It’s always a brave decision to take on the world of the film industry, but when I tell people I’m a film major, I get the same questions over and over. Although I don’t mind talking about my future and what I want to do in life, I get asked the same questions all the time. Here are 10 questions film majors are tired of hearing.
“Don’t you just watch movies in all your classes?”
Yes and no. Many of the classes I take, we watch films but we also we analyze them. We look out for continuity, camera angles, background music ,etc... Like any other class, I take notes. However, they are not only on what the teacher says ,but details of the movie. Watching a film usually ends with a 2-3-page paper usually due the next class. Also, we don’t always watch the most exciting films; some are black and white, some are silent films, and even some foreign films.
This may seem like very innocent question, but chances are we don’t know yet (like most college students). We don’t know what we want to be because there are so many roles to choose from. And besides, figuring it out is the reason we are in college.
“So, do you want to be a director or something?”
No. No I don’t. As I stated before, there are so many roles that film majors can take on. Although some might want to be a director, 70% probably do not.
“Don’t you think that’s a hard field to get into?”
We do not need to be reminded that it is a hard field to be apart of. We are just focused on doing well in school, and making connections with our professors that will hopefully help us get into the field.
“How do you not know that movie? You’re a film major!”
I absolutely hate this question. Even though I am a film major, it does not mean I’ve watched every movie known to man (even very popular movies). However, if you recommend it, I would definitely put it on my long list of movies to watch.
“What made you want to do that?”
The same reason someone wants becomes a doctor or a teacher. I found interest in the film industry and I want to pursue a career in the field.
“I wish I had an easy major like you.”
We go to school just like you. We write papers, have tests, and apply to internships. We also have the extra assignments of creating films, planning, filming ,and editing that takes up so much extra time. Nothing is ever easy, and we work just as hard as anyone else.
“Why don’t you like that movie? It was so good.”
We don’t just watch movies; we analyze them. Every single shot and angle that goes on throughout the movie, we question why the filmmakers choose to do that certain action. Also, continuity is so important to us. We notice when a person was wearing nail polish in one scene and not it in another. Although this is a small detail to a non-film major ,we are taught to look out for these details. If we see too many errors or things that could've been better, it can be distracting from the actual movie. Whether or not we like a film, is our own opinion.
“What’s your favorite movie?”
There are so many movies that we love, so to choose only one would be a sin. I personally don’t have a favorite movie because I enjoy so many different ones from various genres.
So next time you think about asking one of these questions, just don't.
