This past summer, I made a drastic change in my life. I finally decided to follow my heart and switch from an education major to film and television production, which has always been a dream of mine. I love my major and I'm so incredibly blessed to have my creative input included in projects. However, like every major, film and television majors have major cons. Here are 11 reasons why being a film major is actually the worst.
1. The ever-present “So how are you going to get a job?”
This is by far the worst thing to get asked as a film major. The painful truth is, in fact, the majority of film students won't ever end up working in the industry. I’ll let you know when I find out.
2. I have very big ideas, but a very, very small budget.
I have about five scripts that I want to produce but about $10 in my bank account.
3. The pesky student budget.
All of the budgeting for our projects comes from crowdfunding because of how hard it is to get money from the university. In return, we make literally zero profit off our projects. Yay!
4. People keep giving me script ideas and telling me to produce them.
Some of these are actually really good. Give me the money for the budget and I might help you out.
5. My parents are super concerned.
They were thrilled when I did my first year as an education major but then I dropped the “I’ve decided to switch to film production” bomb on them and now they are very concerned about my “future job” issue. Truthfully, they’ve been so supportive of me following my dream. Love you, Mom and Dad.
6. All of the major shaming.
“You're not pursuing a math or science based career? Are you suuuure you don’t want to try engineering or something?” Props to all of the people who are going through these STEM careers, but I know what I love and what I’m passionate about.
7. All of my actor friends ask me to cast them in future projects.
I love you guys, but I’m not your ticket to Hollywood. Heck, I’m not even my own ticket to Hollywood. We’re all in this crazy entertainment industry together, so let’s just embrace unemployment together. (But if by grace I make it to the big leagues, I’ll probably cast you).
8. My friends and family who aren’t actors ask me to cast them.
Five seconds ago, you were telling me that I’ll never have a job, so I’m very confused.
9. Even strangers ask to be casted.
Sir, I met you two seconds ago and sitting next to one another on this flight is a very awkward place for this conversation.
10. I haven't slept since 'Nam.
People tend to think that I have an incredibly laid back major, which couldn't be farther from the truth. For projects, you're constantly trying to write, edit and rewrite scripts, budget and make sure the cast and crew is sorted out and prepared. Most of this is done in the wee hours of the mornings because the majority of our day is spent on set dealing with other problems.
11. Despite all of this, I wouldn’t have it any other way
I’m so passionate about what I do and no low success rates or passive aggressive comments from my peers can deter me!
