11 answers
Mitchell
Student
Chesterfield, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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How useful is film school. Does the degree matter?
Senior in high school, applying for colleges. Interested in film school.
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11 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Breaking into entertainment can be difficult even for the most skilled aspiring filmmaker. One way to make the path a little easier is by getting a degree in film, since movie production majors gain valuable insight into just what goes into movie magic. A film degree can also help you make important industry connections and build your portfolio. The experience and expertise offered by a film degree can open a multitude of doors.
💰 PRODUCER: Film production coursework offers deep insight into script development; overseeing writers, directors, and editors; finding financing; and movie marketing and distribution.
🎬 DIRECTION: The ability to visualize a script and its best aesthetic and dramatic elements—a key component of film degree studies—is also key to directorial work.
🎭 SCREENWRITER: Since film majors teach the complexities of scripts, they can help those hoping to break into screenwriting. If you want to work transforming ideas into screenplays.
💡 CINEMATOGRAPHER: A film degree and an artistic eye can lead to work as a cinematographer, the high-ranking position that uses lighting, lenses, and other camerawork to capture the director’s vision.
📽️ CAMERAWORK: Similarly, learning about cinematography, camerawork, and collaborating with other crew members can give you a leg up as a camera operator.
🖥️ EDITING: Degrees in film also provide a knowledge base that includes how to assemble and organize footage, add audio to video, do video editing techniques such as cuts and transitions, and create a rough cut.
Mitchell I recommend you can attain some experience first by taking a entry-level film job such as production assistant or camera assistant, or starting an internship in the industry to see if film school will take you further.
💰 PRODUCER: Film production coursework offers deep insight into script development; overseeing writers, directors, and editors; finding financing; and movie marketing and distribution.
🎬 DIRECTION: The ability to visualize a script and its best aesthetic and dramatic elements—a key component of film degree studies—is also key to directorial work.
🎭 SCREENWRITER: Since film majors teach the complexities of scripts, they can help those hoping to break into screenwriting. If you want to work transforming ideas into screenplays.
💡 CINEMATOGRAPHER: A film degree and an artistic eye can lead to work as a cinematographer, the high-ranking position that uses lighting, lenses, and other camerawork to capture the director’s vision.
📽️ CAMERAWORK: Similarly, learning about cinematography, camerawork, and collaborating with other crew members can give you a leg up as a camera operator.
🖥️ EDITING: Degrees in film also provide a knowledge base that includes how to assemble and organize footage, add audio to video, do video editing techniques such as cuts and transitions, and create a rough cut.
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Luke. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Doc Frick
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mitchell !
Film school is very useful. As a matter of fact, it's hard to duplicate the experience you will have in college or private film school with something you can do on your own. You would be learning film from professionals in a very structured way, in an equipped environment, with projects and tasks that would simulate real professional experience. You would learn and demonstrate how to talk and communicate about film and learn about the different roles each professional plays within a film or video project. So yes, it is almost vital that one attends film school if they are planning to have a career in it. The contacts one can make, networking opportunities and the Degree (Bachelors or Masters) from college or film school cannot be equated to any other path. It's the best way to go.
The degree matters a lot. The degree is more than a piece of paper, it documents your qualifications. The degree can be very useful if you ever wanted to go into the business or administrative end of film, too, maybe later on in life and there's also the possibility of teaching later on if you wanted. Sharpening your writing, critiquing and other skills while you are a full time student can also prepare you for writing about film.
The four main colleges in Missouri for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film are the University of Missouri - Columbia, Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Missouri State University - Springfield. In addition to these, the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers both the BFA and MFA programs for Film and Media Arts. Lindenwood University offers programs in Film & Video Production and Film/Cinema/Media Studies. Kansas City Art Institute has a Bachelors program for Film and Video Production. There's a few to choose from right in your state of Missouri ! If by some chance you have the means to move to Hollywood, I would recommend The American Film Institute. Some of the private Film schools in L.A. and New York City such as the AFI are very expensive, though. There are no Community Colleges in Missouri that offer a Film Program.
