May 18, 2018

Looking Back At Film School

Looking Back

When I look back on every milestone in my life, there is a large part of me that wishes I could go back in time and tell myself, "No, don't do this!" or "You have to do that!"

One moment that particularly sticks out is my transition from high school to college.

A Tiny Fish

I was the only one in my high school, or even my town, that made films. I was a big fish in a small pond. I was warned that when I got to college that I would be a tiny fish in an ocean. That perhaps I was the best in high school, but that in college everyone would be "the best."

I went to film school on the offence. I was so concerned with how my abilities compared to other people. I was afraid to fail, and because of that fear, I was cocky and kind of a jerk.

You do not have to be the best at your film school. Your personal excellence is entirely unrelated to anyone else's performance. No one in film school is your enemy, and you don't have to compete with them. You demanding yourself to strive for greatness is noble, but it's not life or death. Be okay with practicing and be fine with making crap because you will learn from it.

You don't go to film school to make great movies. You go to film school to learn how to make great movies.

(Thanks to friend Kevin Terrell for telling your story and encouraging filmmakers)

http://www.kevinterrell.net