Film School

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Hey guys,

I'm going into final year of an English/Film Studies degree, and I'm considering following that up with going to film school. Just wondering if there are any aspies here who've done that, and how did they find it?

I know I'd be good at the technical and artistic aspects, and I figure if I just use the same people over and over I can have a functioning cast and crew with whom I wouldn't be overly awkward, but the social aspect does freak me out slightly.


Stephen

Hi, Congrats on your upcoming degree.

I think you can learn the social aspects just like I've learned the social aspects of sales and tax prep, especially since there's a goal the group's moving toward and not just small talk (combined with a little zen such as letting a medium mistake just remain a medium mistake).

I've tried my hand at screenwriting from time to time. Actually I might be better cut out for journalistic writing. Please remember, most creative fields even if you have loads of talent still tend to be a bit of a long shot with lots of luck factors and external factors (of course as soon as I say this your only problem may be how to politely turn down projects and how not to feel too guilty about making so much more money than the average person, etc)

The social aspect shouldn't be what you base your decision on. Do you want to go to film school? Yes? Then go! Networking opportunities are brilliant there - I was offered a job once at the open day of a film school. What a great place to practice developing contacts!

People who work on films are a bit nuts anyway, so I fit right in. It might have just been some amazing good luck, but so far the actors I've worked with are awesome and usually respect wierdness, (especially if delivered with confience), and I have a sneaking suspicion that the majority of the guys behind the camera are Aspies.

So heck, go for it!

Thanks guys.

Yeah, I go to an art college, which is where the National Film School is housed, so I know a few of the students and a lot of them are pretty mad. I'm still undecided between film, or an MA in Screenwriting.

I like the point about socialising being based on a common goal (i.e. making the film). That's pretty true, I'd imagine.

Congratulations first of all. I'm in a similar boat. I'm at a film school too-while i enjoy the sense of community, I'm intimidated by the upcoming "group projects" and "collaboration" with others in the courses. I've always worked alone and find it difficult to work in a team setting. But I think it's great to personally grow and expand your horizons! Give it a try. If not you can always change your major or go to Screenwriting (that involves a lot more solo-work from what I hear and is quite therapeutic to do your own thing)

Don't pressure yourself-you can do it. Just take it day by day and see what feels right.

I'm at film school right now, and though the social aspect is tiring, its much easier than trying to make films on your own. (At least where I'm studying) they throw you into groups (which removes the awkward approaching people etc) because these programs are often fairly small you kind of have a set group from the get-go.
Also, I've heard multiple times, from people in the industry, cow-workers and professors that if you want to be in the film industry you just cannot be "normal" or things won't work out.