Would you go to film school?

reem12

reem12

Veteran
I've been wondering for a while now, in the wake of all the latest technolgy upon us, knowing what you know now and the rapid pace in which technolgy is evolving, would you take film as a major if you had a passion for movie making and were just starting out.

Please. I would really like to keep this civil, so if people could just kind of give there ya or na for either that would be great.
 
If I could go back in time, I'd get a business degree and learn filmmaking just by doing it -- reading, studying films, learning the visual language, learning storytelling techniques, experimenting with form and content, and collaborating with others. Then I'd use that business degree to form the financial mechanism that would allow me to sustain a career in this very expensive art form. I find I'm constantly playing catch-up with the business end of things because i lack the savvy that kind of education would have given me.
 
Zak I feel the same as you. Although I couldn't afford the schooling and feared cutting tape and all the other requirements of shooting film, I do believe you can get alot of structure in which I'm lacking at times. I do notice that a lot of artist stuggle financialy at times, due to tunnel vision and getting the story told and produced. I think a good marketing degree could go a long way in this business along with some sort of art talent.

I do have freinds who are coming out of school though a bit pissed because they are oweing large debts, while getting on these forums and seeing novices working in their perspective fields that they put in the schooling for. It's just crazy to see how fast and far it's evolved even from the iconic dvx. The technology and these type of forums along with trial and era, seem to have done alot for aspiring filmmakers who didn't get a chance or couldn't go to school.

But you are indeed right, there is no substitute on a good business sense.
 
i second the business degree.

i haven't made anything yet. i'm still building.

for example: i'm still writing things i may want to shoot... but regardless of what i'm writing, i make sure that what is seen on screen is financially viable (for me). i also find myself writing something that people (statistically) have historically been attracted to. it's as if while i'm writing, i'm doing a script break down and am guided by a general business plan.

i don't think a business degree is essential if you already have a keen business insight, though.

there are many other educational paths that can provide truly unique film output. e.g. can you imagine philosophy majors, law students, physics majors, etc. making movies? there'd be so much more variety. it'll truly become an art form that everyone can contribute to (like pen and paper).

that's why i'm glad the technology has made it so affordable and simple to just "Go out and shoot"... filmmaking might no longer be exclusive to filmmakers and film producers.
 
Business major, with a film minor.

this way you know how to manage money, and you get some experince while you learn the real skills you need.
 
I would have set myself on a path to go to medical school for sure. I went to film/music school for a year and hated it. Learned much more in the field and the people here.
 
I'm biased but I would advise someone who wanted to be a writer/director to study playwriting/acting. Those skills are much harder to learn later in life. Also to keep a sharp eye on the cost of your education. If you walk out of school with 200k in student loan debt you will make very different career/life choices than if you are relatively debt free.
 
If I were starting today I'd go somewhere I can learn some real CGI skills. Seems they are handing out film deals these days to kids with FX laden shorts.
 
If I could have gone to one of the "top" schools then yes. By that I mean schools that could get me contacts in the industry, UCLA, USC, NYU. I have learned a ton buy doing and by being on various sets.
 
"If I were starting today I'd go somewhere I can learn some real CGI skills. Seems they are handing out film deals these days to kids with FX laden shorts." Will that be the case in four years? Will a combo of technology leaps and very cheap and highly skilled labor in some parts of the world change this in a few years? I don't know the answer.
 
Film Major with a Minor in Medieval-Renaissance European History.

If I had it to do again, I would go for a degree in Industrial Design + History, instead of Film. Most everything I have learned that's been professionally useful to me, I have learned on-the-job, after graduation. Or was self-taught while working my way through college.

A number of us who started out in digital VFX at places like Amblin and Foundation Imaging decided years ago that if we didn't move on, we'd be trampled by 17-year-old kids willing to work round-the-clock for pennies (it already having become clear that digital VFX artists weren't going to get organized, and therefore were in large numbers going to get screwed...)
 
+1 on the business degree and would advocate that you take courses in production management - whatever studies they offer. Too many people are trying to make movies with no knowledge of how to even break down a screenplay.
 
One very useful perk of film school depending on which one you attend is the long term network you get. Other than that I think some of these schools should be regulated and held accountable for what theY charge while not keeping updated with the technology that will matter when its time to work in the real world.

I have one freind who was a visual arts major and owes back upwards of $75,000 for his degree and cannot find viable employment now that he is out. It's like some of these art schools are a total joke. Either you are an artist or not. I agree with erik though. One should get a true understanding of screen play break downs, but don't think you need a 3 year film or art degree to get this.

I just think there is entirely to much info online, to many productions where people need extra hands to help them, and a ton of user freindly equipment to get you in the ball park vs. shelling out $50 to $100,000 for the aspireing filmmaker, especially in this economy.
 
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"Film major with a minor in Medieval-Renaissance European History." I like that a double threat, unemployable in two areas. Actually that would be a very cool degree.
 
I didn't realize that was your degree Max, I thought it was just a cool suggestion. Hows the 1920's alternative script progressing?
 
It's a mixed bag. The initial draft drew some useful criticism, and a little bit of praise. That's what first drafts are for; something made to be torn apart and reworked into something better.
 
I majored in FILM and never looked back. Great times, good contacts in school, and I made some kickass films.

Don't under or over estimate an education. It's always what you make it.
 
No it doesn't, but it's a great way to meet fellow people who can advance and help you advance on the process. Plus, it's a great way to meet girls, and please your parents who just want you to have a degree in ANYTHING. :P

But YES, if you are so motivated, you can self educate and dominate. The main issue is still having contacts. I've got 30+ friends from college who moved out to LA for film and now we are everywhere and always calling each other for work. I can't imagine how hard it would be to move to this city knowing film, but not knowing anyone. You'd probably have a better start in this industry if you knew everyone but knew nothing about film. :)
 
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