I am thinking about going for a Bachelor of Arts - Media Arts for Film and HDTV. Collins or The Art Institute are the only 2 real choices here in Phoenix, AZ. I was wondering what to expect for a job after completing 4 years of school. Is it worth it? Any suggestions, comments, etc is greatly appreciated.

Some things to consider before school...

1) What's the local production scene like. Are there any good companies you can intern for?

2) Would you be prepared to move to LA, NY, Chicago, Texas, etc... for work?

3) Like any other job filed you're most likely going to be doing work you're not wild about while trying to build up a resume to eventually get your dream position...

...e.g., if you wanna edit, be preapred to do a lot of tape logging as an assistant, if you wanna DP, be preapred to be a low assisstant or work in G&E until you learn the ropes of lighting, if you wanna be a writer/director, realize that it's probably only going to happen on small scale or in personal productions.

4) If you wanna teach, or bypass some of the apprenticeship phase, you'll eventually need a terminal degree (MFA). Have you thought about Grad school (I know it's early, but now's the time to consider all the angles).

Wow ok...

1) I am not sure about the scene here in AZ, probably not THAT bad.
2) Yes I would move to LA, NY, or TX if the money was good enough.
3) I don't mind starting at the bottom. I would like to edit and write. Directing would be nice, but I know it is a hard spot to get.
4)What is a terminal degree?


Mainly I want to TRY to get a new position at my current job. We are a LARGE and RICH company and just created our own production firm for all our TV spots. Hint: We had the most controversial superbowl TV ad this year. EDIT: (LEGAL REASONS) So in the near as well as far future there will be some positions open. So I am not really trying to get a 'new' job after school, just trying for a better one within the company. Of course the extra knowledge will prove to be nice for my own indy and side projects. Just wonder if it is going to be worth it, graduating at 35 eeeek!

Marco,
Never to old to learn something new. It sounds as though you have already got an inside track within the company where you are currently employed. Probably the best thing you can do at this point in time, is meet with HR and tell them you are interested in focussing on that part of the company as a "CAREER TRACK". Ask HR what you can do to make a contribution to the company, as well as your own skill advancement. (What you are angling for is assistance in any training. That way, they have an interest in your success.)

Beyond that. A 'terminal degree' is an advanced degree that terminates a particular field. Might be Masters, might be PHD. but it's beyond a BA/BS (usually.)

Do a search on this forum, regarding the pros and cons of film schools. Mostly, the value lies in connections with your peers, or connections the school might have in the industry. Obviously, the 'big' film schools have better connections than the smaller ones, at least at the higher levels. And usually, the bigger schools have newer, better gear. BUT NOT ALWAYS. You have to check them out. Do a google search for L.O.A.F.S (Library of annotated film schools. Lots of good/bad reviews... sour grapes and glowing worship. Take a huge dose of salt in reading it.)

Film schools allow you access to gear and crew you might not have on your own. Note, I said MIGHT NOT. With the advance in digital gear and the general boom in filmmaking interest, it's possible to scrape together crew and gear just about anywhere nowadays. Of course, the discipline of a course program has a lot to say for itself. (Show up or fail.)

Good luck

Thank you very much for that piece. My company would more than likely pay 100% of the tuition, another reason I was looking into school of almost any kind, Film being the first. I know it is a hard industry. I am on the edge of "Just go" and "Will it be a waste of time". I'll do some research on the Library of annotated film schools. Thanks again.

Marco, considering the insider track you seem to have, along with the fact that GoDaddy might pay your tuition, and you'd be willing to move for work, I'd say it's a no-brainer.

If you're unsure, go visit the schools and meet with the professors you'll be having. Make them sell you the program. Plus you could always double major in media production and then also in "backup" field.

"I was wondering what to expect for a job after completing 4 years of school"

" I don't mind starting at the bottom. I would like to edit and write. Directing would be nice, but I know it is a hard spot to get."

lets say you didn't have the connection you have with your current company.

if after 4 years of college you go to HOLLYWOOD ... in general for editing , camera, directing , general crew, producing you would start at the bottom ..same as the person that didn't go to college...

hollywood doesn't care if you have a degree ..for editing , directing , writing they will say "SHOW me something" .. if you have nothing to show them you'll start at the bottom ...

