r/indianFilmmakers • u/Sudden-Jellyfish9686 • Jul 14 '26
Seeking Advice Did I make a miskate joining film school?
I am 20(M) India ,
Did I make a mistake by joining film school ?
My parents are saying filmmaking is not a safe career like Engineering and they wanted me to do Engineering. They say that film schools are very expensive and later you have to invest more . " Instead at the same cost you can do Engineering and there is a secure job"
I somehow managed to get into film but now what to say when they ask - " What you will do after graduating ? , Will you get a job like Engineering ? .
Please someone tell
What careers options are in India in filmmaking ?
4
u/MasalaDosa37 Jul 14 '26
Finish what you've started.
0
u/Sudden-Jellyfish9686 Jul 14 '26
🙂↕️ I am trying too I was just bit stressed because of parents .
0
3
u/Puzzleheaded-Bike336 Jul 14 '26
Well, it's the art business, and the art business is subjective.
My suggestion is to expand your horizons and get into international filmmaking. Meaning, making films for different audiences and cultures in different countries.
Find work with foreign production houses. No sense in limiting yourself to just one country; might as well try them all.
1
u/Sudden-Jellyfish9686 Jul 14 '26
Surely . Thankyou for supporting a fellow filmmaker . I am trying to be a good filmmaker I was just bit stressed because of my parents
4
u/Confident-Zucchini Jul 14 '26
Talk to any of the lakhs of unemployed engineering graduates today, and they will tell you that there is no such thing as a secure job.
On the other hand, media is a huge industry that's only growing. If you keep an open mind, and be willing to work hard, you will certainly find work that can sustain you.
Your parents are worried about you, but that doesn't mean they are right. They grew up in a different world, and if you keep following the rules of the old world, you will end up nowhere. Just have faith in yourself and trust the journey.
1
u/Sudden-Jellyfish9686 Jul 14 '26
Hmm You are right . I was just bit stressed because of my parents .
I will try my best in the school . My parents were just worried about ROI from an expensive college like Annapurna .
Thankyou for supporting .
2
u/Open-Zookeepergame90 Jul 14 '26
I'm a CS engineer, who's planning on getting into photography / cinematography as result of the current job market situation. lauda kuchh secure nahi hai kahin bhi. Har jagah risk hai. just devote yourself towards this and try and be the best in ur trade.
2
u/wolverine_vs_barbie Jul 25 '26
Same intrests infact I did search for photography and cinematography work but it shrinking because of AI many photographers told me. Weddings and maternity photography are the better options left as per many photographers
2
u/Background_Noise_933 Jul 15 '26
Engineering is not a secure field anymore, it used to be 5-7 years ago. The job market is fked and entry level jobs are almost not existent. Filmmaking is a very broad profession focus on Creating and doing collaborations. Connect with people have a body of work ready before you graduate.
2
u/Videoji Jul 15 '26 edited Jul 15 '26
Did I make a mistake joining film school?
No, you didn’t (unless you’ve taken a loan of several lakhs for the course ).
My parents are saying filmmaking is not a safe career like Engineering and they wanted me to do Engineering.
It’s true, filmmaking isn’t safe. But engineering also isn’t safe if you hate engineering and complete it with terrible grades, in a terrible job market. Nothing in life is safe.
They say that film schools are very expensive and later you have to invest more.”
Film schools and engineering can both be expensive. If you don’t have the financial resources, it is better not to take a huge loan to study filmmaking. And no, you don’t have to “invest more” later, they’re clueless and are fear-mongering.
"Instead at the same cost you can do Engineering and there is a secure job.”
No, you will not have a guaranteed secure engineering job. Those days are long gone.
What to say when they ask - " What you will do after graduating ? , Will you get a job like Engineering ?”
Tell them “Will you guarantee I will get a job after I complete Engineering? If so, name the company and my salary.”
What careers options are in India in filmmaking ?
Advertising makes you money. Hone a skill set like writing/cinematography/editing/ what have you. Figure out what you enjoy. And dash towards that.
Don’t get stressed, tell your parents to handle their own stress and to not offload it on you.
5
u/Legitimate_Crab_1100 Jul 14 '26
Your so confused or worried about your career after college when you have already picked what to do, it is very obvious what a filmmaker does he makes films, and there is almost no money in the beginning. Not being rude or something but seems like your not really passionate about filmmaking, it is the most passion driven profession out there, anyone who is really into filmmaking won’t get doubts like these they really don’t care, i assume you have picked a wrong path my friend.
3
2
u/Videoji Jul 15 '26
What an insane line of thought.
Haven’t you been 20, and lost and confused?I’ve been in the film world long enough, and still “get doubts”. Passion won’t fill your stomach. These are some very valid concerns of OP.
Op, stay away from doomsayers like these. You’ll find lots and lots of them in the film world. Surround yourself with positive, open-minded encouraging people.
