I completely agree guys. I'm an 18 year old that's been asking myself the same question because I want to get into the film industry, but don't necessarily believe that college is the determinating factor of whether or not you will make it or be successful. I think that the right way to learn is by actually being taught hands on by working with actors and directors.
The problem is that while you might succeed, some people might not. That creates the issue because if you don't succeed in film and you don't have a degree, well it is kinda hard to find a good job that pays well without having a degree. Say a communications/journalism degree might not succeed in the film industry but they can easily fall back to another industry for a job. In my opinion school should be a priority even you are getting just an associates degree. Get something, something is better than nothing.
It's a bit odd that many people say 'stay in school' when in actuality it doesn't truly get you to where you want to be (unless you have to have schooling, such as becoming a doctor) in life. I have been to college (I have been twice to determine whether or not it's for me), and I honestly mapped out that it would take a certain amount of years to graduate with a degree, etc.. but it wouldn't actually get me anywhere. The filmmaking industry (atleast from my knowledge and understanding) is based upon talent and based upon never giving up. Going to college didn't do anything for me (nothing at all) for my talent and for me being able to persistently make films. Honestly, college just seemed to get in the way of everything I wanted to do. Someone can come out here and tell you what storytelling is or what directing is, but until you actually apply it and do it and learn from hands-on experience, that persons knowledge means nothing. If you want to become a filmmaker or a better filmmaker.. just keep on making more films.
You have to be passionate about what you are doing and that's whether you go to school or not going to school for filmmaking. If you are so incredibly passionate about filmmaking, and you make some short films, you can get noticed by many different people now a days. I am not saying it's easy.. but if it's your dream and its what you truly want, you'll be so persistent at it, that eventually you'll be given an opportunity. As far as networking goes, I personally do not talk to a single person from the college I went to. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, UA-cam, Vimeo, Pinterest, etc. are all free platforms for you to network with and spread your work around on. Domain names are cheap enough, with some basic Web hosting, that you can have your own website (with most providing professionally made templates alread) which can become another platform for people to see your work on. We live in a time where you can buy and/or rent all kinds of cameras from standard definition to HD video to 4K, to different lenses and gear, etc.. In all honesty, the gear you would need to become a beginning filmmaker is probably already in your pocket in your cell phone.
It's good that you all kept it real and didn't sugarcoat anything. I'm going to have to see if there are any classes I can take after work in the DC area.
My mate who has a masters degree in Media has been told countless times that the best skill you need to get into the film industry is a driving licence.
This is perfect timing for me because I'm 18 and I'm finishing high school right now (online) and I'm figuring where to go to college (USC, NYU, Chapman?) or an academy like NYFA. I've made one film that I've put online and I have another, bigger movie I'm in the process of filming, but I have about ten feature length scripts I've developed over an eleven year period. With all this, as a director, screenwriter, actor, cinematographer, and editor, I'm looking for any way to get started professionally as soon as possible and I'm looking towards film festivals, jobs, schools, and more. I don't want to be bogged down by the requirement of a four year school but I know how helpful it can be (as you guys said regarding networking, etc.) That's the big dilemma for me right now and I'm still trying to make up my mind on how to get in not only the fastest way, but also the best, secure way.
Film school does give you the tools and networking opportunities but so as experimenting by your own by making short films. There are many directors that made short films or low budget features that helped them break on the industry however it doesn't necessarily mean you are gonna be so successful. You have to be passionate about what you want to do writer, director, D.P, producer or somethings else who knows, if you really love film and have the courage to start on your own and tell stories get a cheap camera and a bunch of amateur actors you will not get afraid of not going to college because it' about dedication and perseverance.
I am a recent graduate with a degree in "Television and Digital Media Production" which is close to film school. I may be biased but i am very happy I went through school. i definitely was a step ahead coming out of school.
I plan on moving to California for film school after highschool (I'm 17 and live in Pittsburgh) but the main reason for me to go to school is because I'll meet people there. I don't know anyone in the industry so I'm hoping that school helps with that.
