Pratt Institute

[temper45]

Hey..

I've posted earlier but did not recieved any note..
However, do anyone have good info about Pratt, NY
film programs..??

I know they are known for Architect, Industrial design.. fine arts.. etc..

but I really need to find trasferable film school in NYC...

thanks guys..

jun son

 

[temper45]

Hey..

I've posted earlier but did not recieved any note..
However, do anyone have good info about Pratt, NY
film programs..??

I know they are known for Architect, Industrial design.. fine arts.. etc..

but I really need to find trasferable film school in NYC...

thanks guys..

jun son

 

[Outta Left Field Productions]

Listen, yes I've heard some good things about Pratt in Brooklyn, NY. As I understand they do have a good film program.

I went to the School Of Visual Arts or SVA for 2 yrs. It's another excellent choice. You get to shoot on 16mm Bolex in your first year though it's MOS (no sound) at first. Unlike NYU where you are taught theory first and have to wait til your second or 3rd yr before you get to hold a camera. I recommend SVA and it's cheaper than NYU. I'm not sure about Pratt Institute. It's on 23rd st, if I remember correctly between 2nd and 3rd avenues. Near Baruch college. Good luck, choosing.

A little advice, instead of spending all that money on school just go shoot a movie on MiniDV and forget about film school. Get the book by RObert Rodriguez, "Rebel Without a Crew". It's a great read and very inspiring. It tells you don't need film school. Take the money and shoot a movie. Get that book. Sometimes schools can stunt your creativity by making it seem so complicated and difficult. They teach you a lot of how you can't do without this or that in order to make a movie. Save money and save time by starting now.

Like Robert Rodriguez said, "So you wanna be a filmmaker?! No, you are a filmmaker the moment you decide that's what you want to do."

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life, which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours"
---- Henry David Thoreau

 

[temper45]

yes.. I did applied for SVA and that was my choice to go at very first... I spent 1yrs in Academy of Art College SF... but I feel the need to go back to NY...

At this point I've got to wait unitl next fall to enroll to SVA... and I can still attend Pratt
by this winter...

That's why I asked Pratt... since I have concern about getting out of college as soon as possible..

However, Yes, I feel better being in SVA than Pratt... We'll see..

Thanks..

jun son

 

[NotaMono]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Outta Left Field Productions:
A little advice, instead of spending all that money on school just go shoot a movie on MiniDV and forget about film school. Get the book by RObert Rodriguez, "Rebel Without a Crew". It's a great read and very inspiring. It tells you don't need film school.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The book has great advice, and is very inspiring, if you still live in 1992. The world has changed and you need to recognize that Rodriguez's path to success is not necessarily the wisest (Much less only) road to take in 2003. Do read the book, but know that 10,000,000 other Joe Schmoes with DVX 100's and Final Cut Pro systems have read it too, and they're all just positive that they're going to "make it" as one man/woman shows who buck the system by not going to film school. RR and Steve Jobs remind me of the real-estate infomercial midgets at 2 A.M. getting rich off of other people's greed.

Realize that film school can teach you a lot of things. Also realize that you still know nothing once you finish film school, should you decide to go. REALLY realize that you don't know jack squat after reading "Chicken Soup for the Soul Without a Crew." Filmmaking is a lifelong journey whether you do it for a career or as a hobby. It is not something that is learned in 10 minutes nor can it be masterd by anyone with $14.95 and a map to Barnes & Noble.

I don't mean for this post to come off as cynical. I'd just hate to see talented people go to waste in front of their G5's because Robert Maud Dib-ez told them it would be liberating.

Nota "Awaits innevitable reprisal" Mono

[This message was edited by NotaMono on October 24, 2003 at 12:21 PM.]

 

[Outta Left Field Productions]

Ok Mr. Notaall,

Obviously there have been changes in the industry since Rebel without a crew was published. It is painfully clear to anyone with common sense and maturity that the book is not a road map to be followed to the letter. Rodriguez says it himself in the book. Anyone who reads the book is not going to follow the exact approach Rodriguez chose to make his film. His experience is merely intended to serve as an example to illustrate how the average joe, even with minimum resources like Rodriguez, can make a film if they wanted to bad enough.

Regarding film schools, all you've done is proven my point about how much easier it is now to make films today than it was 11 years ago without having to go to film school. And how much more relevant his experience is in 2003.

