quote:

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Originally posted by poppotaku

In two weeks time, I will be finishing my SPM ( the malaysian equivalent of SAT) and I really have to decide on what to study and my future career.

Last year, I have decided that I want to be a film maker. But you see, in my country, the film industry practically doesn't exist. So the nearest thing would be in Singapore.

I have a dream about going and be a film maker in the US. Naive? Not really. Optimistic? Maybe a little. Lol.

But I have read about many cons of film school. In fact, most advice I got from people is to study something that can get you working in a film or media related studio. Then from there onwards, work upward.

And I pretty much am happy if I could have a creative or media related career in my future. I don't have to be a film maker, but of course, film making would be my top goal.

The question here is, what should I study? If I should heed the advice of other people, what studies should I take in college? I am currently deciding on Multimedia Design in Raffles, Singapore and that I could transfer to other countries ( including the US) for my masters.

But is multimedia design a good course to get involved in film and media related industries? Or are there other options? I have heard many film makers who were in other parts of the film or media industry ( including make up) before becoming a film maker?

Or maybe, should I actually GO to film school?

I'm in dilemma now. Haha. I hope you can help.

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Before anyone can really answer the question effectively, we would need to know what you mean by "film maker." Do you want to be Director or a Screenwriter or a Producer or a Cameraman or one of the other hundred jobs available in the professional industry?

Once you know that, then do you wish to concentrate on features or would episodics or commercials or documentaries be okay?

Do you want to work on large studio projects or in the independent realm?

Once you know the answers to those basic questions, then you can really focus your research into a very specific area and get much better advice. The paths to "success" for nearly every job in the industry are usually very different, so just wanting to be a "film maker" or going to a generic filmschool isn't enough. You should know EXACTLY what it is you want to do and then seek out the advice, school, and people who can help you get where you wish to be.

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

Hey bjdzyak, thank you for your reply. Okay, the thing I wanna be in the film industry is the one that's in charge of how the story goes and how the story ends. Is the up to the job of the director, or is it the job of the screenwriter, or is it the producer? I'm confused.

Frankly, my dream is to be either in feature films and tv series, but I am actually fine with anything smaller like commercials and documentaries. I wont mind if i earn like ALOT, but I just want to earn enough for myself to live on.

So, what is the term for the job that I wanna be and what should I study for it?

Lastly, is it possible for me to find work in other countries?

quote:

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Originally posted by poppotaku

Hey bjdzyak, thank you for your reply. Okay, the thing I wanna be in the film industry is the one that's in charge of how the story goes and how the story ends. Is the up to the job of the director, or is it the job of the screenwriter, or is it the producer? I'm confused.

Frankly, my dream is to be either in feature films and tv series, but I am actually fine with anything smaller like commercials and documentaries. I wont mind if i earn like ALOT, but I just want to earn enough for myself to live on.

So, what is the term for the job that I wanna be and what should I study for it?

Lastly, is it possible for me to find work in other countries?

---

Well, the reality is that most Directors who work a lot do NOT direct screenplays that they have written. Typically, a Screenwriter will pitch an idea or write a "spec" and that will be bought by a Producer or studio that wants to turn that idea or script into a movie. THEN a Director is hired along with the rest of the cast and crew.

During pre-production, the original script can and usually does change a lot for a lot of different factors, including creative "differences" and budget and logistics, such as locations and cast availability.

During production, the script generally is revised the entire time for a variety of reasons. The Director may or may not have the freedom to do everything his way as Producers and studio Execs usually have a say in what is happening.

During post-production, the story may still change some more as the editing process reveals problems in the story that may not have been evident earlier or due to the way scenes were shot during production. The Editors cut the movie during production and offer up the first cut before the Director gets his version. Audiences are sometimes asked to view a cut before release so that the studio can gauge if the movie is working or not. If not, the Producers may take over the film and edit it further without the Director's input.

The point being, your wish to be the one who is in charge of how the story goes and how the story ends isn't one that can entirely be realized. In the larger budget arena, there can be A LOT of voices who get their hands in the cookie jar and want to toss in their opinions.

I think that at this point, you'll benefit greatly by reading some books and a couple websites which will help define the variety of roles in the filmmaking process so that you can get a better idea of what truly interests you. I'll list a few of my favorites, but by all means, don't stop there. You should also reach out to professional "media" (TV and film production people) in your area to get their advice. If possible, volunteer with local news or production companies just to get some experience and to meet professionals.

