Here is my situation. I graduated from from the Rochester Institute of Technology in fine art photography in 2003. Since then I've moved to Los Angeles and have been working as a digital printer printing gallery shows for other artists and photographers as well as working on my own personal photo projects. Printing is not really where I want to be (though it offers me great access to printers and scanners and artists), neither is commercial photography and though I love still photography I don't feel this is where my heart truly lies. My passion is for film pure and simple. I love the cinema, everything about it. I watch everything I can get my hands and love to absorb every frame, love to be moved by the story, love to analyze the cinematography, the editing, the color balancing, music, acting, direction...everything. Nothing fills me with as much joy as when I'm sitting in the dark watching a great film. I've always wanted to be a part of it and for some reason didn't take the path of going to film school as an undergrad. Now I'm 26 and have come to the conclusion that film is what I want to do with the rest of my life. Sure at some point I think I'd love to direct and make my own movies. Right now I'd be really happy to handle the visuals and work with other creative film loving people.
So my question, where do I go from here? I'm looking at graduate schools, trying to figure out what to do till school starts and trying to figure out how to learn the most I can about film production and cinematography. What would be the most productive avenue of approach? (I wouldn't be able to start school till fall 2006 if I get in) Should I quit my job and just start working as a PA? Is there anybody I should talk to or any place I should try to get a job or volunteer my time? What schools should I be looking at and what should I be doing in the mean time to better my chances of getting in?
I'm a very passionate and hard working person and I'm very excited to start this new phase of my life. My current job has left me pretty bored, I want to throw myself into this and do all I can before school. I own a canon GL2 which I use for personal projects and daily videoing (still haven't made a full blown movie with it yet...) Could this come in handy to possibly get some no to low paying DP gigs for practice?
I know this was a long post but I have many questions and concerns. I really appreciate anyone who took the time to read this and thank in advance anyone who can give me some help or advice. Thanks so much!
Todd