@@insherahqazi7233 wow this is so cool. So yes, i did exactly what i said about 4.5 years ago. I moved to Burbank, CA. Graduated from the New York Film Academy. And i have to say like any college experience, it helped me gain friends hopefully for life. So those things are priceless but not necessarily exclusive to film school. My learning experience was okay. I wouldn’t say theres a lot of emphasis on entry level positions like grip/electric/PA which is really what you start out as when you try to find work in the beginning. Film school degree won’t get you any job in the industry but if you really want to know the Hollywood formula of moviemaking then film school can definitely teach you that. The gritty stuff it will not prepare as much for. Most of my teachers were filmmakers but don’t expect Martin Scorsese or Paul Thomas Anderson to be teaching you. Some of the younger ones can become that though so its best to become friends with these people if possible. They can get you jobs post grad. Most everyone’s first short they make either suck or are the best one they will ever do. Both are sad but thats the reality. Even if you get better, which i like to think I did towards the end, your shorts will all probably be something you can’t stand to watch or submit to festivals and maybe make some of your money back on it (but don’t bet on it lol). If you’re a writer, do that a lot. Write features, write shows. Great scripts are currency and can end up making you a helluva living. Like house in Beverly Hills kinda life. So write a lot of scripts and tuck them away until their time is up. I hope that helps. Probably grammar errors but you get my points. At the end of the day, there’s a lot less fun things to study then filmmaking. Not much homework other than watch or make movies.
@@upstairscat87 that’s amazing! does the film industry pay well and do you think film school made finding film jobs easier for you? I’m thinking of double majoring in film and something else bc if I’m not able to make it in the industry I wanna be able to rely on something else. Do you recommend that? I’m so sorry if I’m bothering you I just don’t know what to do lol😭
@@insherahqazi7233 I’m sure film school may help me get a job someday but so far it hasn’t done much. The people you meet in film school may hire you in the future. My school also does offer an alumni network with job postings and such. I can’t give much advice on a double major but if that’s something you believe in then you should consider it :)
You guys answered this really well! I'm currently minoring in film in college, and I'm passionate about it, but I haven't done anything really yet. I want to change that very soon. In the meantime, however, I am loving what I'm learning/have learned.
I'd recommend, especially if you're going into film producing or acting, to have a "back up" career to fall on. For every one person that succeeds (as in, has a daily and stable job in the industry) there are almost tens of hundreds who still look for work in the industry or start out being a task rabbit. I also love their idea of just making your own stuff and see where it goes from there but keep in mind a steady income, again, is a must to do any of that. If going to college for four years was gonna land me a job to work with talented film producers, I would switch my Engineering degree to a Film degree in a heartbeat. But sadly, that's not how it works. :(
That's exactly the problem I had when I discovered I wanted to do film. My university (UCF) has a film program, but the only film to come from UCF Film School alumni that is worth mentioning is The Blair Witch Project. Other than that, nothing. So instead I'm going to school to become a nurse, that way I have work available right out of school (I'm a guy so that helps), starting pay is excellent, hours are flexible, and as I'm working as a nurse I can buy my own film equipment and work on my craft while I earn an honest living ;D Eventually I'll make the move to LA but you gotta save up to do that.
I say it can't hurt, all this knowledge is available and it can be beneficial, but only as long as you manage to take what you've learned an turn it something that is your own; making it original and unique to your imagination, it's like music theory it can't hurt unless you can't think outside of it.
College would just be a waste of your time but so would be pursuing a job in film. I have a co-worker who came back from LA and had gotten jobs in storyboards for Warner Bros and Dreamworks, with no college and a fake business card he made to look legit. Its all networking and who you know to get in the industry, and even if you make it in, all the big guns work together, its all conglomerate. I was majoring in that for a year before I realized I was going to be jobless and broke once I graduated and switched majors. Overall, its simply who you know.
I'm 23. I'm making my own movie and I didn't went to film school. I want to be a filmmaker that is going to be my life and I know how much work it's going to be.
