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film school

film school questions and answers

More information about film school at Education News.

Q: What is the best way of getting into film school?
I am looking into ways of getting into film school. My school offers no film program at the BA level, however, it does have an extensive theatre program which emphasizes both set management and acting. Which may help me when it comes to getting into a graduate program. Should I continue to study theatre, or should I change my major?

A: Get good grades. That is a very broad answer, but should be taken seriously. Going to NYU would be your best bet. You need good grades to get in, but I am pretty sure they have the best film school. Try doing as many higher ranked classes as possible (AP IB) and if your school does a new casting class, do that. Good luck.

Q: Are there any magor celebrities in the movie business that went to film school?
I want to be a director, and im planning on going to a film school somewhere in north carolina. but, i saw where quentin tarantino said dont waste time or money at film school, that you should spend your money on making a movie. i respect qt alot. What do you think about it? and are there any major directors, screenwriters, or actors that DID go to film school?

A: Spielberg went to film USC Scorcese went to film school in NYC that's all I know off the top of my head

Q: How old are people normally when they go to film school?
Like do students go straight after high school? Would it be weird if I didn't go straight away, but a few years later? Also how do I gain entry to an American Film School if I live in Australia?

A: I have a friend who is doing this. He has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and has been filming since he was 16. He is applying to NYU film school. He says it is a very big deal as you have to get your application sponsored by people that know your work and that they have to be the 'right people'. There is another film school in LA, same deal and that is it for top film schools in the USandA. Expensive, complicated and very competitive.

Q: How hard is it to get into the Los Angeles Film school?
I'm applying to the LA film school and I was wondering how hard the admissions is. It requires a highschool transcript and i had to write 2 essays. I was wondering if they focus on the transcript the most or what?

A: It's probably a combination of the two.. but don't worry - there are many great film schools OR a general liberal arts education can give you a great background for making films. "Anyone can learn to operate a camera; it takes someone with a wide knowledge background to make a movie." www.survivethecity.com

Q: Is it easy and how long did it take to find work after you finished film school?
I wanted to get info from experienced film graduates students to see how hard it was to find a job in that field after they finished film school. So please provide me what school you graduated from, what type of job did you find and was it hard or easy to find work? How long did it take to find work?Thanks and this will help make a big decision

A: A good friend of mine has a son who is a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is already working in the industry with a couple of independent film companies doing editing and camera work plus doing production work on the side on his own. A lot of it is being in the right place at the right time AND making the right contacts.

Q: My Film school is making students come to school 7 days a week, is that legal in California?
My Film school is making students come to school 7 days a week, sometimes from 10am to 11 pm and they never told us that when we signed up and applied at the college, is that legal in California? can they do that?

A: Are these hours required in order for you to get the grade? In that case it may be against school policy. If it's not and they are an accredited school, you may be able to report them to the California board of Higher Education. With that said... the hours working in entertainment can be CRAZY. When I was working on my degree I'd have to come in during the middle of the night just to get lab time. I guess I had the option of not doing it, but I would have failed out for not getting the projects done. Now that I'm working in the industry, I see that what I did at school was actually tame at times. I've met people who have worked 80 hour weeks for months at a time... so that can be the way it is!!!

Q: Should I go to a four-year university with a film program or to a one-year unaccredited film school?
I've finally decided to just pay the money to go to film school since I would love to be surrounded with people who are as passionate about making movies as I am. Which is the better choice, a 4-year accredited school where I can earn a Bachelor's degree or a 1 year film training program? Also, does anyone know any great film schools that don't cost too much? Thanks for your help!

A: Accredited schools are the way to go because they actually mean something to employers. It might take a while for the studies, but in the long run it will be better for you. Financial aid, loans and scholarships are always available. Go do some reserch while you are using the internet. If you are currently attending a high school in CA, go ask your counselor about Cal Grants. If you do take out a loan, try not to choose Sallie Mae because I read an article that says that they are not too trustworthy. Scholarships: Fastweb.com Federal Aid- FAFSA(don't know the site-so google/yahoo it)

Q: What are ways to help get me into USC Film School?
I am a sophomore in high school and really want to get into the USC film school. I scored a 190 (equivalent to 1900 on the SAT) on the PSAT and have a 3.83 GPA. I know I need to do community service, but is there anything else I should be doing?

A: The GPA is impressive enough, but not by itself. If you want to get into USC you need to develop a portfolio. This means going out and showing USC as many independent projects of your own as possible. Show them what you are capable of. Make your own movies and edit them yourself. Get ahead of the game creatively and start entering film contests before you get to college. Academics is only half the battle in this case. Search other schools as well, don't limit yourself to one film school because there are so many great ones out there.

Q: How many films do I need to submit to get into film school?
I am currently in high school and I want to get into film school. How many films should I submit. If there is any other important information I need, please tell me Thanx

A: Most film schools won't require a film as part of the initial application process. For any that do, it's generally best to pick your best one and leave it at that unless asked for further reels.

Q: Is film school worth it if you just have an AA in liberal arts?
I'm thinking of going to LA film School but only have an AA. I also keep hearing people that are currently attending talking about all of their intern experience. Is that preferred? I know i want to go into a career in film. My family will be helping me with the loan payments.

A: like everything, it is a social club.... if you go to one of the top rated schools (can be found here http://thebestfilmschool.com ) you are more likely to make contacts that will help you out later in your career..... on the other hand, if you write great screenplays, you may not have to go to any school at all.... the better the school the more respect you will get and the easier it will be to find a job when you apply..... imho

Q: Would going to any film school be a waste of time, effort and money?
Like Austin School of Film. I want to be a director and i don't really see their certificates becoming any use to me in a money-making film industry.

A: I don't think school, no matter what you are going for, is a waste of time, effort, or money. BUT in the entertainment industry you could go to the best film school in the world and it will do didly squat if you have no talent/don't work at what you want after you leave school. It's not what the degree does for you it's what YOU do WITH it. (corny but it's true) Going to a good school does NOT guarentee you a job, that's gotta be all up to YOU. Just because you see others with the same degree not make it doesn't mean that you won't and that what you learn in school will be all for nothing. You won't get anywhere if you just sit around expecting everything to come to you, you have to go to it.

Q: What are my chances of getting into NYU film school as a junior transfe?
Based on the following simplistic information, what are my chances: -College GPA- 3.75 -Never took SATs but they say they won't look at it if you take it during college. -Worked on a friend's USC Film School's Master's Thesis. -Many academic honors

A: i hate to say it, but transferring into NYU Tisch (which is the college under which film falls) is darn near impossible... it's a conservatory style program, you'd more or less probably have to start over, even if you had a 4.0.

Q: What graduate film school is right for me?
I just graduated with a BA in Visual Arts and New Media: Media Arts this past spring. I'm taking a year off to look at grad schools, and I have a burning desire to become a film/television producer. I'm looking at grad film schools, but I have mediocre grades with a decent portfolio and I'm not sure which schools are right for me / that I can get into. Any suggestions?

A: none, a recession is coming