germanguy

After taking some time off and thinking about the helpful responses you guys left in my other thread (First semester of college... depressed and failing all my classes ), I've decided to take this next semester off and give a full time job a shot. The only problem is that I want to work in the TV/film industry, and it's extremely competitive and difficult to find a job, especially a regular/permanent one, without having great connections of some sort. I've been searching through craigslist the past few weeks and applying for the few paying/interesting jobs I've seen but haven't had any success, and it really doesn't look like I'll be able to find myself a decent paying job in the industry at this point in my life... I spent parts of last year working on a bunch of independent film sets for free/low pay, and while it was fun, the only thing I really got out of it was experience and a few phone numbers that haven't been useful to me yet. I want to really advance myself in the industry but I don't feel like it can be done at this stage of my life and I'm starting to think that maybe I should go back to film school. I hated school, but at least I could learn some stuff and get myself closer to earning a degree instead of spending my time trying to get a job that I can't get. Am I being to pessimistic by thinking that I can't hack it in the industry right now? Should I even be considering school? Sorry for the rambling, I probably make no sense, but I just felt the need to talk/write and I can always trust you guys for helpful/insightful comments.

maleficent

Once you've taken some time off from school, it's very very difficult to go back, so decide how important a college degree is to your chosen field.

To succeed in the film industry, or any industry really, you need to have a lot of confidence in yourself and your abilities, from what I am reading in your post, doesn't sound like you have that right now, and your desire to work, stems from trying to escape a bad situation in school. If you think you can't hack it in the industry, well that's what we call self fulfilling prophecy, you won't be able to hack it - unless you beleive you can.

The experience you've gotten working in the industry is extremely valuable, and should really stand out on your resume. Don't Don't Don't focus on the fact that it was low pay, it was real life experience working in an industry you want enter, it doesn't get any better than that. Those phone numbers might come in handy down the road for you, stay in touch with those people, to stay in touch - and not just ask for a job.

What is your current major> Maybe it's something you want to change to something that interests you more. You still have to take all the core classes, but one or two classes that gets your mind going, might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Jesus Pimp

I agree with Maleficent. I have a friend who is into film. He's been drifiting in and out of college for the past 10 years trying to graduate. He's 34 now and has one semester left before he graduates and gets his degree in film. So choose wisely or else you may end up like him.

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Charlatan

The most important thing you are going to get from film school is a set of peers. You will make connections in film school that should serve you for the rest of your life (vis a vis employment and collaboration).

Unless you are a really good networker, it is difficult (but not impossible) to make those kinds of connections in the "real world".

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StephenSa

I don't work in film but work in television making local commercials. I've run production departments in Chicago, Dallas, and a sundry other places. When I hire a free-lancer or staffer I look for experience or education. Education will get you in the door at an entry level wage. Education is great but little of it applies to real world situations so while it can get you a job in the industry you won't seee a big check immediately. Experienced people I hire more readily and pay more. With experience you've shown you know what to do and can be relied upon to do it. Education PLUS experience is the brass ring. Your education will have given you valuable contacts and knowledge allowing you to move up the ladder faster once you have gained experience. While you might get in the business without an education chances are at some point you will stall and miss out on promotions due to a lack of education. If you have the means, go to school. You might find a part-time job in film or television or you could try the local public access channel and you can aquire some experience as well. School is definitely the way to go. Whatever you choose good luck.

Cynthetiq

I work in production and have worked within the industry here in NYC for close to 7 years in a studio and on location.

I know plenty of people who don't have any school background who are in the creative side of the business, most of the schooled people are in the production management side.

As a drop out from college because at the time there weren't many computer people and companies were shoveling money at me, I decided to "leave for a semester" and I never went back.

Every other year, I think about going back to school. It's been bout 15 years now and I'll think about going to school again this year. The only thing not having a BA is holding me back from is becoming a VP and even then I know that I can skirt around that requirement because again, experience is king.

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El Kaz

It's pretty classic really.. I've seen countless people take time off from college and never go back.. most of them had the best intentions, too.. they were dead certain that they WOULD go back to college, but one semester off became a year off, then two years.. and now they're always thinking about going back, but the move is damn hard to make.

Of course, not finishing your college degree doesn't mean your life is over, but if it's important to you, be very careful about off semesters for full-time work.

lurkette

If you're expecting to start a career in film/tv, you have to be prepared to start at the bottom. So chuck all your expectations about salary and glamour, regardless of whether you finish your degree or not. This is what's known as "paying your dues," and unless you're incredibly lucky, or have an uncle who works in the biz, everyone has to do it. If you're looking to escape from school, this is probably not the best place to do it.

The problem with entering a competitive industry is that even the people competing for the entry-level positions are probably well-educated. Think realistically about what you are qualified to do right now, given your level of experience and education? You'd probably be better off getting some more experience and education before you try to dive into a full-time career.

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