A Common Misconception

There is a rather common misconception that I have recently taken note of as I've tried to explain to people what I'll be studying for my Masters. I tell them I'll be doing film studies, and they usually reply with "Oh, wow! Well, remember us when you're famous!" or "Cool! So we will look for your name in the credits of the next big movie" and other variations upon that theme. The thing is, I won't actually be making movies in my degree. I'll be studying them, rather like someone getting an art history degree would study art, not actually make art. That's not to say that I'm giving up on making movies. I've been told by some people that I have talent at making movies (directing mostly). Oddly enough, none of these encouraging people were my professors at BYU. In fact, most of them steered me away from production and towards film studies. When people find out ill just be watching films, not making them, I can tell they're thinking "ugh, how booooring! You want to spend the rest of your life writing papers?" That's when I think, "They're right! You started down this path to MAKE movies! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?" That's when I have to remind myself of a few things. I do love film studies, don't get me wrong - sometimes I think there's nothing I'd rather be than the worlds foremost expert on film musicals. But I have to remember that didn't love being on set, at least in the capacities I found myself. I was never in any artistic positions - mostly managerial. Of course, student productions work differently than "real" productions, and I do love directing and writing. I just had friends who craved being on set, craved getting back out there to make more movies, while I never have had that drive. I like making something here and there, but not full time and not enough to sacrifice normal life.

The real point to make - to myself and those around me - is that making movies doesn't have to stop because I'm studying movies. I can still write and such in my spare time. The trick is actually doing it.

Anyway, just thought I'd clear that up. I will probably never be famous, but I will always be in love with movies.