Online film schools - any good ones?

[David W. Richardson]

The Art Institute here in Charlotte just started a film school -- a 4-year Bachelor of Arts program that costs around $45,000. I can afford the money or the time to be a full-time student.

So I'm wondering -- is there an online alternative? I'm looking for something reasonably priced, that I can work at my own pace, and whose diploma/degree will have some degree of respect in the business.

Anybody know of any?

 

[Charlie Anderson]

I just went through 5.5 years of "film school" and I can tell you this...

It's not worth it whatsoever.

A degree in film is like getting certified to make coffee, it doesn't mean sh*t and people will wonder why you did it.

Take the money you'd spend, buy a boat load of DVDs, instructional videos, a DVX, and go teach yourself. Surround yourself with people who want to make films and get better. THAT's the best advice I can give you.

 

[scharky]

Your on one right now, and it's free, just keep reading.

 

[HorseFilms]

Your on one right now, and it's free, just keep reading.

Exactly. As for a degree having meaning? They don't. Nobody cares if you have a degree, they just care that your stuff is interesting.

 

[adkimery]

I just went through 5.5 years of "film school" and I can tell you this...

It's not worth it whatsoever.

A degree in film is like getting certified to make coffee, it doesn't mean sh*t and people will wonder why you did it.

Take the money you'd spend, buy a boat load of DVDs, instructional videos, a DVX, and go teach yourself. Surround yourself with people who want to make films and get better. THAT's the best advice I can give you.

I'd add a slight twist to this: Work with/for people who know more than you do. PA on any shoots in your region (films, commercials, anything). Get a job at a post or production house (even if it's part time). Grabbing your own gear is great, but there is no point in re-inventing the wheel (or re-inventing a classic bone head mistake). Learn from people more knowledgeable than yourself and utilize that experience in your own productions.


-A

 

[cinematical]

A film school can be a very constructive way to learn and grow as a filmmaker, but...for an online film school, you lose any hands-on benifits, and so might as well just spend time here (as others have suggested).