Input needed Feedback requested on Film School Alumni Employment Outcomes Survey

[Chris W]

Hello everyone,

I'm thinking of creating a Film School Alumni Employment Outcomes survey to send out to past members of the site, from over the many years we've been active, to getter a better idea of how film schools prepare students for employment and the success students have had outside of film school. Eventually I'd love to have a database on this built into the site but as that takes time and $$$$ to do right, I figured the best way to get it going would be via a Google Form. After all, the application database started over 10 years ago as a Google Sheet.

Here is what I'm brainstorming for the survey and the questions. Please respond with any feedback or what you'd like to have included.

Film School Alumni Employment Outcomes Survey​

FilmSchool.org is doing a survey that measures film student's success after film school and if they feel that their film school prepared them to "break into" the film business and find work. If you are a film school graduate please take this survey to help current film school applicants find the best path into the film industry.

This survey should take 8–12 minutes. All questions are optional except where noted. You can choose to remain fully anonymous or have your data associated with your FilmSchool.org username.

1. Email *​

Short answer text

2. FilmSchool.org username​

Write N/A if you don't have one yet
Short answer text

3. When your data is posted on FilmSchool.org, do you want to:​

Mark only one oval.

• Associate data with my FilmSchool.org username
• Remain fully anonymous

4. Undergraduate film program / school name​

(if applicable)
Short answer text

5. Undergraduate degree​

(if applicable) (e.g. BFA Film, BA Cinema Studies)
Short answer text

6. What was your primary concentration while at this undergraduate film program?​

(if applicable)
Mark only one oval.

• General Filmmaking
• General Film Studies
• Directing
• Producing
• Screenwriting
• Cinematography
• Editing
• Production Design
• Other: ________

7. Year of undergraduate graduation​

(if applicable)
Dropdown options: 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, Other

8. Age at undergraduate graduation​

Mark only one oval.

• 18 to 22
• 23 to 25
• 26 to 29
• 30 to 35
• 36 to 39
• 40 to 49
• 50+
• Other: ________

9. Graduate film program / school name​

(if applicable)
Short answer text

10. Graduate degree & duration​

(if applicable) (e.g. MFA 2 years, MA 1 year)
Short answer text

11. What was your primary concentration while at this graduate film program?​

(if applicable)
Mark only one oval.

• General Filmmaking
• General Film Studies
• Directing
• Producing
• Screenwriting
• Cinematography
• Editing
• Production Design
• Other: ________

12. Year of graduate graduation​

(if applicable)
Dropdown options: 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, Other

13. Age at graduate graduation​

(if applicable)
Mark only one oval.

• 18 to 22
• 23 to 25
• 26 to 29
• 30 to 35
• 36 to 39
• 40 to 49
• 50+
• Other: ________

14. How many years has it been since your most recent film-school graduation?​

Mark only one oval.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 3 to 5 years
• 6 to 10 years
• 11 to 15 years
• 16 to 20 years
• 20+ years

15. Did you move to a different city specifically to attend film school?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes
• No

16. Did you stay in that city after graduation?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes
• No

About You​

17. Age​

Mark only one oval.

• 18 to 22
• 23 to 25
• 26 to 29
• 30 to 35
• 36 to 39
• 40 to 49
• 50+
• Prefer not to say

18. Gender​

Mark only one oval.

• Female
• Male
• Non-binary/Other
• Prefer not to say

19. Race​

(Categories taken from US Census)
Mark only one oval.

• American Indian and Alaska Native
• Asian
• Black or African American
• Hispanic or Latino
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
• Two or more races
• Middle Eastern or North African
• White
• Prefer not to say
• Other: ________

20. Sexual Orientation​

Mark only one oval.

• Heterosexual
• Lesbian
• Gay
• Bisexual
• Transgender
• Queer
• Asexual
• Intersex
• Pansexual
• Prefer not to say
• Other: ________

21. Are you Outgoing or Introverted?​

Mark only one oval.

• Extremely Outgoing
• Mostly Outgoing
• Balanced
• Mostly Introverted
• Extremely Introverted

22. Do you find it easy to make new friends?​

Mark only one oval.

