Rant/Advice Thing

[Bolt]

Just needed to get this off my chest and unfortunately there's no one around.

So the Fall semester is now underway, and I am registered for a Guerrilla Filmmaking class, because I guess I had always just assumed that I would end up directing. But after having attended the class a few times now, I'm not so sure. I expected it to be based on learning facets that would improve our own individual film style but instead the class is largely group based, with jobs being assigned to us. For instance, my interest lies in directing, but I may end up having to be a screenplay writer, editor, gaffer, etc., and vice versa for those with different goals. Compounding this issue is the fact that we don't even get a chance to work on developing our own projects but instead will be voting on a topic to produce (documentary, short, trailer, TV pilot, etc.). This kind of rubbed me the wrong way because, and no offense to my professor or fellow classmates, but at this point I've begun to find my niche as a director and I'm used to doing things a certain way, and instead here I'm being fitted into a slot, basically, and I may not even get to work on something I'm remotely interested in. The professor has also made it very clear that it's extremely difficult to find work as a director, and was quick to persuade people to instead take up producing or editing, etc. His thesis concerning "the business" is basically that you have to have the utmost passion and enthusiasm. At first it was merely the decision of whether or not I wanted to drop the class, but after putting a lot of thought into it, I'm not even sure if film is what I want to do anymore. I found myself thinking that I'm really not sure if I do have the kind of dedication it takes. It shook me up because I always thought I at least had some kind of plan, now I don't have anything concrete to stand on. I mean, I'm a pretty good writer, but I don't know if I want to be an author, and I'm in a band but I don't really want to be a musician, I was studying to be a cop but I don't know if law enforcement is how I want to spend my life, you know? Like now I'm not sure about anything. Would it be better to just suffer through the class (and I can already tell it's not going to jive) and take my chances, or drop it and take the chance of trying to do things my way, or drop it and find something new that I may prefer? Maybe I shouldn't be so concerned about it, I know I'm young and have my whole life ahead of me and all that jazz, but I don't want to feel confined and most of all I don't want to feel like I'm wasting my time. I hate those days where everything you thought you were sure of falls through and kicks you in the balls.

 

[Filadelfo]

You have the same problem I have, you see things too much ahead.
I want to become an actor and I've stumbled upon my own insecurities and ambitions about it many times. I've felt lost and confused and I've asked for advice. Most people had the same answer: Don't overthink.
I can see you have quite an eclectic life style, just like me, but you sound like you have better disposition for directing; if you think that's the thing, then my first advice is go at it, and my second advice, the one that was given to me and that has helped me a lot is, don't be afraid to fail or to be wrong, success depends much on your attitude and if you keep thinking things like "What if I'm wasting my time?" or "I have the feeling I'm not good at this" you'll just slow down and end up doing nothing, not even the thing you didn't like. If you fail but you get up and keep going, you'll know that that's what you want; if you are wrong, then you'll have learned something new.

 

[Vash the Stampede]

Classes like that really depend on the professor really.

For example, last year I registered for Economics 101. The professor that taught it was kind of a dick. He treated his 101 students like Business majors. He was arrogant, had an ego, and never helped his students. When most of my class failed the second test, he gave us a "I'm willing to fail the whole class" speech. I dropped the class after three weeks.

So....I'm taking Econ again this year, except the professor I have is an all around good guy. He makes the material easy to understand, and he actually uses examples that applies to the students. Did I mention that he's also German?

So don't give up on your dreams just because your teacher makes it difficult. Just switch to another section with a better teacher.

 

[toranoko]

This is coming from someone who also doesn't have a solid gameplan either... just to let you know.

I wouldn't give up your idea of directing quite yet. Unless you are positive it isn't something you want to do. If you are worried about not being dedicated enough to the idea, I think it would be easier if the goal was closer in sight (hopefully?). If you /know/ you don't have the dedication for it, then, well, maybe it isn't what you truly want to do. But I wouldn't give up on it yet.

As for the class... Is there anything you think you can learn from it to help with directing? I'm really a total film noob, so just ignore anything I say that makes no sense, but would having firsthand experience at the other jobs help make you a better director? Though, even if it did, it sounds like it might not be worth it with how you're feeling about the class... :/

Hum. I think what I'm trying to say is don't give up on directing, give up the class if you know it'd make you miserable no matter what you could take from it, but always keep your eyes open for a backup plan.

 

[Bolt]

Thanks guys, that was the way I was leaning, I just don't want to spend a lot of time and effort trying to perfect a craft that I'm not even sure I want to pursue in the long run. I'm sure I could learn from taking the class, but I also think that I could learn just as much if not more (albeit a little more gradually) from trial and error, just doing what I want to do the way I want it done. At least the initial shock of it is over... I'll figure something out.