Jenneral Film

Though my search is over and I’ve chosen the right fit for me throughout the process I always wanted to talk to someone who had been in my place. Because the industry is so competitive finding and securing your spot in the right school can be a long, and stressful process. Of course it’s specific to the person applying but as someone who went through the work knowing anything to give you an upper hand can help a lot.

Schools I applied to (in no particular order, some were great, and some lacked what I was looking for) ;

Bowling Green State University

Fitchburg State University

Columbia College of Chicago

Florida state University

University of North Carolina (Wilmington)

Full sail University

University of North Carolina School if the arts

Rochester Institute of Technology

Ohio University

*I am also available to talk about film in general so don’t be shy. Good luck to any of you in the process!

Syracuse University

University of Austin

‪When navigating the rocky seas of social media, take a breath and remember…‬

1. Social media is not an accurate reflection of a person (and sometimes even what they look like) or a whole picture of what’s really happening in their life, and who they are as an entire being. Just because you follow each other, doesn’t mean you know each other.

2. You don’t have to post all the time. Your life and value to this world is not measured by Instagram likes and retweets, and it’s okay to take a social media break if you need to. The world won’t implode if you go offline.

3. When you have a misunderstanding with someone online, try not to take it personally. Their words and actions might not really be about you at all.

4. There are human beings behind every screen that could be dealing with their own external and/or mental health issues.

5. It’s easy to misinterpret tone via text. But if you hurt someone, even if it wasn’t intentional, it’s good to listen… really listen, sincerely apologize, and learn from the miscommunication.

Who are you Whats your favorite color

Favorite ship

Favorite ice cream flavor

Do you have a cat

What’s the most depressing movie you’ve ever watched?

What’s the most disturbing movie you’ve ever watched?

An actor/actress you’ve seen in more than 8 movies? Name the movies.

A film you could watch on repeat for the rest of your life?

What’s the very first film you remember watching?

A film you wish you hadn’t watched?

A film you wish had a sequel?

Which book would you like to see adapted into a film?

The most aesthetically pleasing movie you’ve ever watched?

What’s your favourite movie director?

Your favourite movie genre?

A movie that holds a special place in your heart?

Your favourite comedy film?

A music video you would love to see developed into a film?

A film everyone loves but you hate?

A film you love but everyone else hates?

Which cinematic universe would you like to live in?

What’s your favourite biopic?

Mainstream movies or indie movies?

Old movies or contemporary movies?

1. Create a Mood Board

A mood board is a collage of images, text, colors, or materials. that are used to “to evoke or project a particular style or concept”. Basically, it helps set the “mood” for whatever you are working on. Mood boards are often used by interior decorators and artists but can also be used for writing. I love creating mood boards for each of my characters. It helps me get a a feel for the character I am writing. For example, one of my characters is an elven swordswoman. For her mood board I used images of trees, flowers, decorative swords, and artwork of elves. It really helps when I’m trying to write from her perspective. 

To create a mood board, simply find images or text that remind you of your OC. I use google images or even pinterest to find images. Its easy and fun. 

2. Take Quizzes for Your Characters

Okay, this may seem a little silly but it totally works. Take a quiz from your characters point of view. Select the answers you think your character would select. I personally like doing this with personality quizzes such as the Myers Briggs tests because I can use the results as a foundation for my characters personality. It’s fun, effective, and actually productive.

3. Create Playlists 

I listen to music a lot because it gets my creative juices flowing. So, if I find myself stuck on a particular character, I make a playlist of songs that remind me of that character. I actually like doing this before I start working on a character so I can listen to it while working on them. It sets the mood and gives you better results. Give it a try. 

4. Study Some of Your Favorite Characters

Sit down, take out a notebook, and start taking notes on some of your favorite characters from literature, TV, or movies. What made you attracted to this character? What made you hate this character? What is your favorite thing about this character? Answering these questions will help see why you feel that way towards your favorite or least favorite fictional characters. Use your notes as a guideline on how to make readers either hate or love your OCs. 

5. People Watch

Yeah, this sounds creepy but it is very effective. Go to the park, take a walk, or simply sit at the window and observe the people you see. Take notes on the little things that they do. Do they walk a certain way? Do they stand up straight or do they slouch? What quirks do they have? Do they drum their fingers while sitting? Do they tap their foot while waiting in line? Write down what you observe and you can apply the results to your characters. It will give your original characters a more realistic touch.