Film Schools and Workshops

Film school is a broad concept when first envisioned. It encompasses much in the television and film industries, from independent documentaries to feature productions, from directing to cinematography to actors to technical operators working behind the scenes. In reality, film school is usually about production, directing, writing, and cinematography. If there is a specific job you know you want to perform in the film industry, check out our section on film making.

Program Types

There are various program types for film schools.

• Short-term
Filmmaking workshops usually only last a matter of days, but they may be preferable depending upon your schedule.
• Immersion programs
These programs provide hands-on training in very specific fields and generally run from 6 to 12 months.
• Associate programs
These are 2-year degrees in various fields. This degrees provide a broader education while still focusing on a specific program.
• Bachelor degrees
These are 4-year degrees generally earned at a college or university. They give you a broad range of exposure to film, and you will occasionally take courses unrelated to film.

Film Schools

I would love to tell you to attend a Christian film school so we can all support each other as fellow believers. But if you are going to film school to learn about film from masters of the craft, rather than to explicitly study theology, you should evaluate your options accordingly. To determine whether to attend a Christian film program, a secular program, or no film program at all, you should follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. Any school should be evaluated critically with an eye toward the future.

There are alternatives to traditional film school, such as online school. However, I try to deter aspiring filmmakers from taking this path, because the art of filmmaking is best learned through experience. An exception might be made if the online program in question also has a quality internship program.

A second alternative to traditional film school is the ultimate hands-on learning approach. One such hands-on school that is worth looking into is Film Connection.

Bottom line? Research, plan, and pray.

Research Film Schools

1. U.S. and International Film School List
This is a web site which boasts a listing of over 900 film schools, separated by country. It will provide you with a few reviews, but mostly contains information on cost range, film formats used, and contact information.
2. U.S. Film School Reviews
This site houses information on U.S. film schools specifically, and provides reviews by people who have attended the schools they review. Be prepared, because the site is not organized well. For example, there are 27 separate listings for Florida State University (e.g. Florida state, FSU, FSU film school). Take the ratings with a grain of salt, since the old rating method was Yes/No, with “Yes” ratings being given a 10, and “No” ratings a 1. Instead, focus on the reviews, which go back over ten years.
3. The Film School Directory
This site is owned by Monster.com and is pretty poor. You can find all the same links and schools at the other sites, except this one lists a few stunt schools which are excluded elsewhere. The articles here are somewhat informative, such as this one by Andy Crosier.

What Should I Focus on When Looking for a Film School?

First, define what you hope to do in the industry and whether you wish to be involved in film or television. This will narrow down the numerous choices that are available. Of course, cost is always a concern as well. Many students who have an intention of making Christian films come out of school with $20-40,000 in debt, and they are forced into secular film production by market forces. While this is not inherently bad, you should be aware that poor financial planning may cause you to turn away from prior hopes and plans.

The school you choose may or may not effect your rise in the industry. “Brand names” like USC, UCLA, and NYU can help open doors and put you in touch with valuable contacts, much like Harvard Law in the legal field, but ultimately talent is the must-have. Don’t deceive yourself into thinking that a school’s name will make up for an overwhelming lack of talent or natural proclivity.

Ask Yourself the Following Questions

What are the strengths and focuses of this film school?

Not every school manages to be everything to everyone. Each school has strengths and weaknesses. Not sure what they are? Go for an interview. You are as much interviewing them as they are you. Do not be afraid; take the time and exert the effort to find the school that will equip you to achieve your goals.

Who is on faculty?

The background and achievements of the instructors at the school speak volumes about what is important to the school. If there are many faculty in one area, that likely indicates an area of focus and strength. Few faculty in another area likely signals a weakness. Do the faculty actively work in the industry? Hands-on work is vital, so you should find out how much time the instructors devote to classroom instruction versus, for example, how much time they spend behind a camera or in the editing studio. Review some of their work, and remember that you are interviewing them too.

Are related film or non-film classes offered?

Classes that are not specifically related to your film concentration, such as business courses or historical studies, are more likely to be available at a university or college. If you want to get exposure to another film concentration, or even get a second major in another discipline, be sure to consider the quantity and quality of the school’s other programs.

Do you want to get started with filmmaking while still in school?

If the answer is yes, that will narrow down your list of options. If your answer is no, how come? The best way to learn is by getting some experience and making a few mistakes. Experience in filmmaking will also give you a competitive edge when it comes to finding a job.

How good is the school’s placement program? Do they offer internships?

When you graduate, you don’t want to be left hanging, without contacts or filmography. The best film schools provide you with valuable experience in school, and a few quality contacts that will help you to find work after school.

Personal traits

Have you ever watched American Idol? Why do so many people without talent try out? Don’t they know they aren’t gifted? As Christians, it is important to seek godly counsel, pray, and honestly evaluate our own gifts given to us by the Lord. Don’t be afraid to relinquish an interest in directing if you come to find out that you are much better at editing.

Many people, Americans especially, do not want to put in the effort necessary to become a true craftsman in their field. Take your time, plan, learn the processes. Don’t bother producing a substandard product. Learn about each pre-production, production, and post-production role. Film school may be the most direct and simple route to do this, but it’s not for everyone. To get some insight on film school from other Christian filmmakers, check out our forum thread on whether or not to go to film school.

If you are unsure what you wish to do in the film industry, go to a school with many different fields of study available. If you know that you have the makings of a director, then choose the best school for directors. If you wish to be an actor, then look for an acting school, which is not the same as film school. Knowing yourself and your goals is just as important as knowing the school.

Whether you attend film school, acting school, nursing school, or any other educational program, look inward and upward to find the direction and joy that come from following God’s will for your life. No matter what you do and no matter what life brings, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).

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