Deciding to get a film degree was almost a fluke. I had always enjoyed watching movies and found myself more fascinated by how things worked behind the camera than simply what I saw on screen. But I had never dreamed of seeing my name in the credits. I honestly started out as a Psychology and Political Science major at Pepperdine. Due to many things, I decided to not return for my sophomore year and took a semester off. I applied to The University of Texas for lack of an idea as to where I really wanted to finish school. The application asks what your major will be. Naturally, your major at UT determines which college you go to and if you get in or not. I decided a film major sounded interesting. And honestly, I figured homework would be a lot of movie-watching.
I was accepted and then deemed a Radio-Television-Film major. In the lower division classes there was quite a bit of movie-watching homework. These first classes had me studying narrative structure, the 180-degree rule, characteristics of various genres, and an overall intro into various forms of media in general. The classes, at the time, seemed entirely dull and pointless. However, as I got into more advanced classes, they proved to be useful.
The next level of classes taught the basics of the technical aspects of filmmaking. Not simply how to use a camera, but how to set up lighting, script breakdown, budgeting, scheduling, even how to build and decorate a set.
The first class in which I got to make a project of any value was Studio Production 1. The class was split into two portions: one taught field techniques that would prove useful for documentaries and the other was about the three-camera studio set-up that would be more akin to television.
After this class I knew I had no desire to be a documentary filmmaker. I love to watch them, but making one was just not enjoyable. I also learned that I loved the studio set-up. I enjoyed building a set and decorating it. Those were the sorts of creative choices I wanted to make. I didn’t want to direct or be a cinematographer; I didn’t want to be in charge of sound or lighting. I felt passionate about the art and producing side of things. Seeing what needed to be done and making sure it was accomplished on time was somehow fun to me. Perhaps I am sadistic, but I had no problem staying up until the wee hours of the morning and returning before the sun rose. That is when I knew that being a film major was the right choice and no longer a fluke.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
smart choice. producing is where the real money is at.
"First we get the money, then we get the power, then we get the women."
2 - -E
I already got the women being as I am one and all ;)
3 - Berry
As long as you know that is your passion...filmmaking is hard work but the end result is usually rewarding.
4 - -E
Yeah it is hard, and for what I do, I actually don't care what the end result is. The movie can be utter crap and that's fine. I think it helps me keep focused that it is a job and not something personal. I just like the work I do.