• Very Easy
• Somewhat Easy
• Neutral
• Somewhat Difficult
• Very Difficult

23. Do you find it easy to network?​

Mark only one oval.

• It comes naturally
• I can do it but it's work
• I find it very draining
• I avoid it

24. Do you believe your physical appearance has impacted your hiring prospects?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes, Positively
• No Impact
• Yes, Negatively

25. Are you an indoor person or an outdoor person?​

Mark only one oval.

• Primarily Indoor
• Primarily Outdoor
• Balanced

26. Do you consider yourself handy?​

Mark only one oval.

• Very (Can fix/build anything)
• Somewhat (Basic tools)
• Not at all

27. During your first 2 years after film school, did you receive financial assistance from family for rent or living expenses?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes
• No
• Partial

28. Are you a member of a guild or union?​

Mark only one oval.

• Not yet
• IATSE
• DGA
• SAG-AFTRA
• PGA
• Other: ________

Employment Timeline​

29. At what point after graduation did you first land any PAID film-related work?​

Mark only one oval.

• Immediately (within 1 month)
• 1–3 months
• 3–6 months
• 6–12 months
• 1–2 years
• Never / still haven’t (Skip to question 76)

Your First Filmmaking Job​

30. What was that first filmmaking job or role?​

Short answer text

31. What best describes the nature of this first film job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Day Player / Short-term Gig
• Project-Based Contract
• Staff/Permanent Position
• Internship (Paid)
• Other: ________

32. Which department did this first role fall under?​

Mark only one oval.

• Production (PA, Producer, AD, etc.)
• Camera / G&E (AC, Op, Gaffer, Grip)
• Post-Production (Editor, AE, Color, Sound)
• Art Department (Set Dresser, Props, Art PA)
• Writing / Development (Script Reader, Assistant)
• Corporate / Agency / Studio Office
• Other: ________

33. Where was this filmmaking job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Los Angeles
• New York
• Chicago
• Atlanta
• Remote
• International (Non-US)
• Other: ________

34. What was the duration of the first job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Single Day / Weekend
• 1–4 weeks (Short-term project)
• 1–3 months
• 3–6 months
• 6 months to 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• 2+ years
• Other: ________

35. What was this first filmmaking job's Weekly Salary (USD)​

Instruction: If you were paid a flat fee for a project, please estimate the weekly equivalent.
Mark only one oval.

• Under $500
• $500 – $749
• $750 – $999
• $1,000 – $1,499
• $1,500 – $2,000
• $2,000 – $2,499
• $2,500 – $3,000
• $3,000 – $3,499
• $3,500 – $4,000
• $4,000 – $4,499
• $4,500 – $5,000
• $5,000+

36. What was the primary factor that helped you get that first paid work?​

Mark only one oval.

• Internship during film school
• Alumni network from film school
• Peer connections from film school
• Job listings at film school
• Other Job Listings
• Cold emails / personal hustle / self-promotion
• Family or non-film connections
• Other: ________

37. Please go into detail on how you secured your first filmmaking job​

Long answer text

Filmmaking Work and Achievements​

38. What paid Above-the-Line positions have you held? (select all that apply)​

Position	Studio Feature Films	Independent Feature Films	Television Shows	Documentaries	Commercials	Music Videos	Short Films	Events
Director
Executive Producer
Co-Executive Producer
Producer
Screenwriter
Casting Director

39. What paid Below-the-Line Camera Department positions have you held? (select all that apply)​

Position	Studio Feature Films	Independent Feature Films	Television Shows	Documentaries	Commercials	Music Videos	Short Films	Events
Camera Operator
First Assistant Camera
Second Assistant Camera
Digital Imaging Technician (DIT)
Camera PA

40. What paid Below-the-Line Production positions have you held? (select all that apply)​

Position	Studio Feature Films	Independent Feature Films	Television Shows	Documentaries	Commercials	Music Videos	Short Films	Events
Line producer
Production manager
Production coordinator

41. What paid Below-the-Line Lighting/Grip Department positions have you held? (select all that apply)​

Position	Studio Feature Films	Independent Feature Films	Television Shows	Documentaries	Commercials	Music Videos	Short Films	Events
Gaffer
Best Boy Electric
Key Grip
Best Boy Grip
Dolly Grip
Lighting Technician

