I too am rattled by the same question. filmmaking.net has a FAQ page which answers this question to a certain extent. It gives the views by various directors who had film school experience. I get the feeling that it is still a personal choice and post film school success is totally in your hand.

I have substantial post-secondary education, so that is what I would recommend. I would say that much of the requirements are unnecessary, but, when you're young, you have to be a sponge and absorb lots of stuff. That said, many people go to technical school to learn hands on, and still others learn on the job.

Everyone is different, but, if I was to say, I'd advise you to get post-secondary education. But I say that only because I did that.

Again...this is debate which is never gonna end. Take Spielberg and Scorsese for example. Both are probably one of the greatest and each have their own style. Though you see Spielberg making amazing movies, you also see some organized story telling in Scorsese's. Spielberg was denied admission to Film School and Scorsese got his MFA from NYU. Now the question is whether do you wanna be thought or do you wanna learn on your own. Both are gonna get you somewhere. Put yourself in their shoes and think what would you do? Having said so much i am one of the confused ones.

Ugh, I hate Steven Spielberg. I can't stand his movies. I love Scorcese though. I look at it like Kubrick didn't go to film school, but Polanski did (my two favorite). I think I'm gonna skip it.

Thanks
davidcrass

David Patty

OK....i accept Kubrick and Polanski are amazing but movie on one hand tell us good stories but on the other hand are an entertainment too. Nobody makes a movie more entertaining than Spielberg. I believe that Spielberg has a blockbuster hit in every decade from the 70s and we all remember how every movie of his changed the way of movie making.And Schindler's list is enough to compete with any other great movie.

The point is talent shines.

Speilberg has a college degree, probably even majored in film, but he didn't get into film school and still managed to be awesome.

Scorsese went to NYU and managed to be awesome.

Two routes, same destination.

RJSchwarz

Exactly...Am sure you would know how Spielberg jumped out of the tour bus in Universal and grabbed the opportunity to be big. According to me if Spielberg is the brand ambassador of Hollywood then Scorsese is the one for the New York independent film wave.

quote:

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Originally posted by davidcrass

I'm sure this question has been asked a million times, but I want to see what people think. Yeah, you get contacts in the industry (if its a good one) and access to free equipment, but it costs as much as law school without the guarantee of a job afterward.

Is it worth the debt that will possibly never get paid off (with a filmmaking career, that is)? Do you really learn that much, or could you just buy DIY books?

If anyone has experience with one or the other it would be useful.

Thanks

davidcrass

David Patty

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The quick answer, David, is no. Filmschool, in and of itself (and the degee) will NOT in any way help you to create or maintain a viable career in the film industry.

Could it in some way? Sure. Maybe. IF you meet the right people at the precise right time and you have exactly what they need and want at that moment, then maybe you may get a leg up on someone who is already established.

So, if you want to invest/spend thousands of dollars into a "maybe," then don't let anyone stop you.

But, what path YOU choose depends entirely on what YOU want and what you need to learn. Some people just seem to "get it" and don't need a formal education. Many don't and need someone to show them how it all works. Regardless of that, NOBODY will ever care if you have a film degree or not.

This is a business where a "movie" (or TV show or music video, etc) is a one-off product. For each product, a "factory" is built with thousands of freelancers. Once the product is made, the "factory" is "dismantled," all of those employees are laid off and everyone goes to work on another project. Generally, a project will look for the most experienced/skilled/talented employees they can get within the financial parameters they can afford. If you fall within those parameters, then you will be hired. If not, then you'll keep working on lower budget projects until you do get noticed...or until you give up.

So, filmschool can help, but it is only part of the equation, and not necessarily a large one at that. Learning about how the industry REALLY works in the professional world is your best weapon... not a degree or a short film. Get a degree, but not necessarily one in film. Make a short film (if you want to be a Director) but don't rely on that lottery. Learn all you can about how the business really operates and then stay passionate about your goals.

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

Yeah Spielberg comes out with a blockbuster every decade and I'm not denying his talent, I just can't stand his movies. They're too family oriented, besides Schindlers List (and a few others) but if you wanna watch a Holocaust film watch The Pianist because Polanski actually experienced it. Spielberg grew up in the burbs. I mean yeah entertainment's cool but without emotional depth movies are just pointless, another commercial tool. If it weren't for movies like Repulsion, The Hustler, The Killing, etc, and all movies were entertainment blockbusters, I wouldn't even like film. Plus my opinions a bit slanted because I prefer films that portray murder/insanity/hopelessness/mental instability/violence because thats how I see the world. When I watch a movie like Jaws I just feel faked out. Spielberg's talented though, I'm not saying he's Ed Wood or anything.

And also, thank you to everyone for your input, it helped me make a decision. I'm gonna do it Roger Corman style.

davidcrass

David Patty

Film school has made me a better filmmaker.

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Andrew Gingerich
Exploding Goldfish Films
Check out my blog at http://www.exgfilms.com
and my reel at http://portfolio.exgfilms.com