<p>Would I be okay with just sticking with a business major? (i'm interested in mainly the financial/business/set-up side of movies and not really directing/writing-lol i'm not very creative at that i guess) or should i go for more of a film studies major? thanks a lot!</p>
<p>Studying for a business/financial degree is certainly one way of being able to work in the industry as a "movie producer". At NYU, for example, Tisch and Stern have a working relationship combining the art side with business, so that's an option for students who would like to study from both viewpoints. It is important, however, to secure internships in the field and also network with people who work in different production/film companies. Film/cinema studies majors spend a good deal of time viewing films and then analyzing and writing about them. I know students/grads who have degrees is liberal arts, film/cinema studies, and of course film production who are working in the industry who are either producers or on their way to becoming producers.</p>
<p>"Studying and analyzing" films are not what you need to produce movies. There are several levels to producing. One, obviously, is the financial end, especially in trying to raise funds to produce projects that you would like to see and that you think will make more money than they cost. </p>
<p>But the "working" end of production is to deal with schedules and equipment rentals and location coordination and on-set expenditures and millions of other little details. These things can only be learned on-set, so on-set experience is crucial. So I would make sure that any internships are either on-set or production-related.</p>
<p>Coming from one who <em>is</em> going to college to be a movie producer, I have a couple additional thoughts. My recommendation, and what I'm doing, is to go to a film production school and take a minor/double major in business (I'm not sure what your time situation is going to look like; it would probably make more sense to do the former). The main reasons:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>On-set experience. It's one of the talents of a producer to see a script page/storyboard/shot and break down how much it will cost. On-set experience is invaluable here, as you'll have a chance to work it out countless times, including the stuff you don't see on the page (SAG dues, craft service costs, location fees). Even film analysis classes won't help you with this, as their goal is not the question "how much did this film cost?"</p></li>
<li><p>Film production schools have producing-specific classes which are more oriented to film than general business classes. While learning accounting and financing is essential as well, those can be obtained through a business minor, and they won't cover "here what to do when you want a location", "here's what you need in a good crew contract", "ten things not to say to talent agencies", etc. etc.</p></li>
<li><p>In my experience, producers are in high demand in film school. When most people come in saying "I wanna direct films!", your interests would be a good way to stand out, gain attention from the instructors, and be invited to help out on a <em>lot</em> of movie sets. If that's your goal.</p></li>
<li><p>Connections. Being in a film school will mean you'll meet other people in your industry. Those are the people that you're going to want to talk to when you're going out in the field to search for a production job. I'm not sure how easy it would be to find those in a business environment, especially if the university doens't have a film production school with it.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Another question, as most people could mean one of two things when they say "producing". Do you mean the actual producing job - raising funds, pitching the script, contracting companies, working the budget - or production management - scheduling, logistics, working out equipment, and generally overseeing the set? If it's production management, I would recommend a film production school without a doubt. If it's producing solely to work with the money, you might be okay with just a business degree, learning the film related things as you go. But you won't start at the top, and will certainly have to go through other set-related positions to get there, so it would be good to know your stuff!</p>
<p>I'm interested in your final choice. Feel free to get in touch (PM would work), if you'd like to talk about it some more.</p>
<p>^^digg, jr., I think that is a great analysis and sounds like a well-chosen path.
Much luck in your future!</p>
<p>for the OP -- My eldest majored in Theater at an LAC in Massachusetts. While there, they brought in a producer from NYC who asked the students in the department, "how many of you hopeful actors have ever worked on producing a show?" Only one raised his hand. The producer said, "Every hand in the room should be raised. If you want to act, one way is to get a group of friends together and produce your own show, even start a small troupe. You'll have creative control over the artistry, be able to cast each other or audition others, have a break from being on casting calls, and be part of a network." That's an interesting perspective you don't often hear. </p>
<p>A few years later, my S took it to heart. After moving to NYC to act, and (he does act), his best work is with a small new troupe. He acts but also works with the team on production. They meet to work upon everything from rentals to advertising. There's a production director for the troupe, of course. Nobody's paid now, but if they develop they will begin to turn a profit from their productions. </p>
<p>So, I suppose one way to gain experience from the OP's perspective, in addition to interning on big production sets, is to join in grassroots style with a new, young acting troupe wherever you live and volunteer some expertise in business. Even right after college, these troupes form, and certainly in the l0 years after college.
Good luck!</p>
<p>A lot of good advice above! I would add, though, that it would help to have a sense of what makes a good story, so you'll know if a project is worth doing.</p>