Is Film School Worth It? — Everything to Consider When Deciding

So, you’re thinking about film school, huh? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into one of the most heated debates in the filmmaking world. Is film school worth it, or should you just grab a camera and start shooting? Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry, we’re going to break it all down for you.

The Film School Dilemma

Let’s face it, the film school question is a tough nut to crack. It’s complicated, with more variables than a Christopher Nolan plot, and it’s entirely subjective. But hey, that’s what makes it interesting, right?

Think about it this way: doctors need med school, lawyers need law school, but filmmakers? Well, that’s where things get a little fuzzy. Film school is optional, but does that make it any less valuable? Let’s dive in and find out.

Chapter 1: Show Me the Money

Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: money. You’ve probably heard that film school is expensive, and well, that’s not entirely wrong. But it’s not the whole truth either.

The High-End Price Tag

If you’re eyeing those big-name film schools like USC or NYU, brace yourself. We’re talking about tuition that could make your wallet cry – up to $300,000 for a four-year education. Ouch! Unless you’ve got a money tree in your backyard, you’re looking at some serious student debt.

The More Affordable Options

But hold up! Before you slam the door on film school, let’s look at some other options. State schools like UCLA can cost about half of that for residents, and places like Cal State Northridge are even more affordable. The point is, there’s a range of options out there.

The DIY Approach

Of course, you could always take the Paul Thomas Anderson route. He went to film school for a whopping two days, got his tuition back, and used it to fund a short film. Talk about a plot twist!

Or you could pull a Kevin Smith and sell off your prized possessions (in his case, comic books) to fund your first feature. It’s not glamorous, but hey, if it works, it works.

Chapter 2: Education and Resources – What’s Really on Offer?

Okay, so let’s say you do decide to cough up the cash for film school. What exactly are you getting for your money?

The ‘How’ and the ‘Why’

Film school isn’t just about learning which button to press on a camera (though that’s part of it). It’s about understanding both the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ of filmmaking. You’ll learn the technical stuff, sure, but you’ll also dive into film history, theory, and the art of storytelling.

A Well-Rounded Education

Think of it like this: watching a ton of foreign films and studying film movements isn’t just about becoming a film snob (though that might happen too). It’s about broadening your horizons and informing your own artistic expression. As Barry Jenkins put it, “What I realized was everybody in film school was mimicking what they were watching.”

The Tools of the Trade

Film school puts all those shiny filmmaking toys in your hands. Cameras, lenses, lights – the works. Can you rent this stuff on your own? Sure. But there’s something to be said for having it all at your fingertips, with people there to show you how to use it.

The Degree Debate

Now, about that degree. It looks nice on a resume, sure. But here’s the kicker: in the film industry, your work is your resume. Your reel is what lands you gigs, not your educational background. Even Spike Lee, who teaches at NYU, admits that in the real world, they don’t really care about your degree.

Chapter 3: Experience and Connections – The Hidden Curriculum

Alright, now we’re getting to the good stuff. This is where film school really shines: experience and connections.

Your Tribe of Film Nerds

Film school surrounds you with people who are just as crazy about movies as you are. You’re not just learning; you’re collaborating, creating, and probably arguing about whether “Citizen Kane” is overrated (it’s not, by the way).

Mentors and Maestros

Your professors aren’t just there to grade your papers. Many of them are working professionals with years of experience. Imagine learning from Spike Lee or Wes Anderson’s cinematographer. That kind of mentorship is hard to put a price on.

The Network Effect

Remember those film nerds we talked about earlier? Fast forward a few years, and they might be your future collaborators. James Wan and Leigh Whannell, the minds behind “Saw,” met in film school. So did David Lynch and his longtime sound designer and cinematographer.

Getting Your Foot in the Door

Many film schools have career offices that can help you land internships and get into job fairs. It’s not a golden ticket, but it’s a foot in the door that can be hard to get on your own.

The Reality Check

Here’s the tough love part: film school doesn’t guarantee success. Look at the most successful directors out there. Can you tell which ones went to film school and which didn’t just by watching their movies? Probably not.

The Million Dollar Question

Before you decide on film school, ask yourself this: Do you want to be a filmmaker, or do you want to be rich and famous? Because let’s be real, the odds of becoming the next Spielberg are slim to none. But if you’re in it for the love of the craft, that shouldn’t matter.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer. Film school can provide structure, resources, and connections. But it’s not the only path to becoming a filmmaker. If you’ve got the drive, creativity, and willingness to learn, you can make it happen with or without formal education.

Remember what M. Night Shyamalan said: if you’d still want to make films even if everything went wrong and everyone said you stink for 20 or 30 years, then go for it. Because at that point, there should be no other choice in the matter.

So, whether you choose film school or decide to go it alone, the most important thing is to start walking your path. Pick up a camera, start writing scripts, and most importantly, never stop learning and creating. Your journey in filmmaking is uniquely yours, so make it count!