Should Actors Do Student Films?

As I've mentioned on this blog before, I have significantly more theatre credits than film credits. I'm comfortable in the theatre (as comfortable as I get anyway, still get nervous, etc.), but, when I started this blog I'd had one film experience. Since January, I've taken a highly recommended class, and participated in several film projects, the majority of them student produced. For one of those projects, check out the video below the list. These are some of the reasons I think student films are valuable for an actor.

1. We're learning together.
I find that student projects allow a bit a leeway. For example, (you'll see this in the video below) I had never done a Point of View (POV) shot. I didn't know where to look. If you look directly into the lens your eyes look a little crossed. The sweet spot is just above the lens. On the camera that was used (Canon, can't remember the model), I looked at the logo on the front of the body. The acting itself reminded me of when I was little and would playact to some inanimate object in my room. (You all did that right?) It's challenging in a different way than having a partner off which to play. The point is, at this juncture in my filmmaking journey, I'm still learning, still finding what works and so are they.  

2. Questions are fine.
This is probably my favorite part of working on a student film. I'm interested in not only acting, but the process of making film from pre to post production. I ask questions when I'm on set. I want to know what lens they're using, why they chose it, what the ISO does for a shot, etc. I want to know what the sound guy's favorite equipment is and how the director found the location. I would never, ever, do this on a professional set where time is money, etc. For professional shoots I'm there to do my work and get out. On student projects, however, I've always felt comfortable asking questions and I generally get enthusiastic replies. The crew is devoting their time to this project too. They like what they do, and when people like what they do they tend to like to talk about it. This being said, ask your questions in one of the myriad down times, not when people are trying to get stuff done.

3. Quick and Dirty
Granted, I've only done short films to this point, but I love how fast, at least for me, the process is. I learn my lines, maybe have a rehearsal, and then shoot. In general, filming takes a day or two. Granted, these days are often very long.

4. Micro-budget to the extreme.
This pertains more to my specific interests, but I am really into the micro-budget filmmaking process. Technology has opened up movie making to the masses. Anyone with an iPhone can make a film. Skeptical? Check out Uneasy Lies the Mind, a feature film shot entirely on the iPhone. With student films I get to observe who is necessary to a shoot, what can be cut, and creative solutions to make things work with very little man power.

5. These are the future superstars.
Is this too optimistic? Maybe. But, you are working with future professionals in an industry where relationships mean everything. In fact, I was recently contacted to audition for a project that I saw a breakdown for, but to which I didn't submit. I didn't think I was right for the role. However, one of the producers had seen my work in a classmate's project and liked what I did and wanted me to come in and read for it. Did I get the part? Probably not. But, I know I did well in the audition and met some more people.

My experiences have, thus far, been positive. This is not to say that I won't inadvertently get involved in a horribly inefficient and miserable project. But, I think that risk is worth the benefit of continuing to work on my craft with people who are also trying to perfect theirs.

What are your thoughts on doing student films?

Garden State (DC 462 Scene Recreation) from Matthew Baran on Vimeo.