The same remains true for what I studied. Art/Graphic design animation. I ended up learning and doing more when I left. Currently working in IT and alot of the new guys say the same thing about there computer studies in relation to working in the IT industry. It's completely different and like working from the ground up again. I'm wondering if college is a waste of time and kids should go straight into on the job training. I leaned more about drinking and clubbing than I did about my vocation.
There's also the few cases which probably would've only worked in the 90s. Tarantino, Rodriguez, and Kevin Smith basically put they all had to offer in one film and that got their foot in the door in a big way. With cameras being so easy to access today however the chances of something like that happening is reduced by a lot.
I would say you need this for actors: Talent = 20% Studies = 10% Connections (That is, join a sect) = 70% Directors Talent = 20% Studies = 30% Connections ( That is, join a sect) = 50% There are so many, but so many people in the industry whom were born in families that were already in it, without mentioning the obvious ( a certain race of a certain religion ), dont get me wrong, the have been making most of the greatest movies and tv shows, im just stating a fact.
I'm currently a junior in high school, and I'm really considering film school. I'm currently on staff for my school's news program and we're getting a visit from representatives from Tisch, so we'll see how that goes, but I really am interested.
Very helpful video. I'm starting my freshman year majoring in communications with a goal of being a filmmaker. I'm not going to film school and there are very few film classes. I picked the school for different reasons thinking I'd have to get my masters in film editing or that area. I plan on interning during my summers to get hands on experience too. Glad to know its best to get the experience than the degree! Could save me a lot of time and money.
I took film classes when I was in school. Useless. My knowledge is nearly two decades old. I know nothing about digital . I can't even make a decent looking You tube video. Outside of my ancient laptop and new-ish smartphone, I can't afford new equipment and would have no idea what to do with it even if I had the money. It's frustrating.
As a teenager, I'm thinking it's best to go to school for a degree in something that pays a lot but doesn't take crazy commitment(like medicine) and after earning my degree, try to get into the film industry and if i give up, I have something to fall back on and thus can live a good life
as with most arts, it is difficult to say any formal college training/education is really necessary. a lot of successful actors/directors never went to a film school or have degrees involving film/acting. They might have degrees in other subjects though (english, history, etc). I think a film/drama degree doesn't really boost your chances very much in the entertainment biz.
The problem with the film industry is most people getting into it want high level creative jobs such as rites directors or lead actors when the reality is there are only hand full of those positions in the world.
Great video guys!!! I am completing my B.F.A. in Creating Writing for Film/Writing/Media and Minor in Marketing. I started out wanting to write, and i still do, but I really want to work in Production. I am looking at trying to work Entry-Level at Pinewood Studios Atlanta, GA. My heart is help be apart of the family/crew that creates Amazing Films that change people. Even if it is just a temporary break from life, my desire is to be a hand, a foot, and arm, whatever is needed to make great Films. I want to be a "Jack- Of-All-Trades" minoring in the Costume dept., Writing Dept., Production/Setting the stage, Light Carpentry, and being someone that ensures people have what they need aka a gopher. Please, any advice would be appreciated besides this great video! Thank you for your time! Best of Luck AMC Theatres, Amber
If you're a would be writer, you might just want to make your story into a book or something :P I don't think it's easy to get a script around unless you know someone.
I completely agree guys. I'm an 18 year old that's been asking myself the same question because I want to get into the film industry, but don't necessarily believe that college is the determinating factor of whether or not you will make it or be successful. I think that the right way to learn is by actually being taught hands on by working with actors and directors.
The problem is that while you might succeed, some people might not. That creates the issue because if you don't succeed in film and you don't have a degree, well it is kinda hard to find a good job that pays well without having a degree. Say a communications/journalism degree might not succeed in the film industry but they can easily fall back to another industry for a job. In my opinion school should be a priority even you are getting just an associates degree. Get something, something is better than nothing.
