Should you go to film school? Did I?

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  • Опубліковано 15 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 244

  • @ekphotography
    @ekphotography 7 років тому +100

    UA-cam is the new film school and for anything you want to learn.

    • @trips2gehter387
      @trips2gehter387 7 років тому +1

      treu

    • @nandoblondemobydick5438
      @nandoblondemobydick5438 6 років тому +5

      that´s stupid, paid your courses you will see it is not like YT but a lot more, to not to speak about time saving, in YT evrybovy is an engineer and most part of time you will fing they are only sellers, Brandon Li is one of the few from you can be influenced but you will never learn to work as he work watching his YT videos, totally stupid to me what you are saying

    • @infamouscrusader3363
      @infamouscrusader3363 5 років тому

      @@nandoblondemobydick5438 Of course, one of the processes of learning is by actually doing.

    • @infamouscrusader3363
      @infamouscrusader3363 5 років тому

      True. I learned how to program, solve Physics, create designs, and cook from UA-cam alone. School is just a hindrance off you ask me.

    • @infamouscrusader3363
      @infamouscrusader3363 5 років тому +1

      @jaspal singh I just wrote a short list.

  • @missingriid
    @missingriid 7 років тому +17

    You are by far, one of the few UA-camrs who explain stuff really really well. Other people can get things done, they make how-to videos or review a gadget or a software, but cannot go into explaining the logic behind how’s and why’s. I like how your videos are straightforward, well-thought, very well explained, honest, and most of all, very informative. No time wasted when watching your videos.

  • @chris
    @chris 7 років тому +46

    Great advice right here!

  • @nostaldex
    @nostaldex 7 років тому +16

    Man u are so inspirational and You explain alot of valuable informations for free! I really hope u stay here for more 50 years

  • @eulgwapo2
    @eulgwapo2 7 років тому +1

    one of my favorite filmmakers out there. thanks for sharing brandon!

  • @TrueMexico
    @TrueMexico 7 років тому

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts Brandon. Every video you make I learn something.

  • @MarkHoltze
    @MarkHoltze 7 років тому +52

    Benefits to film school for me that have paid off: 1) Engaged instructors who were passionate about teaching. 2) Building contacts and relationships that ended up lasting me my entire career so far. (I'm a professional editor on film and tv series and I'm working in a building with 4 people from my graduating class.) 3) Credentials: Not sure it's 100% needed later on in your career, but early on sometimes a Degree is all you have apart from some bitty work here and there to your name and that might make an employer want to hire you.
    You don't need film school to learn, youtube is great for that, even in film school i did most of my learning through my own channels. This was BEFORE youtube days, but the contacts I made, the interaction with the industry professionals and my degree have proven invaluable in my career.
    Great video though, it's a big topic that has many answers I think depending on where you live (access to good schools) budget (tuition has gotten INSANE last 10 years) etc.

    • @vinod8june
      @vinod8june 6 років тому

      you have given a neat and clean and simple explanation

    • @Kelberi
      @Kelberi 6 років тому

      In short, it might be color coded?

    • @infamouscrusader3363
      @infamouscrusader3363 5 років тому

      So it was basically the people you met, not the industry itself. I knew a classmate who did not go to film or acting school and made connections by auditioning in plays in LA (that's where he and I live) and never step foot in a film or acting class.
      He does well now. He went up to TV and short films and the pay is okay for his roles since they are minor.

