4 answers
addison
Student
Temecula, California
1
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where can i get the best film maker in college?
filming tips
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Addison !
Film and the rest of your interests in your tags are such exciting careers. Asking for "film tips" sort of makes it very much mean many things. I would like to give you some advice about filmmaking if that's what you are looking for, but please clarify exactly what you need advice with because it does sound like you are asking about film equipment, am I right ?
It is very difficult to purchase film equipment when one doesn't know what they're buying and which camera they need. I would suggest that you start networking with film and video extracurriculars at your school and ask the teachers if you could borrow or learn the equipment. If that is not possible, you can do searches for cameras, lighting and sound equipment. Read about them. Read the user manuals before choosing one. Don't spend a lot of money on expensive equipment if you are just starting out and do not know how to use it before you buy it. I would suggest starting out making projects with your phone camera. You will need to edit the films, add effects, titles, and this would be taught in film school. I assume you are in high school based on your inquiry. I would also suggest visiting an electronics store and having the staff show you different cameras and explain the basics. Go into Hollywood once in a while and visit some film shops and even some film schools and inquire about equipment. You can also look for editing instructions online through searching for the specific type of editing you need to do.
I advise planning to go to film school if film is your career goal. For right now, seek out others who are interested in filmmaking, writing, directing and acting. You most likely could speak with a theatre teacher at your school who may be able to connect you with some film groups for people in your age group. Film is a collaborative art so you will need other people to complete your projects with you. There are a lot of film courses and tips in books and internet websites.
Your film projects will be unique and self-created, so try not to focus on "the best" because your own talent will set you apart and be the best you can create. Trust me when I say that you will learn all the correct tools and equipment while in college for film. It's not very cut and dry as "best", there are many, many "bests" in the film industry.
Please ask more questions and be very clear as to what you need advice with. I hope that some of this was helpful and directed at what you're asking. Do not give up. You can do it !
Film and the rest of your interests in your tags are such exciting careers. Asking for "film tips" sort of makes it very much mean many things. I would like to give you some advice about filmmaking if that's what you are looking for, but please clarify exactly what you need advice with because it does sound like you are asking about film equipment, am I right ?
It is very difficult to purchase film equipment when one doesn't know what they're buying and which camera they need. I would suggest that you start networking with film and video extracurriculars at your school and ask the teachers if you could borrow or learn the equipment. If that is not possible, you can do searches for cameras, lighting and sound equipment. Read about them. Read the user manuals before choosing one. Don't spend a lot of money on expensive equipment if you are just starting out and do not know how to use it before you buy it. I would suggest starting out making projects with your phone camera. You will need to edit the films, add effects, titles, and this would be taught in film school. I assume you are in high school based on your inquiry. I would also suggest visiting an electronics store and having the staff show you different cameras and explain the basics. Go into Hollywood once in a while and visit some film shops and even some film schools and inquire about equipment. You can also look for editing instructions online through searching for the specific type of editing you need to do.
I advise planning to go to film school if film is your career goal. For right now, seek out others who are interested in filmmaking, writing, directing and acting. You most likely could speak with a theatre teacher at your school who may be able to connect you with some film groups for people in your age group. Film is a collaborative art so you will need other people to complete your projects with you. There are a lot of film courses and tips in books and internet websites.
Your film projects will be unique and self-created, so try not to focus on "the best" because your own talent will set you apart and be the best you can create. Trust me when I say that you will learn all the correct tools and equipment while in college for film. It's not very cut and dry as "best", there are many, many "bests" in the film industry.
Please ask more questions and be very clear as to what you need advice with. I hope that some of this was helpful and directed at what you're asking. Do not give up. You can do it !
John Alston
Dishwasher
7
Answers
Kernersville, North Carolina
Updated
John’s Answer
Best is really subjective and can go awry pretty quickly.
Many people would want to have classmates that are confident and self-assured.
If it's the quality of the product in question, proverbially speaking, I think you are actually better off with someone who is a bit creative, moderately technical, and unusually nervous.
What seems like a negative could easily be a positive thing as the nervous guy is going to try harder to not mess it up.
In film school, you start to meet those who do three long takes a scene, and the truth is, those individuals are just doing it this way to get the movie made as fast as possible, with little in the way of artistic merit.
Now, on the flipside, there's a guy with a slider or handheld dolly that seems to make every story about the weird tracking shots, but I think Mr Nervious is gonna probably look at those two movies as two branching ways of how NOT to make a short film.
Now I'm not saying get the "most nervous" classmate (some of us in this world might trip on a follow focus cord) but I think if you get someone whose thought process is "I can do it, but I'm not sure how", I think there's a greater risk for the project dissolving, but also if things work out, higher standards and artistic merit.
Hope this wasn't too much of a sermon.
1. Focus on the DIALOG recording (many use lav mics, boom mics (shotgun mics) and audio recorders-the Zoom ones are the most famous.)
2. Keep the eyes in focus. Ideally cameras would be manually focus, but automatic is okay if you don't have the time.
3. Gaffing is more important to the safety of the short (electricity is volatile) than cinematography, though in the indie film world, there's often overlap
4. Keep your friends. Your short may not come to fruition, but the friends you make can at least talk about it and maybe help you get an important job.
5. Your first two shorts probably won't be masterpieces, so be as nice as you can during the shoot(s)
Many people would want to have classmates that are confident and self-assured.
If it's the quality of the product in question, proverbially speaking, I think you are actually better off with someone who is a bit creative, moderately technical, and unusually nervous.
