The Joys of Film School
Of course California is going to produce more film schools than you can shake a stick at, with New York a close second, but there are plenty of film school opportunities in other parts of the country. I will discuss some of the heavies first as they are the "Pie in the Sky" for many aspiring filmmakers. The premiere school to go to would of course be the AFI conservatory. Founded in 1967, they provide 6 areas of course study: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design, and Screenwriting. AFI is particularly devoted to traditional narrative film.
California Institute for the Arts (Cal Arts), was created in 1961 by Disney in 1961, with an emphasis on animation. San Francisco State University has a film program, also created in the 60's amid the political expansiveness of that time and their course work is heavily influenced buy experimental film. Then there is always UCLA Film School and USC as well.
In New York you have Columbia University School of the Arts and NYU. Both have heavy rosters of Directors and Film writers that have come up in the ranks at these schools. I think of Spike Lee when I think of NYU.
These are the most famous of them all, the 'A' list, and to get into these schools is practically a miracle from god, but if you do, you just scored Willy's Golden Ticket. If you find yourself to be one of the many that are outside the golden gates looking at all the happy film students, do not despair. There are plenty of other film schools around the country that have great programs where you can get the skills and training you need.
There are some things that you must consider when picking a school off of the 'B' list. How much is the education going to cost? That is the bottom line, because if you get loans to get into school, you better be able to make those loan payments 6 months after graduation. To that end the next consideration is what kind of internships do they offer. See if you can have a conversation with the senior students in the film program so that you have an idea of what is in store for you once you leave school. Who else has graduated from this school that is noteworthy?
Film School is that wonderful island in the middle of an otherwise uphill battle. The equipment loan programs in themselves are worth the price of admission. Here you will have the opportunity to use cameras, recording, and editing equipment along with edit bays and sound studios. There will be a pool of actors and crew to draw from as you each help crew for each other. For this one brief time you have the benefit of all this. Once on the other side, however, you are on your own.
The Pacific Northwest has several film schools. University of Washington has an excellent film school. The Evergreen State University is notorious for their liberal/alternative education. Some take issue with the fact that there are no grades. Instead there is an evaluation system in place where the student and teacher write evaluations of themselves, the teacher, and the program. Greeners, as they are called, pride themselves in critical thinking and their program, MediaWorks, has provided the film community with radical, cutting edge filmmakers.
Whatever school you decide to attend, enjoy it while it lasts. It will be the one place you can experiment and have the support you need to get your projects done. Plan on sleeping very little and learn to love pizza and Top Ramen.
Comments
Menu
My Articles
Fly FilmmakingWhat About The Cannes Festival And Film Making?
How To Produce Your Own Film Making Endeaver?
Let There Be Light
Finding A Location Or Your Film
What Will My Film Making Crew Expect From Me?
What About Internships In Film Making?
What About Flim Making Finance?
Promoting Your Film
Tell Me About Film Making Equipment Rental
What Exactly Is Film Making?
How Can I Learn Film Making Without Going To School?
Why Should I Worl For Free In Film Making?
Why Should I Go Into Film Making?
Filmmaking: In The Beginning
What Is The Best Way To Get Into Film Making?
Filmmaking Is Storytelling
So Many Cameras, So Little Time
The Joys Of Film School
Film Festivals And The Filmmaker
What About Film Making And The Internet?
Where Can I Go To Learn Film Making?
What About Investing In Film Making?
What Are The Top Five Film Making Producer Skills?
My Articles Can You Hear Me Now? Audio is one of those things that you have to have for your movie but.. Where Can I Go To Learn Film Making? There are several choices when it comes to film making schools. At the.. What About Investing In Film Making? You need to practice caution when thinking of investing.. Finding A Location Or Your Film Being a location scout would seem to be the most fun out of all the jobs offered.. |
|
|
Related News:
|