Fullsail? Please NO....

[fitchtec]

This is the first time I've ever bothered posting a new thread and its probably because while I like this show PLEASE, dont get any information from Fullsail. I graduated from their in 2004 with my degree in computer animation and the only thing I got from that was 40K in debt.

While they maybe have good equipment and someone good teachers and I learned a lot their credability is so in the drain no one even bothers looking at you if you have a degree from fullsaill. While I got a job as a graphic artist it was in a industry where no one ever (thankfully) heard of fullsail.

Fullsail is a degree farm

[Bret]

You dont need a degree period if you are truly a skilled graphic artist. maybe it took awhile because your work just wasnt what the employer was looking for.

[ryanconnolly]

This is the first time I've ever bothered posting a new thread and its probably because while I like this show PLEASE, dont get any information from Fullsail. I graduated from their in 2004 with my degree in computer animation and the only thing I got from that was 40K in debt.

While they maybe have good equipment and someone good teachers and I learned a lot their credability is so in the drain no one even bothers looking at you if you have a degree from fullsaill. While I got a job as a graphic artist it was in a industry where no one ever (thankfully) heard of fullsail.

Fullsail is a degree farm

I don't know how their computer animation program is, but just dropping the name Full Sail is what got me almost every gig I had for the first two years out of school. For Film, Full Sail is one of the best in the nation, which is the main reason we have gone to them with the show. Their teachers are insanely knowledgeable on the subjects they teach and currently still work in those fields, and that is the main point, getting great up-to-date info from people who know the craft and the industry.

[lebrilla]

Full Sail is not credited in the least. It looks better than nothing, but it's much better to go to ucla, usc, afi or fsu film schools, full sail is more of a business than a film school

[ryanconnolly]

Full Sail is not credited in the least. It looks better than nothing, but it's much better to go to ucla, usc, afi or fsu film schools, full sail is more of a business than a film school

Full Sail University is actually accredited by the ACCSCT, which is a national accreditor.

[Bret]

Oh how people get hung up on accreditation. Accreditation is pretty much useless in creative industries. If your talented (like the host of this show) then you can make it without a school. You only need accreditation in business, medical and law schools because you cant really show what you know otherwise. Film making, web design, shit that you can wow people with a portfolio degrees are not as important. Just my two cents. Keep up the great show Ryan!

[sauron974]

I don't know Full Sail's rep in the film world, but in the audio world, they are a joke.

Seriously. First person to mention Full Sail at a load-in gets laughed off the deck. They have a really poor rep in the "real world."

[klitzy]

I don't know Full Sail's rep in the film world, but in the audio world, they are a joke.

Seriously. First person to mention Full Sail at a load-in gets laughed off the deck. They have a really poor rep in the "real world."

Interesting because I have heard such good things about Full Sail along with the LA Film School. Is it difficult to get in? Perhaps I am talking with the wrong people.

[fitchtec]

Yes, Fullsail is "accredited by the ACCSCT". Since they are a nationally accredidated school you CANNOT transfer any credits to any other school (maybe to IADT). Real "Universities" are regionally accredited like USF, UCF, UCLA, etc. So if you want to further your education past the level Fullsail gives you get ready for the brutal fact that you will be starting over from scratch, as I had to.

Believe me I tried, no school will even look at transcripts from Fullsail because they are not regionally accredited. So you might as well piss away the $40K-$60K (or whatever it costs now since I graduated in 2004) because if you feel like going any further your starting over.

[fitchtec]

By the way, there is NO requirements to get in.... Except for the ability to pay a huge amount of money. Also, that "rep" they have is strictly paid for by the school. When I registered for class back in 02' a AS in Computer Animation cost $34K and is Non-tranferable. So if you have a hard time breaking into the industry and want to go back to school you have to start over.

[aaronsaund]

All private schools are ridiculously priced and higher education in general costs too much. Fullsail has it's advantages and disadvantages just like every other college.

