Ok, I'm 22, in NYC. I've been writing since I was little. I have a batch of different scripts, different genres, which i wrote at 16 and I've been revising them since then. I use an online writing workshop www.zoetrope.com where other writers reciprocate each others' work.
It's been real helpful and now one of my scripts, a low budget/high concept horror pic is in a final draft. I've been showcasing it since January. Every two weeks, I've been writing out query letters to 10 production companies and 10 agencies. I call them two months after I write to them to see if they looked or not. Either way, whether over the phone or through mail, its always "We can't accept unsolicited scripts." I've been playing this so called "traditional route" as smart as I could but my list of agents/companies to contact is getting smaller and I feel like I'm running out of options.
I know many of the big shots out there didn't go to film school and they made it. Stephen King even said most of the stuff you learn in film school he learned the first two weeks or so when trying to make his first film (I know it wasnt that great, yeah, but still though). I've been hearing the only beneficial thing about film school is that its like a pool for potential contacts and networking, that's about it. There's no guarantee of work when you leave, no so-called "job-placement" so to speak.
I'm thinking, since I'm running out of options and I know for a fact that film schools will LET you use their equipment and team up with crew/cast students, should I just go to film school and make the damn movie myself? I mean its not like Die Hard or something huge, its a low budget horror pic that can be filmed completely in the subway system. I would basically be doing most of this for free if that's the case.
So I'm wondering should I go to film school and do this or should I just take up a conventional degree in school (for financial security) and keep trying other ways to get in the film biz?
2007-04-14 11:58:39 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
If you are really interested in the film industry - if writing screen plays and/or making films is truly your "bliss" - then you should most definitely go to film school.
Don't waste your time and energy learning things that don't really make you happy. Use your resources to pursue your true calling. That is what you will be most successful at anyway.
2007-04-14 12:07:26 · answer #1 · answered by Goodbye 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are definitely fighting a difficult battle. If your screenplay does not look professional, it goes right into the trash. Hopefully you have already had an editor and a reader go over your screeplay and that it was submitted in a professional format. If you think you've really got something worthwhile, you may need to fork over a little cash to get these things done but in the end, it with be worth it. You'll need an agent to submit your script if you expect any success at all. I know a script reader but I am not sure what he charges, what he really does for your, and what other references he can give you. Please feel free to E-mail me back at OriginL@aol.com if you think I can be of some help or if you have any questions. I know it is a tough business but it you hit it big, it can be a jackpot! Best of luck to you, Lin
2007-04-17 04:12:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-17 17:00:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Financial security is good. And it would be a good idea for you to have a back-up plan.
But why not go ahead and make the film yourself? And meanwhile try to get an agent to represent you to the industry.
Good luck!
2007-04-14 12:09:46 · answer #4 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