Hey everyone,
Well let me first start by saying that I think this site is great, I really enjoy looking at people's time, effort and passion on this site. I have a couple ideas for films that I hope to post on this site in the future. Alright, now back to the post. Ok, I think I'm in a bad situation currently that I think will have an impact of my aspirations of being a screenwriter in the future. I am currently going to a small, liberal arts college in western Pennsylvania that pretty much has no film program. We have a broadcast communications program that I guess is legit and a film studies minor has been established this year, which I will definitely take up....but that's about it. Now I know you're probably thinking, "If he really wants to be a screenwriter and work in the film industry, why didn't he go to a Film school to begin with?" Well, I would of, if i had the chance. But my parents work at the college i go to, so that means free tuition...but that also means no other options. I've thought about what I want to do in the future. I was thinking about getting my 4 year degree here at school, then applying and hopefully getting into a film school after I graduate. I guess this all come downs to a couple questions...first, do you think that this plan would be at all possible, given the lack of film oriented classes and programs at my school? Second, how would I go about getting the most exposure to the film industry, given again, the circumstances I'm currently living in? I think I have good mindset to be a screenwriter, and I've already written several scripts...I just don't know what to do next. I know there's the age old cliche that states "if you really want something bad enough and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it, it'll happen", hopefully this will happen and I'm willng to work as hard as I can, but I feel as if now I'm tied down by things that are out of my control...please give me some direction...and confidence...thanks

Well if you want to be a screenwriter...you really don't have to go to film school. It doesn't really matter where in the country you are as well.

You just need to be able to write a good story. I'd focus on that for now - just keep writing and writing.

You can then take some screenwriting courses - this route is much cheaper than going to film school if what you would eventually like to be is a screenwriter.

Although film school is still a great experience and alot of fun if you would like to go to graduate school in a screenwriting program.

-Chris
Studentfilms.com

Thanks man...I'll definately keep on it.

I'm pretty sure as far as grad film schools go they are more interested in bringing varied life experiences into their programs vs. someone who has taken film classes. To my knowledge, there is usually no undergrad requierement for film classes as far as getting into grad film school goes.

I think grad might be good for you because it will give you a chance to experiment and more importantly, hook you up with collaborators.

If you already have screenplays, and that's what you want to do, sign up to imdbpro or get a subscription to the Creative Directory. Find out who the agents of the writers that you like are, and write them a letter asking to talk to the writer. If they say yes, then you can talk to this writer about how they got started, and about similar experiences you've both had, and how that affects how you both write. He can give you some good advice, and maybe even help you out on your story.

Also, you can join in online screenwriting contests, and if you win some of those, the prizes are usually time with a producer or established writer so you can get your name out.

I don't know if this is a good idea, but it seems like you'd want to major in english or something and just take film classes as electives.

I agree with dpete. I am kind of in the same boat as you, man. I am going to get a bachelor's degree in something other than film, and THEN go to film school. I would major in soemthing that makes you happy. Something that you would enjoy doing in case (not saying you won't, but in case) film doesn't work out for you. Then go to film school and have your experience. That way, you have a solid degree in something you enjoy, and you are actively seeking ways through film school to put out your name.