I'm probably too late lmaoo but i think if you are intrested in cinema and that's what you really want to do in the future then you should do it. I believe everything comes with fear because the future is so obscure and unknown but that's what makes it much more exciting. (Also i kinda think living in fear but doing what you love is better than living doing something you don't enjoy) Good luckk i believe in youuu❤❤
@@giantpotatohead9206 hey thankkkkyou so much I was facing the same problem like that previous comment and was about to decide whether to give it a try or not and your comment was really helpful 💛
Agreed. I made way more $$ as a filmmaker than I would have doing my plan B because I was ACTUALLY passionate about it and 14 hour days were easy because I loved it.
My advice to do best in film school would be all the work experience you can, never stop learning, watching, reading and making and working with others, meeting people that are already in the industry
This was really helpful, also perfect timing because I have been thinking about going to film school. Anyway, the only thing that seems kind of confusing is the application process for an international student, so maybe you could make a part 2 about that ? Loved the video, it was really informational ☺
Thank you so much for making this video. It's so motivational to me. Ever since I was younger, people always told me I'd be the next Steven Spielberg. My life has always revolved around film. I just enjoy the heck out of it and it's what makes me happiest. I may not be the best, I may not be world famous, but as long as I enjoy the films I make, that's what matters. My happiness, because at the end of the day, what's the fun in a job without enjoyment?
thank you for making this video! I am a graduate on a 6 month film program in the small town i live, but am pursuing film in college in a much bigger city where there is a large industry. On youtube, and looking online it is highly discouraging seeing people say how film school is a waste, and not beneficial. i see tons of value in it, especially if it’s a hands on program like the one i’m interested in. Your video was a breath of fresh air, and didn’t make me feel panicky like a lot of other sources have on the topic :) thank youu
i'm worried about the hours, i love film and can most see myself working on a film set but at the same time i don't want my entire life to revolve around my job
The thing about that is, yes you're working 12+ hours a day (I worked 30 hours straight once), BUT you can make enough money in 6 months to pay your bills for a year, so you can take literally months off every year if you want. (Or you can work straight through for years and save a lot.) Only thing is, for the first year or so, don't turn down any gigs or they'll never work with you again. After you've paid your dues, you can start taking more time off and be more selective about the jobs you take. The best thing you can do is get on a TV show so you can have some consistency in employment (assuming the show lasts a few seasons. Also, join IATSE. It's a lot up front, but it'll pay off in the end; union gigs pay more than double what non-union gigs pay in my experience. I worked on the show Nashville (a union job). Each season lasted about 6 months. I made more in that 6 months than I have in a year at almost any other job I've had. We're talking $3-500 a day. I worked as a grip. I worked as a PA on a reality show that wasn't union and only made $100 a day and working the same amount of hours (12-18 a day). The union gigs paid overtime; the non-union ones didn't unless you went over the equivalent of $7.25 (minimum wage) an hour.
