Comparing Film School and Film Programs
If you want to be a filmmaker or get involved in the entertainment industry chances are you are thinking about going to a film school of some sort. All these programs vary on what they teach and how long the study is for so you should do some research on each program's offering and what is involved from start to finish. Each type of film school has benefits and drawbacks so you need to weigh these before making a choice.
University Education A typical four year course of study in which you major in film but also complete general education at the same time like any other university program major.
The Good: Universities give out scholarships to pay for your education and have lots of money to spend on equipment and resources so you can always have the best things to work with. The professors usually work in the industry part time and teach part time so they are up to date on the latest trends, filmmaking practices and have lots of industry friends they can bring into the class to help teach. They also get the first call on all major internships and jobs to help their students get out of school and right into a career.
Bad: You may not own the films you make while in school because some schools, not all, but some claim ownership because they provided all the equipment and resources for the film to be produced in the first place. While your name is still attached it may not be entirely yours.
College Film School Study Programs Smaller schools who offer film classes and have degrees but not always in filmmaking as their schools aren't as big.
The Up Side: Getting accepted to the school and film program is simpler since less people apply so you don't have be already be an amazing filmmaker or a stellar student to get in. You can get more attention if you go here because there are less people in the program.
Bad: Less money from the school means less equipment and likely fewer opportunities to meet with industry leaders and learn from current pros.
Filmmaking Study Programs Six month to one and a half year programs that focus only on filmmaking from start to finish.
The Up Side: Since the program is so short you can get done right away and start your new career once you find a job. These programs are almost always in the center of Hollywood and other filmmaking havens where you can be on set and see things happen on the fly. And who knows who you'll run into or what opportunity will present itself.
The Bad: These are very expensive and all intensive leaving you very little time for work and making any income while studying.
Other Filmmaking Training There are also filmmaking schools or so they call themselves that offer training over one weekend or several weeks. While these are quick and easy so will the knowledge you get from them, film takes along time learn the right way.