I am passionate about every aspect of the post production workflow and when I say specialize I obviously mean in a specific part of the hole process. I guess my question here is whether such studies will help me and if such a choice is wiser than going to a casual film school while already having some experience of my own .
I keep thinking that no one can actually "teach" you how to direct. Yes the can teach you the "language" of film and the technics ( nothing that a good book can't ) but the directing presses is something personal that you have to go through with some hands on experience and experimenting with personal projects . On the other hand , post production knowledge could actually get me closer to the industry while giving me the tools an the know how to reduce the budget of my personal projects..
What do you think ?

I feel bad that no one has answered, I wish this place got more people
willing to offer their opinions. I just cannot answer your question. I do
not know what would be the best path for you. I do know that studying
cannot harm your career ambitions. Keep directing short films and music
videos and when you have finished your service apply to a school that
specializes in post production. As you say, know about post can only
help you as a director.

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

I began my career as an Editor. I know that that experience helped make me a better Cameraman and on the occasions that I do direct, I am a better Director for it as well. Sitting in a dark room with footage and actually hitting the buttons yourself (not just directing an edit session) is the best way to find out what kind of shots work and which don't.

That said, as much as I enjoyed editing/post, I enjoy daylight a lot more which is why I took the other path toward physical production instead of post-production. The thought of being stuck working in a dark room for the rest of my life just wasn't that appealing.

Now, as far as post production being a springboard to on-set directing goes, I wouldn't count on it, at least not in any direct manner. Honestly, your best bet to becoming a working Director with a viable income is to come out of the blocks immediately as a Director. It likely means continuing to work for free or for very little at first on your own projects or very small projects, but those are great opportunities to spend time on set AND in post so you can learn more about editing as you simultaneously build your directing career.

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

Thank you for your insights. I really appreciate it.

One thing's for sure, I will always keep working on personal film directing projects weather I end up a chemical engineer or a VFX artist . Having an Indie-DIY filmmaking background though and being used (even obliged) to work on every aspect of creating a movie , ( from script writing to pre production to post- in shorts and music videos )I keep feeling that there is a lot for me in the VFX field. For example, I'm in the process of penning my first feature film and I think that this project in particular and my craft as a filmmaker in general have a lot to gain from such a knowledge. On the other hand I know that this is not how the industry works and that no one is looking to hire an all around guy ... I'm way over my head on this.

quote:

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Originally posted by tdemiris

Thank you for your insights. I really appreciate it.

One thing's for sure, I will always keep working on personal film directing projects weather I end up a chemical engineer or a VFX artist . Having an Indie-DIY filmmaking background though and being used (even obliged) to work on every aspect of creating a movie , ( from script writing to pre production to post- in shorts and music videos )I keep feeling that there is a lot for me in the VFX field. For example, I'm in the process of penning my first feature film and I think that this project in particular and my craft as a filmmaker in general have a lot to gain from such a knowledge. On the other hand I know that this is not how the industry works and that no one is looking to hire an all around guy ... I'm way over my head on this.

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Your first projects almost have to require you to be an "all around guy." And that's okay, so long as you maintain focus on what your goal is (presumably directing). There have been examples of Directors coming out of other aspects of the industry. James Cameron, for example, worked in VFX as a matte painter. Several Directors used to be Director's of Photography and even Camera Operators have made that jump. Tim Burton used to be a Production Designer. Even now, Greg Nicotero http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0630524 who has made a career as a Special Effects Makeup Artist, is directing (and writing!) some of the Walking Dead webisodes which could lead to more.

Do what really interests you. That's where your passion lies and where you'll do your best work. If you never do have the opportunity to direct, then at least you're living your life doing a job you are happy with. But if you do get to "move up/over" then you'll have a body of work that proves to others just how good and talented you are and can be. You can't lose with that strategy. 🙂

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

I know nothing about post-production, but here's my take.

Many people never use their degrees, for some reason, because they get a job in an unrelated field and settle into that field. As far as I know, Greece and much of Europe is having serious problems in finding jobs for people, so my advice would be to get a job in chemical engineering, if you can, and stick with it. Then, when you have money coming in, you can look around.

That said, if you can get a job in film immediately, then go for it. If directing is your goal, then get any reasonable job in the business that will give you an entry.