@@caroline-pm4mo Right now, you should be studying and learning about the different jobs you can do. If you want to do camera, learn about different types of cameras, different types of jobs people in camera departments do (like 1st or 2nd AC - assistant camera). If you want to edit, start learning now. Try to learn Adobe Premiere because that's the industry standard, but also learn different ones. If you want to do more physical jobs, learn what a grip is, what a lighting tech (electrician) is, and what they all do. You can also learn how to do woodworking or painting if you want to build sets. Learn how to sew and design clothes or cosmetology if you want to work in that sort of thing. Basically learn all you can about all the different jobs on set, even if you're not particularly interested in certain ones. Knowing as much as you can about how films are made will gain you respect and will also help you know how the specific job you want relates to the other jobs. For instance, grips and electricians work closely together, and are both part of the lighting department, but they're not the same job. I was a grip and electrician myself. Speaking of which, those are both good trades to have. While they might be very physical and labor intensive (about the same as construction), they're probably the most in-demand. People who want to work in film often want one of the more "glamorous" jobs like producers, directors, directors of photography, and editors, but those fields are flooded and more competitive. BUT if you're willing to do some grunt work for a while, you'll start to meet more people in the industry and you never know what can happen. Maybe somebody knows a guy who's making a film and does need a camera person. Mention that you can do that too, maybe he could put a word in. If you do want to do those more "glamorous" jobs, Make sure you do as much as you can on your own. You'll need to have a killer reel BEFORE you can expect to get any jobs, so you'll have to do a lot of unpaid stuff. You'll have to do that in most jobs in film for a little bit, anyway. It sucks, and in my opinion isn't right, but you gotta do what you gotta do. It's like an unpaid internship for any college degree. When you get to film school, just pay attention, volunteer for everything, ask questions (you should also do that on the job), try to take a leadership role. But also, try not to brown nose or suck up too awful much haha. I ended up being crew leader in film school, and that's how I got most of the jobs. I'd be the guy the professor would go to when he heard about a paying gig around town. I was the best at what we did, and was the most consistent and dependable. Not trying to brag or anything, ha, but I was crew leader for a reason. The BIGGEST reason was that I was dependable. Any boss would rather have someone who wasn't maybe the technical best at the job, but who shows up on time every day, puts forth effort, does what they're told, and goes above and beyond than someone who is a wiz kid who knows how to do absolutely everything perfectly, but is flaky and irresponsible. There were things that other people did better than me (such as camera and sound), but I still got called on to do them because I worked the hardest. My nickname was GSD (Gets Shit Done) lol. During and after that, learn the trade before you learn the tricks of the trade. Don't sit down (sounds simple, but it's a big deal), even if you're not actively doing something at the moment (a lot of film work is standing around, waiting for scenes to be filmed and whatnot). If you make a mistake, own up to it immediately, and do not try to hide it. Go to whoever your boss is and tell them. If you do that, you'll be responsible, but if you don't, and they figure it out, you'll be blamed. I'd rather be held responsible for something than be blamed for it, wouldn't you? Sure, you might get yelled at, but at the end of the day, they'll respect you. Basically, just learn as much as you can, show up on time (on time means 15 minutes early), show up every day, take an active role in learning, ask questions, and be positive. You'll do fine.
Coming here as someone who originally wanted to pursue theatre, I actually feel like this is a little safer than acting. I know I have to have a creative career but I feel like I could more easily get a job as a filmmaker because I'm honestly not the best at acting. I also love films, not as much as live theatre but I still adore it!
I recently graduated with a MSc in Interactive Digital Media and I focused on video production while studying. But now I am considering going to a film school to do another Master's. I'm still in two minds about it, though. On the one hand, it is possible to learn so much online, on the other hand meeting people in real life seems like it could be beneficial. Good video, it's funny how the question of film school or no film school is still so debatable. I'd say if I could easily afford it, I would definitely go.
Blue Makes Movies yeah definitely. For me personally, i feel like i need to be in a classroom or else i'll get too distracted to actually learn something by myself. That's why i think film school was a good choice for me but it's definitely not for everybody and you don't need it in order to be a filmmaker!
Yes! Same! I feel like I have learned so much more in my first year at uni than I could have online. Meeting likeminded people also really helped me to be more hopefull and less stressed. (I do have to add that where I live universities are basically free so I am aware that itis not a posibility for everyone)
You rock! I'm finishing up my 1st year of an MA program in Global Film & TV. Med school must have been a trip -- I imagine it's incredibly overwhelming. Best to you. -MGM
Omg, can you please make a video on being an international student? I do art school in Brazil, but I just can't get film school out of my mind. I get totally lost whenever I start looking up how to apply and all that.
