Obsessive Parents - help me!

Student615
Wed, 26 Dec 2007 19:44:56 +0000

Why would the above quote be sarcastic? I was about to second it. My sister, while applying to film school, was told to include everything even remotely creative on her resume: creative writing, painting awards, theatre involvement, etc. in addition to all of her film experience. Strong writing is an important skill for a film student to have. Now, my sister is contemplating a new major because she knows that she wants to go to grad school in film and it’s common (as well as useful) to major in something else during undergrad (while still having a good knowledge of film, I presume).

Believe it or not, not every single high schooler has a parent coaching him through his EC’s. It’s unfortunate that your friends have given you this impression. Though it’s fair to feel stressed and overwhelmed during the pre-college period, your attitude (GAH, ARGH, tear) is a bit unappealing. You note that your mother has made suggestions (CC film class, a very good suggestion!), but that they would “suck up a significant chunk” of your summer. Well, now’s the time to prioritize. If this is so important to you, which it seems to be, then I don’t see the issue.

There’s a lot that you can do on your own, but you’ll have to open your mind a little bit. See if you can get your hands on some film software (through a friend, library, family member, student discount, trial download…) and start learning it. If you have a camera and some editing software, try to start working by filming local events, performances, or weddings. Continue dabbling in short films. Try screenwriting in your spare time…you don’t have to produce them. If you’re quasi-home-schooled, can you do an independent study in something like Literature & Film or Film Production?

You want something “cheap/free/easy” and low-commitment, but still impressive and valuable. Just doesn’t add up, sorry. There’s plenty you can do, but you’ll have to overcome your current mindset. Best of luck.