Are online film classes worth it?
I’m 22 years of age and I’m currently an online student at the Academy of Art University based in California. (I live in Florida.) I am majoring in Directing and Producing.
I’m doing very well with school but I feel I’m not getting anywhere in the process. I mean, the way school is going I’m not going to graduate until I’m around 25 – 26 years of age which is just absurd especially since I’ve been in school already for a year & a half. I may not even finish my online schooling because it’s a bit pricey for the cost per class. I’m also not able to truly associate or really affiliate with anyone through the online program. Online schooling is just not good in that matter since everything is through a message board. You’re also not able to get hands on with anything. I’ve even looked on transferring but the situation is just not presenting itself well.
I’ve talked to a few people and even read some things on if schooling is needed for this industry and some say yes and others say no. It’s a guessing game from where I’m standing.
I’ve even looked around on ways to get noticed or recognized as many have said film festivals, film schools and so forth but that’s nothing new and I didn’t already know. But in order to enter a film festival, I need a film and that takes a lot of money to get a film made and I just don’t have the resources either. I’m really just looking for answers on what do and how I can get my foot through the door but then again, I’m still looking for a door.
I can’t just up & move to California even though I do plan on going out there sometime down-the-line (when? Who knows at this time) but I wouldn’t know where to begin or let alone look, on how to get some kind of acknowledgment or advice. My folks and I are just trying to find some answers for me or a path of some sorts. It’s just becoming frustrating. My folks are questioning on what to do as it’s a dead end on every corner and opportunities are just not coming about.
I hope that maybe you could provide some answers or something.
– Scott
Florida
I think online classes are a great option for many topics, but basic filmmaking isn’t one of them. Drop out and save your money.
Yes: a class that was purely about screenwriting could be taught online, but almost every other part of filmmaking is physical and collaborative. You need to be setting up lights and comparing angles and figuring out why the sound isn’t recording right. An online session might offer a master class with Robert Elswit talking about composition. It would be fascinating. But it wouldn’t be the practical information you need right now as an aspiring filmmaker.
Make short films. Find little movies that are shooting in Florida and work on them for free. Take local classes in the things that interest you.
You’re 22 — you don’t have to have your whole life figured out. But you owe it to yourself to pursue every interesting thing with every bit of energy you have. And if you still find filmmaking is your number one passion, move to a place where they make movies. That’s Los Angeles, New York, and (recently, thanks to tax credits) Louisiana. Get yourself there and get hired on a movie. You’ll learn more your first week as a PA than you have so far in your online classes.
Read what Adam Davis wrote about his experience moving to LA to get started. It’s not easy, but it’s not overwhelming either. Every young actor you’ve seen on TV has moved to Los Angeles, and trust me, many of them aren’t that smart or confident.
Your parents are nervous because they don’t see a clear path ahead for you. My mom was the same way. But once I was here, working 16-hour days on a hundred different things, she could at least see that I’d found something that really engaged me. I was making things, even if I wasn’t making enough money to buy a bed.
It’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to have doubts. But don’t let them paralyze you. You don’t have much, but you have your youth. There are many folks reading this blog in their thirties or forties with a marriage and mortgage who don’t have options you have. Embrace your freedom and explore.
42 Responses to “Are online film classes worth it?”
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January 29th, 2010 at 11:23 am
John – I thought your response was solid honesty and really enjoyed reading it. Some great suggestions for a reader.
Also – this blog is tremendous. As a person who writes as a hobby, at night, your insight is always appreciated. Keep up the great work.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:29 am
That’s excellent advice. 41 year old married and mortgaged me would love to beam this post back to 22 year old me who was unwilling to leave family and friends behind.
John’s words are words of wisdom, Scott. Pick up a camera, and never look back. Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.
January 29th, 2010 at 11:47 am
Another reason to drop the online class — the wealth of filmmaking knowledge you can acquire from books, much cheaper and at your own speed.