And enjoy and don't think about money, it will came and no time.Thank you Monica Hi Monika Just seeing you on RU-vid talking about what it's like to be in film school, what you're doing is a great help, thank you. One thing I liked was that some schools spend a lot of time talking about film history. For me personally, that can be investigated outside of classes and I don't need a degree for that. I think they should teach the practical, how to use cameras, sketches, techniques, special effects, how to direct a film, scripts and everything else to create and put projects for sale and tips to integrate into the film industry and everything. What is needed is to be active doing research and learning on our own and not be in your comfort zone waiting for $ from heaven, we have to be like life, dynamic, creative and simple people, and have faith in God, believe me, try , it's free if you really want to get ahead. thank you Monika
The school I graduated from for Filmmaking focused more so on Film Theory. Which is great, maybe for the first semester but not so great when it takes over most classes. The ratio was not balanced, waaaay too many Film Theory classes but that's just how that school was. D: There wasn't a lot of hands on projects that you'd later be able to use as on resume so I mainly graduated with a piece of paper that no one cared about xD And also, the location you live is very important. There's not many jobs here for filmmaking so I hope others can keep that in mind. Is your state in demand for what you're studying? If not, plan ahead of time to move and always do internships! I never had a chance to do internships because I was constantly working to pay for school :( and I definitely regret that.
oh damn, when i was in high school my dream uni was full sail :') i live in southeast asia so it's almost impossible to go all the way there hahahaha. love your channel though, so glad i stumbled upon your videos.
i'm a junior in hs and i really wanna go to film school but the farthest i've gotten to getting experience is storyboarding and mapping out plots and im really scared im gonna be really inexperiences when i get to school
No clue what I’m going to do... Currently studying international finance at university but I know I want to be a video editor in LA or New York. International tuition fees (if I were to move to the US) are my biggest worry, as well as making a ‘comfortable’ amount of money to live off of after.
Depends on the type of person you are. Both paths have equal chances. The main way to succeed in film is to have passion in your project and learn how to network.
The sound design of this video it’s the best. Well work always makes everyone miserable at some point, but we can at least pick some work we enjoy being miserable in...enjoyably miserably ?!?
I’m planning to apply to film school next year. I just don’t want to go for the wrong reasons, or for it to be the wrong fit for me because I have major anxiety. I’m scared. I just want to do what I love, but I don’t want to not be able to do it because I’m disabled.
Hey! I feel the same way, really struggling to decide where to go aswell since I’m in the UK. I’d love to know what you ended up doing? It’s so good to know I’m not alone 😅
@@webby3109 That’s understandable, I’m sure when you try again it’ll be so worth it :) if I may ask, how old are you? I’ve literally just turned 18 and feel so stressed to go to uni and study for fear of it being the wrong fit just as you said, I’ve got so much underlying anxiety!
@@webby3109 I think it’s great you’re still passionate about film, I really hope it all works out for you. Are you doing something related now or? Thank you for answering all my questions by the way :)
I really don’t know what I want to be in the future but I always had a passion for movies and shows and the plot and directing and how a movie can be better with more twists and etc, and I would love to work as a film making or behind the scenes of a the show/ movie but not sure as what, can someone pls help me!!!
Hi I'm going to uni this year to do film production. The only thing I'm really scared about is when we have to actually make film, yes I love it but I don't have any friends to use? Really worried about not having actors and any crew as I struggled at college for the same reason. Worried that I have to make a film all by my self with no actors or crew
That's why connection is number one. You have to make a lot of friends on your first semester. Know what your friends capable of, their personality, and their goals are important!
Were there any international student in your school ? If there were, could you networking them and ask question like like:" How did you attend in the school? Was there any financial aid and how did you get it? etc.'' I'd be really appreciated. By the way, i'm an aspiring filmmaker who is now living in Asia :))) I love what you've shared, they're very helpful and also inspired.
I was an international student! maybe I'll do a video about what it was like. To answer your question about financial aid: international students in the US are not allowed to get student loans from the US, but you can definitely apply for scholarships or take loans in your own country to pay for school. I'll do a video about this topic!
