uriahocean
Member
A word (or many) for those contemplating on attending film school.
Film schools have their place, but they are not an “all-in-all” solution to learning the many facets filmmaking. Filmmaking is part art, craft, and science. For those who are truly serious about telling stories on film will be self-taught filmmakers.
Many friends of mine have an education from NYU in the producing arts. However, their degrees do not solely focus on film alone. Some have concentrated on business, sociology, theology, and philosophy while making there film studies a second pursuit. Why? The answer is simply an economical one: a well-rounded postsecondary degree will give you more options if you ever decide to further your education in the future. Studies in the humanities and various other academic disciplines stretch the mind, forming independent rational thinking.
In addition, most Masters programs in film prefer if applicants do not have an undergraduate degree in film when applying. They want people whose education is diverse, showing that academic progress has developed in more ways than just filmmaking.
If however you are just interested in pushing buttons, turning knobs, and tweaking vector scopes (nothing wrong with this at all), perhaps other forms education could very well benefit you.
Consider spending money on workshop programs in Maine, NYC and LA that will give you the best bang for your buck. Workshop programs are meant to enhance working professionals knowledge of a particular area of the film and video industry. In addition, many a film novice spends time at such workshops to learn from working pros. Workshop learning is very intense and very compact.
On the technical side of filmmaking, the film biz is a funny breed of animal. If you plan on working in LA, NYC, or other cities, be prepared to work for a guild or union at some point. While most locals and guilds appreciate film school students, they promote from within keeping a long tradition of apprentice-type work ethics. So be prepared to either pave your own way in the film industry or, enter in at a beginners level like everyone else regardless of a degree.
In essence, you must narrow down what most interest you about filmmaking. If screenwriting captures your fancy get a degree in English. Those most interested in producing should follow an accounting and business track.
Studies in the humanities, acting, and English will be very beneficial for those wishing to direct. Again this is at the post secondary level.
In the case of cinematography, which is my field of study, I have found sociology to be most beneficial. As a result, my creative decisions reflect the principles learned from such a discipline. Also, learning still photography is a must.
In conclusion, the art and science of filmmaking, namely shooting on celluloid, is a craft best learned by hands on doing. Many of us know this. The advent of quality digital video has afforded the neophyte filmmaker the opportunity to learn the process of mastering the basics of photography while nurturing the Cine art form at an earlier age than previous generations before. So in reality, if you are shooting movies already, be it on DV or 8mm, you are a filmmaker.
Many people make the same mistake over and over again by seeking permission to either make movies or be called a “filmmaker.” I have heard people say, “If I go to film school, then I will be a filmmaker”. This, I tell you is wrong. You are a filmmaker at the present level you have allowed your self to be. Start reading, start observing, ask questions and go sweep the floor at a studio like I did when I was 14 years old. Be bold and let others know that you are more than a hobbyist. And keep shooting.
I have had the added benefit of growing up in and around the film biz. My family has been heavily involved in the Orlando arts community for two generations making me the third. The film bug bit me at a young age and the rest is history. Going to film school was like regressing back to skills I picked up when I was 15 years old, watching the pros work as I swept the studio floors and put lights away after every shoot. Not every one has the opportunities I have had but not one of them was handed to me on a silver platter.
There is only one logical reason for attending a traditional film school at the undergraduate level: learn to produce, write, direct, and shoot under peer review. And this is very good. Then again, DVXUSER.COM seems to do a good job at this and it does not cost $30 grand a year to do so.
here is a good book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786884770/102-2776397-5076961?v=glance&n=283155
Dialogue welcome
Film schools have their place, but they are not an “all-in-all” solution to learning the many facets filmmaking. Filmmaking is part art, craft, and science. For those who are truly serious about telling stories on film will be self-taught filmmakers.
Many friends of mine have an education from NYU in the producing arts. However, their degrees do not solely focus on film alone. Some have concentrated on business, sociology, theology, and philosophy while making there film studies a second pursuit. Why? The answer is simply an economical one: a well-rounded postsecondary degree will give you more options if you ever decide to further your education in the future. Studies in the humanities and various other academic disciplines stretch the mind, forming independent rational thinking.
In addition, most Masters programs in film prefer if applicants do not have an undergraduate degree in film when applying. They want people whose education is diverse, showing that academic progress has developed in more ways than just filmmaking.
If however you are just interested in pushing buttons, turning knobs, and tweaking vector scopes (nothing wrong with this at all), perhaps other forms education could very well benefit you.
Consider spending money on workshop programs in Maine, NYC and LA that will give you the best bang for your buck. Workshop programs are meant to enhance working professionals knowledge of a particular area of the film and video industry. In addition, many a film novice spends time at such workshops to learn from working pros. Workshop learning is very intense and very compact.
On the technical side of filmmaking, the film biz is a funny breed of animal. If you plan on working in LA, NYC, or other cities, be prepared to work for a guild or union at some point. While most locals and guilds appreciate film school students, they promote from within keeping a long tradition of apprentice-type work ethics. So be prepared to either pave your own way in the film industry or, enter in at a beginners level like everyone else regardless of a degree.
In essence, you must narrow down what most interest you about filmmaking. If screenwriting captures your fancy get a degree in English. Those most interested in producing should follow an accounting and business track.
Studies in the humanities, acting, and English will be very beneficial for those wishing to direct. Again this is at the post secondary level.
In the case of cinematography, which is my field of study, I have found sociology to be most beneficial. As a result, my creative decisions reflect the principles learned from such a discipline. Also, learning still photography is a must.
In conclusion, the art and science of filmmaking, namely shooting on celluloid, is a craft best learned by hands on doing. Many of us know this. The advent of quality digital video has afforded the neophyte filmmaker the opportunity to learn the process of mastering the basics of photography while nurturing the Cine art form at an earlier age than previous generations before. So in reality, if you are shooting movies already, be it on DV or 8mm, you are a filmmaker.
Many people make the same mistake over and over again by seeking permission to either make movies or be called a “filmmaker.” I have heard people say, “If I go to film school, then I will be a filmmaker”. This, I tell you is wrong. You are a filmmaker at the present level you have allowed your self to be. Start reading, start observing, ask questions and go sweep the floor at a studio like I did when I was 14 years old. Be bold and let others know that you are more than a hobbyist. And keep shooting.
I have had the added benefit of growing up in and around the film biz. My family has been heavily involved in the Orlando arts community for two generations making me the third. The film bug bit me at a young age and the rest is history. Going to film school was like regressing back to skills I picked up when I was 15 years old, watching the pros work as I swept the studio floors and put lights away after every shoot. Not every one has the opportunities I have had but not one of them was handed to me on a silver platter.
There is only one logical reason for attending a traditional film school at the undergraduate level: learn to produce, write, direct, and shoot under peer review. And this is very good. Then again, DVXUSER.COM seems to do a good job at this and it does not cost $30 grand a year to do so.
here is a good book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786884770/102-2776397-5076961?v=glance&n=283155
Dialogue welcome
Last edited:
rogar-Evil(DBG):