The main benefit of film school — like most specialized, industry-focused programs — are the connections and camaraderie you develop there. Take that away, and well, I’m not really sure what you’re paying for online that you can’t get from some great books like:
MAKING MOVIES by Sidney Lumet
WHICH LIE DID I TELL? by William Goldman (though I know many people who prefer the predecessor this book ADVENTURES IN THE SCREEN TRADE)
REBEL WITHOUT A CREW by Robert Rodriguez
and
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN AUGUST by John August, coming July 2031
You can probably gleam from those books — and dozens others, especially some more current ones with a focus on digital media — everything your online class can tell you.
But the key is to put yourself in a position where you can actually practice what you’re learning. And if that’s not film school, then John is right, the best place is working on a set.
It really sucks that Florida just doesn’t have the same filmmaking incentives as other states. I’ve spent a lot of time there, and I know most movies only come in for exteriors there and move on. But I’m sure if you look hard enough — especially around Miami or Orlando — you can find something. A lot of commercials are made in the state, and that’s something too. A set is a set, a crew is a crew!
January 29th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
In general, I agree that film has to be learnt in a practical manner, but I’m a big fan of the Guerilla Filmmakers Handbooks and their online class about the quest for an Oscar. It’s utterly compelling and provides great insight into all of the little bits and pieces you need to think about from gettings the screenplay right to finishing to festival strategy and submissions.
You can check them out at http://www.livingspirit.com – they’re really rather great.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Couldn’t agree more with Mr. August here. Save your cash and drop out. If you want this bad enough, pull your funds together and move out here or stay there and make a film. Make SURE you want it bad enough though. Are you willing to starve for your art? It SOUNDS romantic from the warmth and comfort of Florida and the mythic Tarantino’s rising from the confines of a video store in Hollywood are so rare they’ve become mythology; folklore. For every 1 success out here there are thousands and thousands of failures.
I am a big believer in formal education BUT, I rose through the ranks at one of the biggest talent agencies in the world and ended up on a lit desk with Top-of-their-class Ivy League Law Schools graduates fetching me coffee and copies before I was promoted to Lit Agent. I am a Junior College drop-out. After selling my soul to the devil and working unimaginable hours for years and years I write screenplays now.
Want it so bad you can taste it and think of the worst possible thing that can happen to you out here, expect it, and plan accordingly. There’s too many dreamers out here wandering the streets now because it was “sexy” to be a filmmaker.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
“Make short films. Find little movies that are shooting in Florida and work on them for free. Take local classes in the things that interest you.”
This says it all. Great response, John.
January 29th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Take it from someone who has spent the last 20 years (since he was 20) saying to himself: “Self, go for the high-paying job. Make some money first, and then you can start to focus on what you really want to do!”
Just as my parents and 50 bajillion other trusted adults in my life told me at the time, that won’t work. You may wind up in a job that pays great (I did), but you’ll be stuck (I am) doing something you don’t really enjoy or aren’t very passionate about.
I can’t say it enough to my teenager and his friends: Forget money – do what you love, or love what you do. You’ll either find a way making money doing it, or you’ll find a way to live on the money you’re making.
January 29th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Drop out. Ask for a refund.
January 29th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
“There are many folks reading this blog in their thirties or forties with a marriage and mortgage”
Some are in early 50’s, too.
Scott, forget any silly rumors you’ve heard about an old dude stealing your youth.
But when you get the figurine in the mail, go out in the moonlight and chant exactly what’s on the card.
January 29th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Great response John. Don’t let your fears stop you from doing what you can. “To him who has, more is given. To him who doesn’t have, even the little he has will be taken away.” Go work on short films, write a few bad scripts, get involved where you can and start making connections with people moving in the direction you want to go.
January 29th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Some people are recommending books and other stuff, but c’mon, it’s 2010, it’s all on the Internet! I completely taught myself how to animate cartoons and edit video through the web and video tutorials–for gosh sake, this blog here has been instrumental in acquainting me with the film industry, from production to pitching to even reading contracts! Anyone like me who has read every post knows what a real wealth of information is available here.
