5 answers
Aaron
Student
Dixonville, PA
2
Questions
Asked
599 views
I would like to go to school for film what is the best way for me to start?
I have been interested in film for a while and right now I want to know where is the best starting point for me right now. At the moment I am just writing stories that I feel like writing. Because a person like me I want to work on something that I care about. So where is the best starting point for me right now?
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5 answers
Julian Macalister
education psychology counseling science
2
Answers
Charlottesville, Virginia
Updated
Julian’s Answer
Hi Aaron!
#1 Keep writing!!
#2 See if there are any kind of film camps or classes for teenagers near you. Financial assistance is often available. If money isn't an issue for you, consider a program such as https://www.nyfa.edu/summer-camps/
#3 See if your school offers any filmmaking or creative writing courses as electives that you could take. If not, see if any faculty could support you to start a filmmaking club!
#4 Look for contests for teenage filmmakers or writers. Submit some of the things you've written to some contests. If you are recognized at any level (e.g., honorable mention), this will help you get accepted to film school or college. Your guidance counselor or your school's career office or librarian can help you figure out how to hunt for these contests.
#5 Realize that lots of different pathways can lead to your goal. A big thing to think about is: what do you mean by "film school"? Or, really, what I mean is, what type of school do you want to go to? There are basically four types:
1) a program that offers workshops, training, etc. but not a college degree (either in person such as https://www.nyfa.edu/workshops/filmmaking/4-week/ ; or online such as Corsera: https://www.coursera.org/learn/write-a-feature-length-screenplay-for-film-or-television)
2) a true, independent film school that is not affiliated with a university, such as NYFA.
3) an actual film school that is part of a university, such as University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking (https://www.uncsa.edu/go/filmmaking.aspx)
4) a liberal arts college or university that happens to offer a major or minor in filmmaking, such as Swarthmore (https://www.swarthmore.edu/film-media-studies) or Allegheny (https://sites.allegheny.edu/comart/)
You'd want to think about the pros and cons of each type. A main distinction is whether the program prepares you *only* for a career in film, or whether you get a broader education that can be applied in other industries or jobs (in case you change your mind or can't get the jobs you want in the film industry)
Whatever type of school you may be interested in, check out their admission requirements and work on those. If film and writing are your passion, being as active as possible in those fields now can help you get accepted to your target programs.
Here are a couple resources for you to check out as you think about film careers:
https://www.careersinfilm.com/film-careers/
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-2012.00
Best of luck!
#1 Keep writing!!
#2 See if there are any kind of film camps or classes for teenagers near you. Financial assistance is often available. If money isn't an issue for you, consider a program such as https://www.nyfa.edu/summer-camps/
#3 See if your school offers any filmmaking or creative writing courses as electives that you could take. If not, see if any faculty could support you to start a filmmaking club!
#4 Look for contests for teenage filmmakers or writers. Submit some of the things you've written to some contests. If you are recognized at any level (e.g., honorable mention), this will help you get accepted to film school or college. Your guidance counselor or your school's career office or librarian can help you figure out how to hunt for these contests.
#5 Realize that lots of different pathways can lead to your goal. A big thing to think about is: what do you mean by "film school"? Or, really, what I mean is, what type of school do you want to go to? There are basically four types:
1) a program that offers workshops, training, etc. but not a college degree (either in person such as https://www.nyfa.edu/workshops/filmmaking/4-week/ ; or online such as Corsera: https://www.coursera.org/learn/write-a-feature-length-screenplay-for-film-or-television)
2) a true, independent film school that is not affiliated with a university, such as NYFA.
3) an actual film school that is part of a university, such as University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking (https://www.uncsa.edu/go/filmmaking.aspx)
4) a liberal arts college or university that happens to offer a major or minor in filmmaking, such as Swarthmore (https://www.swarthmore.edu/film-media-studies) or Allegheny (https://sites.allegheny.edu/comart/)
You'd want to think about the pros and cons of each type. A main distinction is whether the program prepares you *only* for a career in film, or whether you get a broader education that can be applied in other industries or jobs (in case you change your mind or can't get the jobs you want in the film industry)
Whatever type of school you may be interested in, check out their admission requirements and work on those. If film and writing are your passion, being as active as possible in those fields now can help you get accepted to your target programs.
Here are a couple resources for you to check out as you think about film careers:
https://www.careersinfilm.com/film-careers/
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-2012.00
Best of luck!
Thank you so much for your help your help. I will definitely try to use all the advice you gave me. Thank you so much
Aaron
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
187
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
This is a great question Aaron!
As you know Film is an exciting and growing field. I would start by attending a university that has this specific degree plan. I know most universities have this degree since I attended a small private university and they offered film as an undergrad degree. While obtaining your degree I would do your best to network in the field and see if your university has any connections with companies to let you intern for the summer. This is one of the best ways to not only grow your network but by interning you will learn valuables insights into the film industry.
