To Film School or Not To Film School

They Live

They Live

Well-known member
http://www.dvguru.com/2006/10/11/10-reasons-you-shouldnt-go-to-film-school/

I love this site. As a recent graduate with a degree in Media Arts and Design-Digital Video, Producing and Directing (long winded major title, I know) and minors in both Film Studies and Creative Writing from JMU, I've been debating whether or not I should further my education at film school. Just as I was about to enter a search for more info on the topic, I scrolled down the Home Page of good old DVXUser and came across a link to the article above. I found it very interesting (and rather synchronistic). What is everyone elses opinion on film school? Who on the site has been to film school? Who of the young guys like myself are thinking about it but are very very confused on what to do next?

All the Best,
Ben
 
I'm a returning student ( 36 year old ) that is almost done with my undergraduate film degree. I too am in a similar situation. I'm in the process of applying for graduate school, though I may not go. I'm preparing for a fairly large project, and if it is successful, I may go another route besides grad school.

Technically, there is probably very little a graduate program could offer me, but I'm applying to a school more known for experimental film, has a good photography program, and is heavy handed in the fine arts. I've actually had to pass up some pretty good money in order to stay in school; but, money isn't everything.

For myself, school is not necessarily the best way to learn, but it keeps me on track to achieve goals and forces me to study and read in a way I would be hard pressed to do on my own. And, I really believe school like so many things in life is what you make of it. I've gained an incredible amount of knowledge both academic and practical, but I only did this because I wanted that knowledge regardless of the ineptitude or apathy of others.

I've had some good professors and some bad ones; I've met some great people and some who I would rather not have met. I would definitely reflect on what you want to get out of graduate school and find a program that matches your needs. Often times graduate schools are merely tools to gain contacts that would take you years to find and build in the professional world. If you have the money to pay for those contacts, that is a luxury many will never have.
 
school

school

I'm going to check out Fullsail this comming weekend. Not sure if it is where I want to go. I guess I'm in my research phase. Any thoughts?
 
school

school

Saw that thread and it seems to be more about money. The money isn't an issue for me (disabled vet). I need to learn where I will actually be able to function in the field. I have nerve and muscle damge that is slowly progressive, but I still get around pretty good. I have always wanted to work in film and now I have the chance to get some good education in. I did a lot of research before buying a camera and found that for the price and what I wanted to do the DVX was the one. I have Barry's book and have been working with that and the camera to do some learning on my own. I do pretty well in After Effects and Primiere.
Another reason I was looking at Fullsail is that I need the warmer climate. Winter isn't even here yet and I having problems with the weather. I'm not dead set on the school yet and was looking for options but I am dead set on climate.
Thanks for the reply:dankk2:
 
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