Simone MassisFilms my friend went to full sail after we graduated high school in 2005. He now owns his own network and production company in LA. I even went to visit him while he was in school back in the day and it looked awesome! She’s not exaggerating when she says it’s hands on. There was a huge room specifically just to build sets. It’s worth it
i live in florida and am seriously considering going to full sail, could you make a video specifically about what you liked about full sail/what it was like etc
film is something i’m passionate about and what to learn more about but i when i google salaries for this field i see the starting wage is like $25,000 and you can’t live making only 20-30k a year on your own.
My heart is in film! I've done a fair few short courses and have my degree in marketing but I want to take that next step! It's hard to know weather to do a more intense course or just try and dive into the industry - what would you recommend?
Is acting a major part of film school or is a film school and acting school separate, I wanna work in cinematography or script-writing, but I am terrified of acting.
I really want to study film! The problem is only to which school, and how to get in. It would be great if you could make a video of the requirements and so forth. And how you got in :)
But like what happens after that like how do you get jobs after graduating from film school how do you start projects and actually make money ya know because I really want to learn about film but am very hesitant
I am 16 and already want to go to filmschool and follow my heart instead of working my ass of in college. I am 99% sure i want to do something with filmmaking in the future.. Should i change school?
My daughter is majoring in film production. She's working her ass off in college. Besides taking 18 units all the studying, writing, and then working on group films, she pretty much spent all winter breaking sleeping. It's a lot of hard work and dedication.
How was your transition from Med School to Film School? I'm feeling similar (I am currently in Med School in europe), but as long as I#m not having a clear option to get into film school I'm afraid of dropping out and end up with nothing in the end. Here in europe at least it's quite competetive to get into most film programs, and one also has to apply with several works like short films. Thats the challenge..taking the time to prepare such applications etc. while being still a med student...
me about to go to med school but doubting to do film instead, you say you were in med school and decided to go to film school afterwards, and i say to myself: is this a sign?😂
so i‘m a sophomore in germany and my dream is to work in the film industry. but i’m really scared. my dream is to study in the US but everybody is telling me that it is unrealistic. they’re like "mhm yea sure". but i just can’t imagine a different path for me to take. i literally do not know what i would do if i don’t succeed in presuing my dream. it is my passion and i’m actually writing my first own script for a coming- of age film. any advice or experience from anyone?
Is drama school the same thing as the film school? Also, you say film-maker as a director or as a actor. I am from Europe and I really want to go in London to study for college and it makes me sad and I cry every day, cause I really want to do that but I don't know if I'll make it cause I have no experience :(
hi! drama school is for actors whereas film school is for the people who want to work behind the scenes! Also don't be discouraged, you're going to college to LEARN so it really doesn't matter if you have no experience. If you want to go to college with a bit of basic knowledge you can try to join a drama or film club in your high school, or take some courses online or around your area so you can be more prepared. But honestly, you are going to be there learning just like everyone else so don't be sad! you'll do okay
i’m switching to a film major but i’m scared because i have no experience. Do you have to have prior in depth knowledge about directors and producers and stuff like that to go to be a film major?
Wow you said you went to Full Sail university? I talked to them yesterday and really wasn’t sure if I should consider them because I’m scared of going out of state and I’m not sure if they’re legit. But now that I see this I’m having second thoughts
Thank you so much. The jealous part is so real to me right now. I'm debating on going back however I am 31 now and looking back and feel how I was when I got my a.a. I'm just scared to get indebted with loans. Where did you attend?
So I have sum questions . I’m currently a sophomore and bc of a ton of medical reasons I haven’t been to high school for my freshman or sophomore year ( I did online ). I’m worried bc I don’t have any extracurriculars bc of that and I don’t want to look like a bad candidate for schools . I am starting a RU-vid channel so I feel like that’s a good thing . But I don’t even know where to start . Could someone please help or give me advice on what to do 💞💞
