FILM School

T

TimC

New member
Hi guys,

I'm new to film. I've always wanted to get into Film. I know this area is for FCP. i didnt know where else to ask my question. but seeing i want use FCP i i thought i could post it here.

But i have a questions for anyone who has the time to help me out.

My question was..

I've been thinking about going to film school but its so expensive.

Do you think it would be best to put in the work and learn my self from books etc.. then trying to spend all that money to go?

Any help would be great!:(
 
The general discussion forum would probably have been best.

You shouldn't go to film school. Some people should, but I don't think you should, since you said yourself that you're new and 'always wanted to get into film'. That means you don't know if you'll really get into it and be willing to dedicate yourself to it. Film schools don't give refunds if you change your mind. I recommend starting with classes at a regular college if you do want educational help. Career wise, not many people would care where you graduated from. Most people will look at demo reel and that's it. I'm self educated, as are many others who are doing much better than I am. Film school will give you a lot of access to equipment and education, but you can get most of that yourself now, although the equipment won't be as advanced. Network when possible, find films to volunteer as a PA when you can and things like that.

Film school isn't bad. I would have enjoyed going to one... but not so much that I'd be willing to spend the huge amounts to get it, since I can't actually expect to make it back. After getting that prestigious degree you'll probably still be starting as an under or no paid PA or intern. Eventually you might make a profit, but eventually could be a long time away, especially if you're taking loans to go (interest adds up).

Also, I'm going to correct part of your post: You don't want to use FCP. You want to edit. An editor experienced with one program can switch to another with a day of practice. The editor is what makes the whole thing work, not the software. You should use anything you can get, as long as it cuts pictures. When I was very young my editing started on two VHS tapes, one in the VCR and one dubbing to the camera. I learned the same techniques I use now in Premiere since it's all editing, regardless of the interface.
 
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TimC,

There have been many threads at DVXuser about this very thing, so you're probably best off doing a search for the best results.

Personally I don't see film school as a big help. Film school can be a great place to network, but you can do that without it.

If you can do things on your own and are making shorts, making progress studying on your own then I don't really think you need to. Go to university and study something else. (Or you could do film at a university, not as practical but at least you'll find it interesting)

If you are making your own films on a regular basis, watching lots of films, reading books, etc. then you are already at some form of film school.

Some film schools offer a lot, and let you basically shoot your own stuff, not having to be the P.A on someone elses flick etc. But still, it IS an expensive way to learn stuff you can learn without film school. I'd probably go to film school if it was as cheap as university.
 
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I wouldn't say he DEFINITELY shouldn't go.

I just think if you're going to invest the money and effort involved with film school you should make sure it's something you're passionate about and you're not just going to become tired with one day and say "Wait I was wrong, I want to be a musician!"

Just think about it, weigh your options, and ask yourself if it's something you'd want to do for the rest of your life.

'Cause if it is something you want to get into... once you try to break into the business - the people what will be hiring PA's will be more likely to hire the people who have graduated film school rather than the ones who are self-taught.
 
There's some significant information missing that makes any answer purely a shot in the dark from anyone.

Graduate or undergraduate?
What do you want to do with your life?
What film school?


It's kind of like asking: I'm going to eat later. Should I go to a restaurant?

What are you hungry for? Do you already have food in the house? Is there a pizza already in front of you? Is the restaurant McDonalds or Tavern on the Green? Is there a grocery store within 100 miles? Are you a vegetarian?
 
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Being a film student myself, I still can't try to sway you one way or the other. Noah and Texanite make some great points and you should follow their advice before making any kind of decision like this that will affect your future.

That said, I've been in film school for two years now and worked hard to excel in departments other than my focus of directing (like editing, cinematography, and producing). I've also volunteered on tons of my fellow students' shoots and built up a resume' and a reputation that I'm proud of. Because of all that hard work, one of my professors recommended me for an internship with one of the biggest country music stars working today, and the networking and opportunities that have come from that have been invaluable. So, in my case, film school has been great, if expensive. That doesn't mean it's right for you, but don't let anyone just stomp their foot and write it off as a big waste of time and money.

