film school?

Thanks for all the replies! I really appreciate it! I do write a lot, so that seems to be a plus. I think I am going to go to film school though. There is program at our high school that instead of electives, for 3 periods a day, you leave early and go to college classes. There are a few community colleges nearby that offer great courses in filmmaking (or so I've heard.) I could do that for 2 years, so by the time I graduate I will also have been in college for 2 years. And the college classes are free too. My school pays for all tuition. I am currently storyboarding a zombie movie right now. I already have a few scenes roughly written and response so far from friends has been pretty good (though friends opinions aren't much help as they are usually positive.) Though this isn't really related, but does anyone have any good resourses (books, sites...) for making zombie movies, or visual effects? I am having a hard time finding anything. Thanks again!
 
I would never tell anyone not to go for their dream. But I do want to warn you that you most probably will not come out of film school and land a multi-million dollar project ... or even a multi-thousand dollar project. My husband and I come from both sides of the coin. I spent many years in a different business altogether, one that was about as far from filmmaking as one can get. My school background was business and I worked for defense contractors and commercial contractors in Planning and Scheduling. I literally fell into the film industry almost by accident. BUT if it hadn't been for my background in Scheduling I could never have made the transition. I drew on that expertise for every position I've held in film and TV.

On the other hand, my husband was a film major. He moved to LA right out of school and landed a job with a (at the time) HUGE film and television advertising company who makes trailers, teasers, and TV spots for many of the biggies ... he was ... "da, da, da, daaaaaa" (trumpet call) ... a DRIVER! He delivered "stuff" for the company to other companies. He moved up, slowly but surely, but he had to pay his dues, just like most everyone else.

So, there you have both sides. You don't necessarily need a film degree to work in the film industry, but some sort of education is a must ... and even with that film degree you may be one of the many, many "wannabes" that, while very good, never quite make it, or you may be the next <fill in the blank of the current flavor of the month>. And I hate to say it, but a lot of it is also who you know. Nepitism is alive and well in Hollywood and always will be. But once you get the toe in the door, things can happen, which is why I never say never. However, the odds are stacked against you and you must keep that in mind as you persue your dream and, as some have said, have a backup plan. And grow a VERY thick skin - something along the line of a 20 foot Florida alligator/ And don't be too proud - take any job you can get! Even Tim Burton worked as a PA on a Roger Corman film!

I hope this wasn't too convoluted as I am on sinus meds right now that have me half loopy, but having worked in LA and experienced the ups and downs of the industry, I felt compelled to put in my $0.02 worth. I'll end this with this thought:

Schooling - GOOD, Practical Experience - GOOD, put them together and you just might make it to GREAT!
 
Moonwind said:
On the other hand, my husband was a film major. He moved to LA right out of school and landed a job with a (at the time) HUGE film and television advertising company who makes trailers, teasers, and TV spots for many of the biggies ... he was ... "da, da, da, daaaaaa" (trumpet call) ... a DRIVER! He delivered "stuff" for the company to other companies. He moved up, slowly but surely, but he had to pay his dues, just like most everyone else.

Schooling - GOOD, Practical Experience - GOOD, put them together and you just might make it to GREAT!
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I think that's some the best advice on this thread. If your going to work why not work for the best?? Why waste your time with anything less than excellence?? Even if it's just serving coffee! Paying your dues and delayed gratification is what it's all about!
 
Also, if you decide to continue on to film school after the community college experience, do your research and don't just look at the big name schools. There are small (inexpensive) programs with quality faculty where not only are you allowed to make movies, but you must make movies in order to graduate (and not just work on someone else's project). Making your first few movies in this kind of environment gives you a nice safety net and it also allows you to be around like minded people. Of course, you don't have to go to film school, but if you decide to, this is the kind of program I would look for, since in my opinion its better to have some actual projects under your belt to show around instead of just a diploma from a big name school
 
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