It's a bit odd that many people say 'stay in school' when in actuality it doesn't truly get you to where you want to be (unless you have to have schooling, such as becoming a doctor) in life. I have been to college (I have been twice to determine whether or not it's for me), and I honestly mapped out that it would take a certain amount of years to graduate with a degree, etc.. but it wouldn't actually get me anywhere. The filmmaking industry (atleast from my knowledge and understanding) is based upon talent and based upon never giving up. Going to college didn't do anything for me (nothing at all) for my talent and for me being able to persistently make films. Honestly, college just seemed to get in the way of everything I wanted to do. Someone can come out here and tell you what storytelling is or what directing is, but until you actually apply it and do it and learn from hands-on experience, that persons knowledge means nothing. If you want to become a filmmaker or a better filmmaker.. just keep on making more films.
You have to be passionate about what you are doing and that's whether you go to school or not going to school for filmmaking. If you are so incredibly passionate about filmmaking, and you make some short films, you can get noticed by many different people now a days. I am not saying it's easy.. but if it's your dream and its what you truly want, you'll be so persistent at it, that eventually you'll be given an opportunity. As far as networking goes, I personally do not talk to a single person from the college I went to. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, UA-cam, Vimeo, Pinterest, etc. are all free platforms for you to network with and spread your work around on. Domain names are cheap enough, with some basic Web hosting, that you can have your own website (with most providing professionally made templates alread) which can become another platform for people to see your work on. We live in a time where you can buy and/or rent all kinds of cameras from standard definition to HD video to 4K, to different lenses and gear, etc.. In all honesty, the gear you would need to become a beginning filmmaker is probably already in your pocket in your cell phone.
It's good that you all kept it real and didn't sugarcoat anything. I'm going to have to see if there are any classes I can take after work in the DC area.
My mate who has a masters degree in Media has been told countless times that the best skill you need to get into the film industry is a driving licence.
This is perfect timing for me because I'm 18 and I'm finishing high school right now (online) and I'm figuring where to go to college (USC, NYU, Chapman?) or an academy like NYFA. I've made one film that I've put online and I have another, bigger movie I'm in the process of filming, but I have about ten feature length scripts I've developed over an eleven year period. With all this, as a director, screenwriter, actor, cinematographer, and editor, I'm looking for any way to get started professionally as soon as possible and I'm looking towards film festivals, jobs, schools, and more. I don't want to be bogged down by the requirement of a four year school but I know how helpful it can be (as you guys said regarding networking, etc.) That's the big dilemma for me right now and I'm still trying to make up my mind on how to get in not only the fastest way, but also the best, secure way.
I totally agree, work in radio and expanded to TV/film. You don't need college. On the field experience is BEST!
Film school does give you the tools and networking opportunities but so as experimenting by your own by making short films. There are many directors that made short films or low budget features that helped them break on the industry however it doesn't necessarily mean you are gonna be so successful. You have to be passionate about what you want to do writer, director, D.P, producer or somethings else who knows, if you really love film and have the courage to start on your own and tell stories get a cheap camera and a bunch of amateur actors you will not get afraid of not going to college because it' about dedication and perseverance.
I'm also an enthusiast filmmaker i have done sound for various shorts and i have acted and i'm recently trying to direct my own stuff.
I lived in Los Angeles for years all it takes is hard work and dedication to get into the film business!
I am a recent graduate with a degree in "Television and Digital Media Production" which is close to film school. I may be biased but i am very happy I went through school. i definitely was a step ahead coming out of school.
I plan on moving to California for film school after highschool (I'm 17 and live in Pittsburgh) but the main reason for me to go to school is because I'll meet people there. I don't know anyone in the industry so I'm hoping that school helps with that.
hold up how was film school? It’s been 6 years?