You need to realize that if you didn't read the book, you have no grounds in tearing it down. Try being informed next time. Your opinion is insignificant at this junture. And if you did read the book, your ADD prevented you from retaining that Rodriguez himself states (paraphrasing) that there's more than one way to make it in this business. That his way is not the only way.

Furthermore you contradict yourself nota, you're also saying that and I quote, "Realize that film school can teach you a lot of things. Also realize that you still know nothing once you finish film school, should you decide to go." So what's your stand? How old are you?! 16!

save yourself the money and shoot your movie now, is all Rodriguez is saying. Don't let anything deter you. What's wrong with that? And whether everyone and their mothers choose to pickup their camcorders and decide to become filmmakers is irrelevant. All it means is that there's more crap being put out by more people and also people who didn't think it possible to do, can. Ever the more reason to seek inspiration from reading his and any book that provides positive reinforcement.

The odds are against anything you try in life that takes some kind of effort and poses a challenge. One of those obstacles is blocking out naysayers such as yourself, nota.

What positive input could you have possibly provided this young man by being so negative?!

If you have nothing positive to add, shut up!

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life, which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours"
---- Henry David Thoreau

 

[NotaMono]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Outta Left Field Productions:
What positive input could you have possibly provided this young man by being so negative?!

If you have nothing positive to add, shut up!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My point was not trying to be negative. I was simply trying to suggest that he shouldn't slash film school off the list 'o' possibilities as you had (Seemingly) done before me. Forgive me if I mis-interpreted that. I can see how I came off as cynical (Which I thought I addressed at the end of my initial post). I have no desire to scare anyone away from filmmaking. I think we can all agree that it's a calling and we're all in it for the long haul regardless of whatever obstacles we might come across. I would simply encourage (most) people to embrace the concept that filmmaking is best as a collaborative art.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Outta Left Field Productions:
It is painfully clear to anyone with common sense and maturity that the book is not a road map to be followed to the letter. Rodriguez says it himself in the book. Anyone who reads the book is not going to follow the exact approach Rodriguez chose to make his film.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Indeed, but most people who read the book, don't take it that way (Maybe they lack 'common sense and maturity'). The fact that this book comes up like clockwork whenever the subjects of film school or 'how do I make it' come up that I'm forced to believe that the Rodriguez approach has become a mantra whether he intended it to be or not (Which he obviously didn't as you rightfully pointed out). I'm glad you didn't take it that way, but in my experience 99% of the people who cite this book as inspiration do. I probably shouldn't assume that future readers would arrive at that conclusion, but in all fairness I did still suggest that people should read the book.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Outta Left Field Productions:
His experience is merely intended to serve as an example to illustrate how the average joe, even with minimum resources like Rodriguez, can make a film if they wanted to bad enough.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There's nothing untrue about your statement here, but it's still a bit misleading. Most people don't buy Rodriguez's book to find the inspiration to make a movie, they buy it to find the inspiration to make a movie that will make them rich and successful (Obviously not true in ALL cases, as I'm sure it's not true in yours). However, this is precisely what has changed in the last 10 years. 'El Mariachi' found success because it was a novelty (A la Blair Witch Project). I'd argue that neither of those movies would find the same success if they were made today. That's all theory though so feel free to disagree, I think it could be an interesting debate in and of itself.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Outta Left Field Productions:
You need to realize that if you didn't read the book, you have no grounds in tearing it down. Try being informed next time. Your opinion is insignificant at this junture.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Given, I read the book in 1997 and could be hazy on the finer details (Damn ADD!) but I'm more concerned with the overall effect the book seems to have had on the next generation of filmmakers than what it may have intended. It seems to me that 'Average Joe' got the ego but not the important stuff. Maybe that's just here in L.A. It also occurs to me that both of our opinions are insignificant at this juncture (Being that temper45 was simply trying to get info about Pratt Institute).

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Outta Left Field Productions:
Furthermore you contradict yourself nota, you're also saying that and I quote, "Realize that film school can teach you a lot of things. Also realize that you still know nothing once you finish film school, should you decide to go.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The contradictory statements, and their proximity to one another, require some abstract thought to understand. Yes, you learn a lot in film school (Depending on where you go). And.... once you get out all that knowledge becomes instantly useless for someone on the ground floor of the film biz, BUT it can be invaluable as you develop as a filmmaker down the road.