  • @TheSpecterRanger
    @TheSpecterRanger 7 років тому +20

    I am currently enrolled in one of the top film school programs in the world, in Los Angeles, but would actually recommend *against* film school . . .
    . . . so *I'm dropping out*
    AND HERE'S WHY:
    There's nothing you can learn in film school that you can't learn outside of it. The thing is, you must make it your full-time job to educate yourself, network, get experience, network more, volunteer on sets/productions, etc. Film school helps facilitate those things for you, but at a MASSIVE cost--we're talking upwards of $100,000--and that is simply not worth the price for most people. Actively search out information on every single part of the industry with UA-cam, Reddit, other random filmmaking forums, etc. while also reaching out to other amateurs, new people to the industry, and even established professionals to ask them questions, advice, and interviews to help you learn from them. Go to colleges, meet students there, volunteer to work for them and learn on set with them. Film students will often love to have extra help, and are willing to answer your questions. Keep these contacts and continue to grow your knowledge. Volunteer for these people, work with these people, grow with these people. You can absolutely start your career without film school, but the key is my wording. *YOU* must start *your* career. If you aren't passionate enough to put in the time and work (which you have to do while in film school and after you graduate as well anyway), than you aren't cut out for the industry, because that is the entire industry life. If you put all the time and effort that you would've put into film school into starting your career independently--which means working at least full-time, every day of the week, in order to improve and grow your connections and skillset--than you can begin your career around $100,000 richer than you would've been otherwise (or not $100,000 in debt, that is). Of course, this is from a classic "film industry" perspective. If you just want to make youtube videos, vlogs, or super tiny productions like filming events, weddings, travel, etc. than you can mostly do that yourself right now with minimal youtube training. The only valuable thing film school has done for me is the initial connection to other people interested in film and producing short films. So if you don't go to film school, this is something you have to do for yourself by being brave and going out there looking. It is completely possible if you have the drive and work ethic, and is even a preferred path by many industry professionals who see film students as arrogant kids who think their degree means they are talented (which isn't too uncommon). In general, for on-set production jobs, your previous work/projects are what matters, NOT a degree.
    Brandon's advice in this video hits a lot of similar points to me, and I agree with him fyi.

    • @lazarusvillagomez
      @lazarusvillagomez 6 років тому

      Specter Ranger, thanks for this man, I’m really struggling to choice in going or not. Being 25 and now being able to support myself to actually go to a film school is a great feeling, but I question wither going is a really good idea. In the past I struggled with choices I’ve made, a relationship, jobs, and money that made my passion for film gone from my head. Now that things are going great for me single, with a 75k career, strong, and alive. All I have now is this passion that I’ve ignored in the past since a child. Do I spend $70k for school or invest in myself? I have some gear. Some writings that my younger cousin and I work on. I guess wanting to go to a film school would make me feel like I did something with my life, but a degree that is meaningless to the industry is pointless to even go. Half the stuff I know now was from this burning passion and self learning. I even go to night clubs to recorded because you know those promoters are hungry for the babes. It was a way for me to better understand the camera on my own. Editing. Lighting in dark rooms, sound from the loud music. Maybe I’m just venting out the frustration on here because what you say is honestly 1000% the fucking truth. I need to find people like me to work on things too, something I’m missing. Dreaming is easy but living it, doing it, is what makes me feel so alive!!!!

  • @alexanderwengpetersen5288
    @alexanderwengpetersen5288 7 років тому

    I genuinely believe what you say in this video. I've heard somewhat similar advise other places, but the way you present it just makes it - and you - so trustworthy. Thanks a lot!

  • @AdviceWithErin
    @AdviceWithErin 7 років тому

    Nice! So much wisdom - wish I watched this five years ago! I made a video about this too - I went to film school and it's just some tips looking back. Love your vids!

  • @q4short
    @q4short 7 років тому +16

    Thanks for sharing your experiences Brandon!

  • @papalotevolador4906
    @papalotevolador4906 7 років тому +1

    It's very nice to listen and watch the way that you share the knowles and the experience that you have. Really, thanks man!

  • @NEILLEEXXI
    @NEILLEEXXI 7 років тому +9

    It's 1 40 AM and I'm very motivated after watching this

  • @scdobserver835
    @scdobserver835 7 років тому

    Such honest and candid take. Thank you for being real and not just glossing over or glamorising 'film school'...

  • @ThereGoesSpider
    @ThereGoesSpider 7 років тому +1

    Solid advice and info, sir. Looking forward to your next piece of visual art coming out.

  • @tsoulduy
    @tsoulduy 7 років тому

    Hi Brandon Li, you are the one inspired me a lot on how to be a filmmaker, especially becoming a travel filmmaker, i watched all of your personal products and commercial products to analyze and learn techniques, the way you tell your stories and how you use sound effect, i even print your profile photo to get inspiried everyday. Now i'm currently on my biggest project:" Color of the world". Thank you for your films, big fan from Vietnam.

