Film School Lesson: Should You Go?

So by this point you've expressed some interest in filmmaking, hopefully with a general sense of what you might actually like to do. You've made some shorts with your friends, as part of class assignments, or on the other hand, haven't had the opportunity to explore things to your full satisfaction. The question inevitably crosses your mind, should I go to film school?

It's true that one of the biggest lessons regarding film school I can address is whether you should even go in the first place. This is a personal issue that will ultimately be decided by your finances, ambitions, opportunities elsewhere, and (here's hoping) your maturity. While these points may seem self explanatory, in a completely independent frame of thought you need to consider what it is that you want to learn, and even more so, what you're willing to sacrifice to do it. 

No matter what your choice their are immediate obstacles.  There's also a reason why it seems that more than half of the people I went to film school with aren't seriously pursuing a career in video anymore (or have simply relegated it to a hobby).  There are lots of paths, and film may be a springboard to a variety of careers not on a film set. 

Depending on your location, you can always get work as a production assistant on a film set (or similar job) right out of high school.  That's an opportunity to move up the ladder in the time that you'd be spending at school, not to mention a way to avoid potential school debt. On the other hand, if you want to focus on theory, make a lot of connections with other people in your situation quickly, or give yourself some time to experiment and develop confidence in your own skills, then university/film school is a widely accepted (if not obvious) way of doing this. There is no right answer, and at the end of the day, you're still going to be driving what you get out of the experiences that come your way.

I chose to go to film school, because frankly, I didn't think there was any other realistic option for me at the time.  I banked on the fact that it was a foot in the door.

I knew there was a lot I needed to learn, and wanted practical advice on how I could approach movie-making in 'industry' terms. As someone who had played largely by the rules in high school, film school became my opportunity to challenge myself, stretch my boundaries, and really grow up. The decision to go or not is especially contradicting for me as I spent 6 years in production courses and then left without graduating, only a semester remaining, confident that there was nothing else the experience had to offer. I took the journey, but left without the degree.

My foray into post-secondary media production and studies was more valuable for what I achieved outside of the classroom than what I did in it. Ironically, it was my dissatisfaction with what my film courses were providing me that pushed me to take a more independent approach to begin with. I found success in student film festivals and other online competitions that provided some of the greatest lessons and rewards of my academic life. The opportunity for young filmmakers has only increased by using resources like Facebook, YouTube, etc. as a way to market themselves. All of this stuff really took off during my time in film school and I jumped on board in a big way.

Going to film school for me was just as much about going away. I left the city I grew up in for a place that I knew no one. It wasn't the easiest choice, but the decision thickened my skin and put me in a frame of mind that demanded I try new things, question my reasoning, and (in all ways) progress. Your strength as someone who makes a living creatively can easily grow out of a profound sense of self, and in my story this was the case.

Whether you go to film school or not doesn't matter as much as what the reasoning for your decision is. Film school provides a package deal (an expensive one), but the information and tools are widely available to define your terms and gain experience if you so chose. Be warned though, a committed day job (which you'll begin to justify the longer you're there) mixed with real life can easily crush creative ambition and stagnate your dream if you don't have the ability to motivate yourself. I'd argue that most people in fields like this get stuck, give up, and move on (which is fine) but, if you really want anything you can't stop working towards it.

You might not realize it yet, but your time is valuable.

Worst Video Production Company Promo

I first want to make it abundantly clear that this is not the corporate production company that I work for, haha. This video is in fact produced by a real company offering video services, and from their technical expertise I think it's clear why this video went viral.

This is just further proof that making movies isn't easy. Although the silver lining to this story is that this couple has gained millions of views and a lot of attention by mastering the 'so bad it's good' formula. Truth be told, I love this - and I can't be too harsh, as they've actually found a successful way to get a million views on this video alone. If I were actually making a feature film, I'd jump at the opportunity to have these folks in one of my mockumentaries. They're hilarious.

