So, you want to be a filmmaker? Wanna see your name in the big lights? Work with your heroes? Or maybe you just hanker to put your art out into the world! Whatever the case may be, everyone has to start somewhere, and if you’re here, then I’m sure you’ve already begun weighing your options. Luckily for you, this article is going to help you do just that.
In the dark of the night, by laptop light, you Googled, “HOW DO I BECOME A FILMMAKER?!!?! AAAAAHHHHHH!!!” and something caught your eye: film school? A school for film? It’s real, baby. Now the question becomes: Is it worth it? Well, I spoke to a group of independent filmmakers at the Portland Film Festival, and their answer is: it depends. Let’s get into it.
First of all, when considering film school, you must factor in your budget. Film school is a financial commitment that not everyone can afford. Whether you’re gunning for a 4-year bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree, you must ensure your filmmaking endeavors aren’t going to put you out on the streets. An independent filmmaker I spoke to, Karina Ezitis (who recently put out a feature-length documentary by the name of Row Don’t Drift: An American Legacy—check it out!), asserts that if you don’t have the scratch for film school, you are significantly better off putting your money towards projects of your own. In the words of Karina herself, “People don’t care about your resumé, they care about your work.” That is to say, whether you attend a fancy film school or not, the quality of your work will speak for itself, so bolster that portfolio, baby!
But if that’s the case, why even go to film school? Well, the film industry, as you’ve likely gathered, is about your connections as much as it’s about your individual artistic or technical capabilities. You see, film school just so happens to be a prime location for networking. You’ll be surrounded by aspiring filmmakers such as yourself, and you never know; the quiet kid in your film analysis class could very well be the next Tarantino (if not you, duh)! The point is, the more connections you have, the more opportunity you’re sending your way. Another film school 101? Make sure to never let those connections fizzle out. A volunteer at the Portland Film Festival, Allison Ewert (who also happens to be a phenomenal puppeteer), notes that most of the work she’s come by has fallen into her lap because she asked her filmmaking peers what they’re up to. Really, it’s that simple! Most people are eager to help as well as eager for help. You never know what opportunities may come your way by knocking on someone’s door.
Another benefit of film school is that you will be under the tutelage of professors, most of whom have had real experience in the business. They know what you’re up against, and as such, who better to prepare you for the trials to come? Not only will you be taught the fundamentals of the technology, but you’ll be exposed to expansive discussions, the history of film, and how to analyze the formal elements of film, which is a great way to broaden your horizons as an artist. It is also helpful for many to have a set curriculum to assist them in parsing all of the endless information there is on film. If you’re someone who doesn’t know where to begin, why not have someone tell you?
Most film schools also rent out equipment for free. If you can’t afford your own fancy camera, your school will likely be host to a treasure trove of goodies you can test out whenever you please. Just don’t break ‘em… that’d be one expensive mistake, believe you me.
What are the alternatives to film school? According to Jack Coleman, a NYU film graduate and ex-film professor, workshops are your best friend – after graduating from film school, he was regretful that he hadn’t studied under documentarians, so what did he do? He went to workshops for documentary filmmaking and filled in the gaps in his knowledge. Karina notes that screenwriting and production workshops are integral for any filmmaker. “Good scripts always sell... If you have the right connections,” she says, but learning how to produce your own film is key if you want to execute your vision.
It is often said that everything you can learn in film school, you can learn online, and for the most part, this is 100% true! While film professors offer valuable insight and structure for your learning, you are absolutely capable of teaching yourself about cinematography from the comfort of your own home, either by using YouTube tutorials or by reading up on camera angles at your local library. As for attaining equipment, we talked about how film schools supply their students with free rentals, but fear not! There are plenty of equipment rental stores out there that offer a wide selection of audiovisual equipment. While it is obviously preferable to have your own equipment that you are familiar with handling and that is constantly available to you, it’s always nice to have a backup plan.
Success comes in all shapes and sizes. Graduating from film school does not guarantee you a career, but if you can afford it, it certainly has its benefits. But the one thing the independent filmmakers at the Portland Film Festival wanted me to pass on to you is that whether or not you attend film school, follow your dreams!