[scoobydiesel]

I'm down to learn stuff from them if they are helping the show. Otherwise I dont have the cash to attend their classes.

[glennmc]

Really? A discussion about film schools and what's better? However you get your knowledge, A # 1 aspect after is how well you interact with others - and that, they don't teach at school in a class (or to my knowledge anyway). That comes with time, working in school with others or out in the field at a job. To me, it's rather similar to being in a band, you find a good crew that you work well with, have good ideas - and that's all you need, the rest will happen naturally. Obviously, these film riot guys have found that and that's why their show is, in my mind, by far the best creative fun content on Rev3, if not the whole interweb in general (minus Cautionary Tales of Swords - ha!). They have kick ass writing followed by kick ass funny acting - and a great group vibe that carries through. If these guys aren't swooped up super soon by some large agency, etc - I'd be very surprised - and very disappointed. Huge props guys, can't wait to see what comes next.

[must_comment]

Yes, Fullsail is "accredited by the ACCSCT". Since they are a nationally accredidated school you CANNOT transfer any credits to any other school (maybe to IADT). Real "Universities" are regionally accredited like USF, UCF, UCLA, etc. So if you want to further your education past the level Fullsail gives you get ready for the brutal fact that you will be starting over from scratch.

This is the key point that not very many people understand.

Yes a school experience is what you and your classmates make it, but many students run in without thinking to ask about accrediting. They assume it's like any other school, and when they learn you can't go on to get your masters somewhere else because your degree is invalid, or you can't transfer credits, they feel cheated and perhaps rightfully so.

Yes, getting a job in film has infinitely more to do with a strong portfolio / reel and the people you know but, there are many other reasons to get a degree. I know many freelancers who supplement their income by teaching, but almost every place, (including Full Sail, Art Institue, LA Film) require a Masters Degree to do so.

[hellhound]

There could have been inner-departmental budgetary shit going on like at the school I went to. I was taking Accounting/Office Tech certificate classes. The school also offered programming and AutoCAD certificate classes....
Well come budget time.. me and 3 others were "Graduated" 2 months early (with only 75% of what we needed for a real world job other than a minimum wage data entry temp job).
Lo and behold, 4 extra "graduates", and when I had to stop back in 4 weeks later for some paperwork, they had been budgeted a new puter lab and expanded course materials, etc.The instructor sucked and spent most of her time suckingup/kissing ass to the higher ups. Even having the class do some of their personal work as "Class Projects". (We proof read and editted a book that was being written by an Administator friend of hers.. as a Data entry exercise).... Shenanigans.
and yes... I didnt get any transferrable credits either.
F'in office politics

[jh32488]

just to butt my head into this conversation....

the local film industry in SC talks shit about full sail and how worthless their students are on set. but that has only happened fairly recently from what i hear and that it used to be an ok program.
(again just word from the local crew and pros i know, i havent been to full sail nor have i worked with any of their students)

myself i go to a two year tech school for film (yes i shoot REAL film), which has put tons of locals in the industry, and get real world experience on set.

i recently worked on a short film as a script supervisor and out of that came a recommendation to work on army wives

if you care click here (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=92049&id=501609149&l=757810de1f) for on set pictures

on a side note as a film student i like Film Riot its stuff you dont learn in school and can help you do random stuff on your own shorts.

[mikeguy3086]

I've read through this entire thread and one thing everyone failed to mention is the "individual." I'm a former student, graduated when I was 20 and I'm doing wonderfully. In fact most of the people I graduated with are also. I have the drive and passion for what I do which is in 3d/motion and I love it. I work hard and it's recognized.

I think all that a lot of the people on here are doing is talking about the horror stories, which come with the territory of any school.

I've worked with Tim from Film Riot and he went to Full Sail also, he's a hard working guy. In fact that first time I met him the first words out of his mouth was "I stayed here all night so I could get this done."

But, I digress, like I said before, you can't point fingers at a whole group when there are plenty of individuals doing fine.

