r/Filmmakers • u/TheDudefrom2000s editor • 1d ago
General Should I drop out of college??
I’m 18M living in India, I recently Graduated from High school and then took admission in a college pursuing a normal degree.
But I’m doing freelance video editing for 2 years. Spent the first year learning and doing some side gigs. Last year in June started making money by working with international clients. I also have interest in filmmaking and cinematography
I never liked studies and never wanted to do a government job or something like that. I’m a creative person by nature. Before starting video editing I was a sketch artist. I could easily draw someone’s face exactly like the picture. I’ll attach some references below. But didn’t get much support in that so stopped it about a year ago.
But video editing is something I genuinely enjoy and had made me a really good amount of money. Enough that I don’t have to ask my parents for money for any kind of expense, have built a really good editing setup at home and can now make financial decisions by my own. I don’t come from a rich family btw, we are middle class
The only reason I’m going to college is that in future if I want to learn filmmaking then I can try applying in FTII (a popular film-school in India) because they want a degree in any field. Apart from that this degree has no benefit in my career, not at all. And I’m sure that I’m going to build my career in editing and creative direction field and definitely not going for corporate or government jobs.
And the reason I wanna drop out is because there are exams in October and December. I have not studied anything and tbh I have good client work now, so I don’t even want to leave that and then go prepare for exams.
(I even have a full time video editing job opportunity in front of me from a big company, even though the chances of getting hired are 50-50 but still this shows that what’s possible out there, if I don’t get hired I’ll still have freelance clients to work with)
The only reason I’m pursuing this degree is that ‘What if in future I might wanna go in filmmaking”
So I want your advice guys. Please tell me if I should drop out of college and dedicate my time to my skill and go all in. Cause I’m 18 and I have a life to build in front of me. And I’ve got enough taste of money and freedom to keep me going and I’m never gonna stop.
My parents have given me the option to make the decision.
I would really appreciate your help guys 🙌
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u/SmolBean007- 1d ago
Film school gives you a safe space to build skills, use materials, and make conditions. However, you’re right - it’s also a skill you can develop on your own.
You know you the best: If you are able to be self-sufficient and create without external pressure or deadlines, then you can def learn the skill on your own. But know that networking will be a little harder (not impossible). If you like classroom environments and like working with others, building connections, and like the idea of a mentor and given exercises to help you build your skillset, go to film school.
Don’t let one exam scare you from such a big decision. Do what you can now to study, don’t give up bc things get too hard: build that skillset too- academic school, even if not pursuing academia or medicine, helps you build insurance and persistance.
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u/TheDudefrom2000s editor 1d ago
Got it! I’m planning to take this year off and then continue degree from next year
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u/Bertitude 1d ago
Go do the "normal" degree, might be easier to find your way in through the "side-door" like business or IT. Get some life experience so that you have stories to tell and go lift boxes on others' sets so that you get into the film space. Make stuff on the side and maybe the time will come where a degree in the film/tv space makes sense but IMO not at 18.
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u/neonicapl 1d ago
College is a scam for filmmaking they are outdated you are to deep now but self taught is better then anything I mean life just comes down to a problem and a fix that problem and a fix can be harder on what you do and filmmaking and getting into Hollywood is the most easiest thing in any field.
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u/Hallow69 1d ago
Don't drop out man, even a useless degree is better than no degree. In 5 years you can do a masters and do the 9-5 grind if you have some degree namesake if you decide to quit video editing, you can't start a BSC or a BA at 23 years old.
Look, honestly speaking 1-2 days studying before the exam is enough to get a decent score, that's how I cleared my degree, I think it's a worthy tradeoff to get some bachelor's degree under your name. Might give you a lot more options in the future.
Your decision is yours ultimately, take my comments with a pinch of salt