A student entering University to acquire a degree in film making should possess the following qualifications. First quality is the persistence to continue when not only is study difficult but you know not everyone who finishes school will be a success.

The student should have a sensitive as well as intelligent personality. The graduate will be working with actors, writers and other artistic people. As a producer or director he or she will be responsible for just about everything. As a cinematographer the student will need a steady hand, a good sense of color and timing (which are qualities hard to describe but you know when you have them) and the sensitivity to capture small nuances of emotion on the faces of actors and transfer them to film.

Going through an entire program is excellent since the student comes away with a good understanding of what each person involved in the making of a movie must be able to do. Armed with this knowledge, he or she will be able to take on a project with the smallest detail in mind as the filming progresses.

The graduate must have a thick skin and be able to handle rejection. He or she will hear repeatedly, "No, I won't finance your movie. No, I don't see your idea as making a successful movie. No, I don't want you to contact me again."

She or he must be able to listen to all those rejections and still be sure she can make a great movie.
If all the above prerequisites are met the prospective student is ready to enroll.

There are many great cameras to use during the learning process. One of the top models (and one of the most expensive) is the Panasonic AG-HVX200 P2 camera. It is state of the art, meaning it shoots true High Definition. She or he will need a computer that can communicate with this camera.
Since we are at the beginning of the era of High Definition, today's students have the advantage of learning that technology as it develops. Students will also learn the differences between the new digital technology and the old traditional technology of 35mm film. Using a variety of cameras makes for a well rounded understanding of the entire industry. After all, 35mm film has been good enough to remain the favored medium for many decades.

There are various software programs available for editing. In the advanced competitive industry of film making the graduate will be expected to be familiar and proficient in editing on both PC Computers and Mac Computers. Final Cut Pro is used on the Mac and Avid editing software is used on PC Computers. With experience in both, the student will be well prepared at a level way beyond the traditional expertise.

To be adequately prepared to apply and obtain an internship, the student should have direct experience in producing a short film. Learning to create animation as well as live action and sound design round out the education. Having access to professionals in the industry is a distinct advantage also. Some positions to be considered for the student's lifetime career are screenwriting, producing, directing, cinematographer, production designer, wardrobe and makeup, sound designing, editing and last but not least, acting.

While the most prominent positions are Producer, Director, Screenwriter and Actor, without experienced and talented people to fill all the other positions, there would be no movie to compete for an Academy Award or to make kids laugh at the characters in the latest animated film. It is the complex interaction between all these specialities that brings the writer's idea to life on the big screen...

 

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