Advice To Film School Graduates From A Film School Graduate

"Wax on. Wax off."

1. Don't Panic

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Graduating with a film degree can seem like career suicide sometimes but that's just the graduation anxiety kicking in. When you start thinking about how maybe you should have studied something safer, just remember how much fun you had doing homework and projects and think about how that could be your career!

Enjoy what time you have left as a student and begin thinking about what part of the industry you hope to pursue. Take mental notes and begin working on your resume and reels since that will be what makes you stand out from the rest.

2. Save Money

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If you want to survive pursing your dreams to be the next big thing in the film industry, you're gonna need to start saving your money so you can get your feet off the ground. I recommend working the entire summer and saving your money before thinking about where you would like to move and hustle.

3. Time To Move

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Choose a city! This is a fun part of the beginning of your journey. Most people choose either Los Angeles or New York but if comedy is your thing, then Chicago can be a good destination as well. I chose Los Angeles because of what my professors told me which is, "There are 100 jobs in L.A. to every 10 jobs in New York."

I grew up in New York and the idea of moving back home to pursue my dreams was quite sexy, but in the end I realized Los Angeles would be a learning experience I couldn't receive in New York. Therefore, I packed up the car when summer was over and headed west.

4. Keep Making Content

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There is a big difference from saying and doing, and in Los Angeles it is more true than maybe any other place. I couldn't tell you how many people say they're working on things or have something in the works when they really don't. If you wanna be a director, keep making shorts. If you wanna be a writer, write spec scripts for shows, pilots, and films. If you wanna be a comedian, get on stage or join an improv theatre. If you aren't working on your own projects while working entry level positions, you won't grow and will have nothing to show for yourself. If you think Quentin Tarantino or Stephen Spielberg sat around waiting for someone to give them an opportunity, you're crazy.

5. Network

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Networking is key in the entertainment business and it is all about who you know. You need to get yourself out there and sell yourself to whoever you can. You need to be a go-getter and someone who people would wanna hang out with as much as someone who can produce great work. If you come off as someone cocky or difficult to spend hours on end with, people will never hire you. So get out there and meet as many people as possible!

6. Collaborate

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Collaborating with others is just as vital as networking in this business. The people you work with on projects now are also people trying to be the next best thing, so befriending them is great way to make future connections and awesome friendships. You can build a tight group of friends while all supporting each other's ideas and careers... Doesn't that sound amazing!

7. Expect Failure

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This is a business filled with nos and very limited yeses. But all those nos are what make you strong and ready for when the big yes comes into your life. I moved to Los Angeles with no connections and took me four months to get hired at a studio after endless amounts of nos and rejections. But it made that yes the most satisfying yes I've ever received in my life and I'll never forget that moment.

8. Don't Give Up

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Don't ever play yourself! With no back up plan, that leaves no room for failure! It means you're willing to give it your all and never turn back until you attain your goals.