Dear Dave,

My 13 year old nephew has decided that he wants to be the next Dave Barsky (his words). What are some things that he must do in order to be successful? He has already started looking at schools and is taking any course that relates. He also films daily. He is very talented and works very hard. Any sage advice? Please let me know.

Sincerely,

Jenni

1.)Eat a lot of cheese
2.)Leave your razor at home.
3.)Get a real role model.

Many schools have great communications programs including my alma mater, Syracuse, and Northwestern have the best reputations.

However, I believe the the course I took was very helpful. I concentrated on the BUSINESS side of television as far as classwork and did production only peripherally. I impressed many people early on with knowledge of how the ratings system works, etc. The technical side can be easily learned through internships and on the job application. Besides, the technology behind cameras and editing systems, etc is constantly changing. By the time he graduates from college, all of the equipment will be different. Besides, with all of the technology today, anyone can make a film (and does). He will most likely have an editing system and a camera before he even knows what school he wants to go to. He most likely does already. Also, his equipment my be more up to date than the schools!

Finally, and most importantly: Keep a level head. I saw many, many fellow graduates who thought they were the next Steven Spielberg or Jane Polley fail miserably in the real world. He needs to realize he will not stop at the top. No one will care how good his student film was and no one will look at his grades. He needs to make good contacts and start at the bottom and be smart.

If he still wants to do this in 8 years, have him call me and hopefully I will still be in a position to give people jobs.

Tell him I said hi and thanks for watching and realizing I'm the best.

Barsky

Dave, I think you might want to change number 3. The young man you so generously offered advice to has, at only age 13, the good sense to chose the best role model. I'm just sayin' is all...

I think it's great that you take the time to answer questions like these and offer such in depth advice. I am sure it is greatly appreciated.

Katie