Which paths could you take to ensure success as a film student? If you’re a film student, this question has probably already plagued your thoughts. While there’s no one-solution-for-all when it comes to this topic, there are options that will surely help you get closer to your goals.
Keep reading since we’ve summarized and made all these path choices easy to remember and integrate into your existing knowledge of the film student’s path.
Planning And Not Giving Up
You’ll be surprised to know that there’s no one formula to success for any industry, even if there are steps you can follow that have already been done by those who walked the same path before you. No journey is completely identical to another.
If you want more advice on any essay topics, be it concerning film, fine arts, or music, we’ve got your back, and if success is your goal as a film student, then you can try to:
- Figure out your “Why.” This is central to everything you’ll do in your plan in the long run.
- Structure your plans around your “Why.” Remember, the “Why” always stays the same. But your plans can change and remain flexible. As long as it takes you to your “Why.”
- Consistency, persistence, and not giving up. Easier said than done. Many success stories include a plethora of individuals who didn’t have the word “quit” in their vocabulary.
We understand that the security a “PLAN B” offers can be comforting, but it’s illusory. Don’t give up on your highest calling. That’s the first path to success you should take into consideration.
Passionate Engagement
It takes discipline to be able to engage in your work daily, especially since it’s not always possible to be motivated every single day. But if you’re genuinely passionate about what you do as a film student, then you will work on your projects until fruition one way or another.
Engaging in your work passionately on a daily or regular basis is one surefire path to success. Engagement in analysis, observation, narrative essay topics, and everything involving film will enrich your work. It doesn’t have to be direct progress; it can be indirect as well. What do we mean by this? Consider the following:
- If you’re a film student majoring in filmmaking, you could watch movies regularly to expand your knowledge.
- If you’re trying to finish a script, you can write on it every day, even just a little bit. If you can’t write, you can use your time to come up with ideas to continue your script. By simply relaxing, many creators get the best ideas.
The point of “engaging” passionately in one’s work here is that you think of your passions no matter what you’re doing. Otherwise, it’s not a passion. It’s just a hobby. Instead of wasting time being distracted, or chasing superficial goals, remember why your highest calling deserves the biggest chunk of your time.
The Hustle
There is no escaping the hustle if you want to become a great film student on the path to success. If you want to work at a professional level, then you have to put in the work that is required to get to that level.
You will need to learn and understand all the skills it takes to become one, but you will also need to learn how to do them quickly, efficiently, and brilliantly as a paid professional later in your path. So, hustle through doubt, pain, and failure. As we’ve already stated before, you will see the light of day if you don’t quit. And only those who let fear win ultimately fail.
Gaining Industry Experience
Practice makes perfect, and theory can only get you so far. Apply what you learn relentlessly whenever you can. Book smarts can be useless if they can’t be integrated into your real-life experiences. Make an effort to gain industry experience by actually throwing yourself at opportunities that allow you to do so. Attend:
- Screenings
- Festivals
- Events
- Real film sets
- Networking events
And in an industry such as film and filmmaking, your connections matter. If you network with the right people, the opportunities and doors that can open for you can be unimaginably lucrative. So, get yourself out there.
And, of course, by exposing yourself to the industry, not only are you expanding your circle, but you should typically also have the chance to learn directly from the professionals. Inside and outside of your film school, you can engage with masterclasses, tutors, and professional filmmakers who can give you lessons you haven’t learned yet.
Deliver Your Projects to Festivals
When you’ve gone through and completed all your years in film school, you’ll have a plethora of film ideas and even projects that have been completed. You should use this chance to bring your film projects to festivals to jumpstart your career and get some sort of recognition.
You are going to use this opportunity to build the foundations of your film career, so do not hesitate or skip this crucial step. It’s pivotal to your path forward.
Get Involved in Creating a Feature Film
When you’re an up-and-coming filmmaker, a path to success could mean the production of your very own feature films and a step in your path that should excite you to the bone. You’ve finally come to a point in your path where you can actively engage in the creation and manifestation of your ideas.
It will be fulfilling since you’ll have much more creative control, which is the point of being a filmmaker. This is the most common path students take when they’ve completed film school, but your feature film should stand out.
Sell Screenwriting
Screenwriting is a vital part of being a film student, so you should learn beforehand all there is to know to write and sell screenplays that excite, emote, and sell as a piece of work. This is one of the most important things you need to consider if you’re vowing for success in your path.
There’s a lot to consider if you want to become a successful film student. Like everything else, true success and recognition will require you to sacrifice and devote yourself. It’s not a halfhearted task. If you want to make it in the film industry, this is the base prerequisite.
Cover image credits – New York Film Academy