Alternative to film school?

Logan LeBlanc

Logan LeBlanc

Well-known member
Hey Everyone, I'm sure this has been addressed before, but I am looking into furthering my education on the processes of filmmaking and directing. Before I shell out $30,000 though, does anyone have any materials that were SUPER beneficial to them? I've seen the Hollywood Filmmaking DVD's, but that's about it. Also, does anyone know of any good film programs in the Southern U.S. I'm originally from Louisiana and would like to study as close as I can to home. Thanks to All!!!
 
My advice: spend the time (if you have it) checking out director commentaries on the DVDs you purchase.

Since we're on the DVXuser forums, I'm assuming you're shooting your films in digital. In this case, I would suggest investing in any DVD with Robert Rodriguez's 10 minute film school on them. The DVD commentaries themselves are also very helpful.

For more suggestions from some of the rest of the DVXuser community, check out this thread: http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=38280&highlight=commentary

This is about as cheap as it gets, and if you check out the right ones, it can prove to be very informative in helping you understand the filmmaking process.

Hope this helps!
 
The filmmaking DVD's are great, also invest in some books. Some of my favorites are Film Directing Shot by Shot, In the Blink of an Eye, Rebel without a Crew, Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho.
 
But nothing beats just doing it. Even if it's not film...they're still actors, so find a local theater group.

You'll have to adjust the style a bit (well, more than a bit) when going to film, but you'll learn how to deal with...Those People. :)
 
GenJerDan said:
But nothing beats just doing it. Even if it's not film...they're still actors, so find a local theater group.

You'll have to adjust the style a bit (well, more than a bit) when going to film, but you'll learn how to deal with...Those People. :)
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The trouble with theater actors though is that they tend to take their characters to the edge of reason. The reason for this is of course, because in theater, you're taught to perform for the person waayyy in the back row, so you project and make your movements really large.

In film, things are more subtle. You're performing for the person in the front row, because the camera can capture more.

But yeah, the adjustment is huge. Speaking for myself, it takes some getting used to.

Apparently, I'm still not over it. (See Avatar.) :shocked:
 
your in film school now. DVXUSER FILM SCHOOL!

there is no such place as basketball school, singer school, ......................

get out there and do it! network, shoot, learn.

THAT'S JUST MY OPINION. YOUR ONLY GOOD AS YOUR REEL.
 
aaron_wade said:
your in film school now. DVXUSER FILM SCHOOL!

there is no such place as basketball school, singer school, ......................

get out there and do it! network, shoot, learn.

THAT'S JUST MY OPINION. YOUR ONLY GOOD AS YOUR REEL.
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Although I do agree that "you are only as good as your reel", the implications of going to film school is that you're being trained by people who know what they're doing and can help you understand the fundamentals of filmmaking, what each shot conveys, the nature of story, etc. Of course, this information is not inaccessible. A basic Google search will assist you in unraveling tons of film history and theories, but to know even what to look for requires structure, insight and discipline.

Granted, DVXuser is an AMAZING resource and experience is indeed the best teacher, if coupled with a competent knowledge of filmmaking and its conventions, it can only enhance one's final product.

That said, I echo my point in saying DVD commentaries are an excellent resource in learning more about how great films are made and why each shot was composed in the way that it was.

Also, the very basics of filmmaking point to story. If your story is no good, there is no reason in investing the time in making a film (unless you're doing it for the sole purpose of getting acquainted with your camera and its capabilities). In this case, if you're looking to writing your own screenplays, screenwriting books can also be a helpful resource. "Story" by Robert McKee has helped me the most, personally. You may find one that better suits you, but that is my recommendation on the matter.

Again, best of luck in your pursuit of filmmaking! I look forward to seeing some of your completed works! :laugh:
 
americanmaniac said:
My first message on here, i'm glad I found a nice site with other filmmakers finally :laugh: ! Anyways I just got into film, I was at Barns and Noble and was in the film book section and picked up this book, $30 film school. Helped me out check it out at http://search.barnesandnoble.com/bookSearch/isbnInquiry.asp?r=1&isbn=1592000673&popup=0
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First of all, welcome to the forums! (Yes! I'm actually telling this to someone new to the forums, finally!)

