Dvx film school

Re: Dvx film school

For $250 (plus airfare and hotel), you can't beat it. I think DVFilm has the lowest fee when it comes to DV to Film transfer. Marcus also published a book called "Shooting Digital" which is very good with regards to transfer settings.
 
Re: Dvx film school

What you guys think about the NYFA?

I'm thinking about taking it. But at 5k800 i could buy the DVX and some good gear. I have some advertising exp since i have been an art director. I also got a G5 and good FCP knowledge.

I'm kind of the guy thats learns everything (or at least try to) by myself. Dvxuser is really a good place to learn.

What do you guys think?
 
Re: Dvx film school

[quote author=mickeloaf link=board=nws;num=1100333019;start=15#20 date=11/16/04 at 08:28:02]Have you considered creating an education DVD (or even a series) covering sound, filmmaking techniques, editing, lighting, camera tricks, etc.  [/quote]
Yes, I'm considering doing exactly that. This was a very fun project to do, and if people are finding it valuable and useful, then that just adds to the satisfaction! :)
 
Re: Dvx film school

be wary of NYFA - I took it, equipment was broken half the time, and once they got your money they treat you like crap

- I still got some valuable experience though - but i'm sure there are better schools


- oh and regarding filmflex, just look at their shoddy website - almost looks like a scam to me
 
Re: Dvx film school

Small pointers.

I will not mention any specific names or affiliate myself with my old university.  I'll simply share my experience in hopes that it sheds light to certain people.  If it helps one person make the right decision of himself/herself then taking the time to write this is worth it.

First, there are two ways you can get your feet wet making movies.  It is one, to go to school and be 'taught' to make films.  And two, to go work on a shoot and 'learn' on set.

When we are taught, the principles and theory and mechanics are established.  We are given the vocabulary and the tools.  But without practice theory is groundless.

So which is more important?  Which is the better way to go first?

Let it compliment each other.  ALWAYS be learning and then do not move on before actually trying it.  Otherwise film making becomes a mute philosophy.

So now, where does Film School come in?  I've had a colorful history jumping in and out of schools.  Studied sociology, literature, business, business law, and film at schools ranging from a local state college to an ivy league school.

And THE IMPORTANCE IS: not how much the school costs.  Not what the school is called but rather the professors teaching at the university.  

When I finally figured it was film that I wanted to do, I finally started to not see classes as 'classes'.  Professors became friends, which turns into a sort of mentor relationship, which turns into career opportunities, references, success...

Not a formula.  If you are thinking about the formula you shouldn't be thinking about making films.  For me, making films and wanting to tell a story was my central preoccuption and how to get there seemd to tunnel visioned me into this course of action.  
 
Re: Dvx film school

However, just shooting and shooting would yield some results but after a point our shooting does not progress with learning what you can do to make it better or why it doesn't work.
 
Re: Dvx film school

I attend BCIT in the Television Broadcasting Program and we share a building with the FlimFlex students that you are refering to in this post.

I am not necessarily in favour of the program but let me fill you in on some facts that you are missing.

First of all the program is closer to $22000 Cnd. You get a DVX100a, Tripod, an Apple G4 17" Power book, and a bunch of other small things that I am not sure of. It is not comparible to vancouver film school which is over $24000. The film flex program tuition is about $7-8000 after you deduct all the equipment. So it is comparible to my program which is a two-year diploma. I pay $2000 a semester.

As for as the instruction and the program goes, it is quite good. BCIT is famous for getting students job right out of the gate and from what I have seen they do a good job.

They also take a few months to shoot some short films. However, the program is only two years old, so it has a lot of developing to do.
 
Re: Dvx film school

[quote author=Rick Uyesugi link=board=nws;num=1100333019;start=30#30 date=12/11/04 at 17:15:00]
First of all the program is closer to $22000 Cnd. You get a DVX100a, Tripod, an Apple G4 17" Power book, and a bunch of other small things [/quote]

you get to keep all of those things?
 
Re: Dvx film school

Only my opinion... - I'm sorry, but if there is no option for tuition only and to bring/buy your own equipment then I find the institution lacks any serious credibility. Its cheesy to force a $12,000 investment into the tuition and call it "a deal" and "Wow, you get to keep it". To learn, does EVERY student NEED a camera and laptop? Does a dentist walk out of school with all the equipment required to open a practice? It's silly.

Again, IMO
 
Re: Dvx film school

Well your not forced to do anything, I believe the point of getting this equipment is to set the student up with a digital studio package he can use and rely on. Everyone is learning with the same equipment in a technical hands on environment. I don't see anywhere on the site where it says its mandatory to have the equipment, but the reason they ask you to buy this stuff is because your USING IT! And Rick is right, BCIT is one of the top schools in Canada for job placement.
 
Re: Dvx film school

As I stated at the beginning and end of my post - Just my opinion.

You should not take my thoughts personally.

And I was not slamming BCIT. I was just commenting on the way filmflex is setup. Of which I personally think is extremely flawed. But that's just one persons thoughts...
 