There are additional colleges in your state that you can also consider for film. Columbia College - Missouri offers a BA in Film Studies with a leaning towards the production end. You would receive hands-on training for all facets of film. It is a four year college with small class size and flexible scheduling. Missouri Western State University has a Film Studies Program and offers film with programs in film production, screenwriting, and film history. Webster University is a private university that offers a Bachelors in Film Studies with an emphasis on production. It also offers a certificate in Film Studies, but check to see if it is a Certificate of Completion because one doesn't need a certification for film. Kansas City Art Institute offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Video Production.
I would advise reading the websites of each college and weighing out their programs, seeing who offers the most and compare tuitions, too. Whenever you get a chance, register for an orientation at as many of the colleges you can to take in the atmosphere and talk with people on campus. You can also go to each college's You Tube Channel and watch presentations of each school. I have left some of the links for you below.
So without hesitation, yes, I do recommend obtaining a Bachelors Degree or a Masters Degree in Film. It's going to mean a lot in many ways. The biggest perks will be discovering the "how to's" and even bigger will be the people that you meet that you will no doubt collaborate with and who will open doors for you in the entertainment field. If you ever wanted to work for a studio, you can be assured that the executives would prefer a degreed professional over a non-degreed professional. So go for it, enjoy every minute of the way. You'll be both challenged and delighted and come out winning if you obtain your degree.
I wish you all the best and if you have anymore questions, remember to return to Career Village !
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI VIDEO https://youtu.be/OSxorNXLxyA?si=WoAUtsv8H8JB7vqZ
LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY YOU TUBE CHANNEL WITH VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/@LindenwoodU
KANSAS CITY ART INSTITUTE YOU TUBE CHANNEL WITH VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/@kansascityartinstitute9862
COLUMBIA COLLEGE YOU TUBE CHANNEL WITH VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/@ColumbiaCollege1851
Film school is very useful. As a matter of fact, it's hard to duplicate the experience you will have in college or private film school with something you can do on your own. You would be learning film from professionals in a very structured way, in an equipped environment, with projects and tasks that would simulate real professional experience. You would learn and demonstrate how to talk and communicate about film and learn about the different roles each professional plays within a film or video project. So yes, it is almost vital that one attends film school if they are planning to have a career in it. The contacts one can make, networking opportunities and the Degree (Bachelors or Masters) from college or film school cannot be equated to any other path. It's the best way to go.
The degree matters a lot. The degree is more than a piece of paper, it documents your qualifications. The degree can be very useful if you ever wanted to go into the business or administrative end of film, too, maybe later on in life and there's also the possibility of teaching later on if you wanted. Sharpening your writing, critiquing and other skills while you are a full time student can also prepare you for writing about film.
The four main colleges in Missouri for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film are the University of Missouri - Columbia, Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Missouri State University - Springfield. In addition to these, the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers both the BFA and MFA programs for Film and Media Arts. Lindenwood University offers programs in Film & Video Production and Film/Cinema/Media Studies. Kansas City Art Institute has a Bachelors program for Film and Video Production. There's a few to choose from right in your state of Missouri ! If by some chance you have the means to move to Hollywood, I would recommend The American Film Institute. Some of the private Film schools in L.A. and New York City such as the AFI are very expensive, though. There are no Community Colleges in Missouri that offer a Film Program.
There are additional colleges in your state that you can also consider for film. Columbia College - Missouri offers a BA in Film Studies with a leaning towards the production end. You would receive hands-on training for all facets of film. It is a four year college with small class size and flexible scheduling. Missouri Western State University has a Film Studies Program and offers film with programs in film production, screenwriting, and film history. Webster University is a private university that offers a Bachelors in Film Studies with an emphasis on production. It also offers a certificate in Film Studies, but check to see if it is a Certificate of Completion because one doesn't need a certification for film. Kansas City Art Institute offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Video Production.
I would advise reading the websites of each college and weighing out their programs, seeing who offers the most and compare tuitions, too. Whenever you get a chance, register for an orientation at as many of the colleges you can to take in the atmosphere and talk with people on campus. You can also go to each college's You Tube Channel and watch presentations of each school. I have left some of the links for you below.