Plus, it’s not as if the knowledge of film schools was originally bestowed by the film gods, it’s all stuff that another man, another human being, discovered for himself. So, it’s not at all beyond you to figure it out for yourself by VERY closely studying story, camera angles, tricks and devices, lighting, blocking, and every other aspect of filmmaking by watching other movies. And what’s even more valuable than that is–like everyone says–to make your own movies and see what it’s like to write, storyboard, cast, arrange meetings, deal with technical issues, direct other people, etc. The reason why you can’t get a straight answer on whether school is a necessary prerequisite is because it really isn’t, it’s just some people in the business went to school and some didn’t. What matters is do you have enough TALENT and EXPERIENCE that someone is willing to give you money (and hopefully lots of it) to put something together for them?
Not to knock any formal film schools as I dropped out of one myself after 2.5 years due to the Bush economy–and they do have incomparable resources, support, and curriculum–but with commercial programs like Photoshop, Final Draft, Final Cut, and After Effects becoming more accessible to everyday people there’s no reason you shouldn’t teach yourself for FREE! It’s all on YouTube and Internet forums on how to use these and similar programs, you can find the history theory of film on the Internet—some of the same textbooks I had in school can be found in PDF form online!
If you’re going to go to a real school, you might as well go out to California, because it’s automatically better than going to film school anywhere else. If you’re staying home with no credible school nearby, you might as well save your money, drop out of online classes, and spend every waking moment at home watching everything you can and studying it, making notes, and producing your own films!
January 29th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
I agree – great answer to an important question. I think that Scott has a lot to think about now, and I’m with everyone wishing him out of this film school and into some real experience. Still, I think that uprooting just like that is more daunting than online strangers – no matter how well meaning – might make it seem. I had the good fortune of being able to attend a screenwriting program, but know that I would be incredibly reluctant to leave what I felt to be the only opportunity available to me.
My final advice to Scott and all people out there in similar situations would be to get those books mentioned above, make your own films and submit to festivals, but also explore every other outlet you can think of. There might not be UCLA or NYU quality schools in your area, but most community colleges and continuing education centers have film programs, which can at least give you the foundation that you’re seeking. Seek out internships at your local TV station (the local government channel nobody watches in my home town is where I got my start). Search Mandy and other film job websites for part-time work. Just build your resume, and the contacts and knowledge of where to go from there will naturally follow.
Good luck, Scott!
January 29th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Good question, Scott; Good response, John (see, I’m not ALWAYS a dick).
As someone who has moved out to L.A. and NOT found success just yet, I can still say most assuredly that I do not regret the decision one bit. Sure, I’m broke–but I’m not dispirited. I waited until I was 28 to come out here and the only regret I have was taking to so long to get here.
Truth be told, I feel my “in real life” film studies degree is pretty worthless. Though, if I were to single out one branch of classes which were most constructive, I’d go with the film MAKING classes that I completed. 8/16mm (or digital) cannot be conquered online or with books. Having a person to help you with the mechanical aspects of a camera, lighting, etc. is invaluable. The only really worthwhile part of my degree, I’d say.
January 29th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Great post, John. You said it–if you want to be a filmmaker these days, you need hands on experience. You can be set up with practically everything for what an editing bay used to cost in the 80s. Why wait? Just get a loan for a thousand dollars and start making films.
The quality of your first films can be pretty bad, but even that is changing. I’m shooting in HD these days–I would have laughed if you told me two years ago that I could afford it; now almost every camera comes equipped.
Who knew, right?
January 29th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
I’m in LA right now and I see a lot of students coming from Florida State, where the local government is very supportive and offers them equipment that one would normally have to pay extra for as part of their tuition. I’m not sure if it’s an option for you, but try to meet up with some FSU kids and see what their thoughts are. You can always take an extension class if you’re close enough.
But no, you don’t need film school. If you want to be a director, however, you do need to do some short films and be noticed. That’s generally why people in that position are film school grads– they needed the tutorials, hands-on, before they could make great short films.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Online classes are probably fabulous for the equivalent of general ed classes. You know those classes you take your freshman and sophomore year to meet potential dates and learn a thing or two about studying.
But the upper level classes? Man oh man. You have to feel it, smell it, and share the love of working all night during crunch time with your classmates. The peripheral experiences of being in school is every bit as much an education as the curriculum itself.
January 30th, 2010 at 12:07 am
By all means, continue taking classes — but in any other field or area of interest besides filmmaking.
