If you are someone who wants to become a filmmaker, film school should be a place of joy for you. Because it not only equips you with the basic film making skills, but it also serves to shape your passion. Besides, it gives you the thrust and direction to produce your own film with new and fresh ideas.
There are several well reputed film schools in the country. Well, if California is always going to boast of highest number of film schools, followed closely by New York, you still have lot of other film schools in rest of the country.
Let us first talk about the most sought after "Top of the Pie" film schools which are dream of every aspiring filmmaker. The foremost would be the AFI. It was established in 1967 and is known for specialty in traditional narrative films. It offers six areas of study to the students -- Screenwriting, Directing, Production Design, Production and Editing.
Next in line is the California Institute for the Arts which was established in 1961 by Walt Disney for focus on animations. Then there is the San Francisco State University, also set up in the sixty's. The then prevalent political landscape has greatly influenced its course content. Now move on to UCLA and USC. Enter New York and you find Columbia University School of Arts and the New York University. Both schools have long list of film writers and directors who owe their training to them. For instance, Spike Lee reminds me of New York University.
It appears that if you wish an entry into the "golden gates" of any of these symbols of academic fame, you are going to need the of grace of God and his miracle making powers! So, better start praying right from now. And if despite your best efforts (and prayers!) you fail to make your proud entry inside any of the heavenly gates, no need to despair. Rather than staring at the blissful faces in there, turn around and you will find a lot of other film schools across the country with good programs.
There are several film schools in the Pacific Northwest. There is a very good film school in the University of Washington. Another interesting option is the Evergreen State University. It is famous (or infamous!) for its kind of liberal style of education. In place of grades, they have a system where both students and teachers evaluate every thing -- themselves as we as the program. They are known as Greeners and they take pride in their critical thinking. Their program, known as MediaWorks, has produced several radical and cutting edge filmmakers.
You will have to consider a few things before you pick a film school. The first thing is the cost of education. This is the ground reality, because if you are going to take loan for your education, you must consider how soon you will be able to repay it after finishing school. To answer this question, consider the kind of internships they offer. You can learn about it from past students who recently graduated from the schools you are considering.
Film school is the comfortable launching pad for your rocket of burning aspirations. It provides you the opportunity to put your hands on all types of equipments and facilities required for film making. For instance, you will learn how use a camera, recording devices, editing equipments, sound studios and edit bays. Another unique aspect of film school is the pool of talent -- other students. Students crew for each other. You have all this while you are at school. Once you are out, you can only envy what you had at the school.
So, whichever film school you choose to attend, try to enjoy it fully. It is a place where you have freedom to experiment and facilities to work out your projects. Rather than thinking of sleep at night, plan on falling in love with pizza and Top Ramen.
By: Abhishek Agarwal
About the author:
Abhishek is an avid Film Making enthusiast and he has got some great Film Making Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 78 Page Ebook, "Understanding The Basics Of Film-Making!" from his website http://www.Fun-Galore.com/94/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.
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