Film schools...

[ninjacody]

...Someone started a tread about Full Sail so im wondering what schools actually have really good film programs? I thinking about attending L.a. Film in a year or so, if anyone has opinions on that school.

[radzack]

I'm just a bit partial to NYFA

[mrpopular]

There are many choices, I actually got my degree in Film at a community College here in Michigan.. which i wouldn't have traded for any other school. it was great. Don't base it just on the name of the school, find out what they are doing in the curriculum and find which is best 4u

[nextgenxbox]

I go to UCLA film school.

[must_comment]

If you're seriously interested in working in film, here's a big tip. DON'T JUMP RIGHT IN TO FILM SCHOOL.

Move to Los Angeles. (It's where the work is) Or work in local productions if you're fortunate to have those.

You will intern (IE: work your ass off for free) But you will get a big freaking education in what you need to do and learn to make a living in this industry.

Right now you're probably thinking I want to be a director, and while I'm waiting for my big break, I'll write/edit/produce/design/director of photography/BIG JOB THAT IS AT THE TOP OF A LADDER you can't tell how high until you're standing right next to it.

And when you're standing next to it and the rent's due next month. That's when you'll realize 1 of 2 things:

1. "Crap. I need to learn a trade."

2. It's time to be a (insert practical job here) like Mom wanted

If you go with the first thought. You nail down exactly what that is. What your career path is, and you march it.

When you've made that choice your ready to go to film school. You'll become that guy or girl everyone wants to do that job you do so well on their short films. (And they will all owe you when it's time to make your own.

The big thing is to keep working because THAT is where the real education is. PA, work the front desk, or equipment locker, work on the student films.

BTW if and when you do this, you will see that regardless of what school you attend there will be professors that are a DECADE behind on the digital revolution and that's because they haven't really worked in the industry for ten years. (They've been teaching.) I'm not saying they have nothing to offer. They do. AND THEY DESERVE YOUR RESPECT. But to get the job straight out of college. (Especially in this climate.) You need to know your sh**. And again, the only way that will happen is work.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

[must_comment]

I almost forget to mention. While you're working you'll meet a lot of people (people higher up than you) who never went to college let alone graduated from one. You may not even need college. In this town, people don't care what school you got your degree from. Can you do the job better than the other guy. That's what they're looking at. School however is great for maintaining your independence, pursuing your bigger goals, and making real lasting friendships. It's just really really really expensive. So expensive you should seriously consider whether you even need it at all in this internet age.

[scoobydiesel]

I just take classes at a community college for now and try to just do whatever i can for fun.

[jh32488]

dont spend a fortune. if you must go to school go to a community college/tech school. find out about its relationship with your states film office. and local tv shows shot there.

my school puts alot of people in the industry. and has a great relationship getting people to work on Army Wives. then they join the union (IATSE) and move up. most students in the program at my school quit before they graduate cause they get a job in the industry.

i just finished working on a short film with tons of professionals and got great references out of it. if you wanna see pictures check them out here

[must_comment]

Originally Posted by jh32488

dont spend a fortune. if you must go to school go to a community college/tech school. find out about its relationship with your states film office. and local tv shows shot there.

my school puts alot of people in the industry. and has a great relationship getting people to work on Army Wives. then they join the union (IATSE) and move up. most students in the program at my school quit before they graduate cause they get a job in the industry.

i just finished working on a short film with tons of professionals and got great references out of it. if you wanna see pictures check them out here

Nice pics! How is SC? Cali is getting a little crowded.

[jh32488]

there is a good ratio of jobs to professionals here. you see the same names on any film that comes to sc. there is about one feature here a year and there is army wives (in charleston, where i live). one tree hill in wilmington, nc. atl, ga has a good bit of jobs. but its nice cause you dont have to search too hard to get experience. the film community down here is really nice and willing to let you in if you wanna work.