Film students are pretty much the same no matter what school you go to. Because let’s face it: there is a dress code. I’ve spent time at NYU, and east coast indie filmmakers dress almost exactly the same as USC kids ““ just with more scarves.
Looking to get your student filmmaker wardrobe on? Here’s a few tips:
The American Apparel Hoodie
You know the one. Solid color, drawstrings. Sexy zipper. Just do yourself a favor and get one. It’ll cost you $46, but it will seriously be the most comfortable hoodie you’ll ever own. They look good on everyone, too, guys and girls! Plus 28 colors, people, but don’t get forest green. I totally called dibs on that color two years ago so BACK OFF.
Wear during: sunny/chilly or late night shoots. I find this hipster hoodie perfect for California weather especially because it’s not too heavy but still keeps you warm. For extra awesomeness, flip up the hood so it barely rests on your head.
Ray Bans-like Sunglasses
I’ll be the first to admit it. I’ve never bought a real pair of Ray Bans in my life. Or any other expensive sunglasses. Whilst being a cool filmmaker, I have broken/lost several pairs of sunglasses. I therefore recommend you track down some cheap wayfarers or clubmasters (pictured above) at Dollar Dollar, Chinatown, other touristy places, even Target (my paradise). I’ve never paid more than $10 for a pair.
Wear during: that pensive moment when you’re thinking about your next shot. Be sure to put said glasses on top of your head and look like you’re thinking really hard. Damn you’ll look cool.
TOMS
Have you ever walked on a cloud? I have. And I was wearing these shoes. TOMS are the student filmmaker’s best friend ““ no socks needed, ultimate comfort, ultra-hip designs. They start at $42 and go up, but their “one-for-one” policy of donating a second pair to someone in need overseas is nice and pretty worth it. Plus! Maybe said person will be inspired to make crazy films by their new hipster shoes!
Wear during: probably not being a grip, because dropping a sandbag or a C-stand on your sockless/canvas covered foot might hurt like a bitch. Other than that? WEAR AT ALL TIMES. THEY ARE SO FREAKING COMFORTABLE JUST DO IT.
Bandanas
So versatile, and yet so useless, bandanas definitely give a vibe. And that? Is kickass. Wear them on your head, around your neck, in your backpocket, whatever, bandanas just scream things like “I own a macbook pro!” or “do you have a C-47?”
Wear during: if anything, wipe that sweaty brow after a hard day of beautiful sunset cinematography on the beach. Otherwise just look kickass.
DSLR’s
It might sound strange, wearing a camera, but having your trusty DSLR in reach by your side is not only efficient but makes you, as a no budget filmmaker, look awesome. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these with a big-ass lens or even your mom’s old 35mm film camera (like me), try wearing it in public. And get one of those vintagey neck straps too!
Wear during: Looking cool isn’t all ““ you’ll soon become the fun set photographer with the snazzy high-def photos for Facebook. Young filmmakers LOVE having pictures of themselves making their shitty films. So use this accessory on set and take lots of pictures of the cast and crew. And make sure to have someone else snap a photo of you with your DSLR snapping photos of other people so you look good on Facebook too. Phew.
And finally:
Hat-like Things
For covering your head (yes, even indoors), you’ve got some options, the most popular being that hood mechanism from your American Apparel hoodie mentioned earlier. But even so, you can still fit your hood over an oversized beanie! I’ve decided beanies are kind of like socks for your head. They’re smushy and warm and make you look decisive on set. As in, “that person wears a beanie. They know what they’re doing.” Another option is the classic fedora, which kind of makes you look like a douchey director, but is still acceptable on occasion.
Wear during: douchey moments with your PA’s, when your head needs a sock.
