerned and want the best action for your plans. There's nothing wrong with just doing one thing and with Film, there will be opportunities to incorporate your other interests since you have the knack for writing and directing your own scripts. Sounds exciting to me.
You can incorporate your musical interests into your film work very easily through scoring and doing music videos. After you graduate film school, your life will be very different from now. You will have met industry contacts by than, have the know-how, discovered your personal film making style, have lots of contacts and groups to network in. I wouldn't worry about the future at all, just enjoy the journey. You can very easily become a producer as you've mentioned you'd like, but everything takes time. Things don't happen overnight- another reason why it's best not to worry. Film school will, in my opinion, open a lot of doors for you and your other interests if you pace yourself and enjoy being in the moment.
If you seriously can't give up moving to L.A., this will be something to worry about. Leaving friends and family, the expense and adapting from east coast ways to west coast L.A. I've done the same thing in a round about way to begin an acting career. But I did in an era when things were affordable and times were very different. Consider starting out in New York but follow your heart if L.A. is heavy on your heart like it was with me. I do not regret the route I took, but times and rents are much different today.
Your studies in Film will indeed create the ability to be a generalist. You'll learn it all. The important thing is to network and you don't know right now, but many interesting things and opportunities will come to you. Education doesn't stop after film school. You can pursue anything. If you stress about it now, it will hold you back and you'll accomplish nothing because stress will be driving you. If you become immobilized like that, in the future, if you didn't accomplish your dream, you may regret and resent it, so take the first step now. Once you are engaged in film school, you'll see how things will fall into place. Many directors and writers do other things.
I hope that this has been helpful. I do have some insight about your concern so I wanted to share this advice so you could have something to think about and toss worrying out the window. You're going to be just fine ! Best wishes to you with your awesome plans !
Some of the best advice I've gotten. Thank you so much.
John
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
28
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Choosing LA FILM SCHOOL is a great decision, but remember, there's a wide array of other options out there too. If you're passionate about music and other subjects, why not broaden your horizons with a comprehensive education at a 4-year university? I'm a proud graduate of USC Film School, so I might be a bit partial here...
As a budding filmmaker, you have the power to create films on subjects that truly ignite your passion, especially if you have some knowledge about them. Take a look at recent movies that have successfully woven in such topics. If scriptwriting sparks your interest, possessing this knowledge becomes an invaluable resource. Consider the writer and the director for OPPENHEIMER, who brilliantly incorporated physics and science into their narrative...
Take inspiration from some of the greatest film directors and their impressive body of work. Aspire to reach their heights and beyond.
Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel uncertain as you search for your path. But instead of letting it overwhelm you, harness that energy and channel it into an eager and forward-looking perspective. What's in store for you? What opportunities lie just around the corner? Where do you envision yourself in 5 or 10 years?
Relish every step of this exciting journey!
As a budding filmmaker, you have the power to create films on subjects that truly ignite your passion, especially if you have some knowledge about them. Take a look at recent movies that have successfully woven in such topics. If scriptwriting sparks your interest, possessing this knowledge becomes an invaluable resource. Consider the writer and the director for OPPENHEIMER, who brilliantly incorporated physics and science into their narrative...
Take inspiration from some of the greatest film directors and their impressive body of work. Aspire to reach their heights and beyond.
Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel uncertain as you search for your path. But instead of letting it overwhelm you, harness that energy and channel it into an eager and forward-looking perspective. What's in store for you? What opportunities lie just around the corner? Where do you envision yourself in 5 or 10 years?
Relish every step of this exciting journey!
Nida Lopez
Associate Director of Digital Analytics
20
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nida’s Answer
Hello John,
The professions you've mentioned each have their own unique fields and demand dedication to achieve success. It might be beneficial for you to consider which one you could envision yourself doing full-time versus just as a pastime. This introspection can guide you in deciding where to invest your time for personal growth. Only you can truly discern what topic captivates you enough to study in depth versus what simply sparks your curiosity for leisurely exploration. Remember, choosing to study film doesn't exclude the possibility of pursuing a dual degree. For instance, a degree in film will equip you with the understanding of the process and the content, while a business degree will provide insights on how to generate income from your work and the commercial aspects behind it. Moreover, you might discover that the role of a Director is far more multifaceted than you initially thought once you delve into your studies. This is certainly a possibility.
It's important to remember that there's a wealth of free resources available, ranging from videos, documentaries, tutorials, to actual academic courses that you can dive into before making any long-term commitments. My top recommendation is to first seek knowledge, then follow your passion.
The professions you've mentioned each have their own unique fields and demand dedication to achieve success. It might be beneficial for you to consider which one you could envision yourself doing full-time versus just as a pastime. This introspection can guide you in deciding where to invest your time for personal growth. Only you can truly discern what topic captivates you enough to study in depth versus what simply sparks your curiosity for leisurely exploration. Remember, choosing to study film doesn't exclude the possibility of pursuing a dual degree. For instance, a degree in film will equip you with the understanding of the process and the content, while a business degree will provide insights on how to generate income from your work and the commercial aspects behind it. Moreover, you might discover that the role of a Director is far more multifaceted than you initially thought once you delve into your studies. This is certainly a possibility.
It's important to remember that there's a wealth of free resources available, ranging from videos, documentaries, tutorials, to actual academic courses that you can dive into before making any long-term commitments. My top recommendation is to first seek knowledge, then follow your passion.
G John Slagle
Cinematographer
1
Answer
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
G John’s Answer
Hello John
Please consider that a qualified director needs to have an understanding of all aspects of film making. So If your goal was to pursue Directing, your knowledge base would include Cinematography & Camera, Lighting, Editing, Art Direction, Graphics, Sound design, etc. If you really wanted to be skilled at directing actors in performance and blocking, you might also consider an acting classes or a workshop.
As much as production is a collaborative effort, the Director should have basic knowledge of all positions to do that job effectively.
As you increase your knowledge of different skill sets, you are also exposing yourself to different jobs, and you may fall in love with one of those directions and as a result only pursue that craft (for now). I know many professionals that started wanting to direct that have had successful careers in other crafts, because they fell in love with those types of work as they grew.
As far as different careers and directions, the road is long. As you learn and get experience in all your pursuits, the ones you cant wait to conquer will become obvious - start with them!
Expose yourself to all aspects of film making through practical experience and on line tutorials
Please consider that a qualified director needs to have an understanding of all aspects of film making. So If your goal was to pursue Directing, your knowledge base would include Cinematography & Camera, Lighting, Editing, Art Direction, Graphics, Sound design, etc. If you really wanted to be skilled at directing actors in performance and blocking, you might also consider an acting classes or a workshop.
As much as production is a collaborative effort, the Director should have basic knowledge of all positions to do that job effectively.
As you increase your knowledge of different skill sets, you are also exposing yourself to different jobs, and you may fall in love with one of those directions and as a result only pursue that craft (for now). I know many professionals that started wanting to direct that have had successful careers in other crafts, because they fell in love with those types of work as they grew.
As far as different careers and directions, the road is long. As you learn and get experience in all your pursuits, the ones you cant wait to conquer will become obvious - start with them!
G John recommends the following next steps: