Getting a Film Bachelors Degree in the US

[Jens Rosengren]

Hola!

I've studied at a film school in Sweden, at the same time I also worked on freelance project on my company and have for the latest year worked full time with film.
Now I want to proceed with my career, get even more knowledge, experience and contacts. I've been stuck doing lots of music videos and would love to get into doing fiction, tv and commercials.
So I've been saving money and thinking about studying at a more prestigious school in the US.

I've been looking at New York University, University of Southern California, UCLA and American Film Institute and I would love to hear your opinion. Is it worth the time and the money?
Will it be rewarding? I already get a lot of work in the music video scene, however not in a budget category which makes it possible for me to live on the money.

What would you guys do?

 

[Jens Rosengren]

And another, shameful bump, haha.

 

[Rob Gardner]

Well, somebody should warn you, this is not Sweden. The gravlax isn't any good. There are poor people here. And it really takes a long time to drive from one side of the country to the other. On the other hand, if you could find a film school in Minnesota, you'd probably feel at home...

 

[Jens Rosengren]

Well, somebody should warn you, this is not Sweden. The gravlax isn't any good. There are poor people here. And it really takes a long time to drive from one side of the country to the other. On the other hand, if you could find a film school in Minnesota, you'd probably feel at home...

Thanks for the warning. I'm not a fan of salmon anyway. I love poor people, at least the ones I've seen in documentaries about America Sounds good - thanks for your input Rob!

 

[Paul Ellington]

I went to NYU... It will be what you make of it. Certainly is has to do with whom you wind up with in class. NYU had incredible instructors.

- E

 

[Gavin Greenwalt]

Film school is pointless except to meet people. Your $120k would be far better spent on camera equipment and shorts than a diploma. If you want a degree, I recommend fine arts, English, computer science or Philosophy. Something which enriches your life or gives you an alternative career path if you so desire.

 

[Matt Ryan]

I got a BFA in Directing and Cinematography. Other than getting knowledge and life long contacts, having a degree has not gotten me any work. I've gotten work by doing work and in return getting more. But nothing other than knowledge came from film school. If I had to do it again I would skip school and start working right away... Word of mouth and references is where most all of my work comes from and not once have I been asked if I went to film school or if I have a degree.

 

[Jens Rosengren]

Well, I've been through a film school in Sweden, I've got the equipment, some contacts and some experience.
For me it would be about experiencing filmmaking in another part of the world, get contacts and enjoy my youth a bit - and really taking my filmmaking skills to the next level.
Perhaps the situation is different if you already live in the US.

Thanks for all of your opinions! Would love to hear more

 

[Adam Ekblad]

I am currently I am a senior in high school!
I am not planning to go to film school as it is expensive.
How ever I do a lot of work, some of it is payed some of it is not paid!!!!
I am planning to attend a local university and continue to use the current contacts I have to open a small studio in the city I live in; as there is none!
Hopefully this will help me earn cash as I go through college (I am planning to get a degree in marketing as a back up and to help me run my business more efficiently).
One I finish my degree I plan to move to Atlanta.
...That's my plan!

 

[Jens Rosengren]

I've done all that, started my own production company, done music videos for major artists in Sweden, both directed, been DoP and some second unit work, done commercials, produced some TV.
But the industry is very different in Sweden from the US. That is why it's tempting for me to move over to the US and experience it all. I also think that a degree from one of the more prestigious universities in the US will have a bit more substance in Sweden than it has in the US.

 

[Matt Ryan]

Then why the thread? Sounds like you already have your mind made up.

Also, keep in mind there are hundreds of thousands here attempting to do the same thing and competing for the same jobs. It's not easy to break in at all in Los Angeles.

 

[D Fuller]

I got a BFA in Directing and Cinematography. Other than getting knowledge and life long contacts, having a degree has not gotten me any work. I've gotten work by doing work and in return getting more. But nothing other than knowledge came from film school. If I had to do it again I would skip school and start working right away... Word of mouth and references is where most all of my work comes from and not once have I been asked if I went to film school or if I have a degree.

Matt, I would respectfully suggest that knowledge and lifelong contacts are two of the most valuable things anyone could hope for. If you came away with those, then you did well.

To the OP: I'd argue that going to school after you have had a bit of hands-on time is more valuable that going fresh out of high school. You're better-equipt to make good choices in both courses and in how you use your time. But it's important to pick the right school. Research that very carefully. Contacts and faculty are everything.

You might go over here: Ask David Mullen Anything and ask David. His opinion is worth seven or eight of the rest of us.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

 

[Jens Rosengren]

Then why the thread? Sounds like you already have your mind made up.

Also, keep in mind there are hundreds of thousands here attempting to do the same thing and competing for the same jobs. It's not easy to break in at all in Los Angeles.

I have an opinion, I want to hear others. I don't think that should stop me from posting a thread. My opinion is not set in stone and therefore I want to hear others, if there's something I should think about. I mean, since I haven't been through a film program at a American university, it is hard for me to know.
I mean, isn't it always good to hear other peoples experiences ? Thanks for yours!

Matt, I would respectfully suggest that knowledge and lifelong contacts are two of the most valuable things anyone could hope for. If you came away with those, then you did well.

To the OP: I'd argue that going to school after you have had a bit of hands-on time is more valuable that going fresh out of high school. You're better-equipt to make good choices in both courses and in how you use your time. But it's important to pick the right school. Research that very carefully. Contacts and faculty are everything.

You might go over here: Ask David Mullen Anything and ask David. His opinion is worth seven or eight of the rest of us.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Thanks for the input David! I was also hoping that my working experience and my situation would change the way I learn and comprehend things. I'll absolutely write David Mullen a question