The best education for a filmmaker is a life education. Spend the money on financing your move to L.A. Travel. Shoot as much as you can. Write even more. Let those experiences inform your filmmaking and storytelling.
I was a film/video major in college for a year before I realized I’d graduate with all the knowledge I’d need to be a great cinematographer. Or editor. But not a writer/director. I became a political science major, traveled around Europe, started writing. Now I’m in L.A., repped as a writer, trying to keep up the hustle.
Good luck!
January 30th, 2010 at 2:20 am
Passion is the final duct tape.
Hey Scott, :)
I’m one of the people who did it right the first time. Not because I was smart, but because I was broke. – Not in the traditional American sense… I mean I used my last unemployment check to buy a wide angle lens for, this camera:
http://www.mediacollege.com/equipment/canon/camera/zr/zr60.html
That was 2006. – Now I have an XL H1 & I shoot for Daryl Hannah. – So I’m a unique position to put forth this little tiny additional thing I’ve learned…
(Assuming someone’s already planted the truest flag of the phrase, “Always be on a project” in your mind and driven it home to roost… I’d like to add this…)
Choose only projects that have multiple purposes.
A project who’s only purpose is to garner for you, its nobody’s job to care about. – Make your projects, projects that its already someone’s job to care about.
Example: The above camera’s “film” that branded me, was (A) A PSA for a Human Rights organization (and the only one they had), (B) An upcoming band’s first music video (for them to use), (C) A chance for their fans to BE IN a video (holding signs), (D) a thing that people received in exchange for their donation a cause on a radio pledge drive, (E) A short film out in festivals.
If it had been merely E, I would be a different person.
A short film for the purpose of, you, on trial, by fire, is judged on equipment & digital execution… because its made for the purpose of going out and being a resume. – But if your work is meaningful before you hit the record button, you don’t even need one. And passion is allowed to be gritty. Its your purpose that makes you interesting when you have nothing. – And not the technique. – (I dare say if I’d had ANY technique at all in the beginning, it would have ruined it entirely.) But now as it stands, I’m the guy that grabbed a camera, and every time there’s a new graduating class from film school at USC, some of them come right out and ask me for help. – Because even in the upper echelons (whenever I do get a chance to see ‘em) its still pretty clear that, when people stop and say they can’t figure out what’s missing from the room… its passion. And couldn’t we please find someone who has that.
January 30th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Great Post, great topic. Who can’t relate to this kid in the OP?
@ Ann Coulter’s Adam’s Apple
Good reading selection. I’d add to that list (for writers and directors)
Thinking in Pictures (The making of Matewan) – by John Sayles
Bambi Vs Godzilla – by David Mamet (or anything by Mamet)
The Hero With a Thousand Faces – Joseph Campbell
And anything you can get your hands on by William Goldman, Cameron Crowe, Billy Wilder, Woody Allen, Frank Darabont, Coen Bros…
@ Synthian.
Right on, bro. Passion is the key. And yes, pick up a camera and learn how to shoot Digital Video, and learn how to edit. I worked in the “Camera Department” for almost 8 years on features and TV, but I never learned how to shoot or edit. The problem with that is that that the lines of demarcation in union world are clear and absolute. If you’re a Second AC, all you do all day is bang slate and do paperwork. If you’re a Focus Puller, all you do is pull focus. (I spent 2 years just loading film for chrissakes!) My point being, that you can often miss the “big picture” because of the narrow focus of most film jobs. Yes, the film set is a great place to learn, but don’t forget that you are also a filmmaker. When you cease to learn anything new, move on…
Bottom line is this: if you want to shoot- shoot. Find someone to let you shoot their little PSA or music video. If you want to direct, find something to direct, or write something to direct. Preferably something you’re passionate about. It doesn’t hurt (As Synthian is saying) if your passion aligns with others, as you will then have a built in audience for your product. The key is really in the doing.
Good night and Good luck!
January 30th, 2010 at 10:43 am
“There are many folks reading this blog in their thirties or forties with a marriage and mortgage who don’t have options you have.”
Or in their mid-fifties with two mortgages and a live-in grandson!
Great advice, John!
Love the blog.
Thanks for sharing your insights and for your commitment to the craft.