One of my best friends is in the film industry and when people ask what it takes he says the same two things "Hard Work and Don't Quit" It may be hard not to compromise on your dreams/visions for what you want to write but I would encourage you not to! Keep writing what interest you and what you are passionate about. I know Peter Jackson went to every major studio in Hollywood for years before he received a yes on making Lord of the Rings. He did not compromise on his vison and did not give up. It probably won't be easy but most things in life that are worth having aren't easy.
I would highly suggest reading the book below. It has helped keep my dreams alive! Good luck on the journey!
Read Dream Big by Bob Goff
As you know Film is an exciting and growing field. I would start by attending a university that has this specific degree plan. I know most universities have this degree since I attended a small private university and they offered film as an undergrad degree. While obtaining your degree I would do your best to network in the field and see if your university has any connections with companies to let you intern for the summer. This is one of the best ways to not only grow your network but by interning you will learn valuables insights into the film industry.
One of my best friends is in the film industry and when people ask what it takes he says the same two things "Hard Work and Don't Quit" It may be hard not to compromise on your dreams/visions for what you want to write but I would encourage you not to! Keep writing what interest you and what you are passionate about. I know Peter Jackson went to every major studio in Hollywood for years before he received a yes on making Lord of the Rings. He did not compromise on his vison and did not give up. It probably won't be easy but most things in life that are worth having aren't easy.
I would highly suggest reading the book below. It has helped keep my dreams alive! Good luck on the journey!
Daniel recommends the following next steps:
Aaron Holloway
Mortgage Operations-Closing Specialist
33
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Aaron,
That is a great name by the way. Keep writing and don't be afraid to enroll in creative writing classes offered in your area. You can also start your career by taking your cell phone and shooting short movies, stories, or music videos. Content is key now and with the use of social media can help jump start your career and build your resume. I would recommend going to your library and reading books on film making and creative writing. Do not be afraid to put out your writings and content as the feedback will help you grow and get better. I have also included a list of the top film schools such as USC, NYU, and UCLA below.
Good luck.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/top-25-american-film-schools-ranked-1134785/1-usc-2/
That is a great name by the way. Keep writing and don't be afraid to enroll in creative writing classes offered in your area. You can also start your career by taking your cell phone and shooting short movies, stories, or music videos. Content is key now and with the use of social media can help jump start your career and build your resume. I would recommend going to your library and reading books on film making and creative writing. Do not be afraid to put out your writings and content as the feedback will help you grow and get better. I have also included a list of the top film schools such as USC, NYU, and UCLA below.
Good luck.
Aaron recommends the following next steps:
Thaviny Shaipitisiri, M.A, M.S.Ed
Senior Consultant
1
Answer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Thaviny’s Answer
Hi Aaron,
To me, I think you're already off to a great start by asking questions/reaching out for support and writing!
Julian has provided some great resources and I think those could definitely be great paths for next steps. I would also like to encourage you to turn your writing into a film as a next step. This way, you create your own vision for others to see and start building your own portfolio of writings, films, and anything else creative you would like to add.
Having this will then allow you opportunities to further apply to competitions, get accepted into programs, and more.
Last note, biggest step, don't forget to believe in yourself!!! Stay authentic to you as the field of entertainment is largely expanding and we need more diverse stories and narratives. Can't wait to see your name on film screens in the future!
To me, I think you're already off to a great start by asking questions/reaching out for support and writing!
Julian has provided some great resources and I think those could definitely be great paths for next steps. I would also like to encourage you to turn your writing into a film as a next step. This way, you create your own vision for others to see and start building your own portfolio of writings, films, and anything else creative you would like to add.
Having this will then allow you opportunities to further apply to competitions, get accepted into programs, and more.
Last note, biggest step, don't forget to believe in yourself!!! Stay authentic to you as the field of entertainment is largely expanding and we need more diverse stories and narratives. Can't wait to see your name on film screens in the future!
Vridhi Tuli
Senior Consultant
6
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Vridhi’s Answer
Hi there,
The best way to do this is to research good film schools in your area and see which ones you'd like to go to.
1) Please research the correct schools
2) Please choose the specific year paths - 1 year, 2 years, 3 years - how many years you'd like to attend
3) Please find out the requirements for the school and ensure that you meet all of them
Also - make sure you apply early on and don't wait till the end. Gather all your materials in advance and try to make sure you get good recommendations from your teachers.
Vridhi
The best way to do this is to research good film schools in your area and see which ones you'd like to go to.
1) Please research the correct schools
2) Please choose the specific year paths - 1 year, 2 years, 3 years - how many years you'd like to attend
3) Please find out the requirements for the school and ensure that you meet all of them
Also - make sure you apply early on and don't wait till the end. Gather all your materials in advance and try to make sure you get good recommendations from your teachers.
Vridhi