The why’s that help answer the how’s.

[enthusiastme]

A few days ago, I got into a discussion with my uncle

who feels that there’s really no need for anyone to

study film much more to take up an

immersion

course for a year. I’m 21 and I decided to

take an immersion film course at the International

Academy of Film and Television (Blowed my parents

mind off when I told them it was in Asia!). Although

I understand where he is coming from, I beg to

disagree with him on a lot of things. If there’s

anything that I’ve learned is school is that

filmmaking demands the integration of many kinds of

knowledge and skill that one gets from hands-on

training, classroom instruction and actual film

production. These are the why’s that help you answer

the how’s!

 

[Shawn Nelson]

Are you a troll or an advertisement plant?

 

[Shawn Booth]

I went to film school -

I immediately started working in the the industry (1st job was storyboarding) -

I read tons of books -

IMO - I could've skipped school and began working fours years earlier. I learned more on set than ANYWHERE else. I learned more in the post house.
Experience is the better course lesson IMO.

 

[Cüneyt Kaya]

dont know

 

[Kreisky]

IMO - I could've skipped school and began working fours years earlier. I learned more on set than ANYWHERE else. I learned more in the post house.
Experience is the better course lesson IMO.

true words, but a degree doesnt stink.......

education is the most important in your life.
they can take your money, your car, your appartment, your red
but they never can take your degree !
they will respekt you even in film buisness !

 

[Shawn Booth]

I have never needed the degree to work. I disagree with its need.
Work hard and keep your mouth shut, and you keep working - at least in LA.
I recommend using the money spent on school to live off of as you get your career off the ground being a PA (and buying some gear).

Just my thoughts. But then, I didn't do it that way...

 

[peter roehsler]

i went to film school in Austria. The first two years we worked all departments. We gained some experience (nothing compared to real-life) - but we got a good idea what each job was about plus we could make our mistakes without getting fired. Film school is about learning the craft and taking risks by crossing boundaries, something you would not do when on a `real´ job. I think film school and working your way up in the industry go well together.

 

[jimhare]

I have a BA degree in Electro-Acoustics. It's cool to say, but I basically knew the same stuff on the way in as on the way out.

The thing that was useful to me was being around great mentors, picking up on their sensibilities and getting a 5 year head start on musical maturity.

If you can find that in the real world, you will do well and should consider it as an alternative to school.

Still, Electro-Acoustics is pretty cool to say and I must admit has opened a few doors along the way, though in the end it's your talent and experience is what will sell you.

It's one thing getting in the door, it's quite another to be asked to stay...

Jim
Sydney Australia

 

[Joe Carney]

If you are going to an accredited school, you get more than just a film education. As opposed to going to one of those high priced non accredited schools.

I also sent my son over to Italy to work with an expat American independent movie maker for 8 weeks. He had a blast and learned a lot.

I was going to send him to England/Ireland for a summer, hooking up with movie people over there, but he met his future wife (at the same university) and didn't want to leave her back home. So sometimes, you get a LOT more than a degree when you go to college, hehehe.

 

[Barry Green]

Are you a troll or an advertisement plant?

Advertising plant. We get hit with these all the time on DVXUser. We just delete 'em, and then ban the drive-by spammer who placed the ad.

 

[donatello b]

a BA degree is more then film classes ...
looking back - i can say the non film classes were just as important.
you have the next 40years to WORK -
now's teh time to see/learn more then just film immersion...
maybe do a little traveling = great education ....

 

[jimhare]

a BA degree is more then film classes ...
looking back - i can say the non film classes were just as important.
you have the next 40years to WORK -
now's teh time to see/learn more then just film immersion...
maybe do a little traveling = great education ....

Good point. There is a certain perspective that comes with completing a full degree. You touch on so many different subjects, approaches and viewpoints, both in and out of class. I think if I just stormed onto the scene at 18 I'd still be writing my own ticket, but probably not feel quite as complete.

Anyway, personal choice I suppose. Experience life any way you can. The main thing is not to rely on film school to "teach" you anything. If you don't have the instincts now, you won't get them there.

My 2¢.

Jim