2190: Advice from an expert film student.

That's what this blog is, in sum and total.

I've been a film student at BYU for almost four years. When I finish here, in August, 2011, I'll be heading to Boston University to go get a Masters in screenwriting. That's a lot of film studenting. Plenty of people have spent more time at it, and probably done just as well. I hope they blog about it, too.

Claiming to be an "expert" film student seems at once self-deprecating and self-aggrandizing. I suppose I end up as simply obnoxious, but I am at the very least sincere. If there's one thing I've gotten really, really good at over the past few years, it's being a film student. As of now, there's nothing I'm better at. So I've come to the conclusion (perhaps mistakenly, but nevertheless finally) that I've got some things to share that might be valuable to the many good people out there who find themselves in similar circumstances. In the interest of perfect clarity of purpose, I'll list those circumstances here:

• You're a film student, new or not-so
• You've decided to pursue some independent filmmaking
• You are an amateur filmmaker, or would like to be
• You are at all interested in the people and processes of filmmaking

I'm certain I've left someone out, but I think those four bullets about cover my intended audience. So if you fit into one of them, follow this blog. I'll update it every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon, and I'll do my best to keep the posts relevant and valuable. And if anything I've got to say is at all interesting or helpful to you, follow this blog. And then share it with other people who might feel similarly.

Also, always feel free (encouraged, even!) to share any thoughts to have in the comments below. For instance, do you agree with what I've said? Do you disagree? Is there something you'd like to add? Or see clarified? Is there a topic you'd like to see me write about? For my part, I promise to respond to any and all comments as often as I can.

Welcome to 2190.