Expert: Russell Calabrese - 2/13/2008

Question
Hello Russell,
I'm 21 and goin to complete my grads in a few months. I've always been good in academics, with a flair for writing but presently I am just lost. I had enrolled for english hons, but now in my 3rd year, I've lost interest so will be just a general graduate.

I'm really interested in multimedia and animation. I'm thinking of shifting to mumbai and enrolling in MAAC as well. The problem is I'm a beginner, clueless at present but eager to learn! I jus about know basics in computer. Another drawback is I dont have any drawing/sketching background. I'm just always full of ideas, creativity, enthusiasm. So there, could you pls help me out ? Will it be too whimsical of me or should I go for it? If so which course will be suitable and what are the employment scopes?

Answer
This is tough to answer. Without any art or film background, either in school or on your own time, I don't think it's a good idea to drop what you've done up to this point. Finish up and maybe take some art and film courses with what your doing now. With technology today you can make some pretty impressive studies and films on your own.

You said you lost interest in writing. Part of animation and film is writing so you should definitely keep focus on writing. All the best animation in the world can't save a lousy story. The other problem with animation is it's very time consuming and you may lose interest in that also.

Try doing some things on your own or with friends and see if you really like it before you go down a long path only to find out it's not what you want to do.

I hope this is helpful.

Russell