1. You constantly have new production ideas.
Anything can create a spark! Whether its a certain prop or a new inspiration, you're always thinking about how to make a movie (or how to start one).
2. You appreciate the classics.
Usually, you won't find a nine year old enjoying Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity (1944). Once you become a film major you're interested to see where it all started and even if you think the film is too slow or too long or too boring, you appreciate the effort it took to make that film.
3. You're always catching continuity errors in new movies.
Its both a blessing and a curse.
A blessing because you are hyper aware of what is going on on-screen-- the light was on in the first shot, but off in the third... even though no character turned it off. Spooky! Not really, just a continuity error.
A curse because you can no longer just sit and watch the movie without thinking about all the continuity issues!
4. For some reason, you always have to defend your art major.
I'm sorry, but do you think your favorite movie just thought up, filmed, and edited itself? Definitely not. Making a film takes a lot of work-- writing, rewriting, and rewriting again (x10000). You have to get a crew together for productions that can span years!!
We may not be constantly taking biochemical engineering tests or nursing exams, but we are working hard. And we most definitely put all of our time and effort into our projects-- and that's what makes them great.
5. So much equipment!
Lights, camera, grip kit, dollies, a different camera (!), five different lenses, sandbags, gel kit, headphones, boom pole, tripods, and more. Just think about the workout you get trekking around campus with all of this (expensive) equipment.
6. Viewing parties with your fellow film majors.
Don't get me wrong, we like to play a huge game of mini golf sometimes too, but we would probably rather a screening of a great movie (old or new).
7. You spend 10 hours in the editing lab.
There's a lot to worry about when editing a film (physically or digitally), and it takes a while! You might as well pack lunch and dinner because once you start editing, you'll likely be stuck there for a while.
8. People think you've seen every movie ever made.
Negative. Whenever people ask me if I've seen a movie, the answer is usually "I have not... but I should."
9. You beg your friends to be your actors.
If you can't manage to lockdown actual actors, you beg your friends instead. I usually offer to buy them donuts as payment.
10. You question your decision to be a film major.
People says it is not a safe choice... but this is your passion, and you will do anything to make sure your passion becomes your life's work.
