I've been back and forth with myself about going to film school. I've been told that everything you learn in film school can be learned from books and by making your own movies. I've also seen that a film degree doesn't guarantee you a job in the industry or put you in better standing than someone who doesn't have a degree. So what is a film degree good for? What are the benifits of going to film school? Is going to film school really worth the money?
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.
What are your reasons for wanting to go to film school? That is what you have to answer. In my opinion film school is a great place for people to learn about filmmaking...be given assignments they have to complete...a slow progression to a final goal...and get an overall film education. Will a degree get you a directing job? 1 in 30,000 may get a directing job from their student films. A film degree may get you other jobs on films, but those same jobs can also be obtained by experience gained from working on films. Connections from film school can help you land jobs, but those same connections can be made by working on films. If you are a self-starter save your money...read books and volunteer to work on films. You will get to the end goal much faster. The only problem with the industry is we only read about the successful people. We never hear about the 99.9% that don't make it. Save your money so you can make your own films. That is the true calling card to success in the film industry...not connections and not degrees.
Thanks for the reply. I think of myself as a purpose driven, self starter. I really don't have the money for film school. but I do have enough to produce shorts so that is where I'll spend my money.
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.
Why not take it another step further? Why not concentrate on shooting features since that is where the market is...and that is what will get you noticed. It is tough to make any money or get noticed with a short film. It has been done, but the odds are against you. Get your experience with shorts, but then get to features as soon as possible. Go for it!
Hi, I am not an expert but I am about to graduate with a degree in broadcast and cinematic arts. It is true that it will most likely not help me get a job in film but it also prepared me for many aspects in the field which is good back-up. I'm not saying you should go but I thoroughly have enjoyed it and all the film history, rare films I've seen and discussions I have had are priceless. Those are the benefits. I can't afford it either and I owe lots of money. Kay
yes, very expensive haha. i believe i've made the wrong choice in schools, but never the less.. it's got a fairly decent film program. i have to knock out my foundation art classes in my first year, but hey, thats ok. it teaches you a lot. i'm learning to look at things outside the box, school is teaching me things i would never of thought of as an amatuer (which i still am).
school is a good asset to learn new perspectives, help boost your art into levels you never thought existed. it's like a new word. you learn the meaning of it, and then you start noticing it being used more. your more aware of it and you've learned it's meaning. same with buying a new car. you save up, and buy a car you want, and now you notice it all over the streets. but before you got it, or even wanted it, seems like you never saw one. it's because your mind is in an uneducated state.
school will open your eyes and mind to a lot of things, new ways to do your work and overall progress your film making decissions and methods.
Great comments. I think you've nailed it...by the overall community you get with going to film school. It immerses you in the environment and you can't help but gain great knowledge. Just being around other filmmakers on a daily basis is a great bonding and learning experience.
Now the million dollar question? Are you going to film school or not? It is one of the tougher questions, because a film degree does not gain entry into the club like traditional degrees in other fields. Whichever route you take...take action and never look back.
Everyone, thank you for your feedback. I'm starting to see that this has become a proverbial question. "To go, or not to go." My biggest fear is that I'll graduate and end up working at Hooter's to pay off my thousands of dollars of debt. I want to get the experience and training but afterwards I want to be able to support my family. I'm not expecting to be as well known as Quentin Tarantino right away but with a degree, I at least want to have a job that pays more than $19.50/hr.
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.
I know this is an old topic but I just had to revive it. I have to know, is there any real use for a film degree? Will it help me get an industry related job?
quote:
I at least want to have a job that pays more than $19.50/hr.
I know $19.50/hr. is pushing it a bit but I want to make sure my family can live comfortably.
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.
quote:
Originally posted by Valhurst
I know this is an old topic but I just had to revive it. I have to know, is there any real use for a film degree? Will it help me get an industry related job?
Re-read the first comment by Kess. It's pretty clear.
Having a degree isn't going to help you get an industry related job. I have been working in the industry my entire life - from age 16. I've worked crew jobs (grip, camera operator, make-up effects, pyrotechnics), I've written TV and theater, I've directed movies, theater and music videos. I didn't even graduate high school. No one has ever asked me for a degree.
I have hired many people over the years. From being the owner of a small effects company to hiring crew and actors for my movies - I have never asked to see a degree. From my experience, if you want to make sure your family can live comfortable then you need a steady job. That's really hard to get in this industry. Not impossible - just really difficult.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
Thank you for making that clear, certified and everyone else who answered. I hope this topic helps others the same way it has helped me.
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence.
