The question of whether it’s wise to spend all that time and money on film school could be answered by a simple question: What’s your strategy? If your strategy is to follow the path of some of your favorite indie filmmakers (Tarantino, Cameron, Nolan) – to build yourself up from nothing, make small, no-budget shorts that lead up to your first feature and then take it from there – then the answer is no, you don’t really need film school.
The money you’ll spend on film school could be used to make a pretty sizable feature film, and you might be able to squeeze a name actor in there as well. Here is my take on whether film school is worth the cost. If your strategy is to be hired in the industry, i.e., work in television, or as a cinematographer, makeup artist, or gaffer, and you have the money to spare – sure, go for it. Film school is an excellent place to meet people and make connections. In fact, I think that is one of its biggest benefits. At the end of the day, the only way to learn to make a movie is by making a movie. Theoretical knowledge is great, but it’s not going to turn you into a filmmaker. If you want to be a filmmaker you’ll need to make some films. It’s as simple as that.
“All You need to make a movie is a gun and a girl.”
~ Jean-LucGodard
