| There is probably not a single person who hasn't | | | | combine extended lab time with a bit of theory for a |
| dreamed of being a movie star or a rock star at some | | | | well-rounded program. After all, it is the basic tenets of |
| point in their life. The glamour and glitz mesmerize us, | | | | sound, design, and lighting that have helped us to build |
| not to mention the large outpouring of cash. These | | | | on the equipment used during the early days of films. |
| fantastic dreams give way to others for most of us | | | | We have moved from silent films to realistic sound |
| but a few decide that a career in entertainment is | | | | effects and from the monsters of Ray Harryhausen |
| what they most want to do. If this applies to you, | | | | to the creatures of Rick Baker and digital aliens. |
| consider planning for that future in film during college. | | | | College programs can take other forms besides the |
| There is more to making a film than just hiring the | | | | traditional four-year degree. Distance learning programs |
| acting cast. Hundreds of people work on a film | | | | have become popular in the last few years. Students |
| production to get it from the idea stage to the release | | | | that want to pursue the education they need for a film |
| date. In the film industry, there is a place for all sorts of | | | | job but don't have the time to attend a traditional |
| professionals with a variety of talents. You could be in | | | | college can find what they are looking for over the |
| at the beginning as a screenwriter, location scout, | | | | Internet. Distance learning programs are springing up |
| production assistant, set designer, costume designer, | | | | everywhere and they offer a variety of courses. |
| director, producer, and more. After the film is "in the | | | | In the quest for knowledge, don't forget to check out |
| can" there are the sound mixers, editors, and the rest | | | | these schools carefully. All schools are not accredited |
| of the post production team. | | | | or are too new to have a well-established curriculum. |
| Whatever your aspirations, it all begins with a thought | | | | Choose a school that offers the classes you need |
| and an education. Getting an education is an important | | | | with the hands-on training and access to professors |
| part of securing a film job. It is the first step. When you | | | | that will support your endeavor. |
| step on a film lot, the people that you will be working | | | | Technical schools are a great proving ground for |
| with want to know that you have progressed in your | | | | young film enthusiasts. They emphasize the practical |
| desire for a film job past the dreaming stage. They | | | | aspects and give a student the chance to work with |
| want to see what you can do. For this, you need a | | | | state-of-the-art equipment that you only see in studios |
| good background in the basics of film and some | | | | and on movie sets. More and more film companies are |
| experience in your chosen specialty. | | | | looking at technical degrees as a positive for future |
| A good college film school program will give you what | | | | employees. |
| you need. Film companies today are looking for | | | | The technical schools or colleges that you are |
| hands-on training even from college graduates. With | | | | investigating may require an internship for graduation. |
| that said, choose a college program with those goals in | | | | Most internship opportunities are not paid ones but |
| mind. Theory of film is fine, but it is no substitute for | | | | provide real-life experience in the film world. Students |
| practical usage of equipment. | | | | who graduate from these schools have an added |
| Every school has its own philosophy when it comes to | | | | bonus. The ones who make a lasting impression on |
| facilitating a curriculum. Some schools spend more time | | | | their supervisors may have a job after graduation. It will |
| in the classroom reviewing film principles and others will | | | | be entry level but your foot will be in the door. |