Ted Said:

Is there an open source or freeware software similar to Frontpage?

We Answered:

Try Frontpage Express:

http://www.stormthecastle.com/mainpages/…

Scroll down to the middle of the page to download it.

Mark Said:

I am Worried about my Future?

We Answered:

Wow first of all you sound very smart!!! I am going into my sophomore year and I am also considered very ambitious and studious in terms of anything that has to do with education. This is exactly the topic I posted a question on 30 minutes or so ago. I am also very worried with my future, but am not in the same situation you are in. My school offers almost all AP courses possible and I already took one in my freshmen year (AP World) which I passed without a teacher, being that he was fired and all! Anyway, I am not in any extra-curriculars but I am planning on joining, so you have a good head start on that, and also I see that you have started individual work of your own (I acclaim you for that). I am here to tell you DO NOT FRET. You don't have to take the actual class to take the test you could self-study and take the test with the others when they do, although you do have to pay for the fee I think. If you school doesn't offer the test however you can STILL take it at another nearby school that does offer it (but make sure to let them now beforehand, you could actually call them up or look the school up in wikipedia). I am going to do it..I plan on taking no AP classes next year, but taking 6 exams!! Of course it means extra work on your behalf but what is not accomplishable if determinable? I am going to take a few in 11th grade but still self-study and the same with 12th. I know how you feel, not even I am that determined wow! Again I applaud you for your desire and will. You'll go to places kid and I might find you there cause I am planning on going to those same places!!

Oscar Said:

Degrees for creative people?

We Answered:

Degrees and jobs are very often different things. I know a person with her B.A. in Music, who is currently working as a Bank Manager.

My opinion; major in something you're passionate about.

Ideas for possible majors:
Art, Creative Writing, English Literature, Graphic Design, Journalism...

But, I do suggest going to a general university, not an art, or graphics specific "institute." University degrees, generally speaking, are more valuable. Even if they're from 'less than great' public universities.

Bernice Said:

What other Word Processing Software can I use, as I don't meet the criteria to use MS' Office Products?

We Answered:

I'd avoid MS Works, it isn't a very good bit of software.

Consider OpenOffice.org ( from http://www.openoffice.org/ ). It does pretty much everything Microsoft Office does, but is free software.

You can get an Australian dictionary, and it includes a word count and standard font formatting options.

Stephen Said:

Looking for Math Software for self learning.?

We Answered:

all I can say is GOOD LUCK! I respect people that can study at home by themselves! (^.^)

Allen Said:

What sort of jobs are there in films?

We Answered:

There are a plethora of jobs... really, if someone has a job outside of the film industry, there is a very good chance that there is some kind of job inside the industry where those skills can be applied.

A "production company," in general, is a very small operation, with only few staff (full time) employees, usually a Producer/Director and perhaps an Editor or two. It isn't likely to be the perfect environment where you'll learn about all the aspects that may be available to you. If you can, definitely go to one (or a few is better) if possible, but understand that you're not seeing the entire landscape of what filmmaking entails.

When you say "work in films," that may encompass many different types of production. For the sake of the discussion, I'll assume you mean "feature" films as you would see in the movie theater.

The vast majority of those jobs are done by freelancers at every level. A project is conceived of, then a variety of people are brought on to produce it, finance it, work out and manage the logistics, create it (production and post production), distribute it, market it, and exhibit it. Hundreds and hundreds of people can be involved on a single project.

There is so much to talk about that this forum doesn't allow me to talk about everything that you're asking about and should know. I'd urge you to first review what is available out there and what might interest you most by taking a look at the book listed below and at the "Additional Resources" page at http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com.

That's only a start. Once you figure out what you think you'd like to do, you must know what that job and life is really like before you invest time (and money) into pursuing it. If the book doesn't answer all of your questions, feel free to contact me at brian@whatireallywanttodo.com or anyone else you know who is in the industry. Professionals are usually very open to helping out others who wish to join the industry.

Taking the time to intern or volunteer or shadow a working professional will give you insight into what their day and life is really like... PLUS it gives you your first contact(s) into an industry that runs almost exclusively on networking.

Good luck!

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com