If you would like to sharpen your filmmaking skills while becoming immersed in your craft, then attending a film school is a must. Not only will you be able to learn the basic principles of film making but you will also be provided with opportunities to develop your own original sense of style.
However, there are so many amazing film schools out there that picking the best one for your needs can feel overwhelming. So, to make your search a little easier, let us discover 3 key factors to keep in mind when looking for a film school.
Location
It might seem intuitive, but when choosing a film school, it is important to take location into consideration. Ideally you need to find a school somewhere that you would feel comfortable living in or can commute to easily. The location of a film school can have a significant impact on your career opportunities, so you might want to consider searching for film schools in bustling cities with plenty of exciting shooting locations and paid opportunities. Essentially, finding a location where you can eventually launch a career can often prove to be lucrative.
That being said, if you already work in the film industry or are looking for ways to build on your existing skills, you could always complete some classes from an online film school. Online film schools have come a long way in recent years, and so, alongside online lectures and resources that can be accessed on a schedule that suits your lifestyle, there are also plenty of opportunities for hands on activities with fellow students. Tempted to learn more? Friends in Film is an online film school that works with an Atlanta film school to provide a wide range of film tuition options. You can find further information on their website.
Values
When narrowing down your shortlist, pay close attention to the focus of your chosen schools. Schools, colleges, and universities with dedicated film programs should be a priority. Otherwise, you might run the risk of attending an institution with a small and understaffed film program. Correspondingly, aim to seek out institutions that can provide exceptional resources, qualified and experienced teachers, and in-depth programs with free choice modules that cater to your personal learning goals.
Accordingly, if you have ambitions to work in roles that involve directing or sound technology, you should also look for courses with classes and modules that address these topics. Comparatively, if you are interested in the more corporate side of the film industry such as accounting, advertising, or marketing, then you might find it beneficial to look for institutions that offer more traditional courses along with opportunities to develop complementary skills so that you have as many transferrable skills as possible.
Sense of Community
Film schools provide unrivalled networking opportunities in a natural setting. Surrounding yourself with other filmmakers is incredibly motivational and learning from your peers is the best way to improve your film industry knowledge all while forming worthwhile connections to people with shared interests. Moreover, it can be helpful to check that the film schools you are considering can demonstrate an active involvement in the local film scene. This ensures that you will be provided with plenty of opportunities to put your skills to good use.
Furthermore, you might even want to look for film festivals that take place in the area where your chosen film schools are based. Areas that already have an established culture of watching and creating films can cultivate an environment that is conducive to filmmaking and this can facilitate with turning your interests into a career and lifestyle. Finally, check out what current students have to say about the courses that interest you. Likewise, do not be afraid to ask questions about opportunities to join in with any networking events to further deepen your understanding of the film industry so that you can make the right choices.
Ultimately, it is no secret that the journey to be coming a recognized filmmaker can be challenging. Above all, when combined with a strong sense of determination, and a willingness to experiment with new ideas, finding a film school that meets your expectations can equip you for a rewarding career that should bring you joy for many years to come.
One way to boost your filmmaking knowledge is by studying the work of respected directors. To learn more, take a look at these useful tips from famous film directors.