@@insherahqazi7233 wow this is so cool. So yes, i did exactly what i said about 4.5 years ago. I moved to Burbank, CA. Graduated from the New York Film Academy. And i have to say like any college experience, it helped me gain friends hopefully for life. So those things are priceless but not necessarily exclusive to film school. My learning experience was okay. I wouldn’t say theres a lot of emphasis on entry level positions like grip/electric/PA which is really what you start out as when you try to find work in the beginning. Film school degree won’t get you any job in the industry but if you really want to know the Hollywood formula of moviemaking then film school can definitely teach you that. The gritty stuff it will not prepare as much for. Most of my teachers were filmmakers but don’t expect Martin Scorsese or Paul Thomas Anderson to be teaching you. Some of the younger ones can become that though so its best to become friends with these people if possible. They can get you jobs post grad. Most everyone’s first short they make either suck or are the best one they will ever do. Both are sad but thats the reality. Even if you get better, which i like to think I did towards the end, your shorts will all probably be something you can’t stand to watch or submit to festivals and maybe make some of your money back on it (but don’t bet on it lol). If you’re a writer, do that a lot. Write features, write shows. Great scripts are currency and can end up making you a helluva living. Like house in Beverly Hills kinda life. So write a lot of scripts and tuck them away until their time is up. I hope that helps. Probably grammar errors but you get my points. At the end of the day, there’s a lot less fun things to study then filmmaking. Not much homework other than watch or make movies.
@@upstairscat87 that’s amazing! does the film industry pay well and do you think film school made finding film jobs easier for you? I’m thinking of double majoring in film and something else bc if I’m not able to make it in the industry I wanna be able to rely on something else. Do you recommend that? I’m so sorry if I’m bothering you I just don’t know what to do lol😭
@@insherahqazi7233 I’m sure film school may help me get a job someday but so far it hasn’t done much. The people you meet in film school may hire you in the future. My school also does offer an alumni network with job postings and such. I can’t give much advice on a double major but if that’s something you believe in then you should consider it :)
You guys answered this really well! I'm currently minoring in film in college, and I'm passionate about it, but I haven't done anything really yet. I want to change that very soon. In the meantime, however, I am loving what I'm learning/have learned.
I'd recommend, especially if you're going into film producing or acting, to have a "back up" career to fall on. For every one person that succeeds (as in, has a daily and stable job in the industry) there are almost tens of hundreds who still look for work in the industry or start out being a task rabbit. I also love their idea of just making your own stuff and see where it goes from there but keep in mind a steady income, again, is a must to do any of that.
If going to college for four years was gonna land me a job to work with talented film producers, I would switch my Engineering degree to a Film degree in a heartbeat. But sadly, that's not how it works. :(
That's exactly the problem I had when I discovered I wanted to do film. My university (UCF) has a film program, but the only film to come from UCF Film School alumni that is worth mentioning is The Blair Witch Project. Other than that, nothing. So instead I'm going to school to become a nurse, that way I have work available right out of school (I'm a guy so that helps), starting pay is excellent, hours are flexible, and as I'm working as a nurse I can buy my own film equipment and work on my craft while I earn an honest living ;D Eventually I'll make the move to LA but you gotta save up to do that.
@@IL1KE2COMM3NT how is it going so far for you?
I say it can't hurt, all this knowledge is available and it can be beneficial, but only as long as you manage to take what you've learned an turn it something that is your own; making it original and unique to your imagination, it's like music theory it can't hurt unless you can't think outside of it.
College would just be a waste of your time but so would be pursuing a job in film. I have a co-worker who came back from LA and had gotten jobs in storyboards for Warner Bros and Dreamworks, with no college and a fake business card he made to look legit. Its all networking and who you know to get in the industry, and even if you make it in, all the big guns work together, its all conglomerate. I was majoring in that for a year before I realized I was going to be jobless and broke once I graduated and switched majors. Overall, its simply who you know.
This is the best advice I have found but what if you have no experience but you really want to be an actor
I'm 23. I'm making my own movie and I didn't went to film school. I want to be a filmmaker that is going to be my life and I know how much work it's going to be.
Good luck mate!
