hogwash90

I'm currently a sophomore at a public university in the midwest. I'm considering a degree in Soc/Anthro/Psych/English or some business major.

Probably wondering why I'm posting in this forum, huh? Well, I've always had kind of a crazy imagination and, along with this imagination, comes a desire to be able to showcase my stories for other people. And I have this curiosity about film that hasn't gone away for over two years now. I believe that it's the perfect media for my 'stories' -I've tried writing, but what I see in head I want others to 'see' also...if that made any sense.

The thing is, I've never been the 'artistic' one. I don't draw well. I wasn't the kid with the camera attached to her hand aspiring to be Spielberg when I grew older. I'm not the person most of my friends would attach the word 'artistic' too.

But I can't get this idea out of my head. I don't even care if I don't become famous or whatnot...I just want to be involved in this business -even when I don't have a clue as to what this 'business' is comprised of -even if I'm just that 'person that brings the coffee'.

I was reading the other thread and saw that some people think that it wouldn't be a bad idea for me (anyone) to get a B.A / B.S in a field other than Film and then going to Film school for a Masters.

My question is this: what can I do now to get experience/ know if I actually wouldn't mind spending all that cash (wowza!)/time/energy on a Masters in this field. I know I want to be involved -I just don't know what angle I would most like to be involved with (Screenwriting, Directing, Producing, Animation, Editing, etc.)

Actually, any advice would be great. I looked at some summer camps for film experience but I could only find ones for 'teens/kids'. I also looked at summer courses at say USC and it is expensive. I'm not exactly flowing in cash. Sadly, my university does not have this program. Also, this is completely new to me and I'm sorry if I don't make any sense/ or am overrepetitive.

Basic Facts (Because you guys seem to like stats):
First-Gen College Student (Recieved an amazing scholarship for my public-undergrad education.)
Undecided Sophomore
3.63 Cumm. G.P.A. -Honors Student/Program (I'm still trying to rise it to a 3.8)
Involved in a few extracirricular activities: Habitat for Humanity, Best Buddies, and I mentor high school kids (Service-oriented)

paying3tuitions

What about an unpaid summer internship in the industry, for example do free office work for a small film production company? That would be one way to see what occurs in the industry as various jobs interact. Or if you want to stay in your same state, contact their Bureau of Film Development if they have one.

Try googling up film internship/ college / summer and see if it helps. But beware of scam type agencies that you have to pay to place you.

Have you tried spending some hours on the 'net looking at professional sites by industry professionals, such as the Screenwriters Guild, Directors Guild and so on? Just by reading you might get an idea of what each profession does. Research is a good starting point. There are also books available by order (or for sale used) about every job in the industry, so even if your college bookstore doesn't carry them, you can browse by Amazon using searchwords.

It isn't easy to land an internship, so keep expressing the willingness to do "anything." Also be able to summarize your skillset in office tasks. Read some general tips on seeking internships in CC's section on Careers/Internships.

Here's a different approach -- ask at your current college career office if any alumni work anywhere in the country in the entertainment or film industry. If you can e-contact such a person, they might agree to a phone conference to give you some pointers or contacts towards a summer internship. It's a bond to have gone to the same college so they might give you that phone time.