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Best degree to get into the film industry?
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keirajodi
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#1
HELP.
Before anyone says how hard the industry is to get into just help me pick.
I was originally planning on film production, made sense as its a practice course and you get experience out of it.
But after getting my AS grades and speaking to my English teacher she recommended me doing Film Studies instead as I'm capable of applying to a higher uni and doing a subject more academic.
My Dad disagrees, and think film production would get me into the industry better.
But I KNOW it will be hard either way.
I'm just drawn between the two so help please!!!!!
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Before anyone says how hard the industry is to get into just help me pick.
I was originally planning on film production, made sense as its a practice course and you get experience out of it.
But after getting my AS grades and speaking to my English teacher she recommended me doing Film Studies instead as I'm capable of applying to a higher uni and doing a subject more academic.
My Dad disagrees, and think film production would get me into the industry better.
But I KNOW it will be hard either way.
I'm just drawn between the two so help please!!!!!
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Olifromsolly
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Getting a job in the film industry is mostly based upon experience rather than academic progress. Employers look for what experience you have had either for what you have made by yourself or work experience. Do note, though, that most of the highest people in the industry actually started out as "runners" in studio or location shoots, mostly doing humdrum office work and making tea. Some didn't even have film degrees, and did university degrees in a different subject as a backup.
From this perspective, it would seem better to go for a film production course, however, you need to ask yourself: "Can I make films?" I feel as though just as many people can learn to make films on their own without University tutoring. There's a gazillion tutorials on the internet on every aspect of filmmaking. I would say most good film production students have made a good deal of films before they attend University and only use the university experience to enrich their current craft and to gain contacts. I've seen some awful, inept films at university from people who haven't even made films prior to coming, and they usually end up wasting a year only getting up to the level of those who already made films before starting. If you can nurture a talent and become very skilled in a certain profession IE music videos, Cinematographer, special effects etc. you can find self-employed work quite abundant.
However, if you feel you are very good academically, then go for film studies. If you can get a great grade in film studies it would probably be worth more than a low film production grade, even though there's more potential for work experience or contacts.
Whatever you decide, try to make a careful decision. Some universities offer both theoretical and practical units, while some are predominantly practice or theory. I spent my first year at Falmouth University. The course there is very good, but the tutors are largely theory tutors and the proposed "60% theory 40% practical" was more "The lectures are all theory, go do practical in your spare time", even though we got practical units, the teaching on practice was poor. I have since transferred to do my second year at gloucestershire university, which I believe will be predominantly practical.
Whatever you decide, just make sure you show lots of enthusiasm for working hard and expect to start from a low position before achieving that filmmaking dream.
From this perspective, it would seem better to go for a film production course, however, you need to ask yourself: "Can I make films?" I feel as though just as many people can learn to make films on their own without University tutoring. There's a gazillion tutorials on the internet on every aspect of filmmaking. I would say most good film production students have made a good deal of films before they attend University and only use the university experience to enrich their current craft and to gain contacts. I've seen some awful, inept films at university from people who haven't even made films prior to coming, and they usually end up wasting a year only getting up to the level of those who already made films before starting. If you can nurture a talent and become very skilled in a certain profession IE music videos, Cinematographer, special effects etc. you can find self-employed work quite abundant.
However, if you feel you are very good academically, then go for film studies. If you can get a great grade in film studies it would probably be worth more than a low film production grade, even though there's more potential for work experience or contacts.
Whatever you decide, try to make a careful decision. Some universities offer both theoretical and practical units, while some are predominantly practice or theory. I spent my first year at Falmouth University. The course there is very good, but the tutors are largely theory tutors and the proposed "60% theory 40% practical" was more "The lectures are all theory, go do practical in your spare time", even though we got practical units, the teaching on practice was poor. I have since transferred to do my second year at gloucestershire university, which I believe will be predominantly practical.
Whatever you decide, just make sure you show lots of enthusiasm for working hard and expect to start from a low position before achieving that filmmaking dream.