@Adrian St. Fort gang gang get em
The same remains true for what I studied. Art/Graphic design animation. I ended up learning and doing more when I left. Currently working in IT and alot of the new guys say the same thing about there computer studies in relation to working in the IT industry. It's completely different and like working from the ground up again. I'm wondering if college is a waste of time and kids should go straight into on the job training. I leaned more about drinking and clubbing than I did about my vocation.
eon001 Did those fields require any math? Math was not my best subject in school.
There's also the few cases which probably would've only worked in the 90s. Tarantino, Rodriguez, and Kevin Smith basically put they all had to offer in one film and that got their foot in the door in a big way. With cameras being so easy to access today however the chances of something like that happening is reduced by a lot.
I would say you need this for actors:
Talent = 20%
Studies = 10%
Connections (That is, join a sect) = 70%
Directors
Talent = 20%
Studies = 30%
Connections ( That is, join a sect) = 50%
There are so many, but so many people in the industry whom were born in families that were already in it, without mentioning the obvious ( a certain race of a certain religion ), dont get me wrong, the have been making most of the greatest movies and tv shows, im just stating a fact.
I'm currently a junior in high school, and I'm really considering film school. I'm currently on staff for my school's news program and we're getting a visit from representatives from Tisch, so we'll see how that goes, but I really am interested.
Very helpful video. I'm starting my freshman year majoring in communications with a goal of being a filmmaker. I'm not going to film school and there are very few film classes. I picked the school for different reasons thinking I'd have to get my masters in film editing or that area. I plan on interning during my summers to get hands on experience too. Glad to know its best to get the experience than the degree! Could save me a lot of time and money.
I took film classes when I was in school. Useless.
My knowledge is nearly two decades old. I know nothing about digital . I can't even make a decent looking You tube video. Outside of my ancient laptop and new-ish smartphone, I can't afford new equipment and would have no idea what to do with it even if I had the money.
It's frustrating.
Any recommendations for film schools in California for visual directors. I would compare my creativity and style to Zack Snyder.
How can I find a casting call for a movie near me?
As a teenager, I'm thinking it's best to go to school for a degree in something that pays a lot but doesn't take crazy commitment(like medicine) and after earning my degree, try to get into the film industry and if i give up, I have something to fall back on and thus can live a good life
as with most arts, it is difficult to say any formal college training/education is really necessary. a lot of successful actors/directors never went to a film school or have degrees involving film/acting. They might have degrees in other subjects though (english, history, etc). I think a film/drama degree doesn't really boost your chances very much in the entertainment biz.
No
To get into a movie in hollywood what do i do
I recommend you the UA-camr feature man he has some very interesting videos about Hollywood
The problem with the film industry is most people getting into it want high level creative jobs such as rites directors or lead actors when the reality is there are only hand full of those positions in the world.
Maybe but not always, look at the Wachowski Bros and Stallone. Also I guess it depends what field you want to get into.
Great video guys!!! I am completing my B.F.A. in Creating Writing for Film/Writing/Media and Minor in Marketing. I started out wanting to write, and i still do, but I really want to work in Production. I am looking at trying to work Entry-Level at Pinewood Studios Atlanta, GA. My heart is help be apart of the family/crew that creates Amazing Films that change people. Even if it is just a temporary break from life, my desire is to be a hand, a foot, and arm, whatever is needed to make great Films. I want to be a "Jack- Of-All-Trades" minoring in the Costume dept., Writing Dept., Production/Setting the stage, Light Carpentry, and being someone that ensures people have what they need aka a gopher. Please, any advice would be appreciated besides this great video! Thank you for your time!
Best of Luck AMC Theatres, Amber
I feel it's nearly impossible for a would-be actor or would-be director.
Wow.... Alicia's "started from the bottom" was too cute for comprehension...
If you're a would be writer, you might just want to make your story into a book or something :P I don't think it's easy to get a script around unless you know someone.
If you have a passion for it, pardon the Nike pun, JUST DO IT! If you are good enough, you can do it!
It's networking to the point that it looks like nepotism.