OT: Getting Started...

PunkDrummer wrote on 1/14/2006, 2:06 PM
Hi, I want to go into this industry (production/post production digital/film/analog) and need to know a couple of things...

First, I'm looking at schools on the western part of the US. So far i've found The NY Film Academy (univeral studios). I've also found the art institutes, and found the Los Angeles Film School. They all look amazing, but which of these schools (or other) would i most likely need to go to in able to get me experience and most important a good paying job doing what i love to do.

Second, Would i be needing more of a degree/diploma or what? Also I just got a job at KIFI Local News 8 in idaho falls running cameras! So that should help later on like with resume's.

Other than that what else would i need to do to get involved in this field? Thanks!

-William (Sorry guys, but i switched to FCP for my job :')

Comments

winrockpost wrote on 1/14/2006, 3:53 PM
the job at the tv station is going to be great experience for you, run the cams , log tapes, do whatever , ask a million questions and learn everything you can .
Film schools are cool and you will learn a lot of theory and watch a bunch of classisc films and analyze the hell out of them, and more than likely make a few of your own,but its no ticket to a job. Having said that I would have loved to go to film/arts school , so i am in no way saying they are not worth going, just dont expect to graduate and go to work for lucas the next day .
Good luck!!!!
richard-courtney wrote on 1/14/2006, 4:45 PM
If you landed the job running a camera talk with HR they may be part of a group of
broadcasters that contribute money for scholarships in your state.

What level of education are you at now? Attend a 2 year while working to get your
humanities classes over and then apply to the arts colleges.
PunkDrummer wrote on 1/14/2006, 4:47 PM
So going to one of the art institutes would be a better choice than a film school?
richard-courtney wrote on 1/15/2006, 9:44 AM
That depends, art schools go into abroader field. There is a demand these days
for animators/CG artists. Not so much cartoons but fancy lower thirds, backgrounds, perhaps
virtual sets. Remember advertising demands artistic ability. Product commercials
must grap the attention of the viewer and that pays for news and entertainment in
the tv industry.

I would ask your HR dept what they are looking for in applicants. The industry
changes fairly fast so you are gambling what skills will be needed in four or eight years
from now. Find a mentor at the station. If you are running the studio cameras learn
as much as you can. If able try to get a few field assignments or at least assist.
You never know then a reporter will get a hot story that could win them an award.
Having your name on the credits will certainly help you.

You are pretty lucky getting onto the set. Work very hard and be a good listener.
PunkDrummer wrote on 1/15/2006, 10:32 AM
Ok i'll talk to some people...i guess i'm going to an art institute probably of seattle. Oh, cool thing about working here is that you can move up easily (and i'm only sixteen!) I only had to train for about 4 days. Also they make you go out all around and shoot sports and come back and edit it (Either Linear or FCP). But yea, i'll just look into the art institute. Thanks!

P.S. On breaks we even play hacky-sack with the producers and stuff : )

-Will
jrazz wrote on 1/15/2006, 11:34 AM
Hacky-sack... now there's something that I haven't heard in a while. I didn't know people still "played" that.

j razz
PunkDrummer wrote on 1/16/2006, 1:42 PM
Yea, it's all hardcore :) just something to do...