i thought about going to school, majoring screenwriting anf film production. but i don't want to attend school if it's not required. it will be a waste of money. what should I do?
2007-05-08 04:40:03 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
It can help alot. You learn alot of methods and things that you may thing are useless, but as time goes on you find you use them or adapt them to your purposes. I know that from acting, playwriting and directing standpoints, but I imagine film school is the same thing.
2007-05-08 06:46:39 · answer #1 · answered by jrrtubbs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need a degree to do any of those jobs, at least not in the traditional way. A producer needs a good head for business, however, and a degree might help. As far as screenwriting and directing go, though, what you need most is experience. Learn by doing. Write a play, study screenplay format, pick up a video camera and make a short film. Take some acting classes and learn what it's like on the other side of the camera. All of that will make you a better artist.
2007-05-08 04:50:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't need a degree, But I disagree that it's a waste of money. Believe me, I know how expensive all that stuff is, and there are a lot of performing arts / film majors working in insurance right now, wondering what the heck happened.
But the fact remains that a good school or a good program will teach you thing about the trade that will help you in your career. They'll expose you to people who can help you along the way.
It's up to you. Maybe you can compromise. The professions you named are about who you know as much as what you know. Maybe give it a try at first without school, and enter later if you think you can use it? Trust me, if you start and drop out, you'll never go back.
2007-05-09 05:05:38 · answer #3 · answered by Matthew P 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not really. Steven Spielberg is a college dropout, who just kinda snuck onto a hollywood lot and set up shop (Not a good idea these days, but it worked for him), also Kevin Smith was a film school dropout that made a name for himself as well. However, it was while Smith was in school that he met his producer Scott Mosier. Going through school is going to be the easier route into actually getting into the industry, as while you are working your way through school you will make contacts that will help you later in life. Additionally, if you make stand out material you will be recognized for it by the institutions you are working in, and can get recommendations by the professors, who are usually kinda respected in the community, and may have contacts even higher up the ladder.
It is never a bad idea to further your education, and it won't be a waste of money if it pays off.
2007-05-08 08:30:39 · answer #4 · answered by thequestion78 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will set you apart from those interested in becoming a screenwriter, prodcuer or director, but do NOT have a degree.
2007-05-08 13:20:07 · answer #5 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't necessarily need a degree for those sorts of jobs, but the nice thing about going to school is that you make all sorts of connections to people who can help you with your work, and you get tons of hands on experience. Also, it looks good on a resume.
2007-05-08 06:41:42 · answer #6 · answered by allison b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, no, no, and no. All you need is the talent, ambition, and the right connections. Many people write screen plays and submit them. While others do it all by writing, directing, auditioning, and acquiring proper funding. If the funding is a problem, you can make a low budget film and if it's really good, people will fund you. Good Luck!
2007-05-08 10:13:04 · answer #7 · answered by Rexi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, but learning the tricks of the trade and having that on your resume looks good. It also gets you connections.
2007-05-08 06:45:53 · answer #8 · answered by xxthespianxx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