  • @jamesjuliano5853
    @jamesjuliano5853 6 років тому

    I know what it is, Brandon, the thing that your audience loves about you. First they read the comments and check Facebook yadda, yadda, yadda... The bottom line is that you're humble. And that self assured, "can do" or "can try, fail and learn" attitude pervades your work. It's what we all need to learn most. Yes, your top finished products are ridiculously well done. We all study and aspire. But you didn't just poop them out. This has been a long road for you that hit the Vimeo/UA-cam intersection a while back and now we all watch and learn. Want to make movies? Your timely advice, I think, is to do it to make yourself happy first and foremost. The rest is gravy. JR Hook

  • @MichaelNgvyen
    @MichaelNgvyen 7 років тому

    It always great to hear you speak about your experience and journey. Thanks for sharing. Im happy to see your channel growing!

  • @zhujasmine8381
    @zhujasmine8381 6 років тому

    Super Encouraging! Doing what u love instead of what the markets demand is soooo important to personal happiness!

  • @DEXKLANDEV
    @DEXKLANDEV 7 років тому

    I hope this video go all corners of the globe in direction to all aspiring filmmakers. This is what to know before making any formal decision to start a career in the film industry of today. I love the video, this is very instructive from A to Z.

  • @StephenFungOK
    @StephenFungOK 7 років тому

    Thanks for this Brandon! I always thought that all the other procedures and technical stuff could be learned on your own. But that storytelling structure is the key.

  • @LaurieShaw
    @LaurieShaw 6 років тому

    weapon! so much truth in this

  • @Sliquno
    @Sliquno 7 років тому +1

    I learn a lot from your videos bro. Keep up the good work.

  • @MrHollt
    @MrHollt 7 років тому +5

    Hey Brandon, I wanted to thank for always being short, concise, and informative. If you ever get time a video on workflow would be extremely helpful!
    Keep it up and thanks for all the insight.

    • @sunlightdavid
      @sunlightdavid 7 років тому +1

      I second this. god knows an amateur like me needs a way to go through nearly 1000 clips in the fastest way possible lol

    • @ninjamonkey2701
      @ninjamonkey2701 7 років тому

      I have great videos on workflow on my channel - ua-cam.com/channels/ug6Gnyb2BtVoBmlhcypQFw.html?

  • @chryslerchwe
    @chryslerchwe 7 років тому +1

    Thanks Brandon, needed this advice this week before I venture out into this industry in 2018.

  • @renevongunten
    @renevongunten 7 років тому +6

    0 responses from 100 resumes, wow. I'd say that took some motivational thinking to still keep moving forward. Something I personally struggle a lot is something you mention in the video: having to deal with other people's criticism. It usually follows a pattern: 1. client: "oh, just do what you want to do, that's fine with me". 2. I deliver the film for approval 3. Now all of a sudden the client's wife, a co-worker, a golfer friend and two neighbors told the client what they would do differently and of course now you have to somehow address those opinions or explain in detail why some of those ideas just don't make sense. Painful. Every time. Thanks for sharing your experiences, Brandon.

    • @BrandonLiUnscripted
      @BrandonLiUnscripted  7 років тому +5

      Haha that's exactly what happens every time with clients. "Blank slate" until they see what I come up with. Even if they like it, they ask for changed because their boss might not like it. That's why I make personal projects..so nobody can tell me what to do.

    • @robinmeyer5016
      @robinmeyer5016 5 років тому

      Coming from Graphic Design (2D) background, exact same thing-school helped me learn to withstand others ripping apart my work, or just suggesting different approaches...so that needs to happen prior to jumping into paid professional contract work. Must know how to communicate precisely with clients, so having that critique situation for a grade first is best, rather than money and time on the line. To have open mind about ideas, yet skills to persuade client when your ideas are more marketable-all that is probably easier in classroom first, then real-world.