When you say "show me", I assume you are indicating previous work or a really nice video portfolio...

"Hollywood doesn't care if you have a degree"

With that said, do I even bother to go to school at this point? I could just keep learning on my own and attempt to get a position in that field in time. My biggest fear is going through all that school and still having no further of a career advantage in the industry, barring the insider advantage. It's a big step, the hardest part is deciding whether or not to go. Ahhhhh decisions decisions!

Go to school IF:

It's on somebody else's dime

The school you can get into is highly regarded and has industry wide connections... then fight like hell to be the top of the heap.

The school has a good selection of equipment that you would not have access to otherwise. And their graduates get work on at least a regional scale.

You know absolutely nothing about film, live in a rural area with no networking possibilities, and have no way of teaching yourself.

You want to TEACH filmmaking and a higher degree is required.


DON'T go if:

You can't afford it.

You have an inside track to on-the-job training IE: You can already work as a PA, grip, whatever with a local production company that does a lot of work. This is the 'apprentice' / intern approach, and there's nothing wrong with it. It's a chance to learn under the demanding realities of budget and schedules for commercial production. Don't forget to fight like hell to get to the top of the heap.

You can afford to make all the mistakes yourself. That is, buy/rent your own gear, crew etc... and learn by doing it yourself.

I agree almost completely with Richard.

I'm in a "film school" right now, and I learned more shooting on my own than and at pro shoots than I did in school...However, if at some point you decide production's not for you (nobody knows the future), you'll be kicking yourself for passing up the opportunity at having some kind of college degree. It will make a difference when applying for any kind of job outside of production.

And it will put you one step closer to teaching even if that's something you decide you want to do ten years from now. A lot of working pros I know teach 7 months a year and shoot the other five, and none of them planned on teaching originally.

I guess I failed to mention that I do already have a computer degree. I had my own onsite/mobile computer service for about 5 years. It got really old. I grew tired as the computers got better and spyware/virus removal was the only thing I was doing anymore. Very ungratifying. I was a glorified spyware remover by the end. Even though the money was awesome, I quit. Now I am a support tech at a large corporate environment. I want to do something different now as I care not to be an old man, still working for 'the man'.

You all have helped me with this and I appreciate it. I am still trying to figure out if it is something I think will be worth it. Or just collect equipment and knowledge over time and learn myself.

Cheers...

I have been very interested in going there for many years (I'm a junior in highschool right now). I know USC is very selective but is the film school as selective?

I have been very interested in going there for many years (I'm a junior in highschool right now). I know USC is very selective but is the film school as selective?

I didn't go there, but I'd imagine the film school is even more competetive, given it's reputation.

I've been thinking about going back to filmschool - I've already went to StLucas in Brussels for a year a couple of years ago, but there are lots of other film schools in Brussels to choose from. Does anyone have experience in any of them? I'm looking mostly at Narafi and Ritcz.

Hello Jan,

(I'll use some Dutch terms, as that is easier)

I am 18, and now I'm finishing my last year in "secundair onderwijs" after 4 years of "audiovisuele vorming" in Gent.
Now next year I would like to go to the filmacademy in Gent, "KASK", short for "Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten" (now they usually call it the film academy).

Why is that my choice?
Well, because:
1. StLucas Brussels: I have heard you don't learn as much, I have that from someone who is there following classes now.

2. RITS: I think you'll go to a more TV 'milieu' then a film milieu, and I don't like it they separate all their directions. It's good for some people, but not for me.
OR you choose editing, OR you choose directing, OR you choose camera... I want to direct movies, but I also want to write my own stuff and to know something about editing.

3. NARRAFI: Too technical. They give you lots of optics and all that kind, but they never look into the more story and character based things of films.

