<p>I love to write. It's truly the only thing I'm actually good at. So this year I've been pondering on possible majors that I could pursue in college. At first I thought, Law, but I didn't want to be tied down by all the formalities, years of study, and politics. Then I thought, Journalism, but it just doesn't seem "expressive" enough to me. But finally, I've found what I want to major in: Film Production. Basically I want to pursue a career in screenwriting and hopefully later on become a Movie Director/Editor. I've always admired the way that movies could spell out a message for the world to hear. I want to be a screenwriter/director because I want to inspire people through my creativity. But I'm also having doubts. Most people want to be Doctors, Lawyers, or Engineers, you don't normally hear people pursuing a career in entertainment. I'm worried that maybe a degree in Film Production may not be logical. Will I be able to find and keep a job? What are the odds that I'll even become a good director. I don't just want to be decent, I want to be highly successful. I know this sounds a bit corny but I want to be the next Burton, Hitchcock, Hughes, Spielberg....</p>
<p>So am I being realistic or am I way over my head.</p>
<p>Thanks in Advance :)</p>
<p>You need to be in a place with connections. People have told me school is not particularly worthwhile for things like film, since you need to practice for the most part… but school can give you a lot of connections. I D K that’s what I’ve heard.</p>
<p>Hey! I am an aspiring screenwriter/producer as well (but for animated films, like Studio Ghibli). In the entertainment industry, there will always risks. Keep that in mind. You will probably struggle for a long period of time (10 to 15 years maybe), before becoming a name in the business. Directors need to have a knowledge of many things - lighting, sound, special effects, etc. Also write a lot. Maybe pick up a book or two on screenwriting (it’s a lot different than novel writing), and then write. Don’t spend weeks and months reading about writing, just write. :)</p>
<p>[Study</a> Hacks Blog Archive How to Become a Star Screenwriter: A Case Study in Modern Craftsmanship](<a href=“http://calnewport.com/blog/2010/05/10/how-to-become-a-star-screenwriter-a-case-study-in-modern-craftsmanship/]Study”>How to Become a Star Screenwriter: A Case Study in Modern Craftsmanship - Cal Newport)</p>
<p>It’s probably much easier to get a book published than a screenplay produced. You have the option of writing on the side (and majoring in something more practical). As long as your happiness isn’t dependent on being a successful screenwriter then, sure, it’s realistic if you’re realistic about it.</p>
<p>^ So true.</p>
<p>Screenplays aren’t just different than novels in how its written, but to “sell” screenplays and to “develop” them would cost a lot of $$$… much more than a novel.</p>
<p>(not pertaining to the op: ) studio ghibli is AWESOME.</p>
<p>^ haha I know right? That’s who I wanna work with when I get older. :)</p>
<p>Hey, I advise posting this in the Visual Arts and Film Majors forum. They are a huge help. I also want to be a film director :)</p>
<p>You can find many subgenres of film directing so you’re bound to find something! I love theater and plays, and I want to teach a high school class for it!</p>
<p>Personally, I think you should pursue a major in a field you can actually imagine spending your entire life working in, not just going for a major that will get you a job easily. I’m going to be a creative writing major/English and where am I supposed to get a job with that?! Quite frankly, I have no idea, but I love to write and I wouldn’t want to do anything else with my life. Ever. If Film Production is what you want to do, you should definitely go for it. Otherwise you will be stuck in college with a major you hate, working towards a job you’ll hate, anddd the economy is so bad anyways that what’s saying you will successfully hold down that job either!
My friend is going to be a Film Production major and not once has she contemplated anything else. You’re getting your major, because it’s what you want to do with your life, after all.</p>
<p>You need to be REALLY good if you want to be in that field and make good $$. we have a good friend in that field. she is in her mid 30s I think. she works in NY city. She said 3 months in a year she has jobs. during those month everyone in her team works 20 hours a day. They work too hard and they need anti depressant to get going. The other 9 months they don’t have jobs and they get depressed so they need antidepressant to get going as well. sounds grim to me. </p>
<p>Even journalism is hard these days. rien n’est facile. sigh…</p>
<p>it’s probably going to be hard, but if this is what’s important to you, then in my opinion it’s worth it. just make sure you have a backup plan (maybe minor in something more realistic?) in case things don’t pan out, since a lot of times in entertainment even really talented people don’t end up making it.</p>