  • @KiblerDesign
    @KiblerDesign 7 років тому

    I follow all the top UA-camrs who have addressed this question and none of them have answered it this well. They all generally say, "Film school is good for some, but not every one and you can succeed without film school." I always look forward to your content as I feel it is very informative.

  • @HenryOrtlip
    @HenryOrtlip 7 років тому

    Another great video! Thx for sharing your story Brandon. We went to film school under the dated model of Hollywood filmmaking and roles. But now the jack of all trades, nibble filmmaker is a whole new ball game. And ultimately allows for a better business model, lifestyle, and creative freedom.

  • @markromero7874
    @markromero7874 7 років тому +10

    Great video! Thanks for the insights on film school. 100 resumes and 0 responses is seriously no bueno...

    • @Kelberi
      @Kelberi 6 років тому

      And he is neither white nor black. That didn't help either.

  • @TheWorldofPierre
    @TheWorldofPierre 7 років тому

    I have been thinking about joining a film school for a while now. I know what to do now, thank you Brandon for sharing!

  • @spencerrussell3067
    @spencerrussell3067 7 років тому

    Brandon - thank you for your valuable perspective, and practical advice on this. I'm graduating from film school @ Vancouver in March, and I had a very similar experience to what you described. As a fan, it's really enlightening to hear how you started, and you do always kinda hear the same thing - just go do it. Right now my goal is getting most of my gear together before school is over.
    Thanks again for all of your useful content - hope to work with you someday 😁

  • @ArliSabsByaheNiBru
    @ArliSabsByaheNiBru 6 років тому +1

    This is so inspiring! I know I'm way too far from making money out of my videos, but I will continue to travel, make more videos, and eventually improve my style and my basic filming and editing skills which I learned from people like you. I'm a housewife, 36, and I hope I'm not too old to start a new career which I love lol! Thank you for inspiring us! Mad respect and lots of love from the Philippines! 😘

  • @davidgilmore3064
    @davidgilmore3064 6 років тому

    Thanks Brandon. Great practical advice and artistic encouragement...

  • @katielay3288
    @katielay3288 7 років тому

    You always have something relevant and helpful to say --loved the video.

  • @lolaleedocfilm
    @lolaleedocfilm 6 років тому

    I went to Visual art school in Shanghai, major is producing, and I have graduated for almost 4 years, all I know is I don't remember any information from school. What I totally agree with Brandon is the things I learn in three months from internship working on a TV show for SMG(Shanghai Media Group) is way more than 4 years of school.BYW Brandon li! You have such a nice personality, I and my colleague are all your follower, haha.

  • @JordanPike
    @JordanPike 7 років тому

    LEGEND! This information is so valuable. Thanks so much for sharing Brandon!

  • @roouramits
    @roouramits 7 років тому

    Good and inspirational history! Congrats man!!! Great content always! Keep Rolling!!!

  • @katalystmediaNZ
    @katalystmediaNZ 7 років тому +1

    You are a legend Brandon!! :) Such wise words in such a short time man! Come to NZ... would love to meet you one day.

  • @icaniditokyo
    @icaniditokyo 7 років тому

    Great one. Thank you for sharing your story Brandon!

  • @meletispix
    @meletispix 7 років тому +1

    Stellar advice thanks man 👌🏼

  • @SHAAMFILMSENTERTAINMENT
    @SHAAMFILMSENTERTAINMENT 7 років тому

    Motivating stuff Brandon, thanks for this video.. I have been saying such stuff and not many agree on the practical part

  • @nilmaniparth8621
    @nilmaniparth8621 6 років тому

    Thats amazing sir. The answer that i was looking for so many days, now finally got it. I am trying to make career in film making just through youtube tutorial. You story is very inspiring. I'll definitely follow your steps sir. 😊

  • @mrchams
    @mrchams 7 років тому +1

    Wow great insight Brandon thanks for sharing. Your work is very impressive.

  • @celo2043
    @celo2043 7 років тому

    Awesome content as usual! thanks for sharing your experience!

  • @hansbeekman1153
    @hansbeekman1153 7 років тому +1

    Oh Wow, very good advice's and insight. Follow your hart , do what you love to do and get good at it. Perhaps why i love your short movies. Thanks Brandon for sharing.