Secondly, what's the book about? What does it cover? "$30 Film School" -- The title is certainly promising. I'm really interested in its contents. Perhaps you could give us a brief rundown of what it contains, if you don't mind. I want to be sure of my investment. :thumbsup:
 
As far as learning the ropes goes, if there's a resource available to you, use it. Filmmaking is just like any other art or skill, whether it be songwriting or shooting free throws or playing the guitar. You will never truly "master" anything as we are constantly learning and improving on our skills. No matter how good you are, there is always someone better, so that should take the pressure off. So don't be shy - don't limit yourself to any one resource, use them all and soak it up.

I learned a lot when my parents got a VHS Camcorder when I was in the 7th Grade. That hands on experience was invaluable. Take a look at the stuff Rodriguez is doing now - he learned the same way.

You can learn a lot by studying the films of Hitchock, Scorsese, Spielberg, Kubrick. (Yes, there are plenty that I've left out, but these have been the most influential directors for me!)

As far as modern filmmaking goes, I must concur with other posts in saying that you just can't get any better than watching a Robert Rodriguez commentary or DVD special feature, or by reading his book "Rebel Without A Crew". He is an incredibly generous filmmaker, offering tons of insight and hints into low-production filmmaking.

On screenwriting, check out any David Mamet flick. I think Tarantino and Kevin Smith write superb dialogue - but if you want to hear some dialogue that really cooks, check him out. There are also a ton of books on screenwriting, but I've found that they all pretty much cover the same things. If you wanna stay mainstream, stick to the 3 Act Structure, but although there are reasons for it, once you learn the rules then you're allowed to break them. Whether you're shooting for mainstream or not, it is essential in screenwriting to cut anything that doesn't move the story forward (no matter how in love with it you are) and keep the viewer asking the question "What happens next?" The more disciplined you are in the screenwriting stage, the easier your shoot will be (less footage to shoot), if you get rid of unnecessary material before you shoot it then you won't have to get despressed when you have to cut it later on. You're going to have to cut some material regardless...make it easy on yourself and limit it as much as possible by sticking to a tight script.

I must also say that - although somewhat biased in the editing process - the Project Greenlight series are a wealth of inside information on what goes into making a film. Most of us won't be working with $1 Million budgets or casting Aidan Quinn in our films, but the basic principles still apply.

If you don't already have one, pick up a PC and some decent editing software and just start shooting stuff. Once you've done some hands-on editing you'll be more prepared when you shoot because you'll know what will work in the edit and what won't. Again, watch Hitchcock. The guy practically edited in camera. When his editor got his footage, there was really only one way to put it together. Now that's efficiency.

And if there are any filmmaking classes or seminars close by, dive in.

Sidney Lumet's book "Making Movies" is superb, as are the books by Judith Weston ("Directing Actors" in particular.)

And finally, forums like this are invaluable. Nothing beats networking with people who've been there, done that. I've only posted here a few times, mostly by asking questions, but I've been reading these threads for quite a while and there are a LOT of experienced people here that are more than willing to give you their 2 Cents. (Or in my case, close to a buck's worth - not necessarily in substance, but in length!)

At any rate, welcome aboard. And to paraphrase Kevin Smith, don't say you want to be a filmmaker. If you're making movies, whether you're cutting together old VHS footage or shooting a feature-length film on 35mm, then you're already doing it.

Best of luck.
 
My bible.
'Directing-Film techniques and aesthetics' by Michael Rabiger
It's a fantastic resource that you can go back to again and again.
In regards to filmschool. IMOP filmschool's give you the opportunity to meet others and develop future contacts, whilst the course sets you tasks to complete using their gear. In other words, if you don't go to filmschool, you have to come up with your own projects, blag-borrow or steal the equipment and network like hell.
Each has it's own plus points and minus points. The one true thing about making films is there is no right or wrong way, apart from the basics of course. This business offers a variety of roles and directions. You might want to direct now but find your more interested in other areas once you embark on projects. Keep and open mind and try everything. Directing like Acting has no time limits, you can start early or late. I honestly believe if you want to make films, you will do. Art has a way of finding its way out sooner or later. Good hunting, I wish you all the best with your endeavours.

Watching great films is the best resource open to you and obviously dvxuser.com :grin:
J.P.
 
The very best film school you can get is simply going out and making your own movies. If you have to, buy a cheap camera and some editing software and get busy. Come up with your own stories, and learn the basics of screenwriting. You don't necessarily need to go to film school. I am currently in film school, and I'd estimate that 90%+ of my class will never make it as a director in Hollywood. Get clear about your goals. It all boils down to whether or not you have the patience, dedication, passion, creativity and skill. What do you have to offer? Are you in this for your passion, or for the money? Be honest with yourself, and then go out there and make the very best films you can with whatever budget you have. If you fail, go out there and try again. Keep trying until you think you want to give up, and then try some more.
 