4. KASK Gent: they are very hard in their entry exams, they allow plus minus 20-25 people too their academy.
But you'll learn everything: editing, story, camera,...
The most of all, I like their mentality: your personal development is the most important, you learn to do your thing with movies, and not what a teacher wants.
I have met some teachers and went to the school to film something, and I really felt this kind of positive vibe.
The entry exams are in beginning of July (when I will be taking mine) and in September. I hope I get trough, it's something I want more than anything else.

If you want some more information about their classes, the rules for the entry exams... ask ;-)

Best regards,

ps: Steve+Sky is from a student from KASK who was recently graduated. If you haven't seen it yet: by all means see it, it's a really wonderful film. Great cinematography, editing and acting!
And KASK is voted to best film school of Belgium by AVS a while ago.

Thanks Mathieu, that's a very informative reply. I'm also more interested in story development and actors direction than a purely technical education. Kask Gent sounds good. I never liked being in a 60-students class in St.lucas...

I've been meaning to check out Steve+Sky. What is AVS?

I think it's a famous local newschannel, but I'm not sure. Héhé, maybe they do some video productions too, don't know.

The entry exam is kind of though, well it's especially a lot. If you are interested let me know here, or send me an email, it's the same.

And Steve+Sky really is great :-)
The story is not complicated, but the editing, cinematography which is very poetic, and acting makes it a beauty. Well opinions differ, so, check it out for yourself ;-)

Best regards

here's an ominous message I found about KASK gent:

" HORROR EN DE FILMACADEMIE
De fantasten hameren er al jaren op; geef fantastiek een kans in Nederland. Nog steeds is het Filmfonds er niet happig op en zien bloedige Film Academie projecten zelden het licht. Wie dacht dat het bij onze zuiderburen anders gaat, heeft het mis. Deze week kregen we van één van de studenten een verontrustende mail: "...als ik het woord horror nog maar in de mond nam werd ik scheef bekeken door de leerkrachten. Bij die conservatieve en door gebrek aan succes hypergefrustreerde leerkrachten vond ik geen gehoor. Een spijtige zaak, bovendien werkt er een alcoholverslaafde leraar die het de leerlingen onmogelijk maakt" (student Filmacademie Gent)"

:-) I'm sure it isn't that bad. Actually I'm very interested in KASK. Maybe I'll see you there next year, Matthieu. Unfortunately the website of KASK has no mention of the film orientation, nor can I find when there is an exhibition day.

Oh by the way I saw Steve+Sky, I loved it.

Héhé, great you loved the movie.
Well, when I talked to the teachers, they said the want persons to make their own movie, and not the ones the teachers want to make.
And I have lessons from a teacher who gives classes there also, and he is great, and is open for everything. He loves good movies, and that interest goes from Fellini till Spielberg, and he loves movies from the early days of films also (and I mean, the really early days, 1920 and stuff) so he just likes quality, not any kind of genre.

And I have to say I'm a little surprised by that article.
Because I have seen some works from the KASK, and some were more commercial, others more arty.

Well, maybe we'll just see next year ;-)

Yes I'm taking the entrance exam so maybe see you there. I'm a little worried only about my age, I'm already 26. It's no problem for universities, but for an art academy... oh well, I have to try.

Good luck if you do the exam!

By the way I wanted to email you but your profile doesn't have an email adress.

Perhaps a misplaced question in this forum, but I'm a bit curious about the FX1/Z1 crew:

How may of you, making a living as cameraman/videographer, have a formal education in the field?

I've never had formal education in any of the fields that have been my professions (musician, computer programmer, semiconductor specialist). I just learn by reading books, practising the subject a lot, and talking to professionals. I've found that the "dive in, learn to swim" approach has worked pretty well for me so far. I try to take on projects where I'm underqualified, in order to learn. The "how hard can it be?" approach. Thats what I'm doing right now with my FX1. On the other hand, getting employment requires some solid show-pieces when one doesn't have education.

I think that I must have had the best training possible: starting as an Assistant Film Cameraman with the BBC, then becoming a Lighting Cameraman, then Director, then Producer...
and here I am - through choice, as a freelance Director/Cameraman with wonderful Digital Video.
When I read all the posts about striving for that "film look", you must excuse my wry smile.....

