Turning Your Passion Into A Profession - Part 1
December 26th, 2008 Posted in Acting School, Film School
You dream of making movies. You have the passion and drive. You think you have the skills. The next step is to turn your passion into a career.
Should you make the move to Hollywood or New York City and start looking for work to gain experience or should you start making your own films in your hometown?
Then, there is the option of formal training. Enrolling in a film school or earning a degree in filmmaking from a film institute or college may make a lot of sense. Especially if you are just finishing high school or currently in college and your family is pushing for you to have a degree.
Regardless of what you decide, the good news is that turning your passion into a profession is within grasp. The film industry is massive and positions are vast. There are several ways for you to make a profession in filmmaker.
The best Hollywood and independent filmmakers come from all backgrounds. Some have a Masters Degree in Film or Directing such as Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and George Lucas, whereas Quentin Tarantino, P.T. Anderson, and David Fincher have very little formal training at all. Everyone takes a different path. You need to decide which path is right for you.
The first, and most difficult decision you need to make is what role within the filmmaking process best utilizes your talents and abilities. There are many roles you can consider – director, producer, screenwriter, editor, grip, actor, cinematographer and more. Each position is vital to creating the film. Learn what each position does. In fact, work at each position to learn which one you enjoy the best and excel at the most.
The easiest way to decide which role you will have is to do them all. You can do this on your own or by attending a film school or college that gives you the opportunity to have hands-on experience in all aspects of making a film. Whether you decide to pursue that particular position or not, the experience you gain by doing it will only improve your filmmaking abilities. Knowing how to do everyone’s job on the set makes you a more valuable player and allows you to get the most out of each person you work with on set.
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This is part one of a series of posts dedicated to helping those interested in a career in film navigate through all the confusion involved in becoming a professional filmmaker. Written by faulty of the New York Film Academy Film School, film school faculty help students realize their dream to make movies everyday during our many filmmaking programs and classes.
Next post will cover the often overlooked decision of focusing your efforts to make Hollywood films in Los Angeles, California or Independent films in New York City.
12 Responses to “Turning Your Passion Into A Profession - Part 1”
By Walker, Charmaine on Dec 27, 2008
I’m really interested in Acting. I’v been doing it since 1998. I would really love to have to opportunity to Act in a movie.
By matt crockett on Dec 27, 2008
i love film….i am history!!!!!!!
By Barry Donovan on Dec 27, 2008
I like your post.
By Daniel Gordon on Dec 30, 2008
I have always been interested in acting since i was 18 years old, And i have to say i look forward to getting into the NYFA. As an old saying goes “Find a job you love, and you won’t work a day in your life it will just be fun!”. I couldn’t agree more!
By Luisa Maria De Armas on Jan 7, 2009
I am from Colombia,bogota and i can’t remember my life without loving the movie industry. But my parents and friends think it’s silly to go to NYFA or even the movie industry. But yeah i so definitely agree, that’s why i’ve been struggling to go to a summer camp and prove the world they were wrong!
By Super Admin on Jan 8, 2009
To be successful in any industry is a challenge. The motion picture industry is no different; it takes dedication, hard work and talent to be the best. Attending a hands-on film school like the New York Film Academy is a great way to learn the skills you need to have to be successful and make connections with other filmmakers who can help you in your career.
Don’t let anyone tell you it’s “silly” for you to want to work in the movie industry…that’s like saying it’s not smart to want to be a doctor or lawyer. Law and medicine are two very difficult industries, but if you work to be the best doctor or lawyer, it certainly pays off. The same goes for the movie industry.
Best of luck!
By kennethia on Jan 9, 2009
WOW, you guys I feel so much better knowing you’re going through the same things as me! My dad say a degree in film is a waste of time but I feel like not getting one is a waste of time! When I close my eyes I see storylines and my day dreams are complex plot configurations. How can i do anything but this? I’d feel as if i was depriving not only myself but the world.
By maggie on Jan 11, 2009
All my life I have wanted to work in the film industry, now at my ripe “older” age and after numerous professions, I am ready to take the plunge—I want to take the summer institute to get a “feel” and then continue from there…as in the post form Daniel Gordon, “if you find a job you love, you won’t work a day in your life”—it’s time for me to find and enter that job I have always loved!
By Anne-Marie Charland on Jan 12, 2009
Does it matter how old you are to start a new career? I’m 33 and considering changing careers. I’ve always loved drama and have acted in plays when I was younger. I should have pursued it thru college but acting isn’t a first career choice you’re parents, family or guidance councellor recommends. I know I’ve got talent and desire, I just need to develop the skill. At my age, is it too late to enter the industry and be successful at it?
By Super Admin on Jan 13, 2009
Being “older” when starting a career in filmmaking has its benefits and challenges. If you have decided it is something you really want to be good at and make a profession you should start by taking some classes and auditioning to get feedback on where you can make improvements. Its a lot of hard word, no matter what age you are.
By Terrell Toney on Jan 22, 2009
I have to say this post definitely struck a nerve. I’ve loved movies my entire life, and have always had a passion for being involved in the film industry, but never really believed i’d find my place in it considering i have no acting or theatre background. Now i’m a 25 yr old college senior majoring in Business Management with hopes of joining other passionate individuals at NYFA in the next few months. Of course i still need to apply and get accepted but i know its something i really want to do despite the negative responses i’ve received from friends and family alike after telling them my plans. But i truly believe things will work out, it’s my dream and i won’t stop chasing it till i’ve reached it and gone further!
By Super Admin on Jan 22, 2009
A former film producing student of ours decided to learning filmmaking after finishing four years of law school undergrad. Check out this post for the full story - http://www.nyfa.com/film_school/programs/producing/art_producing.php