[ryanconnolly]

I've read through this entire thread and one thing everyone failed to mention is the "individual." I'm a former student, graduated when I was 20 and I'm doing wonderfully. In fact most of the people I graduated with are also. I have the drive and passion for what I do which is in 3d/motion and I love it. I work hard and it's recognized.

I think all that a lot of the people on here are doing is talking about the horror stories, which come with the territory of any school.

I've worked with Tim from Film Riot and he went to Full Sail also, he's a hard working guy. In fact that first time I met him the first words out of his mouth was "I stayed here all night so I could get this done."

But, I digress, like I said before, you can't point fingers at a whole group when there are plenty of individuals doing fine.

Couldn't have said it better myself. The one thing you have to realize is that the haters are always the loudest. All of my classmates are also doing well, where as a few people I know from UCLA can't get any work.

Either way, the teachers at Full Sail are very knowledgeable and their facilities are amazing. So we are going to be able to get everyone some great FREE information on filmmaking and state of the art gear.

[metroprimes]

Interesting because I have heard such good things about Full Sail along with the LA Film School. Is it difficult to get in? Perhaps I am talking with the wrong people.

that's also what i had heard! i was SO planning on using my GI bill to go to this school for film after my time in the navy until i started asking some kids doing the real thing in LA and got laughed at for the idea of going. what's the deal with their shit reputation?

[nextgenxbox]

Guys, at the end of the day it doesn't matter what school name is on your degree, it is about talent and how hard you are willing to work. That is all. Having a degree from UCLA, USC, Full Sail, etc won't guarantee you a job. -- The film industry is like any other job. You get in anyway you can and then you work your ass off to move up/earn respect/learn.

I go to UCLA film school and I know that at the end of the day, a piece of paper isn't going to get a job. It's how hard you work, it's about your reputation/networking.

[oliverblank]

You dont need a degree period if you are truly a skilled graphic artist. maybe it took awhile because your work just wasnt what the employer was looking for.

Every design gig I've been hired for has come mostly out of me just putting myself out there, and trying to make contacts with people, and a ton of luck.

... That having been said, I have a friend who goes to Full Sail, and the work he produces is so stunning I want to cut my hands off and never even consider design again.

[masherscf]

I actually do a lot of hiring at my job. Just having a degree from anywhere isn't going to guarantee you a job. Everyone seriously applying for a particular is going to have similar minimum qualifications. Some positions are extremely competitive and you're going to have something exceptional bring something to the table than a bare-bones degree or certification. They're really looking for excellent body of work and super references. Basically, they're looking at everything you've done that isn't your classwork and who you've touched along the way.

Where you schooled is irrelevant if you didn't invested that time in building a portfolio and networking. People who spend they're time boozing it up with frat buddies have no expectation of employment beyond school.

Education doesn't come from where you go, it comes from inside you. To blame your schooling for your lack of professional success is disingenuous.

[rymacraw]

I have to agree with Ryan, that haters are the most heard. I have heard a lot of crap about full sail and there Film program, I know someone who stayed there for a year, and came back after just one year because he learned the same stuff he/I learned in high school. Another one of my friends went there, and just graduated actually for audio stuff. He said he learned a crap load, but he hated the people there. I have also heard from many people that if you say you went to full sail, then they just turn away. But I guess you never know the truth until you try it for yourself. Me, I'm not gonna spend 40k to find out, I'd rather try my luck at FSU.

[kingjaymzfilms]

Full Sail may be a good school. It might have nice equipment and good teachers, but is it worth paying 50k+ for that kind of schooling? NO! You all should check out Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, CA if you are interested in Film. Tution is 15k and they actually have awesome career services. All of todays great cameramen and directors of photography ect. look where they graduated from...was it Full Sail? NO. It was Brooks Institute! How many great films or any kind of established motion picture do you see a lot of Full Sail grads? Now go looks how many Brooks grads you will find on set?

just my 2 cents!

