I agree with thematthewbone. I went through the 1 year Advanced Television and Film Program at Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada last year. IMO, it was definitely worth the money. I got to meet loads of talented people with similar interests, learned a lot about the process of filmmaking as well as the industry and finally, we used the schools equipment to make films... which would have otherwise cost us a boatload of cash. Of course, not everyone could take out the equipment and run away with it for a week. We went through intensive pitching sessions where only the best pitches were given the green light. I didn't get one for my idea but I was "hired" immediately by a producer classmate to work on his so it was all good. The experience was great.
However, not all film schools are equal. I did a 3 year Bachelors program in a university here in India before the post grad program in Canada and it was extremely bad to say the least. I'd definitely recommend researching the school and finding out if their course works out for YOU. Example : Asking yourself if you'd be able handle stuff like your film not getting made. It happens all the time in all film schools from what I've heard. There is a risk involved, even though you're paying a lot of money. There were 2 people in our class who dropped out when their ideas weren't chosen for production.
The good thing about my program was the way it was structured. We were made to work on 3 short films over 2 terms. The first two films were only a minute and 3 minutes respectively. The final was around 10 minutes. By the time we all got to the "big one" we were experienced enough to handle it.
However, not all film schools are equal. I did a 3 year Bachelors program in a university here in India before the post grad program in Canada and it was extremely bad to say the least. I'd definitely recommend researching the school and finding out if their course works out for YOU. Example : Asking yourself if you'd be able handle stuff like your film not getting made. It happens all the time in all film schools from what I've heard. There is a risk involved, even though you're paying a lot of money. There were 2 people in our class who dropped out when their ideas weren't chosen for production.
The good thing about my program was the way it was structured. We were made to work on 3 short films over 2 terms. The first two films were only a minute and 3 minutes respectively. The final was around 10 minutes. By the time we all got to the "big one" we were experienced enough to handle it.