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To school or not to school?

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To school or not to school?

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Posts: 4

(05/17/06 17:09:02)

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To set the scene let's just say that I'm a 38 year old manchild who spent 15 years of his life playing drums in rock and roll bands, mostly professionally. Now I want to make a serious career change and let's be honest,...make some serious money doing something I love. I have what I feel are strong film ideas, I've purchased and read a few screenwriting books, I've purchased Final Draft 7. Now I sit and stare at blank pages afraid to start, feeling somewhat inadequate, feeling like I'm in way over my head.

My question is this. How many of you are classically educated writers? Did you get degrees in writing, take a few courses, attend a few workshops or is there a lot of guys and girls like me? What is the "smart" route for a guy who, let's face it, isn't getting any younger? I'm just curious to see if I should be looking into a student loan and attending some film school or if that's even a good idea.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

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Re: To school or not to school?

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Posts: 763

(05/17/06 19:04:52)

Board Superstar

If you're more interested in writing, then I wouldn't bother with film school. Get your hands on some real screenplays, preferably from movies/TV shows you haven't seen, and read them. Look at how they are structured, presented, written.

Then start thinking of your ideas in terms of movies. It's one thing to have some nebulous free-from idea in your head, it's quite another to sit down and account for every scene, every moment of your film.

I usually work from the outside-in, which means I start with the big idea and break it down into smaller and smaller chunks. Others do the opposite, starting with scenes and building it into a narrative.

And the best way to get past that first blank page is to start writing stuff down. Don't wait for the perfect words to pour forth, because it's probably not going to happen. Just write.

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Re: To school or not to school?

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Posts: 4

(05/17/06 22:58:13)

Thanks Megamoze,

I've been thinking along the same lines and I have downloaded quite a few screenplays already, some for movies I've seen to relate my favorite scenes to how they are written on the page.

I have notebooks full of notes, ideas,scenes with dialogue etc, just still at that stage where the blank page and the unfamiliar software are slightly intimidating.

It's kind of funny, I've been doing some work as a P.A. on a T.V series that's being shot here and when I ask people I work with about the steps to take to move up they always ask if I've been to film school, when I reply "no" they usually say "good". They don't elaborate on the reasons but that is the common first response.

Anyway, thanks for the words,
W

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Re: To school or not to school?

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Posts: 1434

(05/18/06 05:49:39)

I don't know if the stats exist which show how many successful writers have an English degree or a film degree etc...

I think for as many that would credit their degree for their success there would be equally as many with no formal education.
That being said, education is rarely a bad thing.

Advanced studies will totally help you with the tools of using the language properly, but may not do much to teach you how to spin a good screenplay.

So read scripts, read film/screenwriting books, read classic lit, and always keep a copy of Strunk & White's handy.

The Film School reaction you've faced is probably what I've heard referred to as "the grad student complex": a head full of knowledge with no practical experience.

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Re: To school or not to school?

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Posts: 112

(05/20/06 06:25:59)

I'm about to enter my last semester at grad school. I didn't do it because I'm looking to make a career as a writer, but as a teacher.

I would say start small. If you're in NYC, try taking a class at Gotham and see if you like it. I'm sure there are cheaper ways to go, but Gotham is pretty good.

The nice thing about taking a class is you have a deadline, and knowing others are going to read the work, generally forces--me, at least--to step up the quality.

I love being a student. When I finish this degree (my 2nd Masters) I'll probably start taking classes in film, but only because I think it will help me to become more visual with my writing, but again, I'm not thinking about selling, just learning and having a bit of fun while I defer my student loans as long as possible.

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Re: To school or not to school?

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Posts: 22

(05/22/06 18:14:05)

Hi WayneRD4,
No one can tell you the quickest way to Hollywood success. What worked for one person may not work for you. Take every opportunity, especially if you're single and unencumbered. Your lifestlye and circumstances may change 5 years down the road.
What's the quickest way to Hollywood? Walk.
Walk with the four "Shun" brothers:
Dedication
Determination
Devotion
Conviction
And walk with the four "Abull" sisters:
Unstoppable
Unflappable
Unbeatable
Inimitable
It's a tough business, yes, but new writers break down the wall every day. Good luck to you!
Cheers,
Scotland
www.ScriptRepairman.com

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Re: To school or not to school?

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Posts: 4

(06/08/06 20:29:26)

Thanks all, and thank you Scotland,

I've started on my first one, a little nervous but we'll see how it turns out.

Cheers to all,

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