My Backup Plan and My Casting Post

Now that I’ve raved about the DFA, I do have one other admission… part of why I’ve been so busy this past month is that I am also applying for Ph.D programs in Literature, and Film. Before the horror sinks in that, despite my blog, I’m considering going back to school, I’ll explain my reasoning…

First of all, and in keeping with the No MFA philosophy, I decided a long time ago never to pay another dime for a degree. The vast majority of Ph.D. programs are fully funded, and I’m not applying to any programs that wouldn’t give me a free ride if accepted. Furthermore, I'm not applying to any Ph.D. programs that don't in some way tie into my goals. All the programs I've looked at, while they focus primarily on literature and writing, also give the option of a concentration in film/drama.

Second, my reasons for wanting a Ph.D., even though I’m trying to make it with my writing. Writing is still my dream and my goal, and I’m incredibly lucky in that I have this next half year or so to focus just on my writing and my dreams. But, as you all know, it’s a risky business. I’m going to be giving it my all and, hopefully, through the DFA, may even get freelance film work that could sustain me for however long I choose to go that route. However, if September rolls around and I still haven’t seen a lot of progress, I’d like to create other options for myself which could still give me a lifestyle that would allow me to pursue writing, while also offering more stability. My publishing job made it impossible to pursue anything else. A professor job, however, would make it fully possible to spend at least summers writing. You know the old saying, shoot for the moon because even if you miss you land among the stars? I’m shooting for a screenwriting career, but if I miss, I want a backup plan that, unlike my disastrous turn in publishing, gives me close proximity to the things I love and the flexibility to never stop pursuing the dream. For creative careers especially, I think it's important not to put all your eggs in one basket.

Now that you're all up-to-date on that, I want you to know that, as of this morning, I have put out my casting call for my short DFA film. I posted both on mandy.com, a good for-free site for all you student directors/producers out there, and also craigslist, even though the results from there are sometimes hit or miss. The Mandy post will be visible once approved, but in the meantime, here's the craigslist ad:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/tlg/2770783294.html

Feel free to send any amazing actors you know my way. :)

Living and Loving the DFA

You’d think that since leaving my job, I’d have more time to be posting, wouldn’t you? Well, my classes at the DFA are only part of why I’ve been pretty short on time… the other part of the equation I’ll get to in a future post.

First, the DFA. Classes started on November 21^st and typically take up 9-12 hours per week. What can I say about this program except that I absolutely love it? The school is unlike any other I’ve experienced.

For starters, I’m one in a class of 4, which means a lot of participation and hands-on learning. We learn literally all aspects of the film business, rotating between screenwriting, producing, directing, camera equipment, and lighting. Also, we’ll soon be getting to sound and editing. The professors are absolutely packed with knowledge and load us up with industry tips and advice. What’s also a huge, huge bonus - my other classmates.

Everyone in the class is serious about learning all there is to know about filmmaking. Another student, like me, started out as a writer, and has a feature script he’s determined to shoot this summer. Being a small group, we’ve really bonded, and all plan to partner together on one project after the next. Soon, we’ll be into our ‘finals’ – and each one of us will need to complete a short film with our class as our crew. I think that, already, we all trust each other to help us all achieve great results.

Another great thing about the DFA is that, once enrolled, you have a year-long membership to use all their equipment, and they try to hook you up with freelance jobs you can complete on their premises. This is just icing on the cake.

One last note, to any of you considering taking courses like these, another student in the class had taken a similar program at the New York Film Academy, and warned that their classes are so stuffed with students that he didn't always even get into classes (which, even with being enrolled, might fill up before you get there.) It's also more money than the DFA. I strongly recommend the DFA!

Right now, I’m finalizing my script for my short film project and will be putting out a casting call within the next few days… can’t wait to keep you posted!