Posted by reserviordog at dialn-async117.dial.net.nyu.edu on April 01, 2000 at 20:00:07:
In Reply to: Go to school for film? posted by Snapman on April 01, 2000 at 02:24:33:
Contacts.
I'm not even involved in the film department here at NYU, and I've had the opportunity to meet with Doug Liman, Martin Scorsese, and Woody Allen.
Plus I know a number of film majors here who are interested in my applying my business degree toward the producing of their films.
But, film is a little different than business. I couldn't get a job in the business world without a degree. So, I dutifully plunk down my 32 grand a year secure in the knowledge that I'll get hired after I graduate. The business school has a 100% placement rate.
Do I learn anything in class? Nope. I teach it all to myself the night before the test. But the level of contacts I gain is amazing.
The entertainment industry is tough to get into without some initiative on your part. Networking is still very important in getting your foot in the door.
Unless of course you actually have the talent to put together a film that is going to garner critical attention at Sundance. Let's face it....most people don't.
The majority of people I know who have graduated from film school are employed in television. Some have worked as AD's on feature film shoots, but most direct or work on TV shows.
Hollywood makes a certain number of films a year. And they like to use the same directors over and over again. The indie circuit even has a similar structure in that investors like to give money to the same directors over and over again.
In short, you might make it, but you probably won't. It's a cold, hard, fact you'll have to face. If you have a degree in film, you likely will be employed. Possibly as a cameraman for rock concerts or maybe even doing video production.
But you're almost guaranteed to never be famous. Or rich. Sorry. This applies to those who don't go to film school as well.
Sorry if I've burst your bubble, but I'm talking statistically here.