Which School would be worth it?

[Gabrielle]

Hi, I just joined. I am interested in and looking for a school that would be good for someone without any prior experience in film making. After reading the discussions, I am wondering which school would make the most success out of you, and help you find a job in the film industry. I have been considering the LA film school, and now I am looking at San Francisco School of Digital Film making and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

The difference of going to a four year University and getting a one year degree?
Would going to a University be better for someone who is not completely sure of what they want to do, although it would cost more in the long run would that pay out? Or would going to LA really help to break into the Film Industry.

I feel like with the right experience I could do anything. The hard part would be finding actors and people willing to be a part of the movie. I don't know anything about film making, but I really would like to learn.

To anyone who knows or has experience with finding schools for film, I would love to hear your advice.

 

[Doen En]

At one point I did consider those shorter intensive programs for filmmaking, but I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't learn as much as I might in a four-year college setting, and that I'd probably have less chances for networking so I ended up coming to NYU.

The good thing about being in Tisch is, it's not hard to find help. We get actors from the Acting department, composers from Steinhardt, etc. That would probably be greatest advantage of going to film school for 4 years. You get to know heaps of people and work with them.

 

[Gabrielle]

Do you know anything about the Academy of Art in San Francisco? I was thinking, I could do a four year degree there in "Motion Pictures and Television" would that get me into making independent films or more commercial type things. I kind of want to do something independent but yeah, I have no idea the best route to go.

Thanks for replying.

 

[chansen8668]

Does anybody have any information on the top schools and their curriculum? I understand schools differ as far as their curriculum. I'd prefer to go to a school that has a more production orientated undergrad program. Also, is NYU (Tisch) the best in NY? I've grown up in southern CA and would rather relocate to NY for school and the rest of my career. What other schools in NY would be a good choice?

 

[hoohaProductions]

Possibly look into Bard and Hofstra? And definitely School of Visual Arts (SVA). I've also heard some mixed reviews about Brooklyn College.

I really don't have a lot of info about the curriculum of different schools, just check out each schools' website. It's there, you just have to search a bit.

I did take a tour of NYU this summer and my guide (a film major) told me a bit about what they do there. It's definitely hands on, it's just a very pointed program. They start you out by telling stories with stills, and then without sound in black and white, and then with sound in black and white. I think if you youtube "NYU Sight and Sound" you could find some examples of the projects in those classes. If I'm wrong about any of this, by all means someone correct me. This is just my understanding.

 

[Winterreverie]

I highly recommend a 4 year degree as opposed to the 1 year or less programs for the following reasons:

Fallbacks-- lets face it this is a risky industry, it will be good to know if you ever have a dry spell (as most people do at one point or other) you will be able to put food on the table and not have to revisit your high school after school job.

respect-- I know some of the grads of the 1 year programs tout them as amazing experiences, but many do not. In fact at the Graduate level, the ones who've completed said programs are the first to bash them. They are often considered "Buy your Degree" programs as the competition to get accepted is largely based on the size of your bank account-- and again you are receiving a certificate that won't get you any further than just volunteering on a set as a production assistant would have.

Experience-- Both film and life. I hear over and over from successful people in the film industry that the key to success is life experience and to study things outside of film. Art, music, history, architechture. You are going to get a well rounded education at a 4 year school.

Plus 4 years of film experience to one year.

There is a lot of info about the top undergrad schools on this site. utilize the search tool and have fun reading all our past conversations. That should give you a decent feel on each school's philosophies. Choosing a film school is a very personal decision. Visit them. You'll be happier you did. I learned a lot by just walking into the buildings of the schools I was deciding between. Good luck.

 

[VegasFilmSchool]

Gabrielle,

Alright alot of people aren't going to like this but, do whatever you have to do to get to L.A, and work on film sets. I learned so much by actually getting on sets, heck even working for free if you have to. School is awesome, use it as a resource to help you with learning the equipment, and learning all the industry talk. As long as your going to school, and working on real sets it doesn't matter if you have a degree or what. Don't let some piece of paper determine your dream. Just go for it, go to Hollywood, and get to work on your dream job. Much Luck, and never ever give up. Hollywood is the hardest to break but once you do it's so worth it.

 

[Tickpaintball]

If you're going to go school for film I think it makes more sense to get an accredited degree.
Winterreverie laid out pretty well.

I went to a four year school for my bachelors in animation and loved it because I was able to explore and dabble in different things. Really felt like it helped me become a more well rounded artist. And if you're not 100% sure about filmmaking then I think it'd benefit you to be a situation where you can dabble in different areas.

In the end nothing matters more than the work you produce and the experience you build. The school's not going to make you a success, as Vegas said it's a resource. Creating and working on great films will speak more for you than any degree.

 

[Pavitra]

Hi,
I completed the One Year Filmmaking course at NYFA and I found it be very very useful. The hands on approach really does make all the difference and I would advise anyone interested to go there. I also agree that a degree really counts for nothing in the industry, it really is the films you make that count. I found that after my course I came back to India with a very colorful portfolio and it has made all the difference. I would recommend the school highly. You find yourself working in a very 'real world' scenario, you use the best equipment, have fantastic guides and learn how to handle a crew in the best possible way. It's helped me and I hope that it does the same for others.

 

[Gabrielle]

Originally posted by VegasFilmSchool:
Gabrielle,

Alright alot of people aren't going to like this but, do whatever you have to do to get to L.A, and work on film sets. I learned so much by actually getting on sets, heck even working for free if you have to. School is awesome, use it as a resource to help you with learning the equipment, and learning all the industry talk. As long as your going to school, and working on real sets it doesn't matter if you have a degree or what. Don't let some piece of paper determine your dream. Just go for it, go to Hollywood, and get to work on your dream job. Much Luck, and never ever give up. Hollywood is the hardest to break but once you do it's so worth it.

It's a tough decision, but I have already been accepted to the LA film school. I want to get the best experience I can get. Thanks for the encouragement!!!