Film School
Undergrad degrees from film school can prepare students for various careers in film, television, broadcasting and digital media. People tend to think of famous directors and actors when they hear about film school, but many film school students have other aspirations as well.
Hundreds of private and public colleges and universities, either contain a film school or offer courses related to the industry. Two of the most famous film schools are the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. Such film schools are typically housed in existing performing arts departments. Though film schools are scattered across the country, the most prestigious and visible programs are located in Los Angeles and New York. The application process for these programs is highly competitive because these cities have such a huge media presence, practically guaranteeing direct access to the industry. If film school graduates want more than the average entry-level jobs, they need to have major talent and drive to succeed in this industry. However, nearly every city needs film school graduates to work in TV, digital media production, advertising and many other industries.
Film school offers job training for many positions other than directors and actors, including people who do behind-the scenes work in media and entertainment production: video camera operators and editors, screenwriters, animators, cinematographers, stage crew, sound technicians, etc. Also, many film school students are more interested in the business side of entertainment, going on to become agents, managers, accountants, talent scouts, location scouts, and so on.
Becoming a Film School Student
Film school is where a student will learn the visual art of filmmaking. At film school there is a blend of courses, including film theory, cinema history, digital media, screenwriting, and film production. Depending on the film school, the curriculum may include courses in broadcasting, animation, television production, documentary filmmaking, audio engineering, and even computer game design. Most film schools also provide students with an understanding of the trends that are impacting media today, and instruction in using the latest technologies.
A film school is sometimes housed in an art institution to create synergies between students in various artistic pursuits, like dance and drama.
Most film schools offer programs of varying lengths and focuses. For example, if screenwriting is an interest, a film school may offer programs that vary from intensive weeklong workshops, to a one-year screenwriting program, to a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting degree.
Defining learning objectives helps to determine the right type of program. Once a student has determined whether to pursue a degree program or an intensive workshop type program, he needs to decide on a career path toward making independent films or creating commercial cinema.
- Price, cost, and location are all very important factors to weigh when determining the right film school; however, these should not be the only considerations. Here are a few more:
- Practical, hands-on experience. The more filmmaking experience while in school, and the more exposure to people working in the craft, the better the job prospects.
- Techniques, tools, and technologies. Technology is having an incredible transformative impact on the art of filmmaking. A student should ensure that his chosen film school is up-to-date in the latest techniques, tools, and technologies.
- Facilities and equipment. Visit the film school and look at what it has to offer in terms of facilities and equipment. Does the film school have a production studio? Is there access to preview centers and post-production laboratories?
- Faculty. Find out about the instructors at the film school. Ideally, they will be working, or have worked, in the movie-making business.
- Relationships. The film industry is notoriously small, meaning that it is a close-knit group of professionals who all seemingly know one another. The right film school will help a student gain access into that world, particularly if the school’s alumni are currently working in the film industry, and are still actively engaged with the institute.