42. What paid Below-the-Line Art Department positions have you held? (select all that apply)​

Position	Studio Feature Films	Independent Feature Films	Television Shows	Documentaries	Commercials	Music Videos	Short Films	Events
Art Director
Set Designer
Set Dresser
Prop Master
Property Assistant
Scenic Painter
Greensman

43. What paid Below-the-Line Sound Department positions have you held? (select all that apply)​

Position	Studio Feature Films	Independent Feature Films	Television Shows	Documentaries	Commercials	Music Videos	Short Films	Events
Production Sound Mixer
Boom Operator
Sound Utility

44. What paid Below-the-Line Wardrobe, Hair & Makeup positions have you held? (select all that apply)​

Position	Studio Feature Films	Independent Feature Films	Television Shows	Documentaries	Commercials	Music Videos	Short Films	Events
Costume Designer
Wardrobe Supervisor/Stylist
Key Makeup Artist
Key Hair Stylist

45. What paid Below-the-Line Production & Logistics positions have you held? (select all that apply)​

Position	Studio Feature Films	Independent Feature Films	Television Shows	Documentaries	Commercials	Music Videos	Short Films	Events
1st AD
2nd Ad
Production Assistant (PA)
Script Supervisor
Location Manager
Craft Service/Catering

46. What paid Below-the-Line Post Production and VFX positions have you held? (select all that apply)​

Position	Studio Feature Films	Independent Feature Films	Television Shows	Documentaries	Commercials	Music Videos	Short Films	Events
Editor
Assistant Editor
Apprentice Editor
VFX Supervisor
VFX Artist
Color Correction/Finishing

47. Please describe the filmmaking projects you've worked on​

Long answer text

48. Achievements and Awards (select all that apply)​

Achievement	0	1–10	11–25	26–50	50+
Script Sales & Options
Commercial Credits
Festival Awards
Independent Award Nominations
Independent Award Wins
Industry Fellowships
Oscar Nominations
Oscar Wins
Emmy Nominations
Emmy Wins
Golden Globe Nominations
Golden Globe Wins

49. Are you currently represented by an Agent or Manager?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes, Both
• Agent Only
• Manager Only
• No

Filmmaking Job related to your film school goal​

50. Have you been able to find a job directly related to your filmmaking focus / track / goal while at film school? (i.e. Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Cinematographer, Editor, Production Designer, etc)​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes
• No (Skip to question 58)

Film Job Related to Primary Area of Study / Concentration​

51. How long after graduation before you got this first job directly related to your concentration?​

Mark only one oval.

• Under 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 2 to 3 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 4 to 5 years
• 5 to 7 years
• 7 to 10 years
• 10+ years

52. What was the job title of your job related to your area of study?​

Short answer text

53. What best describes this role?​

Mark only one oval.

• Director
• Producer
• Screenwriter
• Cinematographer
• Editor
• Visual Effects Artist
• Production Design
• Other: ________

54. What was the primary factor that helped you get this job related to your concentration?​

Mark only one oval.

• Internship during film school
• Alumni network from film school
• Peer connections from film school
• Job listings at film school
• Other Job Listings
• Cold emails / personal hustle / self-promotion
• Family or non-film connections
• Other: ________

55. Where was this filmmaking job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Los Angeles
• New York
• Chicago
• Atlanta
• Remote
• International (Non-US)
• Other: ________

56. What was this job's Weekly Salary (USD)​

Instruction: If you were paid a flat fee for a project, please estimate the weekly equivalent.
Mark only one oval.

• Under $500
• $500 – $749
• $750 – $999
• $1,000 – $1,499
• $1,500 – $2,000
• $2,000 – $2,499
• $2,500 – $3,000
• $3,000 – $3,499
• $3,500 – $4,000
• $4,000 – $4,499
• $4,500 – $5,000
• $5,000+

57. Please go into detail on how you got this job related to your primary filmmaking goal​

Long answer text (Skip to question 67)

Paths shifting​

58. If you weren't able to get a film job directly related to your concentration, what filmmaking job did you shift into?​

Mark only one oval.

