Ultimately, my goal is to be a director in the "Filmmaker" style, writing my own scripts, working my own cameras, doing my own editing, and even writing my own musical scores (with mucho help and dreadful production restrictions obviously ?:)?). Of course, I realize that dream is an extremely distant and optimistic one.
So, as a first step, I am seriously contemplating the oft-trashed notion of film school. My reasons for wanting to attend are very specific.
1. Obviously, I want hands-on experience with equipment and crews.
2. I would like to leave film school with atleast one lengthy project that adequately showcases my talents. I care not whether that project is fully funded by the school or just utilizes the school's equipment and is student-financed/organized.
3. I want to be able to secure decent connections into the business, regardless of whether those connections come from internships, recommendations, or what have you.
I am a dedicated individual and I very much desire a school where one gets as much out as one puts in. As far as specific classes go, I have not yet made up my mind, although screenwriting, cinematography, and direction are all strong interests.
Basically, I am asking for help in choosing a school, but only asking for recommendations that will allow me to accomplish the goals outlined above. I am not yet completely convinced the largest, most prestigious schools are the way to do so. Convince me. ?:)?
i was contemplating going to film school myself but apart from being expensive, it does not guarantee you a film career. a friend of mine did one years ago and he still hasn't been able to break in.
i know alot of people say this but you won't be able to showcase your own personal talent at a film school just how they want you to make a film.
if you haven't already, read a copy of 'rebel without a crew' by robert rodriguez. it is an amazing book that is inspiring and makes you want to just get out their and do it.
as for making contacts, this site is awesome. i have met quite a few people on here who are helping me on my current project.
obviously, the choice is down to you and i wish you luck with whatever you choose.
Another option I have had lingering in my conscious sounds considerably bolder.
Instead of perhaps blowing upwards of $100,000 total for one of the best film school educations, I could move to LA or NYC and use the $150,000 I have to get started setting up a decent indepedent production studio in my residence. I would then rent the studio out in order to fund my own projects in the future. Also, I would acquire a part-time job as an intern or some other low-level position in a major studio in order to get on-set experience and keep a dependable steady income to pay the cost of living.
The more I think about it, the more I realize this idea sits quite comfortably with me, as I'd have security in that I'd actually own a business (that relates to my passion of films no less), I'd have a steady job (also related to films), and I'd have the satisfying freedom of self-depedence instead of being oppressed by the child-like dependance most higher educations offer.
I'd first need to learn a thing or two about business, I suppose ?:I?, but that's no biggy. Hm, spot any holes in such a plan?
i go to film school - its not all its made out to be.
save the money and buy American Movie. you dont need to be Lucas and nerd it up; just look at peter jackson.
Don't let people get you down about film school. Like anything else, you get what you put into it. The films I made in school have been accepted for network syndication and shown at festivals internationaly. Film school isn't a waste of time if you are SERIOUS. Some of my best friends I met in film school and we still make films togeather.
Find a program that is hands-on/practical because the only way to learn is by shooting.
P.S. Any education is valuable.
Elipses
Elipses