[surfocrates]

Ok I don't usualy post too much just once in a blue moon. I never went to a film school, I have been doing video work since i was a kid way back in the 80s and my first camera was a super 8 mm, then moved up to a PXL2000 (soooo wish I still had one of those to this day) from there I went to VHS in High School eventualy I was using 16mm formats and now HDV and AVCHD. I have my own film company doing low budget work for weddings, and local companies and me and my crew do stuff for creative fun. No company cares if I have a film degree or not they look at the work I have done or what they hear word of mouth from others who have had me work for them. In short my work speaks for it's self not a degree.

Before a post made int he forum a while back i knew nothing of Full Sail, after looking into them via the show I find them to be doing the same thing FilmRiot is doing, giving those people interested in learning the knowledge in the areaa of intrest. Ryan and his crew try to bring you a fun and creative show telling you some of the possible ways to achieve FX as well as an understanding of how moving making. It's for us the viewers to take what info he gives us and learn it and try to make it better and use it how we will. In the same FullSail Offers a more intensive training in the feild for those interested and passionate in those areas, in hopes they make use of that training and or improve on it.

If one is passionate and determined enough they can turn that training from full sail into something bigger like the next block buster director!

Look at Robert Rodriguez he didn't even got ot Film school at all!!

[philbert]

If you're looking for a CG school, especially in Orlando, you should be looking at The DAVE School (http://daveschool.com) first, industry pro teachers (a couple who quit Full Sail to work there), a large percentage of the grads are now working in the industry. About a dozen or more were picked straight from graduation to work on Avatar. The school has normal hours, none of this middle of the night business. Classes are set up just like working in a studio. You're with the same group of people for the entire year, 5 hours a day, 5 days a week.

[nancyeford]

I'll make this post short.... my time at Full Sail was less than pleasant... I was truly horrified at the quality of what they were passing off as education, an expensive education at that.

Read my blog, it's pretty much covers a lot of bases; everything from crime on campus to more importantly, accreditation.

http://fullsailuniversityreview.blogspot.com/

I agree, it's not Full Sail's responsibility to find or secure a job for a graduate... but it is their responsibility to be honest about their placement numbers. If you look at your education as a business investment, you'll probably be hesitant to spend $80K on something that has less than a 40% return on that investment... just sayin.

I get really annoyed at the folks that spout the "you get out of it what you put in" crap. Full Sail accepts anyone with a pulse and a checkbook and will graduate anyone that remembers to show up and warm a classroom chair when scheduled to do so. These same graduates are walking out of that place writing at a sixth grade level and posting portfolios of photos that look like they were taken by a twelve year old with an instamatic. These same people call themselves cinematographers and DPs.

It's an embarrassment to everyone that holds a degree from a legitimate school.

[masherscf]

I'll make this post short.... my time at Full Sail was less than pleasant... I was truly horrified at the quality of what they were passing off as education, an expensive education at that.

Read my blog, it's pretty much covers a lot of bases; everything from crime on campus to more importantly, accreditation.

http://fullsailuniversityreview.blogspot.com/

I agree, it's not Full Sail's responsibility to find or secure a job for a graduate... but it is their responsibility to be honest about their placement numbers. If you look at your education as a business investment, you'll probably be hesitant to spend $80K on something that has less than a 40% return on that investment... just sayin.

I get really annoyed at the folks that spout the "you get out of it what you put in" crap. Full Sail accepts anyone with a pulse and a checkbook and will graduate anyone that remembers to show up and warm a classroom chair when scheduled to do so. These same graduates are walking out of that place writing at a sixth grade level and posting portfolios of photos that look like they were taken by a twelve year old with an instamatic. These same people call themselves cinematographers and DPs.

It's an embarrassment to everyone that holds a degree from a legitimate school.

What's true at Full sail is true for every college in America. Companies hire people NOT degrees. A degree will get you an interveiw, but it won't land you a job. Many schools advertise their degree programs as a pathway to future employment, it is a costly lie.