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TV man
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[QUOTE=Olifromsolly;44522021]Getting a job in the film industry is mostly based upon experience rather than academic progress. Employers look for what experience you have had either for what you have made by yourself or work experience. Do note, though, that most of the highest people in the industry actually started out as "runners" in studio or location shoots, mostly doing humdrum office work and making tea. Some didn't even have film degrees, and did university degrees in a different subject as a backup.
I agree with Olifromsollyabove - you do not need a Film studies or Film production degree to get a job in the industry, it is experience you need. That experience would be better gained by making your own films or helping out on others whilst reading up about film grammar or attending an evening course or two.
It is pretty much a complete waste of money spending £20,000 plus on a course like this at University. If you are going to go then study something more intrinsically helpful or academically viable. In short do the best, most academic course you can at the best University you can get in to - and make films on the side.
I agree with Olifromsollyabove - you do not need a Film studies or Film production degree to get a job in the industry, it is experience you need. That experience would be better gained by making your own films or helping out on others whilst reading up about film grammar or attending an evening course or two.
It is pretty much a complete waste of money spending £20,000 plus on a course like this at University. If you are going to go then study something more intrinsically helpful or academically viable. In short do the best, most academic course you can at the best University you can get in to - and make films on the side.
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jaybeegeeful
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(Original post by keirajodi)
HELP.
Before anyone says how hard the industry is to get into just help me pick.
I was originally planning on film production, made sense as its a practice course and you get experience out of it.
But after getting my AS grades and speaking to my English teacher she recommended me doing Film Studies instead as I'm capable of applying to a higher uni and doing a subject more academic.
My Dad disagrees, and think film production would get me into the industry better.
But I KNOW it will be hard either way.
I'm just drawn between the two so help please!!!!!
Posted from TSR Mobile
HELP.
Before anyone says how hard the industry is to get into just help me pick.
I was originally planning on film production, made sense as its a practice course and you get experience out of it.
But after getting my AS grades and speaking to my English teacher she recommended me doing Film Studies instead as I'm capable of applying to a higher uni and doing a subject more academic.
My Dad disagrees, and think film production would get me into the industry better.
But I KNOW it will be hard either way.
I'm just drawn between the two so help please!!!!!
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mulberry1
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I had this problem. I'd say do an academic degree and do short courses/work experience on the side. My friend did a month- long vocational course and got told at the end they'd basically covered the content of the BA!
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keirajodi
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#6
(Original post by mulberry1)
I had this problem. I'd say do an academic degree and do short courses/work experience on the side. My friend did a month- long vocational course and got told at the end they'd basically covered the content of the BA!
I had this problem. I'd say do an academic degree and do short courses/work experience on the side. My friend did a month- long vocational course and got told at the end they'd basically covered the content of the BA!
I've done lots of work experience already and hope to continue.
I want to do a degree anyway, always wanted to.
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keirajodi
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#7
(Original post by popprincess)
I think you should try to keep your options open as far as possible. You sound like a bright girl who is capable of doing a more academic degree at a more prestigious university. Top unis will generally not offer what they consider to be 'mickey mouse' degrees. In my opinion, you would be far better to study theatre studies at the best uni you can get into and one that is good for that field. Don't be fooled into thinking that film producers dont need an academic degree etc and that only experience counts. If you look at a lot of film producers bibliography you can see that many of them had both. You should get work experience alongside your degree. Then, maybe after your undergraduate degree, you could do a psotgraduate masters in the field of your choice ie film production. There are lots on offer. Check out the National Film and Televison School or the London Film and Television School- both offer excellent postgrad/masters degrees which would rly help you stand out from the crowd. For undergraduate studies, exeter in my opinion is one of the best as it has its own radio station where students can come and get work experience in all things media related- this is unique to exeter and it is quite prestigious
The choice is yours at the end of the day but it is important to keep your options open
I think you should try to keep your options open as far as possible. You sound like a bright girl who is capable of doing a more academic degree at a more prestigious university. Top unis will generally not offer what they consider to be 'mickey mouse' degrees. In my opinion, you would be far better to study theatre studies at the best uni you can get into and one that is good for that field. Don't be fooled into thinking that film producers dont need an academic degree etc and that only experience counts. If you look at a lot of film producers bibliography you can see that many of them had both. You should get work experience alongside your degree. Then, maybe after your undergraduate degree, you could do a psotgraduate masters in the field of your choice ie film production. There are lots on offer. Check out the National Film and Televison School or the London Film and Television School- both offer excellent postgrad/masters degrees which would rly help you stand out from the crowd. For undergraduate studies, exeter in my opinion is one of the best as it has its own radio station where students can come and get work experience in all things media related- this is unique to exeter and it is quite prestigious
The choice is yours at the end of the day but it is important to keep your options open
But yeah I think I am probably likely to do post-grad in production, I feel that's more me.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!!