  • @n8590
    @n8590 7 років тому

    I needed to hear this. Perfect timing. Thank you.

  • @munkhimhun4526
    @munkhimhun4526 6 років тому +1

    Thanks for sharing your experience it's really helpful 👍

  • @kcdroneworkspleasanthilldr962
    @kcdroneworkspleasanthilldr962 3 роки тому

    Thanks again. Awesome info

  • @giulianodipaolo_
    @giulianodipaolo_ 7 років тому

    100% real advices as always!

  • @liyakadavhsegar
    @liyakadavhsegar 7 років тому +2

    Inspirations.. Thanks Brandon. and more videos like this more often please :)

  • @ashishchawla2343
    @ashishchawla2343 5 років тому

    Feels great to know you got your started in India with your Rishikesh project, Ganges blessed you :)

  • @AbdouFireMan
    @AbdouFireMan 7 років тому

    I just gotta say that you're my favorite UA-camr!

  • @tomsutube2011
    @tomsutube2011 7 років тому

    Thanks Brandon! Super advise!

  • @thetenthhouse
    @thetenthhouse 2 роки тому

    Thank you for always making informative videos 🌸😊💜

  • @itsmarkliu
    @itsmarkliu 7 років тому +2

    2 things I am so excited for, Brandon’s upcoming new film, and Sam Kolder’s “My year 2017”

    • @joanchou1757
      @joanchou1757 3 роки тому

      that's my two favorite videomaker

  • @davieskalubaphotographyand4082
    @davieskalubaphotographyand4082 2 роки тому

    I like the way you edit the videos and the movements. I want to learn from you

  • @JQ24
    @JQ24 6 років тому

    Great video and advice! Thanks for sharing your experience!

  • @UchihaxStudios
    @UchihaxStudios 5 років тому

    very valuable! thanks for sharing

  • @steverileys
    @steverileys 6 років тому

    Mate, your content is so valuable. Thanks!

  • @LeeMiaoWen
    @LeeMiaoWen 7 років тому

    Thanks for sharing your honest and genuine advices! Awesome ^^

  • @TheDjhansen77
    @TheDjhansen77 7 років тому +2

    Whoa Brandon! I’m a fellow pickle as well! class of ’11. Fan of your work and it pleases me to know we went to the same place! Many of the points you have I share as well (and made a video about it as well) Thanks for sharing your views!

  • @JohnJonesRocketCity
    @JohnJonesRocketCity 6 років тому

    Very encouraging. Thank you.

  • @akshayostwal1614
    @akshayostwal1614 7 років тому

    Much needed video brother. Thank you for sharing the knowledge. Keep creating authentic content 🙌💙🤙

  • @areuready2live
    @areuready2live 7 років тому

    This is really great advice and knowledge!

  • @adambsheldon
    @adambsheldon 7 років тому

    Thanks for sharing man, super insightful!

  • @usmarinefitness6471
    @usmarinefitness6471 5 років тому

    Great video. Thanks.

  • @maverickcoltmanphotography5893
    @maverickcoltmanphotography5893 7 років тому

    Loved this insightful video. Thanks, Brandon

  • @Bladeclaw00100
    @Bladeclaw00100 7 років тому

    Wow that is awesome. I have been making videos for a while. Specifically martial arts videos are my favorite to make but I also have been doing a variety of videos for over 15 years. Went to school for graphic design, learned and experienced a lot. Made so many short films. Yet still, can't get into the Film Industry or find my own clients. The way I see it, it's all about who you know and bringing value to people. which is my weakness. I want to create content that is valuable and draws interest in people to want to share it and demand more. And I want to network with others to build up my network especially with those whom are already doing it successfully. Maybe, someday I will break through and figure out how to create films as a career rather than a hobby.

  • @sofabdelli
    @sofabdelli 7 років тому

    Hi Brandon I always get discouraged and when I see u videos it's gives me a bit of boost.. thanks again fo sharing

  • @RosarioUnoPH
    @RosarioUnoPH 7 років тому

    i am currently enrolled on a film school,and im exactly feeling what you had felt!