• Director
• Assistant Director
• Crew
• Screenwriter
• Producer
• Agent
• Executive
• Editor
• Assistant Editor
• Visual Effects
• Production Design
• Other: ________

59. How long after graduation before you shifted into this position?​

Mark only one oval.

• Under 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 2 to 3 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 4 to 5 years
• 5 to 7 years
• 7 to 10 years
• 10+ years

60. What was the primary factor that helped you get this job unrelated to your concentration?​

Mark only one oval.

• Internship during film school
• Alumni network from film school
• Peer connections from film school
• Job listings at film school
• Other Job Listings
• Cold emails / personal hustle / self-promotion
• Family or non-film connections
• Other: ________

61. What was this job's Weekly Salary (USD)​

Instruction: If you were paid a flat fee for a project, please estimate the weekly equivalent.
Mark only one oval.

• Under $500
• $500 – $749
• $750 – $999
• $1,000 – $1,499
• $1,500 – $2,000
• $2,000 – $2,499
• $2,500 – $3,000
• $3,000 – $3,499
• $3,500 – $4,000
• $4,000 – $4,499
• $4,500 – $5,000
• $5,000+

62. Where was this filmmaking job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Los Angeles
• New York
• Chicago
• Atlanta
• Remote
• Other: ________

63. Are you satisfied with this other position?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes
• Mostly
• Indifferent
• Mostly No
• No

64. Please elaborate on how you got this position not related to your original filmmaking goal​

Long answer text

65. Are you still trying to achieve your original filmmaking goal?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes
• No

66. Please elaborate on your future goals​

Long answer text

Present Day​

67. Is your current job a film related job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes (Skip to question 68)
• No (Skip to question 76)

Present Day Film Job​

68. What is your current job title?​

Short answer text

69. What best describes this current job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Director
• Assistant Director
• Crew
• Screenwriter
• Producer
• Agent
• Executive
• Editor
• Assistant Editor
• Visual Effects
• Production Design
• Other: ________

70. How long after graduation before you got your current filmmaking job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Under 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 2 to 3 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 4 to 5 years
• 5 to 7 years
• 7 to 10 years
• 10+ years

71. Where is this filmmaking job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Los Angeles
• New York
• Chicago
• Atlanta
• Remote
• International (Non-US)
• Other: ________

72. What was this job's Weekly Salary (USD)​

Instruction: If you were paid a flat fee for a project, please estimate the weekly equivalent.
Mark only one oval.

• Under $500
• $500 – $749
• $750 – $999
• $1,000 – $1,499
• $1,500 – $2,000
• $2,000 – $2,499
• $2,500 – $3,000
• $3,000 – $3,499
• $3,500 – $4,000
• $4,000 – $4,499
• $4,500 – $5,000
• $5,000+

73. What was the primary factor that helped you get this current job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Internship during film school
• Alumni network from film school
• Peer connections from film school
• Job listings at film school
• Other Job Listings
• Cold emails / personal hustle / self-promotion
• Family or non-film connections
• Other: ________

74. Please go into detail on how you got your current filmmaking job​

Long answer text

75. Do you feel like you've succeeded in your filmmaking goals?​

Mark only one oval.

• I’ve achieved my primary goal
• I am working steadily but haven't 'peaked' yet.
• I am struggling to find consistent work.
• I have redefined what success looks like for me.

(Skip to question 84)

Non Filmmaking Job​

76. If you have not found paid film work or are not currently working in film, what do you think is the primary reason?​

Mark only one oval.

• Lack of available jobs
• Lack of connections
• Location
• Financial pressure
• Cost of gear
• Other: ________

77. Current Non Filmmaking Job title​

Short answer text

78. What line of work best describes your current job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Business
• Education
• Marketing / Social Media / Content Creation
• Photography / Videography
• Tech / UX / UI Design
• Service Industry / Retail
• Freelance / Gig Economy
• Other: ________

79. Where is this job?​

Mark only one oval.