January 30th, 2010 at 11:39 am
I’m one of those 30 year olds you talked about at the end. My options have dwindled down to dreams. I still try, but with kids in school and bills to pay Hollywood gets farther and farther away.
January 30th, 2010 at 11:51 am
I’m a film student in my final semester of school, currently interning for a development office in LA. In my experience, the classes I’ve taken in film school have been, relatively speaking, the least helpful in terms of advancing my career or providing me with practical skills that are relevant to working in the industry (as opposed to living in Wisconsin and making 16mm black-and-white horror films with money borrowed from family & friends).
Almost everything useful I’ve learned in school has been from working on the sets of student films and working as a PA on features (I went to school in Massachusetts – Louisiana is not the only state with tax breaks, by the way). Almost all of the useful connections that I’ve made have been through friends I’ve made in classes or on these film projects.
No online film course can offer that. I think it’s a waste of time and money.
January 30th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I’ve taken online and traditional filmmaking classes and worked on sets. The two biggest lessons I’ve learned are: one, it’s a lot of work. You have to work as many sets as you can to learn how much work a director does, a lot of it alone and under tight time constraints. Passion is great but when your shot list didn’t get you the shot you need, that’s a bitch. Work on as many projects as you can, heads down and get a rep for learning and moving quickly. It will help. Second, plan like hell. Shots, scenes, opportunities and your life. Poverty, however romanticized, sucks. Plan like hell for it. Beans and rice and a cheap burrito recipe are not a plan. A road map for the next year’s rent will give you (and maybe your parents) some breathing room. Good luck, Kevin
January 30th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
@ Scott.
Hey I was in the same identical boat you are in today.
In 2008-2009 I was enrolled at AAU. I was taking two classes per semester, because 4 classes would of been exhausting and seemingly impossible.
Online is a EVERYDAY ritual, EVERYDAY you have to nuture, care and maitain your online classes like a baby. If you neglect for 5 minutes, you will be endanger of failing.
I endured the first semester, and when the second semester came I continue my storytelling and 8mm/editing class for 2 months(feburary and march) and I dropped out in April.
There are so many reasons why online isn’t worth it.
The Tuition(there is no discount because you are online. The class cost is the same you will kick out if you were on-campus)
The instructors I had was not even the real on-campus instructors. They were like assistants to the instructors. If I am paying 20k a year I should get the full package, the same I would get if I was on campus.
Scott you want to be a Director and Producer. I want to Write and Act. So that is what we both should be doing, and unfortunately we are not doing that online. The only thing we are doing is reading text messages.
Just drop out dude, and read, read, read books on the art of cinema and books that speak speciffically to what you would like to do. And if you still want a education, try out your local community college, which will be much cheaper then AAU.
To me. College education in film is only good if you were on-site. Because of the unlimited access to the faculty, students, and equipment, experience then it is TOTALLY WORTH IT.
Not being able to speak is the most disappointing aspect of Online. In this field you have to speak concisely, articulate and energetic when you are pitching, networking and mingling in Hollywood.
January 30th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
If I was 22 in Florida, I’d do this:
http://www.valenciacc.edu/asdegrees/arts/documents/FilmProductionTech.pdf
http://www.valenciacc.edu/asdegrees/arts/fpt.cfm
But I can’t, cause I’m dead.
January 30th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Or this:
http://film.fsu.edu/About-FSU-Film
http://film.fsu.edu/About-FSU-Film/Overview
Or maybe this:
http://www.mdc.edu/sedt/fpframeset.html
Well, you get the idea.
You gonna finish that sandwich? Never mind. I’m dead.
January 30th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
One more thing before I go back to rotting in the grave:
If your specific interest is directing, hie thee to a playhouse and start working in theater. Act. Write. Build sets and make costumes. Do the sound and the lights. Learn to work with a raggedy assortment of show folk.
January 30th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Films arte expensive to make? Come on! They were when I was starting out, because there was no video, so I was making movies on 16mm… but today you can make a feature film on video for what it cost me to make a short.
Here’s how I did it back then: I had a full time job while going to my commuinity college… and I’d moved out of my parent’s house at 18, so I also had to pay rent (etc). But if you want something bad enough, you do what it takes (whatever it takes) to get it. So I set aside money for raw stock and lab and work print and everything else. Once I’d earned enough to make a short, I made one. I was often making super8mm shorts in between 16mm shorts. But super8mm was just for fun. Though I did make an ill advised super8mm feature at one point. I won some stupid awards, but eventually realized I could write a stack of scripts for what it cost me to make a shortt film, so that’s what I did (and 19 films later…).
But today? With digital? Just go out and make features and sell them. I have a friend who made a low budget horror film and sold it to Lions Gate… and another friend who is about to start shooting his 8th feature film – all have been made out of pocket for well under $10k. (His first was made for $2k.)
Just do it. Get a day job if you don’t already have one and start putting away money.
January 31st, 2010 at 7:07 am
Hey Scott, Where in Florida are you, if you’re in Fort Lauderdale area I’m looking to collaborate with someone on a film. I did study film but I think an education in film is done making films. email me if you want to work on something – jgoudreau at gmail dot com By the way I have an HD DSLR and some basic gear.
January 31st, 2010 at 8:32 am
I agree with Martell. If you want something bad, you will do whatever it takes to achieve it.
I admire the stories on rising to the top. Nothing that is inherited to a individual. This is truly inspiration to me. Do more then believe, work and fight for your VOICE. If you know deep down, you’ve a story(s) to tell and it can dazzle the world. Then whatever that needs to be done, you shall do it. Create more then one plan, don’t just rely on being a P.A. on sets. From reading this site, it seems that, that will be the last job you would want.
Purchase a 35mm or any other camera, break it down, put it back toghether and shoot your stories. Directing experience.
Purchase short films by putting notices on Craigslist or your local paper undistributed movies WANTED. Producing experience.
Attempt to have them viewed by a audience at your community movieplexes or create a website and post the videos there. Self-distribution experience.
Tyre.
January 31st, 2010 at 9:00 am
Scott -
You really need to read Adam’s experience, like John wrote. I think you just need to read everything in this forum, it is so inspiring and helpful. I’m 25, and I definitely know first hand where you are, and how you are feeling.
The thing that has been helping me is that digital cameras are so cheap these days, why don’t you just make something?
I made a music video just using my mac desktop, which cost me $100. There are so many YouTube videos that go viral at a really low cost. Also, my first movies were with stuffed animals because I could not get anyone to act in them. It had in camera editing. The situation was dire! But looking back, these days were great because it was just me working on stuff.
just go out and make stuff. post it on youtube.
cheers, dennis
This is my first comment in probably 4 years reading this board, and i’m so happy to “come out” of the closet! =) maybe i will participate more.
January 31st, 2010 at 10:40 am
An new HD camcorder can be had for under $700 dollars. One of the most profitable films of 2009 was a ghost story shot on night vision camcorder and the big movie out of Sundance this year is Ryan Reynolds stuck in a box for 90 minutes :)
I’d say everyone who wants to be a filmmaker is officially out of excuses.
January 31st, 2010 at 12:45 pm
FYI, Governor Crist’s proposed budget ups the Florida tax credit by $4.8M.
February 1st, 2010 at 12:27 am
Some comments about John’s blog here: http://courier12.wordpress.com/2009/12/09/courier12s-future/#comment-51
February 1st, 2010 at 1:35 am
I’ve met a few people. And from what it’s worth, if you can’t handle the creative environment, you shouldnt go. And it is possible to just read the books anyway. I don’t believe any course has something so outstanding nobody shelfed it. If you are really cheap, go to the school and ask for the semester plan. and sit home and read.
February 1st, 2010 at 11:43 am
Great responses, helping me as well. I just wanted to mention that many states have the tax incentives. New Mexico, where I am, gets quite a few major movies a year now (we have lots of space to blow things up), and “breaking bad” and “in plain sight” are shot in Albuquerque.
February 1st, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Something else that might make a difference, Scott, is a shift to a more positive frame of mind (read: attitude). I’m not trying to be a jerk (which often comes across unintentionally in writing), but I noticed in your question you spent a lot of time talking about what you can’t do, how things are difficult, what’s not working, etc., instead of focusing on what you CAN do.
