Hi, I just started following you - love the blog! I wanted to ask you a question which might be personal, so feel free not to answer. I saw you're a Mass Media/Comms graduate. I've finished my 3rd year and, like you, have a passion for film and am focusing my studies on film theory/practice. Are you going to try to pursue a career in film, or keep just it as a 'hobbie'? I'm currently very, very lost. I'd like film to be part of my life but I'm very insecure and sometimes wish I'd majored in film
Hi and thanks for following! If I were to pursue a career in film, it would be along the lines of writing about or for film (either through film criticism or penning screenplays) as that’s where I’m most comfortable at. I also would not mind being a film editor, as editing is something I really enjoy doing and where I think most of the magic is at (which is why you’ll often see me yammering on about editing in film, cinematography, pacing, etc). I also would not mind being a music supervisor for a TV show, because one of the things I love is choosing the perfect musical accompaniment for certain scenes. While I do enjoy writing about film on the side as a hobby, if I got paid for it that would probably be my dream job.
I completely understand where you’re coming from. I, too, had bouts when I would question whether I should have become a film student instead, but I’ve actually come to appreciate the my film criticism/theory background. It allows you to approach film from a different perspective than, say, the usual practical standpoint. I think that because of my background I am able to view film from not only the practical side but also from a holistic point of view because I don’t have to be bogged down by what can actually be achievable on camera. It also makes you appreciate narrative elements as opposed to technical elements. What I mean by this is that as a film theory/criticism student, you find yourself putting more weight on the story you are telling as opposed to how you’re telling the story, which is very important and can make or break a film sometimes.
My advice to you is: if you love film, be involved in film in whatever capacity. If you like writing, write. Start with short stories, maybe even graduate to storyboards if you’re more of the drawing type. If you think you have a good eye and prefer composing shots, grab a camera and start filming - anything will do! Got a cat? Film them and their shenanigans. Experiment with various camera modes, angles and techniques. Going on vacation? See if you can experiment with your phone’s camera and what it can do for you. Take a production class if you have the time and learn the basics of how to record with a consumer camera and then tinker around with a professional one that you can borrow from your school. Read! Read movie reviews, screenplays that you can access online, poetry, plays, whatever you can get your hands on that can expand your imagination. And finally, watch as many movies as you can. It will make you a better filmmaker when you can appreciate what’s good or bad in any movie.
I hope this answers your question, but if it doesn’t, hey let me know and maybe I can mull it over a bit more and come up with something more substantial for you. For now, this is all I’ve got. Good luck!