What seems like a negative could easily be a positive thing as the nervous guy is going to try harder to not mess it up.
In film school, you start to meet those who do three long takes a scene, and the truth is, those individuals are just doing it this way to get the movie made as fast as possible, with little in the way of artistic merit.
Now, on the flipside, there's a guy with a slider or handheld dolly that seems to make every story about the weird tracking shots, but I think Mr Nervious is gonna probably look at those two movies as two branching ways of how NOT to make a short film.
Now I'm not saying get the "most nervous" classmate (some of us in this world might trip on a follow focus cord) but I think if you get someone whose thought process is "I can do it, but I'm not sure how", I think there's a greater risk for the project dissolving, but also if things work out, higher standards and artistic merit.
Hope this wasn't too much of a sermon.
John recommends the following next steps:
Jacob Steiner
Cinematographer
8
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi Addison,
Every time you get up and look in the mirror, you're looking at him. You have to be the best filmmaker you know. The best directors in Hollywood started out by making their own films. You may just be looking for someone to help you make a video, but you still have to know what you're doing, so you don't get taken advantage of.
In my opinion, the only way to be a successful filmmaker is to know how all the departments run, which means that you have to have experience in being in those departments. You have to learn how to fund your film (producer). You need to learn how to build the blueprint for your movie aka writing a script (screenwriting). You need to figure out how to work with the actors in order to get the performances (director). You gotta figure out the appropriate angles and lighting (cinematographer). You need to know how to capture sound (audio). You have to dress the set and make the actors look nice (hair, wardrobe and set design).
You then have to learn the post production side of things, which includes editing, color and sound. Learning editing is crucial because then you'll know which shots you need in your current production because it teaches you to think ahead in preproduction. Finally, there's color grading and sound editing, which are just as important. Without good color and especially good sound, your film isn't going to feel professional.
All these things you need to learn in order to be a successful filmmaker. But as I said before, if you're just looking for someone to make videos for you, you'd want to go into the filmmaking department of your school and just ask around. Ask for people's reels and resumes. Look through their stuff and choose which person's style works best for you.
I hope this answer helps.
Every time you get up and look in the mirror, you're looking at him. You have to be the best filmmaker you know. The best directors in Hollywood started out by making their own films. You may just be looking for someone to help you make a video, but you still have to know what you're doing, so you don't get taken advantage of.
In my opinion, the only way to be a successful filmmaker is to know how all the departments run, which means that you have to have experience in being in those departments. You have to learn how to fund your film (producer). You need to learn how to build the blueprint for your movie aka writing a script (screenwriting). You need to figure out how to work with the actors in order to get the performances (director). You gotta figure out the appropriate angles and lighting (cinematographer). You need to know how to capture sound (audio). You have to dress the set and make the actors look nice (hair, wardrobe and set design).
You then have to learn the post production side of things, which includes editing, color and sound. Learning editing is crucial because then you'll know which shots you need in your current production because it teaches you to think ahead in preproduction. Finally, there's color grading and sound editing, which are just as important. Without good color and especially good sound, your film isn't going to feel professional.
All these things you need to learn in order to be a successful filmmaker. But as I said before, if you're just looking for someone to make videos for you, you'd want to go into the filmmaking department of your school and just ask around. Ask for people's reels and resumes. Look through their stuff and choose which person's style works best for you.
I hope this answer helps.
Violaine Gonzalez
Senior Associate
176
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Hi Addison, To find the best film programs in college, consider institutions renowned for their comprehensive curriculum, distinguished faculty, industry connections, and strong alumni networks. Here are some top colleges known for their film programs:
1. **University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts:**
- Offers extensive programs in film production, screenwriting, and interactive media.
- Located in Los Angeles, providing access to Hollywood and numerous networking opportunities.
2. **New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts:**
- Known for its strong focus on film and television production, screenwriting, and acting.
- Situated in New York City, offering ample industry connections and internship opportunities.
3. **American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory:**
- Focuses on hands-on learning in directing, screenwriting, producing, and editing.
- Small, intensive program located in Los Angeles.
4. **California Institute of the Arts (CalArts):**
- Offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to film and animation.
- Emphasizes artistic expression and innovation.
5. **University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film, and Television:**
- Provides a strong foundation in film production, screenwriting, and critical studies.
- Offers access to extensive alumni networks in Hollywood.
6. **Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts:**
- Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive film production programs.
- Located in Orange, California, close to Los Angeles.
These institutions offer the best opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, combining rigorous academic training with practical industry experience.
1. **University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts:**
- Offers extensive programs in film production, screenwriting, and interactive media.
- Located in Los Angeles, providing access to Hollywood and numerous networking opportunities.
2. **New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts:**
- Known for its strong focus on film and television production, screenwriting, and acting.
- Situated in New York City, offering ample industry connections and internship opportunities.
3. **American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory:**
- Focuses on hands-on learning in directing, screenwriting, producing, and editing.
- Small, intensive program located in Los Angeles.
4. **California Institute of the Arts (CalArts):**
- Offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to film and animation.
- Emphasizes artistic expression and innovation.
5. **University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film, and Television:**
- Provides a strong foundation in film production, screenwriting, and critical studies.
- Offers access to extensive alumni networks in Hollywood.
6. **Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts:**
- Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive film production programs.
- Located in Orange, California, close to Los Angeles.
These institutions offer the best opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, combining rigorous academic training with practical industry experience.