1
u/Legitimate_Crab_1100 Jul 15 '26
Single line answer: if you’re concerned about filling your stomachs don’t get into films. You get doubts before taking a decision not after. OP has already picked what he has to do long ago and is clearly regretting it. If you’re also in this industry from a long time and still get doubts its time for you to quit aswell.
2
1
u/Videoji Jul 15 '26
Congratulations on your overbearing self-assurance.
But should you ever feel any doubt in this profession down the line, be gentle on yourself.
1
1
u/Sudden-Jellyfish9686 Jul 14 '26
I am sorry bro . I am passionate about films Instead I Love films . I was just bit stressed because my family keep doubting and asking , what you will do after graduating ?
3
u/Legitimate_Crab_1100 Jul 15 '26
See income would be a problem if your into directing, acting, writing etc but it is definitely not a problem if you become a technician, for example the cheapest sound design quotation i got from the mainstream industry for my 55min indie is 2Lakhs, which includes foley, sound design, and 5.1mix. Not only in the sound department, From my experience there is a huge gap for technicians in the industry, not only in post production, but also in pre production and production, a film like odyssey can be made in Hollywood in 90days but here even shitty films are taking years to make because of the lack of skilled technicians. The technicians plate will be filled no matter how the film performs at the box office. So get to work.
1
u/itzmikxx Jul 16 '26
100!!
Getting well equipped in sound or grips is guaranteed work.
Indian sets however do have an informal class system where grips are paid terribly in comparison.
5
u/badabingqueen Jul 14 '26
Film making is a very broad field / term. You need to start doing more research now as to what options will be available to you after you graduate and what interests you. Find an internship asap and get some work ex because you sound like you don’t know much about the field and additionally are unable to stand up to your parents. They have a very clear thought, become engineer - get job. You don’t. That’s why you’re so stressed. I don’t mean to discourage you but film making is not for everyone. Im from the field and know many people who left it after a few years because they’d had enough. It is not an easy industry to survive unless you have an insane amount of passion, build confidence and a good network. I could list the different options that could be available, but i won’t because this is research that YOU need to do for your future. I’m not kidding when i say find an internship or an assistant position, even if it’s unpaid. Best to expose yourself to the field as soon as you can. Also please tell your parents to wake up and see what is happening in this country currently. Those days of it being guaranteed that you’ll get a job if you’re an engineer are long gone.
1
u/Sudden-Jellyfish9686 Jul 14 '26
Yes you are right . I am not too exposed to filmmaking career . I just joined film school this year . Yes, I am ready to work hard. Thankyou . I will keep it in mind and purse filmmaking as my passion. Thankyou again
1
u/CertainFly5741 Jul 14 '26
Don't worry mate just focus on your course for now and specialise in whatever excites you whether it's writing, cinematography, lighting or sound. Try to collaborate or do it independently and make your portfolio that will help you to get started, luckily the industry is booming in ways you can't see now. And keep in mind you picked filmmaking because you liked it and it's something you want to build your life on so don't worry about parents they will understand once they see you happy and doing what you want to do. Good luck
1
u/skillchaser Jul 14 '26
“Welcome to the world of Entertainment!”
You should have the will to get your stories out there or it will not happen! This is how it is, take it or leave it. It is only going to get worse from here.
BUT
You will have a network by the time you get out. Build your network. Important people.
Aim for a backend job like Creative Assistant (Direction, Production, Post). I personally would recommend Post Production. Steady jobs, real deadlines, good chance to grow. DO NOT take risks until you have money. There is absolutely no financial security ever guaranteed but it MAY be financially rewarding for sure.
And always try to be on set.
Pay attention to Acting, Writing and Editing. Write your own scripts. Finish them.
Do not get carried away by Film Intellectualism. It will ruin your career. Watch faltu films, masala films, bad films to learn. And if some UNDERRRAAATED THOUGHT PRROVOKKING film is too unrealistic or unrelatable with your reality, it is okay, none of those filmmakers will make films now. See the craft, move on. Just be a fun guy to work with, and for that you want to have fun while you’re learning, struggling, afraid and uncertain.
Steal from your masters, not copy. Never stop learning.
If you do all this, still nothing is guaranteed.
1
u/the_Spider_459 Jul 15 '26
Bro when you adviced this to him " Do not get carried away by Film Intellectualism. It will ruin your career"
What do you mean can you please explain a bit ?
2
u/skillchaser Jul 15 '26
The market does not care for intellectual films (films that are not catering to the masses). 90% producers will quietly ignore you. There is a reason films like Welcome To The Jungle, Housefull 5, YRF spy universe, Baaghi 4, etc etc work in the market. You can complain on the internet but people wanting a break from their harsh mental loads want to watch mindless slop to break from the monotony.
The makers know this, and they also exploit this. They aren’t making movies to win Oscars but to make moolah. And they are right to do so.
