Try to work with everyone at least once.
It may seem like an impossible task, but everyone has a unique perspective. It would be beneficial for you to learn from each person that enters this program with you. Some people you will love to work with, some you will probably try to steer clear of next time, but with every partnership you get closer to figuring out exactly what you want to do.
Work on at least one additional project outside of class each semester.
Once again….impossible task, right? Wrong. Is the workload crazy? Yes. Are you sleep-deprived? Should be. Should that stop you? No. The projects you work on in class aren’t just for a grade. They are to help you build your portfolio. You want to have something in that portfolio that you created, all on your own, without the constraints an assignment sheet.
I agree with the additional assignment or something outside of the class. That is exactly what already do. I try filming stuff and have already started. I treat everything like shoot like it will be on my portfolio. Working with people, you do learn more and more the type of people you mesh with- I agree.
But still, you can not force people to work together either. In bootcamp I witnessed some people acting like they are still in high school and they stay in their “clicks.” You can not force them out of those “clicks” and you can not force your way in either. So, I try working with everyone, but those that want to act like they are in high school- well, I don’t have time for it. I work with people who can be flexible and friendly and not act like they are the “popular” guy all the sudden. Sounds crazy but yeah, in 1 month time a ton of “clicks” formed. And honestly, I am glad I am one of those that do not really prefer to belong to any of them.
First, thanks for your comments. I agree with you about not forcing your way into the clicks. All I suggest is putting yourself out there. Don’t assume that those people don’t want to break out and meet new people. They are probably in clicks because they are still in that “high school” state of mind and uncomfortable reaching out to others. We went through the same issues but the one way to get everyone on the same playing field is to work towards a common goal. Those people may seem arrogant or unfriendly but at a second glance I’m sure they are just settling into their new surrounding and trying to find a comfort zone.
I’m glad you are already working on additional projects. Keep us updated on your work and don’t be afraid to ask us for a second opinion.
– Jeremy
You make a good point- I think deep inside it is human nature to want to stay in what feels comfortable to people. I will definitely ask for a second opinion. I try and keep an open mind- like work on projects that may not be what I eventually want to do- but it is still creative. Like, filming a small historic business in Syracuse- a hair salon that has been there for a long time. It is interesting to me and hopefully I might be able to ask for pay. I am still shy about asking people to pay me for videography/editing freelance work. It’s hard to know how to approach it. Believe it or not- I am great at just coming up and talking with businesses, people who are professional. I am great at talking with these people and actually getting them to agree to be filmed.
Do I ask for some pay when working with businesses that wouldn’t mind a promotional video made of their business? Another thing I do also is film everything that may seem interesting. Even if it sounds dumb. For me, the more you film the better you get at it. I don’t say that I am in to “Documentaries” or “Narratives” or “TV”- Hell, I like trying EVERYTHING.
Friday- our first day after bootcamp ended I went White Water Rafting for the first time with a group of my husbands work buddies. I took my “Go Pro” because it’s water proof and filmed it. We’re talking a level 4 rapid. Niagra falls is a level 5, so it was sort of hard core- 10 feet drops. Crazy. Unfortunately, we didn’t get al the footage we hoped for because the water proof encasing fogged and some of the footage was shaky. But, hey I’m now editing it and will give it to his work as a fun video that shows the activity we did. It’s stuff like that- I do just because I feel that is how we need to be. I have friends in Los Angeles- one that is an editor and have been doing it for years (edits tv shows). He shoots stock footage and actually makes good money selling it on the side.
Stuff like that- you don’t expect to do it and at first you are picky, but then you learn quickly in this rough economy not to be picky. Maybe some people know what they like and don’t like and they feel that they can be choosy. But, for me- I love all aspects of this industry. I love feature films, short form, narrative, documentaries, tv, web-episodes, filming extreme sports- I love all of it and am willing to do any of it.
Moral of my rant: I guess with this year ahead- I am keeping an open mind and a positive attitude.