Robin

I got my degree in television production.

and if i would like to get one..where would i go? i am in the san francisco area.

greetings

1 year of NYU film school, and I dropped out cold, never to return. Started working as a P.A. shortly thereafter; watched the DP's work like a hawk and asked a lot of questions. Hung out at a rental house, started learning their Steadicam, starting shooting corporate work etc. Got a job as a staff shooter for small production company; shot and cut hundreds of local commercials and corporates. Went freelance, eventually moved to LA and starting working on movies and episodic TV.

The critical parts for me from a learning perspective were: watching how others do their craft, reading books and American Cinematographer and analyzing movies, then having a chance to try out techniques I had read about (that production company job).

As far as the Steadicam part goes, taking the class at the Maine Photographic Workshops was invaluable (and probably the only "formal" education I've had as a cameraman). There's a lot of great classes there, worth looking into.

I think the 'value of film school' discussion has been pretty much hashed out. SO a search would yield a vast array of opinions.

Like many others, I learned most of my craft 'on the job'. Started in Television (Studio Cameraman,) then remote work. While working as a cameraman, I hung out in MC, learned the switcher and the audio boards. Migrated to Audio for a while. Did some voice over work one night when the local 'big voice' of the station was sick. Moved from that to Radio (#1 station in Houston)...

Much of my career has been skipping from one skillset/area to the next. By virtue of observing the best person on the job. Asking LOTS of questions. Using equipment in the off hours... yeah. Self taught and 'apprenticing'... I think is a big part of advancing in the biz.

THough film schools have the advantage of providing an equipment and personell rich environment if you don't have access to the professional world. Also, in film school, you can establish a network of people to support each other after graduation. (Of course, that's true of ANY professional schooling)

Karl, in the San Francisco area, look into Bay Area Video Coalition www.bavc.org and FilmArts filmarts.org for area classes specific to a topic. Avid, FCP, camera, lighting. These are great local organizations that support filmmakers. Beyond that, although extremeley pricy, look into Academy of Art University. But like I said, not cheap.

Started paying attention since I was about 6 years old, worked at a rental house, CineTech, in Miami, took my IA test and started working!

These are the two people who were solely responsible for my career track!
http://www.rbravo.com/new_page_1.htm

RB

Started paying attention since I was about 6 years old, worked at a rental house, CineTech, in Miami, took my IA test and started working!

These are the two people who were solely responsible for my career track!
http://www.rbravo.com/new_page_1.htm

RBYou couldn't have a better family for getting into this business.

BTW, how come everyone on your staff is so good looking? ;-) Must be exciting to shoot video where there's always action around.

Charles & Richard: Great to hear that my ways of learning probably will fit this business.

Bjorn,

Just so I'm clear... I'm not AGAINST film school per se. In fact, several years ago, I went back and got a degree. Mostly because I was considering the option of teaching, and a degree is necessary if that's what you want to do.

I have found that in most of the 'artistic' professions... film, theatre, art, dance... It's the self-motivated, self-starter who seeks out opportunities, pounds the pavement, puts in the time apprenticing with someone, who will move forward in their chosen field. This is true even when they are in a school structure. In film school, it's not enough to simply do the assignments, you should be volunteering on other peoples shoots, putting in extra hours, etc.

Good luck.

Richard, I understand what you mean. From the talented people I've met in my various line of work, they've been both educated and "uneducated" (misleading word, but you probably understand). I guess people just aquire knowledge in different ways. My main problem with getting an education, the few times I've tried it, is that it generally progresses too slow, so its a waste of my time. Unfortunately I've not met many good teachers.

Right now I'm running two parallel tracks, one business promo video, and one sports educational DVD. I guess this is way over my head with my limited experience, but on the other hand I'm learning a lot and it's fun. But it's also wearing down my wallet to get all equipment! I think the projects are coming out really good as far as I can judge, and the customers are satisfied so far. Well, they've not seen the footage yet... ;-)

How may of you, making a living as cameraman/videographer, have a formal education in the field?