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nataliecsutton
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#8
Just something to consider.
Nowadays people in the Film insudtry and looking for people with a Film production coruse that has a Creative Skillset award (Westminster, Ravensbourne, Norwich etc) which is the ones I'm applying for, most are 60/70% practical and 30/40% theory - and some aren't all coursework with exams also. Yet the award shows the hirer that you've been trained to an industry standard. I've looked at a few of these courses and they look alot more creative and funner than normal academic course. And don't listen to the "mickey mouse" aspect, if you want to work on a film set it takes both knowledge of past and present films, experience on sets and soemtimes a degree. Hope this helped
P.S I'm applying for Film production, so message me anytime!
Nowadays people in the Film insudtry and looking for people with a Film production coruse that has a Creative Skillset award (Westminster, Ravensbourne, Norwich etc) which is the ones I'm applying for, most are 60/70% practical and 30/40% theory - and some aren't all coursework with exams also. Yet the award shows the hirer that you've been trained to an industry standard. I've looked at a few of these courses and they look alot more creative and funner than normal academic course. And don't listen to the "mickey mouse" aspect, if you want to work on a film set it takes both knowledge of past and present films, experience on sets and soemtimes a degree. Hope this helped
P.S I'm applying for Film production, so message me anytime!
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keirajodi
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#9
(Original post by nataliecsutton)
Just something to consider.
Nowadays people in the Film insudtry and looking for people with a Film production coruse that has a Creative Skillset award (Westminster, Ravensbourne, Norwich etc) which is the ones I'm applying for, most are 60/70% practical and 30/40% theory - and some aren't all coursework with exams also. Yet the award shows the hirer that you've been trained to an industry standard. I've looked at a few of these courses and they look alot more creative and funner than normal academic course. And don't listen to the "mickey mouse" aspect, if you want to work on a film set it takes both knowledge of past and present films, experience on sets and soemtimes a degree. Hope this helped
P.S I'm applying for Film production, so message me anytime!
Just something to consider.
Nowadays people in the Film insudtry and looking for people with a Film production coruse that has a Creative Skillset award (Westminster, Ravensbourne, Norwich etc) which is the ones I'm applying for, most are 60/70% practical and 30/40% theory - and some aren't all coursework with exams also. Yet the award shows the hirer that you've been trained to an industry standard. I've looked at a few of these courses and they look alot more creative and funner than normal academic course. And don't listen to the "mickey mouse" aspect, if you want to work on a film set it takes both knowledge of past and present films, experience on sets and soemtimes a degree. Hope this helped
P.S I'm applying for Film production, so message me anytime!
Not too keen on Ravensbourne
but applying to both courses film studies at some,
good luck for you
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username4158308
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Now that 6 years have passed, what are everyone's thoughts about needing a degree to get into the industry. I'm in my 2nd year and I hate it. I've done a lot of private study on my own and my college course was brilliant. So uni for me has been a 99.9% waste.
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PQ
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(Original post by Jedimonkey)
Now that 6 years have passed, what are everyone's thoughts about needing a degree to get into the industry. I'm in my 2nd year and I hate it. I've done a lot of private study on my own and my college course was brilliant. So uni for me has been a 99.9% waste.
