Who has/hasnt attended film school? (POLL)

Who has/hasnt attended film school? (POLL)

  • I HAVE attended film school (1+ years)

    Votes: 23 36.5%

  • I have NOT attended film school - DONT want to

    Votes: 39 61.9%

  • I have NOT attended film school yet - WANT to

    Votes: 1 1.6%
  • Total voters
    63
D

DDirector

Veteran
Please answer if you are just starting out, or an experienced pro.
But you must have a high interest in filmmaking and not just 1 timers - those who want to pursue a career in this field.

Just making a poll for a school project to see how many people have attended film school, and how many decided not to go and learned filmmaking from a different method.

-I HAVE attended film school (1+ years)
-I have NOT attended film school - DONT want to
-I have NOT attended film school yet - WANT to
 
Thanks to those who have voted so far.

For those who havent, please add yourself to the poll, it would be much appreciated as it will be a part of my big assignment :)
 
I would love to go to film school, but I can't justify the money right now, especially because my career is moving forward anyway. I have however come to a decision that if my career is not where I would like it to be by the time im 28 (im 24 right now), I will try to go to a film school in L.A., not necessarily for the skills, but for the connections.
 
Not sure about the prices in the US, and sure a film school won't turn you into a Spielberg if you don't have the talent, but if you do have it, for sure it will save you lots of time, help make connections, and meet good people. So I think it's worth it.
 
I didn't go to film school, but I have been asked to lecture at three of them...

I'll add though, I agree with macgregor, if you can get into a good film school, go for it. It's much better than fighting your way up like so many of us have had to.
 
Liam Hall said:
I'll add though, I agree with macgregor, if you can get into a good film school, go for it. It's much better than fighting your way up like so many of us have had to.
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Is it? I've met dozens of people that have gone to top film schools as grads and/or undergrads and they were right along side me (and my radio/TV degree from Ball State) paying dues in entry level positions.

To be honest, the common threads I've seen among successful people is that they are driven, hard working, talented, were prepared when they chanced upon an opportunity and they fostered work networks.
 
adkimery said:
To be honest, the common threads I've seen among successful people is that they are driven, hard working, talented, were prepared when they chanced upon an opportunity and they fostered work networks.
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Yes, I agree, but add educated to that list and you have an advantage.
 
I didn't expect people replying to this really..

While on topic, if you dont know, I am doing a big essay project. My topic is whether if film school is worth it.
Why did I choose this? Because personally I believe that the 3 year program isnt worth it. An advanced year is probably good. But 3 years is just too much!
Plus you have to do retarded 25pg assignments like this! Why would I go to film school to write pages about the regretful decision I made to stay 3 years here?

I wanted to know:
If anyone would like to have an interview done. Mainly for those who HAVE attended or would WANT to attend.
Im not saying no to those who HAVENT, but I just have more of those interviews then those who have attended, but Id still like to interview you.
*By phone (15-30min), in person (15-30min), or by email (I send an attachment full of questions and hope for a reply within a week)

If anyone is interested please let me know. Thanks.

And dont forget to add yourself to the POLL! Thanks :)
 
There are lots of places you can get a quality education without paying the premium you will for a named film school. I'm not saying don't go to college period I'm just saying that I think the 'pedigree' of a good film school is overrated and overpriced. I have friends in business and medicine where the school listed on the diploma matters a lot but in my experience our industry isn't like that. Practical experience weighs more than formal education and whenever I'm talking to younger people that's what I always stress.
 
DDirector said:
While on topic, if you dont know, I am doing a big essay project. My topic is whether if film school is worth it.
Why did I choose this? Because personally I believe that the 3 year program isnt worth it. An advanced year is probably good. But 3 years is just too much!
Plus you have to do retarded 25pg assignments like this! Why would I go to film school to write pages about the regretful decision I made to stay 3 years here?
Click to expand...

If parents pay or some one has grants, Film School is worth it, if it is one of the prestigious ones... if one is taking out loans... probably not... take out a loan and study hard to become an MD... or a lawyer...
 
I went to state university for bachelor's degree in Film Production. I don't know exactly what constitutes a "film school" but most state universities offer a major in Film and Video Production or some variation within Communications.
 
Thanks to everyone who voted so far.
Please continue to vote.

There is still about a month left before I will need my results. :)
 
It was hinted at above. A "quality" film school is like an Ivy league education. It's the connections you make with classmates and alumni as much as anything.
 
I attended for a year and then left.

I've gotten 'further' whilst out of film school than when I was in. I'm not sure if that is down to me having availability everyday instead of being at school, but I started from the bottom filming local spots and then got the chance this year to go around the world and film. I did my 1 year in 2010.
 
gonzo_entertainment said:
It was hinted at above. A "quality" film school is like an Ivy league education. It's the connections you make with classmates and alumni as much as anything.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I left after a year and the only regret I have is in the potentially missed connections. My belief is that film school is most valuable at the graduate level, at a program that has strong industry ties like AFI. If one is primarily interested in working in the industry, that is. If the goal is to write and study scholarly dissertations about filmmaking, it may be a different story.
 
Never went to a film school. Had 2 semesters of video production at a state university as part of the Communication program. Made all my own connections, etc, and worked my ass off.
 
I am looking for some other great answers about pros and cons of film school or not attending film school.
Also, if you could continue voting, that would be awesome! I have one more week to go before I need to results and answers that I'd like to add to my essay -- Which I have to write about in my film school. Ugh.
 
CharlesPapert said:
Agreed. I left after a year and the only regret I have is in the potentially missed connections. My belief is that film school is most valuable at the graduate level, at a program that has strong industry ties like AFI. If one is primarily interested in working in the industry, that is. If the goal is to write and study scholarly dissertations about filmmaking, it may be a different story.
Click to expand...

I wanted to apply for the AFI until I saw that the first year is $60+ grand, not including what you spend on your films, and no financial aid until year two.
 
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