How to Select the Best Filmmaking School?

Answer 1

The incredible competition found in the film industry requires potential applicants to attend the right film schools. Anyone interested in film school should ask themselves a few questions before deciding upon the right school. Answering these questions will enable a prospective student to find the film school that will best suit their future career needs.

Film programs are found in at a variety of educational institutions. Finding the right educational opportunity will be dependent on the student’s future career goals. Many four year colleges and universities have film departments that are focused on providing experience in a variety of different fields. For example, students attending a four year degree program in film production may have to take classes in screenwriting, even if their ultimate career goal is directing. The ultimate goal of these film programs is to give students a broad base in film studies and film making. Alternatively, there are some schools that offer specialized majors or certificates just in one area of film making. Typically, this curriculum can be found either at film schools, art schools, or vocational schools with filmmaking programs.

Another point a prospective student may want to consider is their own level of experience with film production. Some filmmaking schools are well equipped to handle students with no prior knowledge of filmmaking, others require substantial experience to be admitted into a program. For example, at NYU, one of the best known film schools in the country, freshman applicants are expected to submit samples of their work. If you decide to enroll in your local state college, chances are you will not be required to enter the filmmaking school with any prior experience.

One last thing to consider is how well the film school prepares its students to for their future career endeavors. For example, a prospective applicant will want to investigate whether the students at the school enter their films into competitions, whether or not there are internship opportunities, and so on. A school that allows its students to network themselves within the film industry probably has a higher percentage of graduates working in the industry, then a school that does not. These are just a few issues to consider when applying to film school.