Re: Dvx film school

Hey I respect your opinion, I was in no way trying to slam you - just trying to add some clarity for those who are reading. If you get a chance go to the campus and check out the program and see what kind of work they do.
 
Re: Dvx film school

There is no doubt that the program is flawed. But at the same time, the fact that you get to keep the equipment imo is a bonus. I say that because you are definately receiving a better price than if you purchased it after you graduated. They buy 20+ cameras and those of us in the TV program are also offered the nice package deal.

I agree that you should be able to bring your own gear, but they give you some top of the line stuff. We all like the DVX here don't we? And most of the students are in the program because they want to get into the production. If they decide they don't need the equipment, then its only a year old, and should hold some good resale value.

For whoever asked about this program to begin with, I think it is good if you are looking to get into some small independant production work. However, I don't feel that they will specialize in any departments, such as editing, cinematography, or that sort of thing. I think they go beyond the basics, but no where near an advanced level.

Also, I looked into Vancouver Film School and I talked to some Independant prod. companies, and they said they'd never hire someone out of a private school like that because there is no proof that they will be hiring a good crew member.

Whereas, in my program we are selected among many applicants every year (40 out of over 500), and therefore have a stronger chance to get a job.

I think that could be one of the problems with the filmflex program, in that anyone with the cash can get in. I think this flaw is shown in that our production work is of higher quality than theirs. We mostly work in news/ENG work. But we do have a few months in field production. The stuff that our program produces often makes it to air and wins a majority of canadian student film awards.

That being said, all school programs will have flaws and many say that experience beats sitting in a classroom anyday, but you just have to make sure you don't get on the wrong track either way.
 
Re: Dvx film school

[quote author=Rick Uyesugi BCIT Student link=board=nws;num=1100333019;start=30#36 date=12/11/04 at 22:17:36]Also, I looked into Vancouver Film School and I talked to some Independant prod. companies, and they said they'd never hire someone out of a private school like that because there is no proof that they will be hiring a good crew member.[/quote]

Is that what they told you?

Now I'm not one to beleive everything I read; especially a websites advertising... but do we think they're lying? Probally not.

http://www.vfs.com/news.php?id=9&news_id=305

http://www.vfs.com/news.php?id=5&news_id=311

"By learning to take ideas from conception to completion, VFS graduates are able to deliver when it matters. Our graduates find success in many forms and on many continents including the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Japan, India, South Africa, Venezuela, and England. Some work as animators, writers, and designers for top companies like Microsoft, Lucasfilm, and Electronic Arts, and contribute to blockbuster films like Lord of the Rings, Triplets of Belleville, and Matrix: Revolutions.

Others elect an entrepreneurial route. Recent graduates have featured their independent work at top festivals like Cannes , Sundance, Siggraph, and Annecy. They write pilots for comedy series, cut documentaries, work as casting directors, and start their own production studios where they make feature films, specialize in post-production, animation, or sound design. No matter your path, VFS students and faculty are motivated by the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. "
 
Re: Dvx film school

Rick, your criticism of VFS is a criticism of film schools in general. Going to film school doesn't result in any kind of hard credential. It's not a professional education like law school or medical school. Unfortunately, a lot of people head to an expensive school like VFS or FilmFLEX and think it will be their "ticket" to a successful film career. If only it were that easy.

Your comparison of VFS and FilmFLEX to the BCIT Broadcasting Program is an apples-and-orange comparison. You said it yourself, you're doing mostly ENG.
 
Re: Dvx film school

I don't disagree. What I meant was that the private institutions allow anyone with the cash to attend. And the info I have received from local producers is that they are not likely to hire someone from a private place with just a diploma or certificate. Obviously there will be great students coming out, but they can prove themselves with a demoreel.

But honestly, how many rich kids get a whim, and say, "Yeah, I think I'll try film school."

That is where they end up...VFS.

I know two graduates from VFS and both said that it was not what they hoped for. Many ex-industry worked popping in videos for them to watch. They do shoot film, but only a a few scripts get shot, so you could go there pay your money, and never direct.

I believe that Filmflex could be like this and although I defended the program in that it was not overpriced because of the equipment you receive and keep.

What I can not give an opinion on, is how strong you will be once you come out of the program.

I just want to offer advise to those reading this, to help them select the best route for them. All programs will have pros and cons.

I just reread this "By learning to take ideas from conception to completion, VFS graduates are able to deliver when it matters. Our graduates find success in many forms and on many continents including the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Japan, India, South Africa, Venezuela, and England. Some work as animators, writers, and designers for top companies like Microsoft, Lucasfilm, and Electronic Arts, and contribute to blockbuster films like Lord of the Rings, Triplets of Belleville, and Matrix: Revolutions."

You wondered if they'd lie about their grads...I don't think they would but I bet most of their film students aren't apart of those successes.

They have heavy graphics programs and animation programs that would produce a good number of successful grads. All those companies and films are heavy on post.
 
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