Now that 6 years have passed, what are everyone's thoughts about needing a degree to get into the industry. I'm in my 2nd year and I hate it. I've done a lot of private study on my own and my college course was brilliant. So uni for me has been a 99.9% waste.
Have you taken advantage of all the opportunities to get involved in extra curricular film making as crew? That is usually the best way to make contacts and build your showreel and cv for applying for work. Did you get any industry experience during your holidays?
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username4158308
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(Original post by PQ)
Where are you studying?
Have you taken advantage of all the opportunities to get involved in extra curricular film making as crew? That is usually the best way to make contacts and build your showreel and cv for applying for work. Did you get any industry experience during your holidays?
Where are you studying?
Have you taken advantage of all the opportunities to get involved in extra curricular film making as crew? That is usually the best way to make contacts and build your showreel and cv for applying for work. Did you get any industry experience during your holidays?
Tbh I'm not sure how to get in as a crew member anywhere. I have 0 contacts anywhere. Everyone else on my course isn't at the same level as me from what I know. At the moment I'm making my own little shorts but I'm currently working on publishing my work and starting my own youtube channel. As for industry experience, I didn't. I have a part time job (unrelated to film) I do alongside uni to help with my outgoings. I have no idea how to get into the industry.
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PQ
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(Original post by Jedimonkey)
I'm studying film production.
Tbh I'm not sure how to get in as a crew member anywhere. I have 0 contacts anywhere. Everyone else on my course isn't at the same level as me from what I know. At the moment I'm making my own little shorts but I'm currently working on publishing my work and starting my own youtube channel. As for industry experience, I didn't. I have a part time job (unrelated to film) I do alongside uni to help with my outgoings. I have no idea how to get into the industry.
I'm studying film production.
Tbh I'm not sure how to get in as a crew member anywhere. I have 0 contacts anywhere. Everyone else on my course isn't at the same level as me from what I know. At the moment I'm making my own little shorts but I'm currently working on publishing my work and starting my own youtube channel. As for industry experience, I didn't. I have a part time job (unrelated to film) I do alongside uni to help with my outgoings. I have no idea how to get into the industry.
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username4158308
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(Original post by PQ)
Where?
Where?
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TheLearneredOne
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(Original post by keirajodi)
HELP.
Before anyone says how hard the industry is to get into just help me pick.
I was originally planning on film production, made sense as its a practice course and you get experience out of it.
But after getting my AS grades and speaking to my English teacher she recommended me doing Film Studies instead as I'm capable of applying to a higher uni and doing a subject more academic.
My Dad disagrees, and think film production would get me into the industry better.
But I KNOW it will be hard either way.
I'm just drawn between the two so help please!!!!!
Posted from TSR Mobile
HELP.
Before anyone says how hard the industry is to get into just help me pick.
I was originally planning on film production, made sense as its a practice course and you get experience out of it.
But after getting my AS grades and speaking to my English teacher she recommended me doing Film Studies instead as I'm capable of applying to a higher uni and doing a subject more academic.
My Dad disagrees, and think film production would get me into the industry better.
But I KNOW it will be hard either way.
I'm just drawn between the two so help please!!!!!
Posted from TSR Mobile
Last edited by TheLearneredOne; 2 years ago
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PQ
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(Original post by Jedimonkey)
sorry for the late reply. I don't understand. My uni or work?
sorry for the late reply. I don't understand. My uni or work?
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username4158308
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(Original post by PQ)
See post #11 - I asked originally "Where are you studying?" you didn't answer that so I repeated the question.
See post #11 - I asked originally "Where are you studying?" you didn't answer that so I repeated the question.
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maddiefish74
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(Original post by TheLearneredOne)
Your teacher is wrong, she wants you too become a researcher in the film industry rather than involved on sets or in a film. Do the film production course. I did post production for film & TV... It was great... Im editing a short film for a festival... Doing freelance projects and getting paid.
Your teacher is wrong, she wants you too become a researcher in the film industry rather than involved on sets or in a film. Do the film production course. I did post production for film & TV... It was great... Im editing a short film for a festival... Doing freelance projects and getting paid.
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