Best of luck!
 
ChrisHurn said:
Some film schools offer a lot, and let you basically shoot your own stuff, not having to be the P.A on someone elses flick etc. But still, it IS an expensive way to learn stuff you can learn without film school. I'd probably go to film school if it was as cheap as university.
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Exactly. I'm studying film at university. It's the same price (except for the price of the shorts I make of course).

I'm getting to study using 16mm film cameras, and steenbeck, and equipment I wouldn't normally have access to.

Plus networking. I'm using this to my full advantage. I know one guy who didn't study film, yet he's pretty good and makes commercials. He knew me from another board and knew I was in montreal, so we got together and helped each other out. the reason why he did this was because he didn't know anyone else that was into film. While he learned on his own, he couldn't find people wot work with easily because he didn't know many people into this stuff. Now he's my editor and I co-rpoduce stuff with him, etc. I'm also using this to my full advantage. Now I'm basically using my entire class as my crew for my summer projects. It's really helpful. Plus that guy that you went to school with may easily be the guy that interviews you for that DP job down the line.

If it's costing you a significant amount of money, I wouldn't say it's worth it. I've worked as a PA on set of big films. People that have come out of my program or other film schools, and the over-all comment is "I learned nothing in film school". It's really about what you learn on set and what you read.

While I still see some advantages to film school, it can go either which way. Look at it this way, Tarantino never went to film school and his famous quote is "take all the money you saved to go to film school and use it to fund your next film". However, at the same time, George lucas, steven speilberg, spike lee (and the list goes on and on) all went to film school.
 
Hi, TimC --

Welcome to the forum. As others have said, try to post in the appropriate section, and also, please post the same thing in only one section.

Thanks!
 
Today I heard a grad student from UT film (which is supposedly one of the top film schools) say "What's a C47?" Enough said.
 
This is a complicated question, but I am sure you will come to a conclusion. Many fellow DVXUsers have posted great advice. I am currently finishing my degree of Film & Media Studies at UC, Irvine. It is primarily a program with an emphasis in theory. It is great to learn the theory behind film and I have been immersed in a strong historical background of film knowledge because of it. However, it lacks my true passion for creating content. I love practice over theory.

Your miles may vary because there are many good film programs that have an emphasis on practice. USC, UCLA, Cal Arts, Chapman University, Long Beach State, and the list goes on and on. Take the the wonderful advice from other DVXUsers. I would recommend as many have, to take classes at a local community college. Purchase an hd camcorder sub-$800 dollars such as the Canon HV30 or 20. Read forums and answer posts on Craigslist or even here on DVXUser. Many people love the extra help.

Hopefully this provided some insight. I have acquired a majority of my experience shooting things on my own and not with school...

Best,

Ogranado
 
Drew Ott said:
Today I heard a grad student from UT film (which is supposedly one of the top film schools) say "What's a C47?" Enough said.
Click to expand...

Jeez. I learned that the first week at my film school, which was not near the top at all...I never learned WHY we needed to call it that instead of a clothespin. I always suspected it was a bulllsh*t term invented to make it sound more OFFICIAL so expendable shops could charge more.
 
iC47.JPG
 
c-47 is something you learn on the film set. Its not really text book. Although that does show a major lack of experience. I knew c-47's but i had to figure it out when my grip called it a ceefer
 
Help me with the piece of advise please! Which film school in the best in NYC for directors of photography ? Thank you foward!
 
I'm looking at USC now. I want to stay away from the east and get right out there. However NYU tisch is the best in NY. I have 3 Alumna friends.
 
going to film school may be expensive but it helps build up alot of experience
you learn some things that might take you weeks just to figure out on your own
of course it is expensive but i believe what you get out of it is worth it
and film school also helps build up your resume
and gives you connections and business opportunities that you possibly wouldnt recieve working on your own
 
Working gives you experience and helps you build up your resumé. No one hiring really cares if you even have a degree let alone where the degree is from or what your GPA is. IMO, the best thing you can do in college is work/intern at post/production facilities, TV stations, PA on real shoots, etc., so that when you graduate you have a good amount of real world experience.


-A
 
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