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I'm 19 and live in Minneapolis. I'm hoping to get into the cinema program at the community college here. I want to move to LA two years from now and want to go to film school there while I try and get into the bussiness. I've looked at a few and LA Film School looks the best but I really would like someones opinion on where to go before going $42,000 in debt! I have tons of stories I want to tell through film and would love to eventually be a director. Any ideas?
I'm 19 and live in Minneapolis. I'm hoping to get into the cinema program at the community college here. I want to move to LA two years from now and want to go to film school there while I try and get into the bussiness. I've looked at a few and LA Film School looks the best but I really would like someones opinion on where to go before going $42,000 in debt! I have tons of stories I want to tell through film and would love to eventually be a director. Any ideas?
From what I've heard, going to film school is a complete waste of time. Don't bother going.
Instead, focus on being an extra in the movies or making your own movies. Learn finalcut pro in your spare time, buy an HD video camera or animation software and start making some movies. Start simple. Tim Burton's first work was only 6 minutes long and was based on a poem.
just stick to the community college and start from there. When you transfer, don't bother going to a university what you need to go to is vocational school. I know how here in CA the big one is California Institute of the Arts which was basically started by the Walt Disney Company in the 1960s. Maybe talk with the others in the program and see what their plans are. Maybe someone owns a studio and that person needs help. Maybe someone is making their own movie and they need an assistant. Thats how it all starts.
however thinking that you need zyx degree from xyz film school is going to get you in the field - don't count on it. I am sure there are hundreds of people with such degrees.
Thanks alot man thats exactly what I was starting to think. I think even if it dosen't mean anything to have a diploma or college education in film it will be the place to get connects and experience on independant projects.
Keep in mind that even if you don't need a degree (and I don't know enough about the industry to weigh in on that) you will need to the basic skills to be able to communicate well in a business environment. A basic liberal education will also expose you to new ideas and ways of thinking. No, you don't necessarily need school for that, but it sure can help. You could start by getting some basic classes out of the way at a community college in Minneapolis, and then have the option of transferring to either a BA program or a more specialized program. Whatever happens, community college courses don't usually cost much, and you'll probably find them more than worth it from both a career and a personal perspective.
IMO, you don't need a degree to make movies, but going to a well respected film school can help you make connections w/ people who will help you get those films made. when looking at film schools, you should look at who your professors are going to be. are they professionals in the business? are they currently working in the field? get on a prof's good side and you may create connections that will get you further ahead than those w/o that connection. how much those connections are worth is up to you (is it worth patying $$$ for a 4 year art/film school?). you may be able to create those connections outside the college world w/ enough networking and by submitting your work to local film contests/festivals. either way, you'll need to put in the legwork; simply having a great idea isn't enough
IMO, you don't need a degree to make movies, but going to a well respected film school can help you make connections w/ people who will help you get those films made. when looking at film schools, you should look at who your professors are going to be. are they professionals in the business? are they currently working in the field? get on a prof's good side and you may create connections that will get you further ahead than those w/o that connection. how much those connections are worth is up to you (is it worth patying $$$ for a 4 year art/film school?). you may be able to create those connections outside the college world w/ enough networking and by submitting your work to local film contests/festivals. either way, you'll need to put in the legwork; simply having a great idea isn't enough
Exactly what I had in mind.
I have several friends who are in my school's recently-launched cinema program (as opposed to the more general "Film" program). They all complain about the program and how they would much rather be enrolled in another program within the school but they all say one thing: they wouldn't dare drop the program because they realize how valuable it is in terms of networking and making connections in the industry. The director of the program "acclaimed" filmmaker and being in the program allows the direct exposure to the US' largest French Film Festival.
IMO, you don't need a degree to make movies, but going to a well respected film school can help you make connections w/ people who will help you get those films made. when looking at film schools, you should look at who your professors are going to be. are they professionals in the business? are they currently working in the field? get on a prof's good side and you may create connections that will get you further ahead than those w/o that connection. how much those connections are worth is up to you (is it worth patying $$$ for a 4 year art/film school?). you may be able to create those connections outside the college world w/ enough networking and by submitting your work to local film contests/festivals. either way, you'll need to put in the legwork; simply having a great idea isn't enough
I think this is right on. My daughter is going to North Carolina School of the Arts, starting this fall. She is in the film program, interested in editing. Every time we have talked or read things from (OK, now it is UNC School of the Arts) they focus on profs that have been in the industry and the ALUMNI Connections. In fact, just last night I talked with my daughter ( who is pretty smart, but not as smart as she thinks) about success at NCSA would depend on networking, building close ties, working together, and meeting alums. Just academic success would result in ZILCH.
So, I am kinda agreeing with both sides. Strictly speaking, I don't think the pure academics are going to put you over the top. BUT, it is the contacts, exposure, and your schools rep that will really help, and you can't get these buying a camera and clicking or shooting away.
I don't know how much help I'll be since this fall I'm going to be a freshman at the School of Visual Arts but here's my input:
Anyways, LA Film school is a joke because it's also partnered with Full Sail "university" (also known as "Full Scam") and when you leave those programs you just receive a certificate which is useless because you also have few to none contacts.
The film industry is all about networking and who you know. If there's a movie filming near you try to be an extra and just get the feel of being onset (and a plus is you make some easy cash!). Definitely submit some films to festivals and keep on writing.
It's kinda pricey but consider transferring to USC which is one of the top film schools or maybe NYU. I'm sure they can definitely get you some great internships that can set you on the right foot.
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