Film Schools - How to Choose a Winner

By Nathan James

It seems like everyone today want to be an actor. While acting can certainly be a very rewarding profession, in both monetary and fulfilling terms, it’s probably one of the most difficult areas of film to break in to. If film and television is your passion, there is a whole host of other jobs that will get you into this sometimes glamorous, always competitive industry. Whether you’re interest lies in directing, producing, or even script-writing, choosing the right school is the most important decision you’ll making.

The first step in getting into the film industry is determining what type of career you’re interested in. Just about any job in the film industry pays very well, so you should be ready for plenty of competition.

You should also be aware that you’ll need to start at the bottom, often as a production assistant (answering phones, getting coffee, etc) before any hopes of working in the field you were trained in. Also know that you’ll need to move to where the work is. If you’re planning on working in film this often means working on location for weeks, sometimes months at a time.

Choose the Film School that Meets your Criteria

If your passion is continuity, don’t go to one of the film schools that focuses on directing. While it is typically important to get a feel for all areas of film production, you’ll want to spend the most time focusing on your own career goals. Look for film schools that allow you to take specific classes in your film degree rather than a set course load.

With the popularity of film related jobs, there are film schools popping up all over the place. This means you’ll need to do your research to ensure you’re not paying thousands of dollars to get a degree or diploma that is considered a joke. Make sure the school has been around for quite a while and check their credentials. Many major universities also offer top notch film degrees which are well regarded in the industry.

About The Author
Nathan James offers information and advice about film schools at the Top Film Schools website. Visit http://www.topfilmschools.info for more information about getting into the film business.

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Does Film School Kill Talent?

Copyright © 2005, Che Robinson

Tom Stoppard once said that he thought Film school was a complete
waste of time.

Tom Stoppard is the Oscar winning writer of such films as
Shakespeare in love and the acclaimed play Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern are dead that was recently turned into a motion
picture starring Gary Oldman and Tim Roth.

Quentin Tarantino, Steven Spielberg, Milos Forman and Woody Allen
never went to Film school to learn the film craft. Many of them
have even been quoted to say that film school numbs the wits and
it places restrictions on creativity. "In film school, they teach
you to write like everyone else... they tell you to create a
meeting on page 10, get them into a car accident on page 25, and
make the character kiss on page 55 - or better known as the mid-
point," says Frederick Constanza, a film student in Los Angeles.

Billy Bob Thornton never went to school to learn his craft and
he's one of the most prolific and popular actors/filmmakers in
the business.

Then again, there are the ones who did attend film school and
have become some of the most successful filmmakers in the
industry. George Lucas used to share a room with Francis Ford
Coppola and while one of them created the Star Wars franchise
with most recently Revenge of the Sith, the other made the
Godfather - believed by many to be one of the top three best
films ever made. Ron Howard (Cinderella man, Da Vinci Code),
Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids), Shervin Youssefian
(Machiavelli Hangman) are also byproducts of the film
school system.

So where do you draw the line? Is it a particular film school
like USC that shapes winners in the film industry? I guess you
can't. It really falls on the individual and how talented and
determined she is. What film school does is only polish the rough
ends and prepare the person for the real world.

"Film school simply helps polish a natural gift that our students
bring in from their own backgrounds. We have kids who are
naturally better than others when it comes to dialogue. They have
an amazing ear for it, and others come in with artistic
backgrounds. Some of them have numerous drawing and painting
awards and that fuels their understanding of lighting and camera
angles," says Professor Klint of Artin School of Art and Design.

While Machiavelli Hangman and Memento may not have the standard
screenplay structure taught in film school, writing professors
stand by their word that brilliant Hollywood scripts like these
two have definitely developed out of the three-act structure.

Again, film school is not there to teach but to develop,
discipline and polish an already existing talent.

Writer's Resource Box:
Che Robinson is a movie reviewer. Machiavelli Hangman http://www.hangmanmovie.com

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Film and Photography Vocational Schools

by Michael Bustamante

Film and Photography Vocational Schools prepare professionals for careers in photography, photography assistance, filmmaking, cinematography, videography, video production, journalism, graphic arts, printing, television production, and many more. An education from an accredited Film and Photography Trade School helps both the amateur and the professional photographer to secure desirable employment and to increase their earning potential.

If you are seeking a degree, look for a Film and Photography Vocational School that is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). A thorough Film School curriculum will cover subjects that include scriptwriting, budgeting, pre-production, camerawork, videography, lighting, sound, directing, producing, and editing. Photography School subjects include the history of photography, camerawork, creative expression, film developing, and contemporary issues in image making. In addition to these traditional subjects, a modern Film and Photography Trade School should also cover the art of digital photography.

For those with an artistic eye and a creative side, Film and Photography Vocational School can open a wide vista of employment possibilities. Film and Photography occupations are as artistically rewarding as they are lucrative; professionals can earn more than $40,000 annually.
If you are interested in learning more about Film and Photography Vocational Schools, please search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com
Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

About the Author
M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Film and Photography Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

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