Film school - yay or nay?

ver since I can remember, all I've wanted to do is be in films and on television. It's always been my ideal future, and honestly, the idea of a career outside of film or television terrifies me. I despise the idea of anything else because I'm not truly interested in anything else. So yes, I'd like to be an actor. But if that were to completely fail, I would not be opposed to directing, producing, writing, etc.

However, I am a junior in high school (Minnesota) at the moment, and I have never acted in any of the plays or musicals that the school has to offer. This is partly due to the fact that any kid who does is a complete social outcast and none of the people I like actually participate in them, but it's also mainly because I have no real interest in plays or musicals. At least, not at this age. So you could say that I haven't gotten much experience in acting.

I have a GPA of 3.9 with all honors/AP classes. On my practice ACT, it predicted a score of 30 (I have not taken the actual ACT yet). I am intelligent as far as academics are concerned, so my thought is that I could easily make it in a different field - such as marketing.

Like I said, I have no real interest in another job. A career in film and television is all I really want. But as I'm sure you know, going to a film school is a dangerous path since it practically shuts down any chance at a successful job. So what do you think? Should I go to a film school to pursue that type of career right off the bat? Or should I go to school for marketing and then try to take film classes on the side, if that's even possible? I really don't know what to do here.

Yay you could become the next M. Night Shyamalan

Nay.

So what would you recommend? Going for a major with a chance at a successful career (like marketing) and then branching out without any experience after college for acting or taking a major that could be beneficial for an actor but could still land me a successful "safety net" career?Razor-Lazor

ver since I can remember, all I've wanted to do is be in films and on television. It's always been my ideal future, and honestly, the idea of a career outside of film or television terrifies me. I despise the idea of anything else because I'm not truly interested in anything else. So yes, I'd like to be an actor. But if that were to completely fail, I would not be opposed to directing, producing, writing, etc.

However, I am a junior in high school (Minnesota) at the moment, and I have never acted in any of the plays or musicals that the school has to offer. This is partly due to the fact that any kid who does is a complete social outcast and none of the people I like actually participate in them, but it's also mainly because I have no real interest in plays or musicals. At least, not at this age. So you could say that I haven't gotten much experience in acting.

I have a GPA of 3.9 with all honors/AP classes. On my practice ACT, it predicted a score of 30 (I have not taken the actual ACT yet). I am intelligent as far as academics are concerned, so my thought is that I could easily make it in a different field - such as marketing.

Like I said, I have no real interest in another job. A career in film and television is all I really want. But as I'm sure you know, going to a film school is a dangerous path since it practically shuts down any chance at a successful job. So what do you think? Should I go to a film school to pursue that type of career right off the bat? Or should I go to school for marketing and then try to take film classes on the side, if that's even possible? I really don't know what to do here.

Razor-Lazor

Only guy I know that went to film school (and graduated) had to get a degree in something else to survive.  

That being said, giving up on your dream(s) just to find a job that will get you above the poverty level is depressing. If I were you, I'd try doing acting on the side of a legitimate education. Being an actor and making a living is very tough. The odds are so, so, so, greatly against you that you will ever be a famous A lister actor, however there are some that do survive in supporting roles and guest starring and such. We've all got our dreams and hobbies but for most people they just remain hobbies. Do SOMETHING that involves acting/film, but don't expect to make a career out of it. 

Acting is a natural talent I find. It's why some adults take a class for multiple years and fail, while some children who've never taken a lesson in their lives are significantly better. If you believe you can do it, it's just a matter of getting noticed.

Acting is a natural talent I find. It's why some adults take a class for multiple years and fail, while some children who've never taken a lesson in their lives are significantly better. If you believe you can do it, it's just a matter of getting noticed.

sune_Gem

If acting were just a "natural" thing nobody would study Stanivslasky.

Acting is a natural talent I find. It's why some adults take a class for multiple years and fail, while some children who've never taken a lesson in their lives are significantly better. If you believe you can do it, it's just a matter of getting noticed.

sune_Gem

ver since I can remember, all I've wanted to do is be in films and on television. It's always been my ideal future, and honestly, the idea of a career outside of film or television terrifies me. I despise the idea of anything else because I'm not truly interested in anything else. So yes, I'd like to be an actor. But if that were to completely fail, I would not be opposed to directing, producing, writing, etc.

However, I am a junior in high school (Minnesota) at the moment, and I have never acted in any of the plays or musicals that the school has to offer. This is partly due to the fact that any kid who does is a complete social outcast and none of the people I like actually participate in them, but it's also mainly because I have no real interest in plays or musicals. At least, not at this age. So you could say that I haven't gotten much experience in acting.

I have a GPA of 3.9 with all honors/AP classes. On my practice ACT, it predicted a score of 30 (I have not taken the actual ACT yet). I am intelligent as far as academics are concerned, so my thought is that I could easily make it in a different field - such as marketing.

Like I said, I have no real interest in another job. A career in film and television is all I really want. But as I'm sure you know, going to a film school is a dangerous path since it practically shuts down any chance at a successful job. So what do you think? Should I go to a film school to pursue that type of career right off the bat? Or should I go to school for marketing and then try to take film classes on the side, if that's even possible? I really don't know what to do here.

Razor-Lazor

[QUOTE="sune_Gem"]

Acting is a natural talent I find. It's why some adults take a class for multiple years and fail, while some children who've never taken a lesson in their lives are significantly better. If you believe you can do it, it's just a matter of getting noticed.

PannicAtack

If acting were just a "natural" thing nobody would study Stanivslasky.

Practise will make perfect for those who aren't a natural born actor. I'm just saying there are those who are off the bat better than anyone else who is at the same stage of education in the feild.

Do what you want to do!

Im a current broadcasting student at a University and the best thing to do is not limit yourself to one particular area in the field, if you want to act thats great, but learn how to write, video and sound edit, operate lights and equipment so that way you can market yourself better. You could be an actor, writer, producer, editor, radio talent or programer, etc.....just don't limit yourself

Yay...

My dream is to get into the filming industry.

yay

I recently took an acting class. You need to get as involved in acting at the moment as you can. Do everything and anything that has to do with acting. Remember less then 10% of acting students actually get a gig and even fewer of those actually are successful enough to live off of an acting career. You are more likely to succeed if you have multiple performance talents. For example if you can sing and act, or dance and act, you are far more likely to get a shot at a career. You also must be very likable and good at talking with people. You will go to hundreds of acting calls just trying to get noticed. If you don't catch the attention of the director in the first couple seconds you can kiss your chances goodbye. Don't be afraid to take the really crappy acting jobs, stage acting in horrible conditions, seconds, alternates etc. You have to at least get a foot in the door in the industry. You also must have a backup plan in case things go south. Good luck, it's probably one of the most difficult industries anyone can ever pursue. ferrari2001

i agree with almost everything you said except that.

I mean I guess it depends what you mean by really crappy acting jobs.

Doing an ad for erecti0n problems is probably going to do more harm than anything else lol.