Odd question, but what good is an organically created film that can't sell? Sounds like a home movie to me.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

I've tried to hire students from LAFS but haven't found any willing to work for very little pay on one of my movies. Not a good sign, in my opinion. But then I really think film school is a waste of time, so I know I'm not the right person to be discussing this subject.

I'm with ya, rj. The school emphasis on "art" is something I never understood. I have spoken to many students who think it's selling out if the number one reason you're making a movie is to make money.

No offense intended frdoco - I'm just someone with a different opinion. If a more organic approach to filmmaking is what you're looking for I think the Strasberg digital film school would be a perfect fit.

I was asked to speak there a few years ago - the "directing the actor" class - after speaking with the teachers and a few students I knew it wouldn't be a good fit. I'm more practical than organic in my approach.

certified investigator:

Why exactly do you think film school is a "waste of time" ?
I happen to sorta have the smae fellings, but I just wanted to know your reasoning to why you think it's a waste of time.

i should have clarified my use of the word "organic". the strasberg school teaches in digital filmmaking only. they figure that's the future-not working for some piece of a conglomerate who's eye is on the bottomline only. they want to put cinema/filmmaking back in the hands of the artist. with the advent of the internet and being able to edit on a personal computer-apple or PC-you can post your film on a website and charge admission or not; whatever you want to do. you can bypass the studios..that kind of thinking is what i meant by organic. i don't know if i used the word wrong,but having said that i don't think my question was odd. yeah, who doesn't want to make some serious bank by making films, but there are a lot of people who got into this field because they like/love film. to reply to an innocent question with a dismissive term like "odd" didn't help me or anyone else, jk. whoever you are...

and i don't there's a thing wrong with going to film school. i don't know if i'll go or not, but at least if i do i'll have access to cameras and editing equipment that i will never have access to here. i don't have the money. i hear other folks on this website forum and other sites slag going to film school..scorsese went to film school and look at what we've got in american filmmaking library.

the bottom line is this: do you have the game? whether you go to school or not, you have to prove yourself. what avenue you take-school or books and winging it..is up to you.