Im sitting on an AA right now, and after my experience with the university system im not ready to jump back into...well..i could say alot of things at this point, but ill just say that i already have one $20,000 piece of paper, i dont need another one.
I know nothing about cameras, film, editing, lighting, and digital effects, but i dont want to get a degree in anything, i just want to learn it. Ive considered trying to get a film-related job for the experience, however im under the impression that no employer will hire me, seeing as i dont have any experience or education in whatever film job i would be applying for. So that leaves me with school.
Im willing to go to a school, but i would want to go to one that has small class sizes, is intensive and is very hands on (Im done with books, no more books, no more paying to do what i can do on my own!), but wont cost me alot and wont take more than 2 years. So does this type of school exist?
Is there any way i could receive the same level of education at a job-site even if i worked for free, or are internships (i guess that is what it would be called) reserved for the college graduate?
All im really trying to do is amass the skills required for a personal project, which is largely why i dont want to invest the time, money, or effort required in getting a degree or working my way up the industry ladder.
Go to Craigslist and find the area for the city you live in. Go under services or gigs and look to see if anyone is trying to cast extras in your area. Contact the filmmaker. Tell them up front you have no experience but really want to learn about cameras, etc, and will work for food. .
My guess is you'll learn more and it'll cost less than film school.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
thanks for the response. I will try to look for film jobs, but the thing is i hate urban/metro areas and film jobs arent really plentiful anywhere else. Plus i have family willing to front the tuition money and i want to get the hell out of here.
Has anyone been to the colorado film institute?
Okay, option two. Move to the University area for a year (assuming you are not from Colorodo this will allow you to gain state residency and thus lower pretty much all costs). While there get a normal job to pay the bills, and volunteer for as many films as possible. At the end of a year you will have had exposure to the students, equipment, and everything. You'll have a better idea what's involved in the decision with minimal financial or time risk.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
I think your best choice is to start volunteering on film shoots. Where do you live? Are you willing to move near LA, NY, London, or any larger city where film shoots are happening daily...and film shoots that you can get involved on to gain experience. What filmmaking books have you read? Having read a few books will go a long way towards being able to talk your way onto a film shoot. You would probably want to start out as a production assistant (PA), but a PA that is on the set...not running off to get donuts or supplies. If you want to get into more detail on this send me an email at clkla?yahoo.com. I'll help you write a resume that shows your capabilities...not your experiences. This is how I started many moons ago. I was surprised to walk onto my first shoot knowing more than 90% of the people on the set...after having read a couple of books. Books are important.
