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Aspiring Filmmakers: To Film School or Not to Film School     
 
Education,Entertainment,Art and Culture
  
 
Often I am asked to consult with aspiring filmmakers or their families on whether or not they ought to go to film school.
I’ve found that some should and some should not!

Some need preparation to be able to get into film school. (In this case, I do what is needed to prepare them, and then deliver the person to the school.)

Some need to learn filmmaking or make their films outside the school system. (I work with this group too, to get them successfully through their projects.)

But how to decide which route to take?

Here’s an article I wrote on that recently, that may give some tips:

Filmmaking has been the fastest growing curriculum in U.S. colleges for the past 15 years.

The aspiring filmmaker should ask two questions:

Should I go to a film school?

And, if I decide to go to film school, which one should I attend?

Having taught at two of the leading film programs in the world (Art Center College of Design in Pasadena since 1976, and Cal Arts in Valencia since 1994), I’ve seen 7000+ students answer in favor of film school. And as a private consultant, I’ve seen many people answer the other way!

It seems to me that there are some points of personal values that come into play.

First, do you thrive better in a structured and demanding environment, or do you do better when on your own with full independence?

Those who need a structure with demands from the outside would most likely do better in a college or university with a set curriculum, lots of assignments and strict due dates, and some teacher and peer pressure.

–Those who feel restricted by the above, and who are highly self-motivated, might consider remaining outside of a school.

–Of course, they’d have to rent or own equipment and hire crew for their projects.

–Also, they wouldn’t get “student discounts” at the various vendors who rent production gear.

–And, finally, they wouldn’t have the advantage of school insurance (insurance MUST be maintained for any rented equipment; and Workmen’s Compensation must be carried for any on your crew, even if they’re not paid).

When evaluating which school, if any, to attend, I recommend a hard look be taken at the results the school gets with its students. Are they graduating people who enter in short order into a film industry job, or are their graduates delivering flowers and waiting on tables (both of which can be quite fun and remunerative) for very extended periods?

You might also look at the faculty and their credits. Are the teachers working filmmakers? Are they retired? Or have they never themselves worked in the film industry?

There’s nothing wrong with an intelligent theoretician, but when it comes to getting and maintaining jobs, it would be helpful to have instruction from someone who has practical experience.

Another point would be the location of the school. Is it in or near a filmmaking center (e.g., Los Angeles or New York), or is it in the sticks? While the second could provide a more peaceful study environment, the former might better prepare you for life in the trenches.

Finally, I’d assess the courses you’d need to take. Make sure there’s plenty of opportunity to see films, either in history or aesthetics classes. At the very least, make sure the school library has an excellent and full collection, and has liberal lending policies.

Also, make sure there are classes where you actually MAKE films. (It’s always shocking to me that one could get a degree in a subject and never perform the activities of that subject!)

So, my general advice is: IF YOU DECIDE TO GO TO FILM SCHOOL OR STUDY FILM IN COLLEGE, make sure there’s a satisfactory match between you and the college you choose.

THOSE WHO DECIDE NOT TO GO TO FILM SCHOOL WILL HAVE DIFFERENT CHALLENGES–I’LL TAKE THAT UP ANOTHER DAY!