So without hesitation, yes, I do recommend obtaining a Bachelors Degree or a Masters Degree in Film. It's going to mean a lot in many ways. The biggest perks will be discovering the "how to's" and even bigger will be the people that you meet that you will no doubt collaborate with and who will open doors for you in the entertainment field. If you ever wanted to work for a studio, you can be assured that the executives would prefer a degreed professional over a non-degreed professional. So go for it, enjoy every minute of the way. You'll be both challenged and delighted and come out winning if you obtain your degree.
I wish you all the best and if you have anymore questions, remember to return to Career Village !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Michael L. Mizrahi
locations department worker
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Michael L.’s Answer
YES. It's worked out for me, but there are several ways to get into the film business. Everything you do toward your goal matters. There's really no wrong move. Every step moves you forward. 3 month film school got me started. I was the first student to make his short film in a brand new film school. I'm still in touch with the man who started the school and some of my fellow students.
From film school I moved to NYC, and started making content while working as a waiter. My server job gave me a lot of good experience to learn dialogue, humor and network with other filmmakers who starred in my shorts. After 2 years, I landed my 1st production job on a TV show to eventual becoming a full time gig. Today, I'm in the DGA and the Theatrical Teamsters Union local 817.
I did make the mistake of thinking I could work my way up from a PA into the director's chair. It cost me years. It's not necessary although the experience of working on set is priceless. 17 years later I am still in TV/film production making a living. It's demanding work and requires incredible focus, and sacrifice.
I have gone on to study screenwriting at NYU and online at UCLA extension. Those classes, reading scripts, watching movies, expert books, and attending webinars led me to win 13 screenwriting awards, although I'm not making a living at writing yet.
I'm happy doing what I love to do. That sounds like success to me.
From film school I moved to NYC, and started making content while working as a waiter. My server job gave me a lot of good experience to learn dialogue, humor and network with other filmmakers who starred in my shorts. After 2 years, I landed my 1st production job on a TV show to eventual becoming a full time gig. Today, I'm in the DGA and the Theatrical Teamsters Union local 817.
I did make the mistake of thinking I could work my way up from a PA into the director's chair. It cost me years. It's not necessary although the experience of working on set is priceless. 17 years later I am still in TV/film production making a living. It's demanding work and requires incredible focus, and sacrifice.
I have gone on to study screenwriting at NYU and online at UCLA extension. Those classes, reading scripts, watching movies, expert books, and attending webinars led me to win 13 screenwriting awards, although I'm not making a living at writing yet.
I'm happy doing what I love to do. That sounds like success to me.
Kathy Chan
Videographer/Photographer
23
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
My short answer is: no, it does not matter. Many film professionals start off in other career paths that eventually intersected with filmmaking. Getting a job in the film industry does not require a film degree, just the required experience depending on the level of the project.
How useful a Film Degree is, and moreover how useful going to Film School is, is highly dependent on your personal goals. I went to film school because I had a general interest in video creation, but did not have the tools, experience, or knowledge necessary for getting an actual job in the field. As a result, I was able to get more experience as a camera operator, use school projects as an IN for more professional opportunities, and was given the space and environment to make friends and acquaintances that were in the same industry (or similar) that have led to bigger and better job opportunities.
In my experience, most hiring managers or bosses, are more concerned with your skills on the field. Your level of expertise in film equipment, your skills using specific editing software, and primarily what your portfolio looks like is way more important than your having a film degree. As a videographer, if you've never been to film school but have a very impressive portfolio - you're getting the job.
I personally would have pursued a different, more versatile, degree but I do not regret the connections and experiences I was able to get from going to school for Film. If you value having a clearer focus working on creative project, honing in on your craft, and generally not having to worry about other non-related assignments or tasks, then film school may be for you.
How useful a Film Degree is, and moreover how useful going to Film School is, is highly dependent on your personal goals. I went to film school because I had a general interest in video creation, but did not have the tools, experience, or knowledge necessary for getting an actual job in the field. As a result, I was able to get more experience as a camera operator, use school projects as an IN for more professional opportunities, and was given the space and environment to make friends and acquaintances that were in the same industry (or similar) that have led to bigger and better job opportunities.
