2 answers
Sydney
Student
Marietta, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
177 views
What's the best skill to learn for the film industry?
I'm going to be majoring in film in college but I'm wondering how much I need to learn on my own. College will help me further my education but I know it can't teach me everything. #Spring25
Login to comment
2 answers
Yingna Wu
Film director / producer
23
Answers
Pasadena, California
Updated
Yingna’s Answer
You are very right, Sydney. College cannot teach you everything.
For a film major, what you can learn on your own - my thoughts:
1. Watch films with intention: why is the story told this way? What's most appealing to me visually? What's the sound like. Why are the characters dressed this way? Etc.
These questions relate to what you will learn from the film major: screenwriting, directing, cinematography, sound, costume design etc.
Rather than watching a film as a leisure, now you can study film and explore its techniques.
2. Practice video and stills shooting with your cell phone.
This is, what I believe, the "infant" stage of filmmaking. No pressure, play with it.
Hope this helps. Have fun!
For a film major, what you can learn on your own - my thoughts:
1. Watch films with intention: why is the story told this way? What's most appealing to me visually? What's the sound like. Why are the characters dressed this way? Etc.
These questions relate to what you will learn from the film major: screenwriting, directing, cinematography, sound, costume design etc.
Rather than watching a film as a leisure, now you can study film and explore its techniques.
2. Practice video and stills shooting with your cell phone.
This is, what I believe, the "infant" stage of filmmaking. No pressure, play with it.
Hope this helps. Have fun!
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
61
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Grab a computer and start writing a short story that you can turn into a short film. Keep it simple and doable, so maybe skip the idea of 150 warriors jumping across the Amazon River.
Focus on something you know well and that really speaks to you. Then, reach out to friends or family who might want to act in it. If it's a solo script, think about performing it yourself and ask someone to help you with the camera, even if it's just your phone.
Watch other short films to get inspired by their creativity and powerful storytelling.
Learning to tell stories that touch the audience is key in this field. If your viewers aren't feeling anything, the story needs more work. But if you get laughs, tears, or goosebumps, you're connecting with them on a deep level. Good luck!
Focus on something you know well and that really speaks to you. Then, reach out to friends or family who might want to act in it. If it's a solo script, think about performing it yourself and ask someone to help you with the camera, even if it's just your phone.
Watch other short films to get inspired by their creativity and powerful storytelling.
Learning to tell stories that touch the audience is key in this field. If your viewers aren't feeling anything, the story needs more work. But if you get laughs, tears, or goosebumps, you're connecting with them on a deep level. Good luck!