“Ah, so you’re a Dodge kid. You guys are sort of in your own bubble, don’t you think?”

As a sophomore film and television production student, I’ve experienced a few encounters with general education classes outside the “Dodge bubble.” Most icebreakers start with a similar remark about my alien existence to the general Chapman University populace. At the time of this specific observation, I agreed with the student. I was a freshman, so yes, even as a film student I felt I wasn’t a part of my niche cohort yet. But what I have learned a year later is that it takes no experience to be an honorary Dodge College of Film and Media Arts student, you just need enthusiasm and a few spare weekends.

I wish to share my advice on this topic because time and time again, I come across a theater major interested in acting on film or a psychology academic curious about life on set, and I realize just how intimidating it can be to start without the proper resources and guidance a student in the program may receive. Additionally, many student film sets are in desperate need of help for entry-level roles that many non-majors may not be aware of. If you came to Southern California interested in the movie-making business, I hope this guide can assist you!

The most common way a non-major can connect with Dodge College is through Delta Kappa Alpha, Chapman University’s cinematic business fraternity, or by taking on a minor or double major within the school. Another method to explore film is the many related clubs taking place throughout the semester, including Analog Cinematography Club, Documentary Organization of Chapman University, Women in Film, Women in Animation, Primetime TV Club, Circle Advertising, CSBN and CU Film Society, to name a few. 

The best thing about many of these clubs is that they encourage member collaboration to create films specific to their club. Are you an English major interested in exploring screenwriting? Many of these clubs accept script submissions for their latest projects. With such a variety of clubs and new ones popping up each year, there is likely a student organization for any interest you may have.

If you would like to take on film projects at your own pace, there are a few helpful Facebook groups to keep you updated throughout the year. These include Chapman Film Connection and Chapman Casting Connection. Especially for my fellow theater enthusiasts, I recommend checking out Chapman Casting Connection. Daily, casting calls are posted for positions ranging from inexperienced extras and non-union roles to graduate feature film leads. As an ex-theater kid myself, I have indulged as a cyborg extra and a Coca-Cola commercial extra. Not only did I refresh my acting skills (not), but I was also able to get an inside look at operations on set before I had enough knowledge to participate myself.

If you are intrigued about Chapman Film Connection, look for ISO (“in search of”) postings. Many of these positions are entry-level, with no experience required. In fact, you are usually given a helpful crash course if needed for your new position, as other crew are happy to help. One of these crash courses that I received was for the position of script supervisor, a role that keeps track of dialogue and prop continuity on set for the editor. A senior gave me a 30-minute spiel on the subject, and now I have successfully pretended to know what I have been doing on set for the past five times in the same role. It is all about faking it till you make it!

Some I recommend looking out for in the Chapman Film Connection ISOs for non-major newbies in order of comfort level are:

1.     Extra – Did you play Tree #1 in your elementary school play? Have you watched a movie in your lifetime? You qualify for the role of “extra” on many Dodge College productions and can take on characters such as a cheering member of a large crowd or a student in a main character’s school classroom. Plus, you get to dress up and no auditions are typically required!

2.     Production Assistant – Do you take several trips to Starbucks a day? Are you a great multitasker? Production assistants get to try on many hats on set with no experience required. You may be sent on coffee and snack runs for actors on set if you have a vehicle on campus.

3.     Art Production Assistant – Dodge production designers often need helping hands with work you typically see on most stage productions: painting and constructing set pieces. The best thing about this role is that you can sign up for as much or as little of a time commitment as you prefer.

4.     Boom Operator – Do you enjoy a good arm workout? Boom operators are responsible for pointing a microphone attached to a long pole at actors to capture their dialogue for the film. It is an easy role to pick up on, yet incredibly important! Sound mixers, who control how loud the audio is, can teach you how to operate a boom mic on the job. 

5.     Behind the Scenes Photographer – Already camera savvy? Most student film sets would appreciate a photographer on board to take high-quality photos of the hard-working crew members and beautiful set pieces. If you have a keen eye for aesthetics, feel free to reach out and ask any film production if they would like a photographer on set. This is a great way to build a photo portfolio in an already well-lit environment.

Typically, Dodge College film sets take place over one to two weekends and provide free snacks throughout the day as well as a free meal. It is the best way to get to know film students, as you are usually stuck together for 12-hour days without much time on phones.

Breaking into the “Dodge bubble” may seem daunting at first, but with the right resources and spunk any Chapman student can find a place as a student filmmaker. Film thrives on collaboration, and Dodge students are always eager for passionate individuals to join their projects. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of stepping onto set, feel free to “pop” in.