The very best film school you can get is simply going out and making your own movies.
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Well said. Take that tuition, buy a camera/dolly/jib/tripod/boom/coupla mics/digital recorder/lighting kit/copy of FCP or Premiere/copy of an audio editing app like Audition.

Write a short. Take some joke that you already know and like. Re-write it. Research the hell out of all of the skills that you need. Then go make your movie.

My wife was a professional photographer. I have converted her into a DP. One of my friends is an engineer. I trained him to do the sound on set. For my current film, I had about 4 rehearsals with the sound guy at the location. Then I had a full day crew only rehearsal / training session. Then I shot the film.

You can do the same.
 
I would highly recommend editing as much as you can.
(then again, maybe I'm biased seeing as that's how I make my living for the most part).

But I can honestly say I learned more about shooting from editing than I ever have from shooting. When editing you're forced to sit down and (as a friend of mind is fond of saying) 'wallow in your own mess.' You really get to learn your footage, and it becomes very obvious very quickly what you SHOULD have shot that you don't have...and what you shot that you don't need.
 
As far as film schools in the South: North Carolina School of the Arts and Florida State both have pretty well known programs. If you're looking to spend less money check out the University of Memphis; I'm in the graduate program here now and I'm liking it. The program is much smaller than the other two I mentioned, but you have to make two movies to get your degree, so you're guaranteed to produce something (actually two somethings), and with my graduate assistantship I don't pay anything to go here. The faculty is excellent, and while the program does have its downsides (it's actually an MA program as opposed to MFA so there are two required Communications courses that are a real pain in the ass), I've gained a ton of experience and met lots of great people that want to do the same thing as me.
 
One thing that's not mentioned here is being a TV/movie actor... ok ok. It's not as hard as you think. An extra is an actor, right? I was an extra a few years ago and that was when I decided to be a filmmaker. There is nothing like being there and watching other people doing it. They would re-do a scene over and over until they get it right even if it's not a significant scene, and these are just mediocre movies/TV shows. I was in a shoot once for a student filmmaker from a local college. I have to tell you I wasn't impressed.

I can't afford film school, so I signed myself up with the PMFS - Poor Man's Film School (the library, Blockbuster and HMV etc...). I'm so desparate for knowledge I even have 2 Eisenstein movies lined up.
 
jermz said:
First of all, welcome to the forums! (Yes! I'm actually telling this to someone new to the forums, finally!)

Secondly, what's the book about? What does it cover? "$30 Film School" -- The title is certainly promising. I'm really interested in its contents. Perhaps you could give us a brief rundown of what it contains, if you don't mind. I want to be sure of my investment. :thumbsup:
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Sorry so long to post it covers Writing,Fundraising,Producing,crew camera and medium, directing, filming and recording techniques, computers, editing images,editing audio, Making your own dvd, telling the world, selling your film, copy protection and rights, programs teaches you how to use them. It also comes with a CD with all the release forms you will need to have your actors and such sign. and some video HOW To's on there. It was worth my $30. Now I just need to wait a month so I can get my camera. :cheesy: If you need anything else just let me know it won't take so long to respond to next time.
 
There's no easy answer to this. But, even if you ingest all the best knowledge in the world from books and other movies, it doesn't matter if you don't know people. That's a big thing that schools are good for. If you're that very rare person who's motivated and actually has good ideas, you can do it without school and without a lot of help... but those people are one in a million. The most valuable resource is people to bounce your ideas off of - people with more experience than you.

If you are going to go to film school, though, make damn sure you go to a good one. I can't imagine a bigger waste than going to a third-rate school. In the south, UTA is great, Full Sail in Florida is also supposed to be really good, in addition to everything suggested above.
 
Full Sail? I actually was saving up to go there...until I found this page called fullsailsucks.com. It had several different stories about how the faculty were underqualified, "job placement" included Blockbuster because they're in the entertainment industry, people getting billed THOUSANDS that were already paid; things of that nature. I actually went before I saw the page and checked out the school. It seemed impressive then, but now, it was more like a lot of smoke and mirrors. Some people actually said it was better to NOT state that you went to that school on resumes. Needless to say, I didn't go.
 
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