In my experience, most hiring managers or bosses, are more concerned with your skills on the field. Your level of expertise in film equipment, your skills using specific editing software, and primarily what your portfolio looks like is way more important than your having a film degree. As a videographer, if you've never been to film school but have a very impressive portfolio - you're getting the job.
I personally would have pursued a different, more versatile, degree but I do not regret the connections and experiences I was able to get from going to school for Film. If you value having a clearer focus working on creative project, honing in on your craft, and generally not having to worry about other non-related assignments or tasks, then film school may be for you.
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
118
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Film school, like any arts school, is not what's important. It's what you do with the information that you learn. If you go into any kind of arts school thinking "I'm going to treat this like how a STEM Major or Business Major does school and just take classes and get a basic starter job after I graduate" then you won't really get what you want out of school. For all arts, school is a place to hon in on your craft, learn more things about yourself, the industry, and what exactly you can do with a degree in your chosen field. After that, there's networking and starting your work. Much of the entertainment industry is by project. You may find an awesome project but that will end unless you're working for a studio or production company or something. School is just one way to gain experience and give you the tools you need to succeed. You could also intern for a company, find someone you know (or like a friend of a friend) to teach or mentor you in the industry. You can even start using YouTube and other free resources and start with making a YouTube channel or something. In the arts, there are no rules. It's just whatever will work for you. If you think getting your degree in film studies will help you and push you to do the things you want to do, then do it. If you are just using school as a way to say you have a degree but not do extra work outside of school itself, then I would wait and focus on your craft a different way. I tell everyone I see going into any arts school: it won't matter at all if you only do the school part. Obviously engage in classes and learn that way, but then APPLY what you learn in your OWN projects outside of school. Look for work on your own. Network on your own. Assist other people on work. Do everything in your power while in school to get even more experience.
In all honesty, the degree won't really matter- it's the skills you learn in school that will matter. Take my degree. I'm finishing a degree in audio production and music business and I work as a live sound engineer and music producer. My skills and resume are not any more impressive than someone without a degree doing the same thing as me, however I have extra help because I went to school for it. If I'm competing fora job with someone without a degree who's better at what I do, then they will still get the job. So, by all means go to school, but for the right reasons!!
In all honesty, the degree won't really matter- it's the skills you learn in school that will matter. Take my degree. I'm finishing a degree in audio production and music business and I work as a live sound engineer and music producer. My skills and resume are not any more impressive than someone without a degree doing the same thing as me, however I have extra help because I went to school for it. If I'm competing fora job with someone without a degree who's better at what I do, then they will still get the job. So, by all means go to school, but for the right reasons!!
Hank Isaac
Writer/Director
39
Answers
Ocean Shores, Washington
Updated
Hank’s Answer
I used to teach all aspects of screenwriting & filmmaking at the college level. My short answers are, "Not much," and, "No."
It's good to have a degree (maybe) but not necessarily in film. Why? In not one of my projects did I ever ask anyone who worked on it: Do you have a degree from a film school? I don't know of anyone who ever has asked that.
The first thing to establish is your goal. Is it to get a degree in some aspect of filmmaking or is it to work in the film industry. They are not the same.
If I could map out the best scenario, albeit the riskiest one, I would suggest taking all the money you plan to spend on film school, move close (but economically feasibly) to one of the established centers of filmmaking (Like Burbank, for example), then work to apprentice yourself to as many professional-level film productions as you can stand. You will likely start out working for just meals (hence the initial finances). But if you establish yourself as a go-to person, you will (1) get noticed and (2) likely get hired.
However, do not rent an apartment with like three "losers" who party all day and don't pony up their share of things. If you need roomies, find serious-minded ones.
Consider this, too: People say you make connections in film school. But the connections you make are all at your level. None of your fellow students is already an A-List Producer or Director. So you spend between two and four years "learning" the biz only to be in the same place at the end. Maybe with a tiny bit of knowledge.
If you want someone to "pull you up," they need to already be above you. The simple gravity & physics of life.
Even in the modern world, filmmaking is closer to ancient times in terms of how things are run than it is to the modern world of business. It's all like wildcatting for oil, but without the mess. It's a very apprentice-driven system.
