Career in Filmmaking: Telling stories through visuals

Time and again research has proved that humans are visual creatures who rely on what they see. In fact, the earliest recorded form of human communication is in the form of cave paintings from ages gone by, where colorful images of animals and hunting scenes were portrayed. It was also a way for the Prehistoric man to record his hunting forays. Whatever the actual reason for this exercise may have been, it illustrates one thing for sure. We have had a penchant for colors, images, and stories ever since the dawn of civilisation. To add to that, with every passing millennium this fascination has taken deeper roots and become stronger. We have transformed still images into moving images, vegetable colors on rocks into complex flourishes on screen, and simple stories told by the fireside into grand motion pictures! And the cliché ‘the magic of the movies’ comes alive amidst us every day in the modern world.

Contrary to what we may think, this world is interconnected. What we see, do feel, and create makes an impact on a much wider scale that we would make ourselves believe. Underneath all those myriad and diverse human experiences, runs an undercurrent of collective human consciousness. Art is a way of expressing this undercurrent and bringing it to fore by manifesting it in different forms. One such form is what you learn on a filmmaking degree. An undergraduate degree in filmmaking and animation allows you to explore the interconnectedness of personal visions and community aspirations. It exposes you to a medium that cuts across all cultural, social, political, and even economic barriers; crosses boundaries and narrow walls between peoples and nations, and brings together everyone as one human community, regardless of which language they speak and understand. As if that isn’t enough, film making in itself is a magical process! This is the means through which stories come alive, and what we imagine can be created for the world to see and admire!

A model degree in filmmaking is a combination of theoretical and practical aspects where filmmaking is dealt with it all its conceptual as well as experimental dimensions. It should also give a learner an opportunity to develop and maintain a portfolio – an online record of their work, be it assignments that are graded or trials done with the camera in leisure time. Students should also look for avenues to gain some kind of work experience at local media outlets while pursuing their degree programme. Any good university that maps itself to international standards would offer these opportunities, as also the chance to liaise with independent film makers where a student can apprentice, hone their skills, showcase their work, and be part of exciting projects.

A good undergraduate degree in filmmaking will also invariably help you develop and inculcate a range of other skill sets, like the ability to articulate correct expression, to work independently or in a team, to develop a flexible approach to work, to respond creatively and critically to ideas, the ability to tailor your communication to varied types of audience and many more such skills.

Graduation in film studies opens up a gamut of career pathways. From independent production companies, cinemas, established broadcasters, film companies as well as advertising and PR companies, cultural and heritage organisations that organise, preserve, curate and archive such kind of events right up to multimedia and digital design companies, all have prospects for a film studies graduate.

During your filmmaking degree you learn how to make the most of the technology and equipment that is available in order to produce the best results. You also get a unique opportunity to start building your network while you are studying for your degree, through your classmates, professors, visiting faculty and the like. This network and building up of the much-needed ecosystem can prove absolutely crucial to your long-term success in the field. Through your degree you explore the art and craft of filmmaking and discover your own distinct voice as a filmmaker. In addition to all of the above, a filmmaking degree also gives you a safe environment to create and experiment with your own kind of stories under the guidance of able professors and collaboration with your classmates who validate your choice by the sheer fact that they share your passion.

A good university with international collaborations and having an ecosystem of filmmaking and thinking generally is a good choice for any budding filmmaker.

A solid media production studios, software and machines along with industry hardened mentors are key prerequisites. One needs an expansive campus to house a film school with industry partnerships and credentials of benchmarking bodies.

If ask yourself “Should I pursue a degree in filmmaking,” or “what are the ways of building a career in filmmaking and animation,” you also need to dive deep in your heart and ask if you are driven enough to work your way all the way to success, lapping up all learning’s, internships, practice and serious film thinking on the way.

Because merely doing a film programme is not sufficient. One needs a set of great mentors, systems and studios and a passion to bring big results. It’s not about just making a visual project for YouTube, but a consistent drive to keep trying. At Jagran School of Visual Arts & Design, we have a practice-based pedagogy, mentors, global integration and one of the best studio support systems that enables the students to deliver industry quality output and has launch film careers.

Gain real-world and balanced experience in the craft of filmmaking by choosing a degree in film studies and kickstart your career in a realm of magic.

About the author:

Professor Rajeev Shankar Gohil is Programme Leader in Filmmaking Programme at Jagran School of Visual Arts & Design, Jagran Lakecity University - JLU.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha