Film School

When it comes to film school, you get out of it what you put into it.

If you go and just expect to become a pro and jump right into the biz after you graduate, you will likely be sorely disappointed. But if you go to film school, and network, use the resources, talk to people, get internships, focus, learn about film making, study the history of film, the direction the film/media business is going, and make films, then it will certainly not be a waste of time or money.

It is definitely true that you do not need to go to film school to be successful in the film business. Working in production I have met a lot of people who flat out state how they hate "film school people" -- usually because they never went. But if you know you are one of those people that is truly die-hard into film then film school WILL help you. Most of the top film makers -- the best ones -- are well versed in film history.

I went to UCSB and I loved the Film Program. It focused more on writing and film theory -- which I loved -- and not as much on production; which some did not like. Production was done on your own time, and as elective classes. But this was perfect for me (and others) because you can learn production in the field -as you go- but you will not learn the history of film working on film sets or offices. And when you hear big producers/directors talking about Goddard and the 'French New Wave' or Felini's 8 1/2 -- recently loosely remade as '9' -- or Film Noir (Blade Runner) and Neo-realism (Slumdog Millionaire) you know the historical context of the styles/genres and what that means in terms of look and feel, you will know and be able to contribute thoughts when asked. I've had Producers ask me about films, and it felt really great that I knew what they were talking about, and they loved that I actually was able to offer opinion/insight into films they were talking about and what they were looking for in terms of their next project idea. It totally helps pitch ideas, and know what you are talking about.

That was when I knew film school was totally worth it.

Not to mention that half of the jobs in the film biz -- agency and business side -- require that you have a four year degree. If you don't want to limit yourself, and know how to utilize resources, and actually want to contribute to film history > I say go. Learn. > Make/write/producer great films.

You don't have to go to culinary school to be a great chef, but if you do go, and learn about all kinds of food and cuisines you will absolutely be a much better chef, and know what kind of food you like.

It's the same with film.