Don't know about Sweeden but in Czech Republic "Kameraman" means Director of Photography. In U.S. "Cameraman" means camera operator.

Radek

Radek, in Sweden we have the US meaning of the word. Our "kameraman" means camera operator.

I got a degree in Media Production at Newcastle Poly, shich gave me a wonderful grounding in how to make short student films. I don't know if I would classify it as a formal training, which I would think of as an apprentice/on the job training as supplied by the BBC or similar organisation.

Ilearnt a lot more when I worked as a technician in Turkey for both a University Film and TV department and on some film and TV productions which is rather like learning military strategy by being shelled.

No formal photography training for me. I did take a few black and white still photography courses is high school and got some darkroom experience, but that was the total of my education on that front. I'm working on my Ph.D. in Engineering Physics, and did my undergrad and Master's in Eng. Phys. and Physics respectively... so while I've got no official film experiences per se, I'm a professional student/geek... which makes me a target audience for this kind of camera ;)

-Steve

I have found the computer-based training (DVD nowadays) to be a very efficient and cost-effective way of learning almost any subject. Most of these I have used so far is not related to filmmaking. Although I have used several training DVDs for NLEs like FinalCutPro, and one DVD set on lighting. To me, actually seeing how things are setup, and then seeing the resulting video, is as close as one can get to observing a true professional on the job without actually being there. Plus, I can repeat the DVD training as much as I need to fully comprehend the subject, or to come back later for review/refresher.

I have been considering buying some of the more expensive DVD training that costs $100-$400 that cover subjects like directing, blocking, lighting, audio, etc. I think I could buy everything I need for $1,000 to $1,500. While this may sound high to some, it's a lot less than most film schools, and the DVDs could be sold when finished.

I wonder if any of you have used this approach for learning the filmmaking trade, and if so, what you think of it.

Radek, in Sweden we have the US meaning of the word. Our "kameraman" means camera operator.

While "cameraman" does generally mean "camera operator" particular in the broadcast field, in classic Hollywood terms (which are still in use) the term "cameraman" specifically describes the Director of Photography, with "operating cameraman" and "assistant cameraman/men" applied to the operator and the AC's.

Wrote a thesis in communications. Started consulting. Started producing. Decided I wanted to direct. All of a sudden, twenty years later, found myself wanting to film. Now I've hired people 'above me' to do all the management and I go to the field and shoot.
I'm also a published photographer; light, composition and circumstance are a passion.
I'm also a vegan, if you're looking to hold something against me ;-).

i am just a dad, who started to videograhp the kids, about 5-6 years ago. no training just "do it" expirience. first thing i learned was, that a tri-pot is needed for almost everything. next thing i know i became the very best customer of b&h, several tausend dollars gone, and i still need much more. so more i tape, my portfolio gets better, more inquiries, but i lack some very basics about lighting, audio. since most of my shootings are in a theater/ studio setting. the step up from my sony trv 700 to canon xl1s was a expensive but great step.
my local college offers some classes, so i guess i will be a student again.

greetings

I started in television production as a camera assistant and pretty much learned the basics of camera etiquette through trial and error, observation, reading and experimentation. Eventually moved up to writer / producer / director / cameraman and began reading as much as I could: American Cinematographer, Videography, DV, ASC Video Manual, etc.

I tried at every junction to practise what I'd read, and bought a number of books to study: the Filmmaker's Handbook being one of my favorites. I also screened movies, television shows and tried to reproduce what I liked.

Then I got into editing and 2D compositing/finishing, played around with audio sweeting and tried to have a better understanding of how to control audio recording and reproduction. I also directed live (sometimes delayed or to tape) programming and multi-camera shoots.

This was over a period of 11 years and included many 100s of shoots and edits. I'd been exposed to video cameras, editing systems and formats galore: VHS to DigiBeta, Avid to Media100, and also 35mm film (commercials and a couple movies). Eventually I got to the point where I wanted to go to another level and decided to chuck my job and go back to school. I'm presently a Film Production student also studying Psychology (double major).