All of my advice is predicated on the belief you want to actually work in the industry.
So be a cat, not a dog. You can take a train, three busses, rent a bicycle, then walk a bit. Or you can charter a plane and skydive in.
Which method do you think folks will notice?
If you chose my route, determine what finances you might have available.
Figure out how much doing this for a year will cost. In total. Don't do it if you can't afford it.
Make a "battle plan" to figure out how you will introduce yourself to productions.
Find out where the "important people" hang out in town. Visit often.
Have a ready but sensible (and maybe even intriguing) answer when you're asked, "Why do you want to do this?"
It's good to have a degree (maybe) but not necessarily in film. Why? In not one of my projects did I ever ask anyone who worked on it: Do you have a degree from a film school? I don't know of anyone who ever has asked that.
The first thing to establish is your goal. Is it to get a degree in some aspect of filmmaking or is it to work in the film industry. They are not the same.
If I could map out the best scenario, albeit the riskiest one, I would suggest taking all the money you plan to spend on film school, move close (but economically feasibly) to one of the established centers of filmmaking (Like Burbank, for example), then work to apprentice yourself to as many professional-level film productions as you can stand. You will likely start out working for just meals (hence the initial finances). But if you establish yourself as a go-to person, you will (1) get noticed and (2) likely get hired.
However, do not rent an apartment with like three "losers" who party all day and don't pony up their share of things. If you need roomies, find serious-minded ones.
Consider this, too: People say you make connections in film school. But the connections you make are all at your level. None of your fellow students is already an A-List Producer or Director. So you spend between two and four years "learning" the biz only to be in the same place at the end. Maybe with a tiny bit of knowledge.
If you want someone to "pull you up," they need to already be above you. The simple gravity & physics of life.
Even in the modern world, filmmaking is closer to ancient times in terms of how things are run than it is to the modern world of business. It's all like wildcatting for oil, but without the mess. It's a very apprentice-driven system.
All of my advice is predicated on the belief you want to actually work in the industry.
So be a cat, not a dog. You can take a train, three busses, rent a bicycle, then walk a bit. Or you can charter a plane and skydive in.
Which method do you think folks will notice?
Hank recommends the following next steps:
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
51
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Ask ten individuals for their thoughts on a particular topic, and you'll likely receive a colorful array of 17 different perspectives!
Greetings, my fellow St. Louisan!
I'm a proud product of St. Louis, having graduated from Ladue High School before setting off to the University of Southern California Film School in Los Angeles. That was a pivotal leap I took 51 years ago this very month (September 2024), and I've never once regretted it. Yes, times have changed, but the one constant I can attest to is the value of my education.
Truth be told, I wasn't the biggest fan of college life, but I pushed through, graduated with honors, and worked tirelessly throughout. I even managed to complete my degree in just 3.5 years. And the payoff? It was more significant than I could have imagined. At the young age of 23, I landed a development deal at Disney, who were on the hunt for fresh, young filmmakers emerging from a solid college background.
Over time, I transitioned into the marketing side of the entertainment business, working at the broadcast networks. But the essence of my work remained the same: telling compelling stories, captivating audiences emotionally, and ensuring a satisfying payoff that leaves them wanting more.
In today's world, camera work, editing, and video production are as commonplace as using your phone or computer. So, my advice to you? Dream up a captivating short story, then go out there and bring it to life. Repeat this process, honing your skills with each new project. By the time you start formal filmmaking classes, you'll hopefully have developed a strong skill set and be ready to delve into the areas you're truly passionate about.
Remember, networking is key in this industry. The old adage rings true: It's not just about what you know, but who you know.
Here's wishing you all the best on your journey. Cheers to your success!
Greetings, my fellow St. Louisan!
I'm a proud product of St. Louis, having graduated from Ladue High School before setting off to the University of Southern California Film School in Los Angeles. That was a pivotal leap I took 51 years ago this very month (September 2024), and I've never once regretted it. Yes, times have changed, but the one constant I can attest to is the value of my education.
