Film School

[DesperadoMan17]

Okay so I think I am going to Raymond Walters for a year or two then transfer to UC to finish it out. Then hopefully get an internship.

[Steve_in_MD]

Originally Posted by DesperadoMan17

California is where everything is happening in the film world. NOw yea Cali is just the only place but its plays the big role of that. I would think they would have better understanding of film.

Not true at all. Sure, LA is where most of the big-budget studio productions are, but like Sonnyboo said, LA also means significantly more competition, and an increasing number of productions, including major studio productions, are leaving LA. This is due to tax incentives and costs/hassles involved in shooting in LA. I know there are a lot of great places to be making movies and working on other people's movies right now besides LA. Just food for thought. I've considered the same thing, but I just don't think I want to move to LA at any point in my life; no reason to, unless you want to move up the PA chain on Hollywood blockbusters, which still probably won't lead to you working in the creative aspects of Hollywood filmmaking.

[DesperadoMan17]

I know I have to start out small. Start with a small company make a couple movies and even enter some in festivals. Then move into bigger companies. Thats my goal.

[sonnyboo]

Originally Posted by DesperadoMan17

I know I have to start out small. Start with a small company make a couple movies and even enter some in festivals. Then move into bigger companies. Thats my goal.

That is probably NOT what awaits in in LA.... Being a coffee getting production assistant, lowest on the totem pole, for a while is what you'll get on set. Then move up to a grip.

What you want is ABOVE THE LINE, and the only real jobs in LA are BELOW THE LINE.

[DesperadoMan17]

Hmmm but its worth being down below the line cause it pays off in the end

[Steve_in_MD]

Originally Posted by DesperadoMan17

Hmmm but its worth being down below the line cause it pays off in the end

Maybe, maybe not. Depends on what you want to do. It sounds like you want to write/direct, and you're not going to "move up" from PA to director. If your eventual goal is to be an assistant director or unit production manager, starting as a PA will give you the experience to try and work your way up, but like Sonnyboo said, above the line jobs (creative/talent) aren't going to come simply from working the below the line "grunt" jobs that everyone moves to LA for.

[DesperadoMan17]

Yes I want to be a director. I will just see what happens I guess.

[that1guyy]

Best of luck man! If you have what it takes then nothing can stop you!

[DesperadoMan17]

Thank you