Personally, all the knowledge I acquired during film school was of no help when I got out. However, it has started to make itself very useful as I work on more and more films. I apologize if that still doesn't make any sense. I find this particular concept a bit hard to put into words (My bad).

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Outta Left Field Productions:
How old are you?! 16!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll thank you not to question my maturity level if you're going to respond to my valid difference of opinion with personal attacks (I might also add that there are some fairly mature 16 year olds on this board). I'm happy to continue this debate with you if you can abstain from such malevolence. Colorful wording in support of your argument is fair game, though .

Nota "Know it all" Mono

 

[Hoeks]

*NYU commercial*

In sophomore year, you shoot 5 16 mm films, help on 20 others, you shoot 5 multi camera TV projects in Studio and help on 36 others...it is also called NYU BOOTCAMP

You see, you will work on more than 50 projects in 2 semesters PLUS on upper class big budget (5000-50000 dollar) films if you want.

*fanboy commercial is over*

My tip: Go to SVA or smaller school for one year, do some 16mm shooting and a lot of liberal arts courses, then transfer as a sophomore to NYU

 

[PSO Colon]

quote: I'll thank you not to question my maturity level if you're going to respond to my valid difference of opinion with personal attacks (I might also add that there are some fairly mature 16 year olds on this board). I'm happy to continue this debate with you if you can abstain from such malevolence. Colorful wording in support of your argument is fair game, though. end quote.

Nota, I don't understand some of your responses to OLFP. I didn't see that he was being so malevolent as opposed to returning some of your cynicism. He made some very good points. Robert Rodriguez's book has inspired me in ALL of the ways you both mentioned. The way it affects different people is a personal thing, don't you think? Also, are you assuming that his wording is merely colorful, that he can't write that well. You sure took some time dissecting his response and coming back with your own. Yes, this is a message board and we definitely need to respect each other's opinions. However, I don't see a need to OVER opinionate, especially when it's based on assumptions. Let's try to stick to the subject matter... and the FACTS.

 

[NotaMono]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PSO Colon:
Nota, I don't understand some of your responses to OLFP. I didn't see that he was being so malevolent as opposed to returning some of your cynicism.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My only problem with OLFP's post (Which was quite good and well thought out overall) was that he felt the need to take personal digs at me. Admittedly, his barbs were very mild and were probably intended more as colorful wording than a real attack ("What am I, 16?"). Malevolent is probably (Ok definitely) too strong of a wording to describe such comments, but I feel it's important to attack the position and not the debater. I'm sure that OLFP and I would agree with each other on most other things and would probably get along great in person. I'll retract the "malevolent" statement as you are correct about it's inaccuracy.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PSO Colon:
Robert Rodriguez's book has inspired me in ALL of the ways you both mentioned. The way it affects different people is a personal thing, don't you think?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Absolutely. I'd be lying if I said I didn't owe something to the book myself. I had made a total of one short at the time that I read it and I still suggest people should pick it up. I only jumped in to counter the notion that one should replace film school with the book. A whole filmmaking culture has developed around the mis-interpretation of Rebel Without A Crew. Perhaps I'm more soured on things Rodriguez has said and done since the book was released, but my 'cynicism' springs from real world experiences with folks who've got it all wrong.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PSO Colon:
Also, are you assuming that his wording is merely colorful, that he can't write that well.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not at all. I think OLFP articulated him/herself quite well. By colorful wording I was referring to comments such as "It is painfully clear to anyone with common sense and maturity that the book is not a road map to be followed to the letter." Is OLFP suggesting I lack common sense and maturity? Maybe, but it certainly can't be qualified as a personal attack. It's an excellent argumentative statement IMO because it foremost argues his point. Colorfully.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PSO Colon:
You sure took some time dissecting his response and coming back with your own. Yes, this is a message board and we definitely need to respect each other's opinions. However, I don't see a need to _OVER_ opinionate, especially when it's based on assumptions.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I very much like debating people on this board. I am most interested in the opinions you and OLFP have expressed counter to mine. The only problem, as with most debates around here, is that we seem to have moved to arguing apples and oranges where you're arguing that the book is saying great things and I'm arguing that others misinterpretations of the book are having a negative impact on the culture of younger filmmakers. Given, it's my fault because I brought up that misinterpretation as fact in my 1st post.

Nota "Tips his hat to PSO Colon, and to OLFP with apologies for overreacting" Mono

[This message was edited by NotaMono on October 25, 2003 at 12:32 PM.]