Hey guys. Has anyone here ever gone to filmmaking school?. I'm looking around online at schools but there is so many it's a bit overwhelming.

If anyone here has gone, what school was it and what was your experience?. Anything else you would like to add please feel free.

Thanks

I got my masters in film from USC - School of Cinematic Arts.

You could also check out UCLA, AFI, CalArts, they're all here in Southern California. Depends what area of filmmaking interests you. For instance, Calarts has a great experimental program, USC has great industry relations, etc, etc...

Those are all great schools that focus on the art of filmmaking.

PM me if you have any other questions

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Last edited by djFEI-FEI on Dec-18-2008 at 18:42

Hey thanks Fei-Fei. I will check online to see what each school has to offer.

This is a good question.

My goal in getting back to school is doing so at a film school. And after looking at various schools I have decided on The LA Film school. Check it out.

I've been through their program and its pretty good. Probably better for below the line stuff though. If your interest is solely Directing then I would opt for a traditional program.

My girlfriend and roommate went to Chapman in Orange. One of the best film schools in the country.

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"Getting a hold of the drugs and shirts have been no problem. But the car and tape recorder were not easy things to round up at 6:30 in the afternoon in Hollywood."

i do a lot of film making myself. no education required. just women with big tits who are down for dp action!

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Jaded, old fart is me.

quote:

Originally posted by 72hrpartyanimal i do a lot of film making myself. no education required. just women with big tits who are down for dp action!

I spent a over an hour looking through the USC courses, I also asked a friend today about it and he said it was the best and would pretty much guarantee work after I finish. But unless I read wrong the courses are for a masters?.

Hhahaha are you serious 72hrpartyanimal? Do you make much money doing that?

I still have a lot to read online but I'm sure I will be back up with more questions .

Thanks so far guys, appreciate it !!

quote:

Originally posted by lowski Hhahaha are you serious 72hrpartyanimal? Do you make much money doing that?

no bruther, i'm just kidding around. i saw the opening and had to go for it! good luck with you search

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Jaded, old fart is me.

quote:

Originally posted by lowski I spent a over an hour looking through the USC courses, I also asked a friend today about it and he said it was the best and would pretty much guarantee work after I finish. But unless I read wrong the courses are for a masters?.

yeah, but it may not be guaranteed in film -- there are plenty of usc grads that aren't doing much with their degrees. i'm not trying to rain on your parade, just don't want your hopes to be unrealistic

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Listen to my Rainy Nights (TL)

If you're going to film school in the hopes of getting work in film then you may want to consider just getting an entry level job or internship somewhere and working your way up that way. Unlike other traditional educations where going to school yields tangible work (ie. Medical or Law School), film is largely experiential and relationship driven. You could just as easily dive in right now with entry level work than spend thousands taking courses that won't necessarily provide follow on work in the industry. In either of the two scenarios, they key to your success (beyond hard work, persistence, and talent) will be your relationships. That's what will ultimately set you apart and get you work. Best of luck.

quote:

Originally posted by lowski I spent a over an hour looking through the USC courses, I also asked a friend today about it and he said it was the best and would pretty much guarantee work after I finish. But unless I read wrong the courses are for a masters?. Hhahaha are you serious 72hrpartyanimal? Do you make much money doing that? I still have a lot to read online but I'm sure I will be back up with more questions . Thanks so far guys, appreciate it !!

If you have any questions about the program, seriously, feel free to ask me. I went through the grad program myself. It is an amazing program and you learn a lot about the art of storytelling. It doesn't necessarily guarantee an easy job after school although it has great industry relations. The only jobs you can expect are entry level types but if you intern while in school and really prove yourself, depending what aspect of filmmaking you're interested in, you will move up fast. The USC degree does carry a lot of weight industry because how rigorous the program is and they can expect a certain level of work.

The benefit of USC is actually diving into a lot of the filmmaking itself and really digging in deep experimenting and making many films. It's really intense and you really have to be dedicated to not only succeed in the program but in the industry as well. It's definitely not an easy ticket to success and you have to make the most of it because the price tag is very steep!!

Bear in mind film school isn't the only path. As someone mentioned above, you could very well start at a company or project and work your way up. Keep in mind though that you will have to keep focused and dedicate yourself to learning your craft in your spare time. Simply being at a production company will not give you the skills to make films if you're an aspiring director etc.

WIth that said, many great directors didn't even step foot into a film school and in fact abhor the idea. They had the talent, vision, passion and drive to do it on their own.

Do your research and decide what your path is

Good luck, hope that helps!

Fei-Fei

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