5 answers
4
Questions
Asked
2047 views
What are some good options for film schools?
As a junior in highschool I am looking into colleges and I am currently considering Film school. What are some good school that could help me broaden my skills and experience?
Login to comment
4 answers
Updated
Nat’s Answer
All of the answers above are excellent.
In the meanwhile -- Perhaps think of a short story (5 minutes). Write it "as you see it." Then shoot it with your phone. Then edit it. Look at it many times over the course of a few weeks and see where you could do better to no only "tell" the story but "affect" the viewer. Then Shoot/Re-shoot whatever and re-edit.
Nat
In the meanwhile -- Perhaps think of a short story (5 minutes). Write it "as you see it." Then shoot it with your phone. Then edit it. Look at it many times over the course of a few weeks and see where you could do better to no only "tell" the story but "affect" the viewer. Then Shoot/Re-shoot whatever and re-edit.
Nat
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Kailanie, this is an excellent question and Adam has given solid advice.
Below, I have listed rankings from credible sources in the field. The Hollywood Reporter list is a little old, but it would be good to note which ones appear on the other lists as well. It makes sense to me that many of the featured schools are in New York or California because of the film and TV activities in those areas. This may be important both for the internship/summer job opportunities but also for the real-world practitioners they could access for teaching and networking.
Adam made a good point about the costs, especially since it may take a while to increase earnings in that field. But for larger institutions like NYU, your actual expenses may end up being substantially less because of need-based and potentially merit scholarships. So apply to a variety of schools and make your final selection based on actual offers.
Good luck!
Hollywood Reporter ranking - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/top-25-american-film-schools-ranked-1134785/
Variety ranking - https://variety.com/lists/best-film-schools-north-america-2024/emerson-college/
Backstage ranking - https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/best-film-schools-united-states-442/
Below, I have listed rankings from credible sources in the field. The Hollywood Reporter list is a little old, but it would be good to note which ones appear on the other lists as well. It makes sense to me that many of the featured schools are in New York or California because of the film and TV activities in those areas. This may be important both for the internship/summer job opportunities but also for the real-world practitioners they could access for teaching and networking.
Adam made a good point about the costs, especially since it may take a while to increase earnings in that field. But for larger institutions like NYU, your actual expenses may end up being substantially less because of need-based and potentially merit scholarships. So apply to a variety of schools and make your final selection based on actual offers.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Adam’s Answer
NYU offers an amazing program, but it's very costly. I began my film studies at Southern Illinois University; it has a solid program, but the location makes it hard to find work during or right after school. If you want to stay in California, consider UCLA. It's a public university, so it's more affordable than private ones. USC also has an excellent program, but like NYU and Columbia, it's pricey.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello again, Kailanie !
In my opinion, the absolute, ultimate best Film School is the American Film Institute in Hollywood. Not only will you broaden your skills and obtain valuable experience, you'd be meeting some very important figures in the film industry, too. However, and this may not be in your plans, they offer only a Masters Degree in Film Producing. But it's still the best film school I have ever seen.
My next idea is - The San Francisco Film School. Go for an orientation there as soon as possible to see what it is like. Even ask if you can volunteer there to get a feel for the film atmosphere. It would be great to have that experience. Also, any college or film school is going to be taught by professionals and you'll get a great education and preparation for film producing, so decide if you want to stay in San Francisco or go to L.A. for your degree. If you can't fund an expensive school, local is just fine. There are Film Majors offered at California State University, Sacramento (my alma mater !), University of California, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco State University. And you can get a Bachelors in Film at UC Berkeley, too.
A school for Film doesn't have to necessarily have a famous name or be expensive to be good. You should choose the school based on your plans and circumstances. They are all good schools. Compare programs and see which program you like the best.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all of the very best !
In my opinion, the absolute, ultimate best Film School is the American Film Institute in Hollywood. Not only will you broaden your skills and obtain valuable experience, you'd be meeting some very important figures in the film industry, too. However, and this may not be in your plans, they offer only a Masters Degree in Film Producing. But it's still the best film school I have ever seen.
My next idea is - The San Francisco Film School. Go for an orientation there as soon as possible to see what it is like. Even ask if you can volunteer there to get a feel for the film atmosphere. It would be great to have that experience. Also, any college or film school is going to be taught by professionals and you'll get a great education and preparation for film producing, so decide if you want to stay in San Francisco or go to L.A. for your degree. If you can't fund an expensive school, local is just fine. There are Film Majors offered at California State University, Sacramento (my alma mater !), University of California, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco State University. And you can get a Bachelors in Film at UC Berkeley, too.
A school for Film doesn't have to necessarily have a famous name or be expensive to be good. You should choose the school based on your plans and circumstances. They are all good schools. Compare programs and see which program you like the best.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all of the very best !