Film School Concentration

[Joe Painter]

I have been directing/dping music videos and commercial work for the past three years. I finished my business undergrad last May and applied for film graduate school. I mostly see myself directing narrative work but was only accepted into the cinematography program. I only have been dp'ing like most would when you first start filmmaking. My intentions of applying to film school were to learn the theories behind filmmaking. I also understand resourceful relationships can come about in film school as well.

So I compared the curriculum of both programs and 70% of the courses are either the same or taken amongst directing majors. I figured that if i take advantage of the opportunity, I can learn by observation rather than through exercises/critiques. I might also mention that I'd prefer to DP music videos from this point on, so I may not totally be in for something I don't want to pick up on. I also figured that I won't have to mend my stories to fall in line with a professor's grade, I'd be directing my films externally.

 

[Demetri Zuev]

Which film school were you accepted to?

 

[Joe Painter]

Which film school were you accepted to?

I'd rather keep that private until the decision has been made. But I can mention that cost isn't a determining factor.

 

[Demetri Zuev]

I'd rather keep that private until the decision has been made. But I can mention that cost isn't a determining factor.

The purpose of me asking this was that if you want to direct you have to apply to certain schools, they're not all equal in all departments.

For instance, Columbia University is very good for directors (I have a friend who's graduating this year) while UCLA is best for screenwriters and USC is a lot more technical stuff. AFI seems to be very good for directing too, but incredibly hard to get in.

 

[Minu Park]

Joe,

I came back school, just like you did. I strongly suggest you to change your major when you get into the school after first semester to Directing major.

If you wanna be a director, I suggest you to go back to school.

Here is why.

1. You want to be a "good" director, it means you need knowledge as you mentioned. 100% agree. You need to focus on literature and finding your own theoretical ideology. Otherwise, you aren't going to be "the director"

There are many film directors, but there aren't many "the directors" - I think you knew this that's why you want to get back to school.

2. Joe, film school is expensive, because they critique.

Critique = ANNOYING = Improving. Unfortunately, there are so many "nice" people who never give you real minds for not being "ass", in fact, the asshole professors are usually knows what they are talking about in general - It doesn't mean that they are always right.

However, If you want to get better, listen annoying critique more. That means the professor think you have a potential. There are three architecture professors are my friends, and we drink often in a bar together. These guys always talk about their student, and they usually critique harder on one, when they think they can achieve better on pushing one.

3. Cinematography could be learned during the experience, BUT DIRECTING ISN'T.

There are 10 students in my class. One of them is a genius. He knew the importance of pace, blocking, mood. Story doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, Hitchcock admitted himself that his movie is simple story based. But he was good at manipulating the audience with montage like a magician.

4. If you were music video director, I strongly recommend you to think about what it means to be a "narrative director"
Music video can be achived based on look and rhythmic montage. But, music video don't have to follow all these narrative film rules such as 30 degree, 180 degree, intellectual montage, blocking, motivation, acting instructing...etcs

Narrative is very difficult to make comparing documentary, music video, and TV-show.
It's because, You really need to create your own world, and explain them to your audience with in 45min to 2hours. Not only that, you need to create your character that was supposed be look "real" in your world, whether it's fantasy, theriller, and so on (Feature film minimum length is 45min)

I am so glad that you made the decision to be a director.

Welcome Dude! Let's show our world to others together

P.S: For surviving, I do a lot of music related works, but I don't find it such a fascinating comparing narrative.

 

[Patrick E. Coker]

Minu, that is a great breakdown of what goes into making someone "the Director". I'm a returning student also and finishing my M.F.A. in Directing and I have found it is true. The Professors do push those they see with potential much harder than the other students. I let mine push me into doing a feature for my thesis project. One of the most grueling things I have ever done and finally seeing the finish line. What that professor taught me, along with a few others is priceless though.

 

[shashbugu]

Directing is really difficult, I mean very very difficult. The film schools are very important. In your first two years in film school, what you'll learn is pretty much the same in most schools across the globe. Its when you really start to specialize you'll realize you need all kinds of experiential resources that are not readily available in most schools and communities. Its great to have talent, but once you are on the set of a Bond backed financed movie that you'll start to really wish you had been a cinematographer. If you want to be a director, its important fight for that slot.

 

[Scott Bastedo]

Pick the school that best fits your personality. If you want to make schlocky horror films, pick a school that celebrates schlocky horror films. Don't choose a school that celebrates films you wouldn't watch.