+DIRECTOR'S DESK

Advice for Parents and Students on Film School and success in the film industry

     I'm often asked about the real possibility of having a career in the film industry after college and I generally reply that there are jobs out there if you have the passion.
     The truth is that this is only half the story. Passion is definitely a necessity and talent is always helpful but persistence is an equally important attribute for future filmmakers. Anyone who has succeeded in any occupation can tell you that there are often extremely
talented people out there that don't make it. This is often due to the lack of persistence and work ethic. It's not enough to make great work, you also have to get it out there and be assertive about it. 
     Success in the arts can be seen as a marriage of passion and motivation with some luck thrown in somewhere. I know plenty of people who graduate from film school and often get lost afterwards. One of the real keys to success after school is in the planning. My father would tell me "always have a plan" when I was younger and I found that it was important advice. I also found that the plan generally doesn't work out exactly the way you figure it will, but it gives you a path to follow and helps you find your way. My version of his advice is "always have a plan, even if you throw it out soon as you start. At least you know where to begin".
     The last and often most important part of finding your career in the arts is luck. Everyone in the film industry can tell you the one moment where they were lucky and broke into the industry. Luck is often equated to being in the right place at the right time so try to give yourself a heads up by figuring out where the right place is (and be prepared for it when it arrives). 
     I've followed many of my former students as they progress through art and film schools and work at getting a career and I find if they want it enough they always find their way. It's usually not as directors or producers. They begin as P.A.'s and often work their way up to jobs in editing, screenwriting, or storyboarding. They usually continue to work on their own projects in their free time with friends and during the day they get paid for something they love to do. 
     The reality of the film industry is that there are many jobs out there but if you want to direct or produce it's not going to happen right out of school. Even my most successful alumni spent a while working as crew members or re-writing other's scripts before they had their break. The important thing is that you follow your heart and continue to create work that you care about.

      
      
      Tim Needles,
      Strictly Students Festival Director