<p>I have always been interested in film, but I was never prepared to do anything about it until recently.
When I say, "mass media & film studies" everyone takes me as a joke. As if I had uttered that I planned on becoming an international pop star???
Even my mother thinks (or at least is hoping) that I will soon grow out of this phase and into something else. But I won't. Sure, i've changed my mind many of times in the past, but MY TIME IS RUNNING OUT as I am a Junior in high school. I have decisions to make, and I think I have them.
However I am worried that film is not the ideal major for me. I have almost no direct film experience apart from a YouTube channel I started about 2 years ago. I know how to use Sony Vegas Pro as an editing system. I do have plans on uploading more this year with better quality. It is hard for me because my parents are not supportive and encourage me to do something else with my time. I do not have any friends or such to film and collaborate them because they don't understand my visions.
What I am most worried about, is that I will have trouble getting accepted into film school and even if I am accepted getting work to support myself. I am aware of how expensive film school is.
Film is more appalling to me, but would I be better off going somewhere I can major in media/communications and minoring in film?
I am just worried about my odds of being accepted, the cost, and finding work upon graduation.</p>
<p>This is going to read as rather harsh. It is overall positive but needs you to read it all and take it as constructive criticism. You can make films but I seriously doubt that your present plans stand up. </p>
<p>Becoming a film maker does not need a film school education or even a major in film. Research your favourite directors for proof of this. What you will discover, however, is that once they got into film they made films, more films and even more films to gain experience and learn from their mistakes. </p>
<p>Your family may be acutely aware that you have plans in the field for your own projects but you’re not following them through. You’re not taking ownership of your own need to get out there and make something, anything. Don’t blame your friends. All you need is you and a camera. No film school at a reputable college would accept you without an extremely promising portfolio. To be honest, I understand their hesitation in backing your dream right now as you’re not doing anything yourself to make it happen. Many successful film makers have to spend years saving their own money to make projects happen so a day job outside the industry is a common reality. Therefore, another major might make a lot more sense and help you achieve your dreams long term. </p>
<p>Therefore, I’d seriously ask you to consider thinking about another major that will help you get a job you can happily endure to fund your film making in your spare time. By all means consider a film minor but I’d personally use the money/time to increase my general employability in the dreadful job market that we currently have. Also, experience in a field away from film could give you a ‘story’ to tell e.g. Environmental science, Middle Eastern Studies, Education. </p>
<p>Assuming you really do have a passion for film, you need to test that passion. Get out there and make lots of shorts and get them up online. Be prepared that you will be awful for quite a while until the pennies start to drop. Watch lots of shorts and movies. Watch them critically. Read about film making. Read in general- film making is story telling. Join your college film making society. Isn’t one? Start one. Network with local film makers and festivals. Get your work seen. And keep working on getting better for as long as you still have that drive. If its not for you, you’ll be taking a ‘break’ by the end of your freshman year. </p>
<p>See, that’s exciting. You’re a film maker once you’re making films. Paid or not. Start thinking about that new major(s) and talk to your parents about their concerns. Especially if they’re footing the bill for college.</p>