Undergrad vs. Grad + where to go?

pumpkinking
Sat, 17 Sep 2011 05:55:13 +0000

I agree that with the rising costs of an undergrad education these days it would not be a bad idea to just get your film degree in undergrad. Unless you end up at a very specialized art/film school you should get a broad liberal arts education as well. However it is very true that i can be hard to find a well paid job right out of school related to film, and a more applicable degree to hold you over employment-wise until you get your break isn’t is a valid concern as well.

Try to decide early what area of film you would like to focus on. Although it seems like everyone wants to sit in the Director’s chair, many film grads go on to be very successful as screenwriters, cinematographers, cameramen, producers, etc. Then if you decide to pursue a non-film undergrad degree you can choose one that complements the area of film you are interested in pursuing. Eg. Acting, theater, photography, business, painting, english, creative writing, etc.

Whatever you decide to do, definitely choose a school that is located near a thriving film industry/community. That will give you many more opportunities to help out with other student/unpaid projects, make contacts, learn the ropes on set, and allow you to try out many different positions that you wouldn’t otherwise have known about. There are a few ways to make your big break - make that amazing film that brings the suits knocking at your door, sell that amazing screenplay, or help out other people and prove that you are talented, reliable and easy to work with so when they land a golden opportunity you will be the first person they come to when hiring.

And while in school, pick up a DSLR that can shoot video and just keep experimenting and making films. These days with everything going digital it is just so much easier to cut together something that looks professional and distributed with only a click of a button.