Can you work internationally? It kind of depends on the job you wish to do, but generally, yes, you should be able to travel and work as a Director or Producer or Writer.

Recommendations:

Everything listed on this page:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/RIO0UX1BKVT5R/ref=cm_srch_res_rpsy_alt_1

And,

www.wordplayer.com

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

thank you bjdzyak. What you have taught me today is alot more helpful then what I have been trying to find out myself.

however, like i said before, the media here in my country is a little "dying". i have been checking around before but i have never seen anybody looking for volunteers yet.

however, it is pretty possible that i may be studying in another country. is it possible that i study in a college related to film and at the same time volunteer and try to reach out?

right now, the ones that interests me are "art director", "director" and "writer". What exactly should i study for this?

I'm really thankful for all the help you have given. I hope you don't mind answering my questions. Haha. Thank you, again.

quote:

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Originally posted by poppotaku

thank you bjdzyak. What you have taught me today is alot more helpful then what I have been trying to find out myself.

however, like i said before, the media here in my country is a little "dying". i have been checking around before but i have never seen anybody looking for volunteers yet.

however, it is pretty possible that i may be studying in another country. is it possible that i study in a college related to film and at the same time volunteer and try to reach out?

right now, the ones that interests me are "art director", "director" and "writer". What exactly should i study for this?

I'm really thankful for all the help you have given. I hope you don't mind answering my questions. Haha. Thank you, again.

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There's no single path to any of those three positions. What works for one person may or may not work for someone else.

In general, each of them (Writer, Director, Art Director/Production Designer) needs to understand the filmmaking process (the nuts & bolts of how a movie gets made). Most film schools at least attempt to teach their students that process, some better than others, so it is
important for you to research a schools actual curriculum before committing to one.

Specifically, a Screenwriter should of course have a great command over language and knowing how to communicate ideas effectively and efficiently. Classes in language and writing (not just screenwriting) can be a great help. An aspiring Screenwriter would also benefit from studying things OTHER THAN old movies because you need things to write ABOUT. History, Literature, Social Sciences, Political Science, Mythology, Comparative Religions, Sociology... just about anything and everything will give a Writer a broad base of knowledge that can be weaved into a story. A Writer writes, so while you're in school and out, apart from studying, you should be writing. The more the better. Not everything you write will be good or worth making into a movie. But a large sample of work can help others see what you are capable of. Working hard on that "one amazing script" to the exclusion of any others does not prove to others that you are someone to invest time in. Write often. That is the only way to get better at it.

A Director should also make his/her education less film-centric and expand studies to include everything a Writer invests time in. A Director's primary job is COMMUNICATION. A Director is answering questions all day long, directing/guiding the skills of others all toward a common goal, so understanding THEIR jobs is imperative. Again, some film schools are better than others than teaching this. When you are ready to actually direct something, then start as soon as possible. The world is full of people who want to direct, but there are far fewer who actually do direct. You have to prove to those who have money that you are a viable risk and they'll never "give you a job" or the financing for your own movie if you haven't proven yourself on your own first. So, do whatever it takes to start making movies. The first efforts will probably be mediocre or worse. But the more you do, the better you'll get, AND with a larger body of work, others will see that you are serious about directing and then you'll get more support. You'll begin attracting the talents of skilled cast and crew and perhaps even financiers. Every movie you make should look better than the one you did before. This means that you don't just churn out movies for the sake of making lots of movies. It means that you take the time to write and plan out your projects so that every frame truly illustrates YOUR skill at telling a story effectively.

A Production Designer/Art Director, again, needs a broad range of knowledge and experience so only studying "film" in school isn't the way to go.

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

You have a few options.

1) Stay at home and double major in something like journalism and film, graphic design and film or whatever you're interested in. Maintain your G.P.A. well above a 3.5 so you're ready for grad school.

2) Grad School - if you decide on a film grad program stick with NYU, USC, UCLA, AFI or Columbia.

3) Go straight to film school - but once again if you don't choose on of the best schools listed above you're wasting your money and even then it's a crap shoot.