Guy With A Library Card: Issue 03

Make It For The Movies
Written by M

I spent a lot of time trying to rack my brain with an idea of a holiday season inspired article for this GWLC. Patience is not my virtue on most days especially when I know something good out there exists, and like a corroded nut I was bound to break the bolt under the force. Then like most moments of greatness and revelation it happened; my daughter asked “When are we gonna go to the library? I want to go before Christmas.” So we made plans to go on the Monday before her holidays from school started. It was a proud moment for me.

Because of her enthusiasm about this, I wanted to do something special for her. In most larger centres there are usually more than one library location. All of which usually have slight differences. At the main branch in downtown Regina, they have what known as the Children's Library. We have talked about the main branch but had never gone there together so I thought this could make the trip a little extra special for her.

We started out going upstairs to the main level to drop off some books. While we were there, the first thing she noticed was the art gallery. At our usual branch, the art gallery is at the entrance and when we see that the exhibit has changed we go in for a look. So when she realized she hadn't seen anything at the main branch before she wanted to explore. As usual, we walked in and browsed the various works in the place. As an additional perk, that I've only ever received at the main branch, a curator came in and started explaining a piece to my daughter. The artist made a small set out of paint. Yes, painting one layer at a time in mold he cast from real materials. She was impressed by the time it would have taken to complete the project. It also was a completely new experience for her to interact with someone in the art gallery. I am pretty sure she didn't expect that it would be the highlight of her trip.

From here, we looked around on the main floor and then headed downstairs to the Children's Library. Oddly, the roles reversed and I was faced with something I did not expect. We went around looking at all the decor of the library from floor mats to fish. As she went looking for books, I went looking for some holiday videos. After a while, I checked in with her to see what she was looking at and to see if I could help her find something a little more specific. Since she was fine on her own, I wandered into the toddler section. I expected the toys and fun decor but while I was looking at a special Crayola computer to help teach kids to type, I noticed a small section for parents.

More specifically, I noticed a book entitled The Parents Guide to the Best Family Videos. I opened the book and inside was a short review of a movie and a rating as to which age group would enjoy the show. The first movie I saw was Ace Ventura. What? I never thought of showing my daughter this film (nor would I, even if a book said it was okay). However, this book raised a very pressing issue I find myself entangled in. I have always struggled with the thought of when my daughter is old enough to see which movie.

This struggle comes mostly from my extensive DVD collection and the fact that she is named after a character from one of these DVD's. She knows where her name comes from and I have shown her the character. My problem is that the movie is very violent so she has only seen a small bit. But it's not just these movies. I want her to enjoy movies that I had seen when I was young. I want her to appreciate them like I did. So most of my battle is trying to remember about each show and whether it is appropriate.

The book helped instantly. I was thinking of getting The Mighty Ducks that was sitting on the shelf so that we could watch it over Christmas. I figured that she seemed more pro-hockey now but I was unsure if it would be too young or too old for her. The book made my mind up fairly easy. Although I forgot about the family issues and love story in the film it all came back to me in a quick read. Not to mention the rating was five star for her age group. I snagged the movie and the book as well as four others that she chose.

Anyway, the book is a little out dated and did not have the movie in which her name comes from, however it still sent some surprises my way and has provided a list of movies that I now want to watch with her. The best part of all is that it eased my mind slightly, knowing that the movies I have been choosing to show her and at what age has be right on according to some one else somewhere. I guess it's just comforting that people are going through the same little struggles and coming to the same conclusion that I am.

So with that, I am going to leave you in the same way the book leaves you, with a few lists.

“Best Movies Ages 7-10;

Ann of Green Gables, The Bad News Bears, The Black Stallion, The Borrowers, ET, The Empire Strikes Back, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Princess Bride, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Toy Story.”

“Movies the Book recommends that I can watch with my daughter right away or in a few years that I am excited about;

The Adventures of Robin Hood, Apollo 13, Back To The Future, Big, The Breakfast Club(I might watch this first again), Charlotte's Web, Clueless, Dumb and Dumber, Star Wars, Karate Kid, Kind Kong, Lassie, A League of their Own, Look Who's Talking, The Mask Of Zorro, The Never Ending Story, Old Yeller, Indiana Jones, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Truman Show.”

I can't wait to watch those and many others. Anyway, I hope everyone had a good holiday and happy movie watching.