I think a college education can enhance what experience someone has accrued over the years, but there are many avenues to learning a craft. I've worked with many talented persons who had or didn't have a college education. Dedication, experimentation, the right attitude and a willingness to learn from others are what I've counted as the important ingredients for me.

Can those of you who have studied film (wether formal eduction or on your own) recommend your favorite books or DVDs for those interested in learning more? Thanks, Shawn

I think it depends on exactly what you want to learn or specialize in and of course how easily you can practise and master what you learn.

I'm very interested in all aspects of filmmaking (the choice of film or video is irrelevant) so I've done a lot of work on each area over time: not quite the best way to master one thing, but perhaps a good compromise to figure out what you really want to sink your teeth into.

I always read DV Magazine, Videography Magazine, American Cinematographer, POST Magazine and a couple others like Broadcast Engineer, Videomaker, and Fade In. Primarily to stay current and read about innovations, new technology, etc.

In terms of texts or Books I've read which have increased my knowledge of shooting and cinematography that I like: The Five C's of Cinematography, Every Frame a Rembrandt, Single Camera Video Production, The ASC Video Manual, The Filmmaker's Handbook, also Cinematography I've heard good things about (though honestly I haven't read just yet, but it is on my list).

Other books I've read pertain to writing, producing, directing, some include: Writing, Producing, Directing, the Screenwriter Within, Documentary Filmmaking, Story (still need to read this one as well), and a couple others I can't remember right now.

A couple off the wall books like Anatomy for the Artist and Digital Guerilla Filmmaking also helped fill some gaps.

Other things I've studied include training videos for Lightwave 3D, Soft Image 3D, Adobe Premiere, tutorials for After Effects, and lots of tutorials on compositing, blue screen lighting, etc. I also have a DVD Visions of Light which I would recommend.

This list may seem long, but it's really not. There are more things I could list, but if anyone wanted to have the authors I could email them off board. There are many books/materials produced by the AFI which are also great. Check them out.

Finally I've also worked with people who were experts in their field and I tried to learn what I could from them, and to bring myself as close to their level as possible - even if I could never match their ability I learned a lot. This approach helped me particularly with compositing and finishing, color correction, and generally tweaking images to look as you want them to.

I have been considering buying some of the more expensive DVD training that costs $100-$400 that cover subjects like directing, blocking, lighting, audio, etc. I think I could buy everything I need for $1,000 to $1,500. While this may sound high to some, it's a lot less than most film schools, and the DVDs could be sold when finished.

I wonder if any of you have used this approach for learning the filmmaking trade, and if so, what you think of it.I bought the "HandsOn HVD" (www.handsonhdv.com) in order to take my filming to the next step. While I think this DVD is very professionally made, I expected it to cover more. I learned a few things though.

I like this approach, so if there would be more advanced material available I would buy it. I'm also seriously considering to niche my business to making educational videos. I'm doing one right now, and I really like the challenge of describing a subject in an understandable way to a viewer.

Wrote a thesis in communications. Started consulting. Started producing. Decided I wanted to direct. All of a sudden, twenty years later, found myself wanting to film. Now I've hired people 'above me' to do all the management and I go to the field and shoot.
I'm also a published photographer; light, composition and circumstance are a passion.
I'm also a vegan, if you're looking to hold something against me ;-).How can I, when I used to have the living food/Ann Wigmore lifestyle? :-)

Interesting carrer. I've just started in this business, and when discussing projects with potential customers, I find that I will have to be scriptwriter, cameraman, sound, producer, editor and director all at the same time, since the limited budget doesn't cover extra people. It's very interesting but also puts some mental stress on me.

next thing i know i became the very best customer of b&h, several tausend dollars gone, and i still need much more.I thought $10.000 ought to cover what I wanted to do, but I'm not even close. There's always something I lack. I try to use cheap tricks, like poor man's steadicam. I also like cloud cast days, because then I can shoot outdoors, since I lack really good indoor lighting.

