<p>Hey everyone,</p>
<p>I'm currently a film productions major at Emerson College and am about to start my sophmore year. I've pretty much been obsessed with filmmaking since I was 10 years old and my enthusiasm for it has only increased. At the same time, I've been thinking about switching majors not because I want to do something "practical" but because I feel that there is so much more to learn from other majors that could shape me into becoming a more intelligent, open filmmaker. In other words, how can one tell a relatable and versatile story if filmmaking is all one knows? I'm not saying that film degrees are useless (although I'd say they are for the most part), I just feel that pursuing my dream while majoring in something else would help me learn and grow more as a person than just majoring in film would ever do. I'm thinking about majoring in Journalism, Economics, or Business. Or perhaps I should just stick with my film major...What do you guys think?</p>
<p>I don’t think any of those majors (except probably journalism) would help you as a film major. At least economics is interesting, business is just a waste of time. I wouldn’t even consider it an academic colege subject. I haven’t ever met or heard about anyone who would major in business to expand their minds. If it is your goal to major in something to “grow more as a person”, you should pick a major that changes the way you think about life. Philosophy, history, engish literature, cultural anthropology, linguistics/semiotics, sociology, political science are much more suited to expanding your mind and helping you grow as person any of the majors your considering. Economics might be okay for your stated goals in some ways (since it’s an itellectual subject), journalism is fine (but something you should have as a minor or double major), but business is like a step backwards lol.</p>
<p>I’d say if you want a practical major find the thing your good at and don’t so t for free. Film will always be there no matter what. You want to grow as a filmmaker read, write, share, have conversation with those around you, watch inspiring shows, films. There is so much creativity to give and take. A degree in philosophy is as useful as a film one. English would be a bit better but still not alot of money in it. Journalism will drag you into a whole other world of film that you don’t want to be at. I went the English route. I’m terrible with numbers so by like I had much choice. Good at sports and play music but it all ends there. It’s all like a game of chess, examine the playing field, adjust and hope you don’t end up on the wrong side of the checkmate. You seem like you have the right idea, there is no right answer in film.</p>
<p>Why not double major? If you don’t have time to do that you could take one as a minor? I agree that something like Philosophy may be more useful in expanding your mind for making good films. On the other hand, maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take something else that might be more practical to help tide you over until your film career takes over. My school offers Economics as a BA that is less math intensive than the BS (I think there’s one calculus course and a prerequisite for that.) A lot of schools have video related courses in their Communications catalog, you might look into that. If you have entrepreneurial ambitions, business might be a good minor. From what I’ve read, entrepreneurs spend 80 percent of their time on business related tasks and 20 percent on their craft. At any rate, I don’t think you should drop film if it is your passion, I think you should add a second major.</p>
<p>I’ve been told by 2 people that it’s better to major in something other than film prod because you have alternative experiences which gives fodder for more stories to tell.
One was from writer/director of “Blind side” who used to be an attorney; second was from producer of “Bottle Shock” who was pre-med in college. Other directors/producers have made no comment so maybe it is a vocal minority. The good news is that since you go to Emerson, there are connections to the industry so you may have a slightly smoother path regardless of what it is.</p>