Practice does not make perfect

[Richard Alvarez]

Yeah well community access can be a real hit or miss sort of venture. I speak from experience, having BEEN a production manager for a community access station. Volunteers are their life blood.

At the very least you get 'real world' experience in a studio or field setting. Working with other members in a crew, working with a director/producer. Having to do things on a time driven deadline. Audience share (however small). Working cooperatively; These are all the things that you gain from going to a film school. And like film schools - the quality will depend on the instructors, and the budget the school has for gear. And just like film school - much of what you get out of it, depends on what YOU put in to it.

Like I said, at the least you'll meet like minded souls you can team up with on future projects. (Another reason to go to film school - networking.)

Good luck.