Hello people ;)

Should I go to Film school or just buy used Camera and accessories and learn as i go?

Currently Im in Uni studying Film Studies im still have 1 more year. I am studying Film Theory nothing relating to hands on work. As for the technical side of Film I know a good amount however I want to learn more as we all do.

I was looking at NYFA and LFS (london film school)

Since this forum is so diverse and I am sure someone has been to one of these film schools I would like to know your opinion. Of course attainding FIlm School would be extremely beneficial for me without a doubt. However in this world not all of us are financial independant.

Film tuition for 1 year at NYFA will cost me around 28 000$
Film tuition for 1 year at LFS will cost me around 30 000$

Or should I just buy a used XL2 and accessories - Pratice and make mistakes and learn?

Let me know please.
Thanks,
Joey :)

You aren't going to get into any legit film schools unless you already can demonstrate some skills.

Go buy yourself a cheapish camera with manual control, some lights, a tripod and a good mic. Get some real world practice first. You can have all the theory you want, but unless you can apply it, you've got nothing.

thats a pretty crazy one year film school fee.. use that $$ and buy yourself some gear.. or move here to canada and do film school for cheaper.. if you move to the province of quebec here in canada and become a resident by living there for 6 months you can do film school for extremely cheap in montreal. I have the same thoughts for myself right now.. but i graduated 4 years ago and have purchased a few cameras and upgraded a few times.. i have an xl1s with a 35mm adapter, lots of lenses and a light kit, i would definately like to do film school just to be able to direct more of my time and attention to filmmaking and make some good contacts.. but yeah .. most film school srequire that you demonstrate some skill.. usually they require you to submit a portfolio. buy up a camera.. do some shorts.. get some practice in and then see what you want to do. non reason to thro out all that cash only to realize that its not the move you should have made

Hey Joey, I have learned much more off these boards and off real world experience than I have learned in film school. I suggest reading as many books as you possibly can, watch lots of films, visit these boards, and actually go out and make movies. Good Luck with whatever you choose.

From what I've seen, film school doesn't significantly increase your chances of getting a job. A large portion of the people working in the film/video field don't have relevant degrees. Most of the people graduating with these degrees aren't getting relevant jobs. Most people I've talked to would tell you not to go to film school.

On the other hand, particular programs may be good... I've heard good things about Sheridan's advanced editing course (Sheridan College's Advanced TV & Film master editing class). The owner of PPD (ppd.ca) told me that he favours graduates from that program/course since they have a good base knowledge of Avid editing, so that way he has to provide less training to assistant editors. Sheridan graduates still need training in some basic technical things when they graduate though... so even that education is not as good as it could be.

2- Some film schools you can get into without having a film/video portfolio. The admissions is different between programs. It's not necessarily the most talented or experienced people who make it into these programs.

3- If you can get a paying entry-level job (i.e. assistant anything), take it over film school. At best, film school might help you land one of those entry-level jobs.

Personally, I've rarely taken a formal course on almost anything that taught at a faster pace than I could teach myself (some exceptions, but not many). For me, self education is, on the whole, a much, much faster way to learn (and far less expensive). The advent of the internet has further exaggerated the difference. The key though, is learning, by whatever method works best for the individual.

Dude find a community college that has state of the art equipment spend a whole lot less and find a job while going to community college. Ive had three different jobs throughout my semester at a Community College type of school and so far they have been great. Worked some post productions(all HD stuff), indie films(by students who needed some cheap help cuz all of their money went to paying for college needed an editor who could also lug equipment)......of course this has been what ive been doing, could end up different for other people. Basically what im trying to say is there are many options available and i have to agree now is the time to apply some of your thoery......get in on some low pay/deferred type of work.....to get that real world experience, then after a period of building your portfolio then consider a film school....or maybe by that time you'll be somewhat established, have enough work that you dont even need a film school. good luck....best advice any decision is a good one.....as long as you make one and go for it.

Joey - The obvious question escaped me at first. Do you intend to go into film as a professional, or is a career in video just as attractive to you?