• Los Angeles
• New York
• Chicago
• Atlanta
• Remote
• International (Non-US)
• Other: ________

80. What was this job's Weekly Salary (USD)​

Instruction: If you were paid a flat fee for a project, please estimate the weekly equivalent.
Mark only one oval.

• Under $500
• $500 – $749
• $750 – $999
• $1,000 – $1,499
• $1,500 – $2,000
• $2,000 – $2,499
• $2,500 – $3,000
• $3,000 – $3,499
• $3,500 – $4,000
• $4,000 – $4,499
• $4,500 – $5,000
• $5,000+

81. Please go into detail on how you came to have this non filmmaking job​

Long answer text

82. Are you still trying to break into or get back into the film business?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes I'm still trying to break in
• No I've moved on from the film business

83. If you are still trying to get into/ back into film, how do you feel about your prospects?​

Mark only one oval.

• Good
• Bad

Was Film School Worth It?​

84. To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?​

Mark only one oval.

• Not at all
• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• Extremely

85. How did film school help you the most?​

(select all that apply)

• Peer Network: Collaborators who still hire me or work with me today.
• Alumni Network: Connections to older grads who provided "ins" at companies.
• Faculty Connections: Professors who personally recommended me for jobs.
• Technical Skills: Mastery of cameras, lighting, software, or specialized gear.
• Craft/Narrative Theory: Deep understanding of storytelling, screenwriting, or film history.
• Brand/Pedigree: The school's name on my resume opened doors or added "prestige."
• The Portfolio/Reel: I left with a high-quality film or reel that got me work.
• Internship Access: The school’s requirements or location led to my first internship.
• Life Skills: Professionalism, set etiquette, and learning how to work under pressure.
• Access to Equipment: Being able to experiment with expensive gear I couldn't afford
• None of the above: I don't feel film school helped me significantly.
• Other: ________

86. Go into more detail if desired on how film school helped you get into the business​

Long answer text

87. Did you take out student loans to attend film school?​

Mark only one oval.

• Under $10k
• $10k to $25k
• $25k to $50k
• $50k to $75k
• $75k to $100k
• $100k to $150k
• $150k to $200k
• $200k to $250k
• $250k to $300k
• $300k to $350k
• $350k to $400k
• Over $400k
• No

88. Are you still in debt?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes
• No

89. If yes, how much debt remains?​

Mark only one oval.

• Under $10k
• $10k to $25k
• $25k to $50k
• $50k to $75k
• $75k to $100k
• $100k to $150k
• $150k to $200k
• $200k to $250k
• $250k to $300k
• $300k to $350k
• $350k to $400k
• Over $400k

90. Was taking out the loans ultimately worth it?​

Mark only one oval.

• Not worth it
• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• A good decision

91. What do you wish you had done differently while in film school?​

Long answer text

92. What do you wish you had done differently after graduation?​

Long answer text

93. Would you recommend your film program to someone starting today?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes, regardless of the cost
• Yes, but only if you get a scholarship/don't take on debt.
• No, I would recommend a different path (e.g., set work, private workshops).
• Unsure

94. Please expand on your recommendation​

Long answer text

95. What was the single most valuable thing you got from film school?​

Long answer text

96. Any more advice you would give to current film students about career outcomes?​

Long answer text

97. If you could go back to the day you applied to film school, knowing what you know now about your career outcome, would you still apply?​

Mark only one oval.

• Yes
• No
• Maybe

Thank you for taking the survey!​

Thank you for taking the survey! Once enough responses are recorded we'll post an article on FilmSchool.org with its findings.
If you haven't yet, please leave a review for your film program on our site.
Also, in a couple of years take the survey again if circumstances have changed.

Thank you again!

Anything you would change?

 

[Chris W]

A version of the in progress form is above. Any recommended additions or changes?

 

[Ctbck]

Super in depth! Honestly, I don't think I'd change anything. Once you have the form together let me know, I'll share it with my cohort, too!

 

[Chris W]

Once you have the form together let me know, I'll share it with my cohort, too!

That would be AWESOME! It would be great if they could review the program too too.

I'm going to make sure it's worded properly and that I have all the positions. Am I missing any jobs choices listed? I think the wording is a little clunky here and there so I'll see what I can do to improve.