Studying filmmaking – A necessity or a ruse?

At a recent panel discussion at Taylor’s University, industry experts differed on their opinions of whether a technical degree is needed in the age of digital content creation, but agree that the university experience is necessary.

Titled, Content Evolution: The Game Changer of Filmmaking, the session shed light on the evolution of filmmaking in Malaysia as well as the importance of experiencing the journey towards gaining a degree. Moderated by award-winning filmmaker and Taylor’s educator Indrani Kopal, the session featured industry experts Low Ngai Yuen, filmmaker and president of Kakiseni; Andrew Soh, Creative Producer at MGAG; and Marc Lourdes, Vice President, Indian Content Business at Astro.

Soh, better known as ‘Uncle Siu Mai’ in MGAG videos, opined that a filmmaking degree was unlike a law or medical degree where the subject matter was very specific, and that many in the industry came from different backgrounds. Furthermore, with the ease of access to knowledge, platforms and equipment, anyone could be a filmmaker. “I believe that knowledge is so available online, especially for this field, but the most important thing for those who want to enter this industry is passion,” he said.

Networking is key to filmmaking

Taking a different approach was Low, who felt that the theoretical knowledge garnered was important and that part of what is taught is learning to work in teams, and building networks are what will guide students as they eventually move into the industry.

“There is a misconception about how you don’t really need to study it,” said Low. “Society is part of the reason why you get in. If you make use of your university years, it will be the best years in terms of how you develop. It is amassing people who agree with you, building allies that will help you in the future.”

She emphasised that students need to understand the reasoning and application of what they were taught, and to use their time in university wisely. “The university provides a space for students to think about this critically and grow themselves from it. The process of trying and failing and succeeding is especially crucial in university because it is when you have enough time,” added Low.

The panelists also discussed critical factors impacting the filmmaking industry, such as the democratization of access to platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Low remarked that everyone had the autonomy and power to create content that could be viewed by millions, making this the golden age of filmmaking.

This sentiment was echoed by Marc Lourdes – who has managed digital content portfolios in Yahoo, CNN, and presently, Astro. “The cost of equipment to shoot films back in the day were prohibitive and people simply could not afford it. Today, all you need is your phone – and it does not even have to be a great phone,” said Marc.

If you make use of your university years, it will be the best years in terms of how you develop. Source: Shutterstock

“Lower costs and technological advances have completely revolutionised the industry. All you need now is a great idea and a few basic steps on how to do it and you could be on your way to your first big show,” he enthused.

Standing out in a competitive industry

Amidst the flood of content seen on various platforms as a result of the digital revolution, the panel also discussed the challenges content creators face in standing out from the crowd. With the number of mobile phone users forecast to reach 4.68 billion, competition will only keep climbing.

“As things get more digitalised, competition becomes rife. To capture the audience attention, we need to constantly keep coming out with content that resonates with them. That is the one that that has not changed in content creation – the power is still in the hands of the audience,” said Soh.

With the ease of access to platforms and equipment, seemingly anyone can be a filmmaker. Does this make a degree redundant? The panelists held a range of differing opinions on the matter.

Andrew opined that a filmmaking degree was unlike a law or medical degree where the subject matter was very specific and that many in the industry came from different backgrounds. “I believe that knowledge is so available online, especially for this field, but the most important thing for those who want to enter this industry is passion,” he said.

Taking a different approach was Yuen, who felt that the theoretical knowledge garnered was important and that part of what is taught is learning to work in teams, and networks will guide students as they eventually move into the industry. These are considered to be real experiences that will qualify them to work.

Students need to understand not just what is taught, but also how and why it is being taught and how they can then apply it. “The university provides a space for students to think about this critically and grow themselves from it. The process of trying and failing and succeeding is especially crucial in university because it is when you have enough time. University is not about just the knowledge, but what you’re doing with the knowledge,” added Yuen.

Similarly, Marc indicated that students should not simply go to university just to get a degree. “The degree is the ultimate result of going to university. It is the knowledge that you accumulate within that space of university, that cohesive atmosphere, that will be the most useful to your future. But it does not end there as lifelong learning is a must,” he stated.

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