Why Are So Many People Interested In Pursuing A Film Career?
In my book, “Film School & Beyond,” I start out by asking “Why are so many people interested in pursuing a film career?” I ask this question because I think it’s important to find out the true motivations behind the many young people entering the entertainment industry. As you will see in a moment, not everyone working in a film and TV career is there for the art and satisfaction of their work.
I asked this question to over three hundred film students from around the county… and today I will share some of their answers with you. While many of these students expressed the same ideas, there were a number of main reasons that really stood out for as to why so many young people are currently expressing an interest in a film or TV career. Here’s what they said:
Culture And Society
Film and media have become a very important and influential part of the American society. The images and characters that are portrayed often become defining elements of our culture. Young people today are conscious of the influence the film industry and other media industries have had on their lives and they see these industries as a way to have their voice heard and to possibly influence pop culture in their own unique way.
- Julie VanDenBerghe -
People want to be a part of the industry because media is always in our faces. We see it in magazines, in the newspapers, on the television, and on the Internet. It only makes sense that people would be interested in something that they see and hear about every day.
- Paula Zimmerman-Taylor -
Film, television, and the world of the visual are a central part of the way the public understands their world. We are educated and entertained by movies and television programming. Film and media are expanding in scope and power, and as this happens, more and more people begin wanting to become part of the movement.
- Elain Kovacs -
The Media
The media saturates every aspect of society. Media determines who we are, who we want to be, and how we act and react. As media and technology increases, it becomes ever more challenging and necessary to study its effects. We, as creators, have the ability to manipulate the media, thereby manipulating society.
- Michelle Centurinno -
People born after 1950 have grown up surrounded in film and media. It has now become nearly impossible to escape it. In some places, not even the restroom is a safe retreat from the bombardment of media generated images. Our current post-modern culture envelopes us in a clash of genres, television ads, and images that are constantly being recycled in what we watch, hear, wear and do. At the same time, with so many people trying to wear the latest clothes or follow the newest fad, films have allowed people to express their individuality and their voice. It is with both the yearning to be hear as an individual and with the saturated media culture we live in that we have generated the many factors that get people interested in a career in film/media.
- Mark Ahrens -
Communication
I think film has become the most popular art form of our time because if its effectiveness in communicating information. People are so undeniably influences by this art form that it only makes sense that a great deal of people would want to participate in what is influencing the current culture.
- Robert Warzecha -
Technology
I think that more people are interested in film and media today because personal video equipment has progressed to such a level that “home movies” can look almost professional. Video equipment has become extremely affordable – a few hundred to a few thousand dollars can get an amateur filmmaker all the equipment they need to make a movie. Twenty years ago, making a movie on your own would cost a fortune, but these days, just a small investment will allow practically anyone to make his or her own movie. With this incredibly advancement in technology, it’s easier than ever to uncover the basics of filmmaking.
- Aaron Ratzan -
Celebrity And Fame
We live in a celebrity obsessed society, and accordingly, your self value as a human being is based on how many people are aware of your existence or what you have created or helped create.
- Jonah Oskow -
I think the reason most people are interested in the film industry is because of the excitement, glamour, and creativity that the industry exudes. It seems as though every day is an adventure. Most jobs do not offer the possibility of seeing Tom Cruise, having a chat with Whoopi Goldberg, or getting into a confrontation with Bruce Willis.
- Jayne Maginot -
People enter the industry because they gravitate towards the promise of power, fame, and money. Entering the industry is a chance to be or be near celebrity.
- Trey Cartwright -
Money
I think the first thing that draws many people to the film industry is the illusion that there’s a great deal of money to be made. People don’t realize how difficult it is to make a profit in this industry, nor do they understand that there are a small percentage of people who receive those large earnings.
- Yvie Raij -
Sadly, I think most people who dream of a career in film and television do it for the money. They think they’ll be “the one,” get a quick start, and make millions out of the gate. What most people don’t realize is that one in a million make it… and that it takes another million just to get that one person there.
- Aaron Allen -
The Ideal Job
I honestly believe that people want to be a part of the film industry because of the glamour that it projects. Young people see stars going out in Hollywood and having fun and they see filmmaking as another way of getting in the door to the industry. Filmmaking doesn’t seem like a job to most people because it looks so pleasurable.
- Jessica Pollak –
People are interested in this industry because it’s a dream. It’s not only a dream to have your work shown on the big or small screen, but also a dream to be one of the few people who actually love their job. “If you have a job you love, you will never work a day in your life.” It’s a concept that is appealing to most, if not all people.
- JP Ouellette -
If you purchase a copy of “Film School & Beyond
As you will see in our future discussions here at FilmAndTVCareer.com, there is much more to the entertainment industry than what you see on TV.
Those that enter the industry with false intentions or unrealistic expectations will quickly fall to the wayside and give up. Those with true determination and purpose, however, will rise to the top as their passion and perseverance blasts the imposters out of the way.
Only you can determine whether or not the film and television industry is right for you.
Are you passionate about storytelling? Do you have something to say? Or are you simply looking for a high paying and high profile job? What do you think the main reason is that people are now deciding to enter the film and television industry?
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