Best way for a Canadian to get into the Film Industry?
I was wondering if anyone knew of the best way to go about getting into the film industry from a Canadian point of view.
I've been looking at a few schools and such whether they be University's with Film courses or full on Film Schools but am not totally clear on them or if spending all that money is really needed at all.
I would like to go to the States to go to some of the more famous film schools/courses down there but all in all it just seems like WAY too much money, not only for the schooling itself but also just to go from living in Canada to living in the States and all that comes with becoming a US citizen and all that. I'm thinking if I want to actually go to a school I would have to move no matter what as there isn't much where I currently live, but I've read there are some good institutes in BC and Manitoba. I know there's Toronto as well but that just seems like it would be really expensive, especially to live there.
Is it really that much of a bigger advantage and worth the trouble to get schooling in the states as opposed to here in Canada?
In terms of schools or courses which are the best in Canada? I know in the states it's AFI, USC and a couple others as the big ones but am not too clear on the leaders in Canada...
and is it really worth even going to one of these schools or is there a better or different method to getting into the industry (directing, cinematography, writing, producing) if so what would that method be and where to start, even if it means starting at the bottom as an assistant or something I would be very eager to do so, just want to know how to even look for and get something like that?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Chillin'
I'm in the film industry. I can tell you everything you need to know. What's your AIM? We should talk. What aspect of the film industry do you want to be apart of.... production staff, camera crew, etc? Do you want to do commercials, tv, features?
oh by the way.... film school didn't help at all. to get in, it's strictly who you know and do they want to give you a chance.
^ This. It's up to you what you want to do mate but a good friend of mine saw school as a waste of his time. He knew what he wanted to do. Dropped out after his first semester. Made some contacts with the local short industry and went on to make his own stuff and now works as a editor for the BBC.
I've heard film school is a bit of a waste as well. A lot of the director's I know didn't go. That's the good thing about ym website dude, when I interview people, I make contacts.
I've had great feedback on my writing but the best advice I was given was by Elliott Lester who said to try and be on as many film sets as possible and to try and intern. He makes it sound so easy. Sure just HANG around film sets haha. Good luck bud.
Depends what you're trying to get into...Sheridan College is a leading school in film and animation in Ontario, they have head hunters come up from Disney and others looking for talent....but you have to stand out in order to get noticed. The benefit of having a college behind you is that you get 2-3 internships during the course of your studies. These are the opportunities to get placed in the field...again, if you make the most of it. Meet as many people as possible, get as many contacts/business cards etc..as possible it's the best way to get your foot in the door for future work once you've graduated.
There's also the Toronto Film School...
http://www.torontofilmschool.ca/SEM/Film_Production?gclid=CITL_JWzyK4CFcNrKgodpk3VAw
I wanted to get into film as a teenager, but decided on the T.V. inustry instead since it's a more stable paycheque.
@Digifruitella - cool thanks for that... btw do you have a link where I can check out some of the stuff you've done (on that Vimeo or whatever)?
@Longbaugh - awesome!! I'll try to set something up and I'll PM you on here, thank you would really appreciate it!
@Bond - right on dude, I'd be down to talk to you about some of that stuff too, don't think we've ever done that!
@Fred - cool never heard of that one, I'll be taking a look into it for sure. btw you said you're in the TV industry? what area and how did you get into it if you don't mind talking about it I'd be interested (on here or in a PM doesn't matter to me)
thanks everybody for the responses, support and advice... much appreciated!
If you're really set on going to a film school then I think you better look into http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver_Film_School if you're gonna do it the indie way, buy yourself a DSLR (I own a T2i) equip yourself with lenses and software, read tutorials online books, and just do it that way. Build yourself a portfolio (upload shit to Vimeo (I do), best place for creative vids, and feedback and exposure) and then start looking into internships that have to do with video production. Get your foot in the door and all that jazz. Nobody said it'll be quick. Or you can spend thousands of dollars on film school education (albeit, MAYBE gain some good networking through your school) and better your chances. Though these days, film school education doesn't mean SHIT, to be honest.. unless you're in the Elite schools (I'd say) it's all about who you know and how good you are.