  • @lifeasakingstonlaak8843
    @lifeasakingstonlaak8843 7 років тому

    I love this channel!.. Ty Brandon, always great content.

  • @Naivegakkihusband
    @Naivegakkihusband 7 років тому

    Thank u Brandon!

  • @campview
    @campview 6 років тому

    Perfect advice.

  • @RamssesPharaoh
    @RamssesPharaoh 7 років тому

    Honest and inspiring.

  • @peeta8477
    @peeta8477 7 років тому

    Thanks for the advice, it was on point!

  • @anthnyg81
    @anthnyg81 7 років тому

    TQ Brandon Li always inspiring me!

  • @Tanguy709
    @Tanguy709 7 років тому

    Very helpful, and very encouraging ! Thank you Brandon for your videos, your insight on the subjects you choose to talk about is so interesting ! Merci :)

  • @PixelPeepShow
    @PixelPeepShow 7 років тому

    Thanks for your insight, Brandon! You've given me and the rest of us in the comment section something to think about :)

  • @LarryFournillier
    @LarryFournillier 7 років тому

    Top notch advice, Brandon!

  • @ThanujMathew
    @ThanujMathew 7 років тому

    Thank you , solid advice.

  • @nygmaa
    @nygmaa 7 років тому

    Great video! That gave me a little self confidence, just what I needed!

  •  7 років тому

    Es excelente tu mensaje Brandon. Muchas gracias por compartirlo.

  • @abhishekgalshar5696
    @abhishekgalshar5696 6 років тому

    Good information . really you done great job.

  • @ArpadAmbrus
    @ArpadAmbrus 7 років тому

    Inspiring! Thanks for sharing this!

  • @chadwin
    @chadwin 7 років тому

    I've worked side by side with guys that have gone to film school and honestly our skills and knowledge are basically the same. Anything you want to know these days, you can learn online for free or pay for courses that are much cheaper than tuition. The only advantage I've heard is networking--and even that can be done without film school....I would never go--at least not now seeing that my capabilities are the same as alumni.

  • @melmonteflor
    @melmonteflor 7 років тому

    Thanks for your thoughts Brandon :)
    Iwish I could go to a film school but I really don't have much time and the little free time I have is for me to make my own videos. Trying to figure out my "uniqueness"
    Cheers!

  • @masealwart
    @masealwart 7 років тому

    Thanks Brandon! Great inspiration right there!

  • @iolanisjourney4828
    @iolanisjourney4828 6 років тому

    Thank you. Great advice 👍

  • @rpsmu103
    @rpsmu103 7 років тому

    This person inspired me soo much.

  • @kajalnagal985
    @kajalnagal985 7 років тому

    Thnkuuu sir for your suggestions......i really love your posts

  • @gpk7683
    @gpk7683 6 років тому

    Thank you. You are one good dude!

  • @FerdTan
    @FerdTan 7 років тому

    Thankyou so much Brandon!

  • @rakshitri
    @rakshitri 6 років тому

    @brandon 5:45 your 'UNTIL' phase and those visuals of Haridwar/Rishikesh, India has a deep spiritual connection with your destiny.

  • @matador59
    @matador59 6 років тому

    Thanks Brandon! Good info.

  • @LeeviAroviita
    @LeeviAroviita 7 років тому

    Thank you for sharing this! Helped me a lot🙌🏻

  • @subilraj6687
    @subilraj6687 7 років тому

    Really Thanks for this video

  • @footycheck
    @footycheck 7 років тому

    Great stuff man. I volunteered for a film studio and now working there. I don't have time to make a passion project cause I having too much fun with my job

  • @stevelojikim7454
    @stevelojikim7454 6 років тому

    Scary to hear this but its a good advice anyway from ur own experienced. Its really help and make me rethink again for my next move. Thank you!

  • @mingfungwong
    @mingfungwong 7 років тому +1

    shiiiitttt thank you Brandon. Started watching your stuff before I went to a film school

  • @koon51
    @koon51 5 років тому

    I'm agree with you...