Jamie Paszko
Publisher/Editor
www.FilmSlateMagazine.com

quote:

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Originally posted by bjdzyak

quote:

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Originally posted by poppotaku

Hey bjdzyak, thank you for your reply. Okay, the thing I wanna be in the film industry is the one that's in charge of how the story goes and how the story ends. Is the up to the job of the director, or is it the job of the screenwriter, or is it the producer? I'm confused.

Frankly, my dream is to be either in feature films and tv series, but I am actually fine with anything smaller like commercials and documentaries. I wont mind if i earn like ALOT, but I just want to earn enough for myself to live on.

So, what is the term for the job that I wanna be and what should I study for it?

Lastly, is it possible for me to find work in other countries?

---

Well, the reality is that most Directors who work a lot do NOT direct screenplays that they have written. Typically, a Screenwriter will pitch an idea or write a "spec" and that will be bought by a Producer or studio that wants to turn that idea or script into a movie. THEN a Director is hired along with the rest of the cast and crew.

During pre-production, the original script can and usually does change a lot for a lot of different factors, including creative "differences" and budget and logistics, such as locations and cast availability.

During production, the script generally is revised the entire time for a variety of reasons. The Director may or may not have the freedom to do everything his way as Producers and studio Execs usually have a say in what is happening.

During post-production, the story may still change some more as the editing process reveals problems in the story that may not have been evident earlier or due to the way scenes were shot during production. The Editors cut the movie during production and offer up the first cut before the Director gets his version. Audiences are sometimes asked to view a cut before release so that the studio can gauge if the movie is working or not. If not, the Producers may take over the film and edit it further without the Director's input.

The point being, your wish to be the one who is in charge of how the story goes and how the story ends isn't one that can entirely be realized. In the larger budget arena, there can be A LOT of voices who get their hands in the cookie jar and want to toss in their opinions.

I think that at this point, you'll benefit greatly by reading some books and a couple websites which will help define the variety of roles in the filmmaking process so that you can get a better idea of what truly interests you. I'll list a few of my favorites, but by all means, don't stop there. You should also reach out to professional "media" (TV and film production people) in your area to get their advice. If possible, volunteer with local news or production companies just to get some experience and to meet professionals.

Can you work internationally? It kind of depends on the job you wish to do, but generally, yes, you should be able to travel and work as a Director or Producer or Writer.

Recommendations:

Everything listed on this page:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/RIO0UX1BKVT5R/ref=cm_srch_res_rpsy_alt_1

And,

www.wordplayer.com

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

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The above is a sensible answer. I would also add that nearly all films (if not all) use the hero's journey - so get your head around that. It's useful in all the roles mentioned. And is a framework around which all the stories you will be working with are based.

Screenplay Structure: http://www.clickok.co.uk/index4.html
Online Formatting: http://www.plotbot.com/
Formatting Software: http://www.finaldraft.com/

quote:

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Originally posted by Pippa

The above is a sensible answer. I would also add that nearly all films (if not all) use the hero's journey - so get your head around that.

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Can you elaborate a little on what the hero's journey is?

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

This topic has been discussed several months ago, and some excellent and very valuable opinions have been given by the participants in it. Here's the thread:

http://www.filmmaking.net/discussion/forums/go/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10233

The original poster obviously wasn't a member back then, so it might be a good idea to read that whole thread.

quote:

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Originally posted by certified instigator

quote:

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Originally posted by Pippa

The above is a sensible answer. I would also add that nearly all films (if not all) use the hero's journey - so get your head around that.

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Can you elaborate a little on what the hero's journey is?

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

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Every aspiring Writer and Director should read this: http://www.amazon.com/Power-Myth-Joseph-Campbell/dp/0385418868/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1291870269&sr=8-3

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

And if you aren't much of a reader, there's a two-DVD set of the (approximately) same thing that was made into a 6-hour mini series on PBS.

Then again, if you aren't much of a reader, I can't imagine how would you ever become much of a writer or a director...

You both missed my point.

It seems like you should first make a clear choice as what you want to be doing.

You can do anything you want in life if you know where you're going and right now, when I read this it feels like you're confused and are looking for too many answers.

It,s great that you,re adaptable because you'll need that, but if being in feature film is what you want, look at the programs and the other options, find what is the best For you and then go for it.

?url? http://www.allaboutfilmschool.com?/url?