5 answers
Charlize
Student
Tarpon Springs, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
637 views
Does it matter if you go to an amazing film school vs a normal film school?
#film-production #school #film #director
Login to comment
5 answers
Madison Bradford
Student
7
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Madison’s Answer
It does not matter the school since film is also considered a field where you can learn the skills on your own and be self-taught. There are plenty of non-collegiate schools and summer programs that can teach you about the film industry, using equipment, and even the type of editing software.
Crissy Bogusz
Graphic Designer and Motion Graphics Artist
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Crissy’s Answer
No definitely not. BUT a good school on your resume will always look good. When I was applying for Universities I only really researched the course and not so much the University. Anything that you can do to help you stand out in your career will always be an asset to you, you'll always be able to highlight it on your resume.
That being said, what's more important is you're good at what you do, that you can back that up with examples of work, projects worked on. So it's always good to network, create projects (even for fun) to help accumulate your body of work. Back when I was at school social media was only facebook and only for socialising, now (especially with instagram) it's so much easier to create an online portfolio of your work. Or even if you create an account just about film production or films you love and that gains a good following, then eventually you can put your own work on there
That being said, what's more important is you're good at what you do, that you can back that up with examples of work, projects worked on. So it's always good to network, create projects (even for fun) to help accumulate your body of work. Back when I was at school social media was only facebook and only for socialising, now (especially with instagram) it's so much easier to create an online portfolio of your work. Or even if you create an account just about film production or films you love and that gains a good following, then eventually you can put your own work on there
Nick Darouian
Video Editor
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Nick’s Answer
No, it doesn't matter. Some schools definitely have better programs than others, but like Madison said, this is an industry/field where you can learn the skills on your own. I personally don't think film school is necessary for everyone. I'm not saying don't go to film school. I did, and I learned a lot of valuable things, but I've learned more online and through trial and error of just working on projects. They're so many resources online, some more structured than others (Lynda.com compared to Youtube etc.) I would say start learning now, so that if you do go to film school, you're ahead of the game and your classmates. (Don't forget to network!)
Kristin Fowler
The Walt Disney Co, Feature Films
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristin’s Answer
Hi Charlize,
Overall, it doesn't matter if you go to an amazing film school or a normal one. Plus sometimes you don't even need to go to film school to get a job in film. For instance, I studied Journalism and was still able to get a job in feature films. In my experience, I would say USC is the best film school - I know several alum that have very successful positions in production and at major studios.
Many people wanting a career in film typically start out as a Production Assistant and that's where you'll learn a lot. Plus this will be where you make the connections needed to excel in a film career. It's not just about what you know, it's who you know. Many films wind up hiring the same crews over and over again because there's a level of trust there - so be sure to make a great impression and keep in touch with everyone you meet.
Best of luck!
Kristin
Overall, it doesn't matter if you go to an amazing film school or a normal one. Plus sometimes you don't even need to go to film school to get a job in film. For instance, I studied Journalism and was still able to get a job in feature films. In my experience, I would say USC is the best film school - I know several alum that have very successful positions in production and at major studios.
Many people wanting a career in film typically start out as a Production Assistant and that's where you'll learn a lot. Plus this will be where you make the connections needed to excel in a film career. It's not just about what you know, it's who you know. Many films wind up hiring the same crews over and over again because there's a level of trust there - so be sure to make a great impression and keep in touch with everyone you meet.
Best of luck!
Kristin
I completely agree with Kristin's advice/answer. I also work for Disney (based in Orlando, FL) for over 31 years. I am currently a Producer and focus on video and multimedia production. I encourage you to get your foot in the door, volunteer for community non-profits and/or social causes, and work as hard as possible to make a great impression on those you work for and with! Also good to know if you have a definite desire to work for a particular studio say for example Pixar - always great to verify what school they recruit from so you know you will be at right school to hopefully speak to those recruiters when time is right. Good Luck!!
Alan Ashe
Brielle Biscocho
Film & TV Music /Admin
8
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Brielle’s Answer
Hi Charlize!
You definitely don't have to go to a big name school to get a job in the film industry and depending on what you want to do you may not even have major in it.
Some perks about going to film school is that they will provide equipment, access to industry standard software (like AVID), and networking events with alumni and/or guests your teachers invite. Many film internships require that you be a university student to qualify. A few of my classmates actually got hired after their internships at NBC and Dreamworks.
You should also look into schools thats offer programs open to all majors so you can still study something different while gaining film experience. One of the editors at my alma mater's student-run production company was actually an Econ major who learned how to use Adobe Premier through tutorials. And my friend who studied history made a short with the school's film club that got into a few festivals!
You definitely don't have to go to a big name school to get a job in the film industry and depending on what you want to do you may not even have major in it.
Some perks about going to film school is that they will provide equipment, access to industry standard software (like AVID), and networking events with alumni and/or guests your teachers invite. Many film internships require that you be a university student to qualify. A few of my classmates actually got hired after their internships at NBC and Dreamworks.
You should also look into schools thats offer programs open to all majors so you can still study something different while gaining film experience. One of the editors at my alma mater's student-run production company was actually an Econ major who learned how to use Adobe Premier through tutorials. And my friend who studied history made a short with the school's film club that got into a few festivals!