I think that having Lance McDaniel here in class was a wonderful opportunity for our students. First and foremost I think they gained exposure to the film community that exists in Oklahoma which gave them hope that they can be a part of that community! And they had access to someone who could straightforwardly answer their questions about careers in film and video.
That being said, they still have more questions. So here you go, Lance!
1. What inspired you to start in the film industry?
2. Have you ever been discouraged in the industry, and how did you keep yourself motivated?
3. Is there a specific genre of film that you prefer to create? What is it, and why?
4. What is the best advice you would give to beginning filmmakers from your experiences?
5. What steps would you recommend taking to be more involved in the film community in Oklahoma, even for someone who doesn't have much experience?
6. Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? How do you see the deadCENTER Film Festival evolving in the next 5 years?
7. What is the best field in the Oklahoma film industry for a recent high school graduate to go into now, and how long will it take to start in that career?
8. What college or university in the Oklahoma City area would be the best choice to further my education in film and video production?
9. What exactly does a Script Supervisor do? How do you go about becoming one?
Thanks for the great questions.
ReplyDelete1. I loved movies more than anything as a kid. But, it took being an adult living overseas to realize that I did not want to spend the rest of my life doing anything but movies. So, I moved back to America, quit my job and started my life over. So far, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. The movies that inspired me most are Star Wars, Grease, My Own Private Idaho, The Mission and Shakespeare in Love.
2. Yes, I get discouraged everytime I run out of money and am staying home eating tuna while others my age are out eating or taking vacations. And, I get discouraged when I cannot raise enough money to make a film I believe in. But, working through disappointments is the only way to hone your skills and test yourself to make sure film is a dream worth following.
3. I like most genres and have gone where the work is. But, I prefer comedies, independent dramas and musicals. But, again, I work on what is available at the time.
4. Best advice - start writing short scripts now and write as many as you can, even one a month. Once you get good at it, start making your own shorts. The people who succeed are the people who are doing it whether someone is paying them or even paying attention or not.
5. Volunteer at the deadCENTER film festival so you can meet other filmmakers and see great films. And, join any filmmaking groups you read about so you can work for free on other people's projects. I have learned something on EVERY project I have been a part of, many for free.
6. In five years, I hope to still be leading deadCENTER. And, I know that we will attract bigger crowds, screen more ground breaking films, and bring more industry folks involved in distribution and investing to Oklahoma to meet the next generation of awesome filmmakers. We hope to expand the film festival in a way that mirrors the great diversity of the state.
In the next ten years, I hope to still be living in Oklahoma City, making and working on awesome movies and staying involved with the deadCENTER Film Festival either as Executive Director or as a volunteer serving a new amazing ED.
7. The best field for a high school student to go into now is whatever that student is passionate about. Production jobs are the most likely to get as entry level jobs and lead to a great career path. But, grip, electric, camera, art dept, wardrobe and make up all have interns and PAs, So, you should go where your heart leads you. You can always write, direct and produce your own shorts on the side.
8. There are several great colleges in the OKC area for film. To me, the strongest four year program is OCU because they are the most integrated with production and theory. OCCC is the strongest two year program with the best equipment and studio and a great track record for people getting hired in technical and crew positions. That said, OU has great professors and three good programs related to film. And, many of the other schools like UCO and OC have strong communication departments that teach film related classes.
9. A script supervisor makes notes on every take of every shot and keeps track of what was actually said, what action was done when, what shots are still needed, what the director prefers from each shot and often helps with screen direction issues. The best way to learn it is to take a class, read books about it and try to intern for a script supervisor on commercials, videos or anything they will let you observe and help.