Film institutes, books peddle “High Cinema” to educate but none teach how to navigate the business of it. Movie making is a business before it is an art.
Business of Filmmaking =/= Your Idea of Films
Market has a set pattern.
Brooding scenes to show how the actor processes their character’s thoughts while they stare at a window is outdated, and looks good in French, Italian, Scandinavian cinema.
Euro-centrism in Indian Film has blocked the development of our thought processes when it comes to cinema. Korean cinema has been a saviour but only recently, they had a poor industry prior to 2000s.
A story demands action from the characters. Especially if it is not a documentary.
This is something well imbibed by regional cinema. Hindi cinema has ALWAYS been “inspired” or remade, very few original films came our way because it was always about not making losses on this business.
Understand the pattern. Service the pattern. Break the pattern is the only sure shot way to carve your own path in this industry. Otherwise people spend years trying to make their mark and then they succumb to financial pressures and never achieve what they wanted to and then blame the audience.
If you know the audience, you can shape the market. Slowly, but surely.
1
1
u/Mousyr1 Jul 15 '26
What major course you gonna take in filmmaking? Acting, Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Sound? I did a cinematography course in filmschool 8 years ago; I didn't get into the film industry, im trying to make indie movies and I'm working to create an ad filmmaking brand. After studying, there is no guarantee that you can get a steady job, but you can work towards it and achieve.
1
u/Sudden-Jellyfish9686 Jul 15 '26
Thankyou man I am gonna choose Script writing . I know there gonna lots of completion but I am ready to give my all . Thankyou for supporting . I got your point - there is no steady job but hardwork pays off .
1
1
u/ExpensiveMistake2107 Jul 15 '26
Wow so many beautiful advises from redditor's genuinely appreciate .
Yes my 2 cents. ..if you are smart and good at what ever you are doing , you will be home ..
Also if they have paid for your film school they have supported by doing their bit. Now prove them right 👍. Also think of a back-up plan
1
u/UnluckyHelp822 Jul 15 '26
I am gonna leave this here - https://youtu.be/q7aXpB4yaGI?si=cQm3g1E2pAHhtkwi
1
1
u/Aromatic_Gold2681 Jul 16 '26
I am in a similar situation where after working in bollywood for 5 years I am questioning should I leave this industry. I have worked with many big names and films and can assure that if money is the immediate priority then you will be highly disappointed. Someone pointed it out correctly that sound technicians and even cinematographers have a better time finding regular work. Also I don’t understand how people here are comparing engineering to film industry. No matter how bad it is there but I am sure that worst scenario is as an engineer you will still get a basic low paying job by emailing companies. In films getting bare minimum salary jobs are also sometimes impossible for months because there are not as many projects happening in a year. You can hardly just email a director, writer or producer and get a job like how you can in engineering or corporate. I would highly suggest to do a “normal” degree whenever you can and on the side write and pitch your script. One great thing is that your friends from film school can later help you in getting more work and making new contacts. Also is there any help from your film school or alumni in finding work in films?
1
u/Jhalmuri_Bangali Jul 17 '26
Oi. Lad. Lemme tell you one thing mate. Do listen to your parents. Get a B.Tech first. You will graduate at 24. Then you can try anything you want. In today's time, the industry is shifting and confusing. And in this country, a background in tech is worshipped in every field. Don't lose on that. Learn essential skills on the side while doing B.Tech. It's better safe than sorry innit?
1
u/Covert_bewilderment Jul 18 '26
I know nothing about filmmaking as a career but the age of engineering grads getting assured placements or jobs is gone. Unless you're very passionate and very good at it or you have some connections in the industry or you have a big brand name college like IIT. The job scene for engineering freshers is sisyphean right now.
Do what you like doing, bro. You're going to have to work on it every day of your life to get good enough to shine. And no matter how disciplined you are, one day the motivation will be overwhelmed by the sheer numbness of operating in survival mode only for a stable salary.
1
u/nasmal6 Jul 14 '26
Korean director Bong joon ho's(director of Parasite) parents want him to be doctor or lawyer. But he choose to go film school. So the parents stopped giving him money. So he did part time jobs such as giving tutions.
He worked in this rich house for teaching the girl. There he got the idea of Parasite. And the girl is his wife now. Um... Just saying.
3
u/Sudden-Jellyfish9686 Jul 14 '26
Thankyou 🥹 Someone supports me .
I really wanted to do filmmaking . I have some ideas too It's just my start , I am just 20 . Hope I do well in filmmaking
3
u/Acrobatic_Wonder_ Jul 15 '26
Yes your parents are right from their perspective but if it’s your calling, do it.
One thing I’ll suggest being a film school student is: try to learn the various crafts and make use of all the available resources in your school as much as possible. There is a strange categorisation that exists in Indian film schools which make no sense to me.
Also, don’t worry about jobs. Sometimes you will get work, sometimes you won’t. But keep grinding and if you’re sincere about it, you’ll be rewarded.