Truth be told, I wasn't the biggest fan of college life, but I pushed through, graduated with honors, and worked tirelessly throughout. I even managed to complete my degree in just 3.5 years. And the payoff? It was more significant than I could have imagined. At the young age of 23, I landed a development deal at Disney, who were on the hunt for fresh, young filmmakers emerging from a solid college background.
Over time, I transitioned into the marketing side of the entertainment business, working at the broadcast networks. But the essence of my work remained the same: telling compelling stories, captivating audiences emotionally, and ensuring a satisfying payoff that leaves them wanting more.
In today's world, camera work, editing, and video production are as commonplace as using your phone or computer. So, my advice to you? Dream up a captivating short story, then go out there and bring it to life. Repeat this process, honing your skills with each new project. By the time you start formal filmmaking classes, you'll hopefully have developed a strong skill set and be ready to delve into the areas you're truly passionate about.
Remember, networking is key in this industry. The old adage rings true: It's not just about what you know, but who you know.
Here's wishing you all the best on your journey. Cheers to your success!
Patrick Bohan
Screenwriter
3
Answers
Key Largo, Florida
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Film school is a great place to be in an environment with like minded individuals and to have access to the facilities and equipment to produce a professional quality film. That being said, it is not a requirement to work in the film industry. The film industry is a creative industry and is looking for talent. You need to write a good script, shoot a good reel, and/or prove you have the skills to contribute to the industry. Also connections. If you can afford film school it can help you in many ways. But it is not a requirement.
Lirio Delgado
201
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Lirio’s Answer
Film school can be very useful, especially for gaining practical skills, learning about the industry, and building a network. You'll have access to equipment, workshops, and mentorship from experienced professionals.
However, whether the degree matters can vary. Some successful filmmakers don’t have formal degrees, while others find that a degree helps them stand out. It really depends on your career goals and how you want to enter the industry. Many people value a strong portfolio and real-world experience just as much, if not more, than a degree. Ultimately, it’s about what you learn and how you apply it.
However, whether the degree matters can vary. Some successful filmmakers don’t have formal degrees, while others find that a degree helps them stand out. It really depends on your career goals and how you want to enter the industry. Many people value a strong portfolio and real-world experience just as much, if not more, than a degree. Ultimately, it’s about what you learn and how you apply it.
Annaleigh Niedzielski
Videographer, Producer, Assistant Director
65
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Annaleigh’s Answer
Hey Mitchell!
You definitely don’t necessarily need a degree to work in film! Many successful filmmakers, cinematographers, and other industry professionals have built their careers without formal education. Skills and experience often matter more than a degree. You can learn a lot through hands-on experience, online courses, workshops, and by networking with others in the field. However, a degree can provide valuable knowledge, connections, and a structured learning environment if you choose that path. Ultimately, it depends on your goals and how you prefer to learn!
You definitely don’t necessarily need a degree to work in film! Many successful filmmakers, cinematographers, and other industry professionals have built their careers without formal education. Skills and experience often matter more than a degree. You can learn a lot through hands-on experience, online courses, workshops, and by networking with others in the field. However, a degree can provide valuable knowledge, connections, and a structured learning environment if you choose that path. Ultimately, it depends on your goals and how you prefer to learn!
Yingna Wu
Film director / producer
14
Answers
Pasadena, California
Updated
Yingna’s Answer
Good question. One does not need to attend a film school to be a great film director. Too many examples. Stanley Kubrick.
Film school is very expensive. So be prepared for that.
If a project wants to hire a film director, the recruiter won't be interested in your degrees, they will look at your portfolio.
One can definitely be a film director by learning on the job.
But I attended a film school. I learned all trades of filmmaking within 2 years: screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and even acting. The benefits of attending a film school is that you learn everything within a very short period of time in a very intensive program.
Hope this is helpful.
Film school is very expensive. So be prepared for that.
If a project wants to hire a film director, the recruiter won't be interested in your degrees, they will look at your portfolio.
One can definitely be a film director by learning on the job.
But I attended a film school. I learned all trades of filmmaking within 2 years: screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and even acting. The benefits of attending a film school is that you learn everything within a very short period of time in a very intensive program.
Hope this is helpful.