Example – You said: “In order to enter a film festival, I need a film and that takes a lot of money to get a film made and I just don’t have the resources.” But it’s never been cheaper to make a film – you could literally do something for $50 and put it on YouTube. You can ask people for money. You can volunteer for film festivals, which is a great way to meet people for free, and can be an incredibly valuable learning experience, too, depending on what you’re doing. (I’ve been a reader for the Austin Film Festival’s Screenwriting Competition twice now, and it’s made my writing a thousand times better.)
When you start looking for the opportunities instead of the setbacks, it’s amazing what starts to show up.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Yeah, this site is film school for screenwriters. Spend as much time here as you can.
BTW, congrats, John, and having this site appear (yet again) in MovieMaker magazine’s top site for filmmakers!
February 1st, 2010 at 6:56 pm
Boy, that spelling sucked. Sorry.
@e — Albuquerque topped MovieMaker’s top ten list of best cities for filmmakers.
The same issue has an article – a round table discussion of film school education challenges during the down economy.
http://www.moviemaker.com/education/article/film_school_film_education_roundtable_20100121/
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Scott,
Here’s what I’d add (and forgive me if I’m repeating — I only skimmed the other comments):
There are two values of film school: 1) Connections and 2) Learning how to make a film. For useful connections, you need to go to a top film school. That probably means Florida State, USC, NYU, Emerson, Columbia, and I’m not sure where else (film school grads, please chime in, as I don’t really know).
Is it worth the debt you’d incur to go to film school? Not necessarily. If you’re willing to move to LA, and you’re a good hustler, you can skip film school and get your foot in the door as a writer (which is hard work, but doable — and no one cares if you have a film degree). If you want to direct, you can segue from writing into directing by hustling, investing in your goals (with the money you earn as a writer), and being super patient as it can take years and years and years to convince someone to invest in a first time director with no reel (though very successful writers seem to have an easier time at it). “All” that you need to launch a screenwriting career is a well-written, well-conceived “must read” script and the hustle to make the connections that you will need to get an agent and get some work. You can also go the indie route. Film Independent (FIND) is an excellent organization to check out in that regard, and can also be useful for making contacts, since many Hollywood types are also Indie types (either because they’ve made independent films at some point in their career or because they make films that have an indie sensibility and have ties to FIND as a result. E.g. John is about to moderate a series of panels that FIND is sponsoring called “Directors Closeup”. Worth Noting: FIND has several talent development programs that can help you advance your career if you move to L.A. and you only need $75 or so to apply for those programs. Maybe you can apply and, if you get in, you can move to L.A. and get a shit job, which is what we all did when we were starting out. There really is no way around that part, since even with a film degree, there’s no such thing as job placement. No one will be waiting to offer you a job. You will have to hustle, film degree or not. Film School can help with that because you’ll have opportunities to make connections that you don’t have currently, but you can also make them on your own, which is what I did, starting when I was living in New York.
Reading your post, it sound like you might be someone who could benefit from the structure and guidance that film school provides. At present, you don’t sound like a self-starter, and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s easier to be a self-starter when you have the confidence that comes from having some inkling of how to go about approaching your goals. But before you take any big risks, ask yourself if you’re someone who’s willing to take big risks, and hustle, and face rejection and failure over and over again on your road to success. If so, go for it.
The one thing I wish I’d known at 22 is how important it is to not only love the substance of what you do, but to be okay with all the other aspects of that career. Hollywood, like anyplace, has it’s pros and cons. Before you uproot your life, learn about those pros and cons and really weigh whether you’re up for everything that a career in film entails.
Good luck and much success to you!
February 10th, 2010 at 8:35 am
Would you consider a face-to-face film school like Full Sail, which is in FL? It’ll be a shorter time to get your degree, and it’ll give you the face-to-face you are looking for.
March 18th, 2010 at 7:17 am
Hey, as far as an online film school is concerned, I really don’t know what you are really gonna learn.. It’s a very hands on process.. I really think he best way to learn is by doing. Find an internship,or even get some books and study and maybe make little films with a home video camera.. Really regardless of what school you attend, the real world of professional filming is something you will only really learn when you start working in it.. Good luck