My life as a film student...

To start off, I want to make it known that I did not go to a top film school like NYFA or USC while pursuing my film and video production degree. I went to a regular university in my hometown. A town where many film opportunities aren't offered. Nevertheless, I chose a degree that I thought best suited my goals.

Vintage Film and Movie Cameras: Tower, Paillard Bolex, Eastman Kodak Brownie and more | Photo: Ryan/Adobe Stock

There were only a few things that I could've seen myself possibly majoring in, and those were psychology, astronomy, and film. Psychology showed me how people move through the world, astronomy showed me the world’s place in the universe, and film allowed me to capture the world. When it came down to choosing my major, I chose film: the one that allowed me to combine all my interests by creating fascinating characters and building worlds to tell a story. Here's what it was like for me as someone who chose the film path...

Renting Film Equipment

Everywhere you go, your film equipment goes. Well, maybe not everywhere, but you will be tasked to go around or off campus to film a few projects. I rented equipment from the film department and had to be responsible for it. It prepares you for the real world of renting equipment if you want to do this seriously. Equipment is heavy, and it's a lot to carry around. I remember the days of going around campus with my classmates, carrying around a camera, lens, tripod, lights and light stands, a boom pole, shotgun mic, reflectors, cables, a pair of headphones, and batteries, and those were the essentials. If anything happens to the equipment, they know exactly who had what. You want to be very careful with the equipment and get the job done without any problems. Have someone help you with lugging the equipment around, and it also helps to have some sort of carrier, like a wagon, to put the equipment in to help with the load.

Applying for Grants and Fellowships

Similar to renting equipment, applying for grants and fellowships also prepares you for the real world of this business. Fellowships and grants help you get your films made. You will have to explain why your story is important and why this grant could help you get the film made. You will also have to probably include a film treatment or screenplay, create a budget, have an artist statement, and follow the application details to a T. Yes, it may seem like extra work, but it's important work. If you truly want to create this film or tell your story, you will realize this opportunity could take you a long way, further than possible without it. It's always a good feeling when you do get the opportunity to get a grant.

Networking with Classmates

I can't tell you how many stories I've seen where people who go to film school together end up being film partners and do really well in the industry. Networking with your classmates is actually key when going to school for film. You're working with like-minded people who all have the same end goal as you: to tell stories. You're first projects probably won't be great, but you can grow and get better together. Even after graduating, if you stay in contact, these are people who can give you feedback, and you can do the same for them after graduation. I believe more than anything, it's important to network with your peers because you can build a film crew.

Building a Film Portfolio

School is the best time to build a film portfolio because you have access to equipment, crew, and the time for it. Just about every semester, you're creating something that you can use in your portfolio. Always do the best you can in every class. You may create something that could get you a job, go viral, or be so good that you get the opportunity to expand on it. A portfolio also shows you are serious about this craft. People get to see all that you have created and even see the improvement in your work as you continue to build the portfolio. Save your projects, and I do highly recommend posting them to YouTube, Vimeo, or building a free website to upload your videos on. You never know when it can come in handy, but it's also cool to look back on your progress as well.

Wearing Many Hats

Photo: Unknown Credit

When you first start this journey, you probably already have a clue about what main role you want to do. But I think as you complete the classes and continue to learn, you realize what you like most. I went in passionate about cinematography. I came out obsessed with screenwriting. But in film school, you take on the role of everything. You act in some projects, you produce, direct, edit, and write. You're responsible for the marketing for your projects. You do everything, but it's a good experience and you become a well-reversed filmmaker, knowing multiple roles of the process instead of just one thing.

Joining a Film Club

It's actually really fun to nerd out with fellow film fans. Yeah, you get to do that in class, but joining a film club just gets you more chances to watch films, debate films, and nerd out in a no-pressure setting. And you never know what the film club will have in store. I got to hear from a filmmaker who shot his first film on my campus and got a signed copy of a DVD because I joined the club. We did film challenges and voted for our choices for Oscar awards. It was just really fun to continue what I love and not be worried about a grade or be too serious about it. You do it because you love it.

Realizing a Film Degree Doesn't Make You Successful

You've got to do this because you want to, not because you think you have to. Sometimes this journey works out for people, other times it doesn't, but going to school for film is never a guarantee for success, and that's actually with any major. Everyone's journey is different, but I believe the steps you take while in school can make an impact on your journey after school. Learn what you can, and your best is good enough. Take what you learned and implement it into your independent projects. Believe in yourself and your story. No matter where you are in your journey, appreciate it and keep going.

Film Becomes Your Life

After learning and working on school projects, sometimes on the weekends, doing all the steps in film school, you see film become a big part of your life. But honestly, it should be since this is your chosen career. However, it's always good to have a good work-life balance, so it doesn't burn you out. Take good care of yourself because even your hobbies and passions can fade with stress. I am happy to have had my video journey since I was a kid until now, and I'm still going, but ultimately, my life's goal is to tell stories.

And that's what it was like as a film student. I'm really grateful for the journey. And like I've mentioned previously, I am taking what I learned in school on my journey as a writer and independent filmmaker.