What I Think About Film School (and Most Useless Majors)
Let's cut straight to the chase — is film school worth it in today's age? My answer will piss some people off. For most aspiring filmmakers, probably not. Not anymore, at least. My blunt take: If you can build a career without college, do it. Need to learn the ropes? YouTube, books, and mentorship.
The Real Cost of Film School
Top film schools can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 per year. That's potentially a quarter-million dollars for a four-year degree.
When Film School Makes Sense
I think there's specific scenarios where film school can be valuable to a person:
You have a full scholarship or rich parents.
You're specifically interested in debating other film nerds.
You want to teach film at an academic level.
You're emotionally attached to the idea of attending.
If you're thinking "but film school is where you meet connections"—film school is where you meet other film students and faculty who MIGHT work on something in the future. I've met several producers by simply DMing them on Instagram. They're people too. Also, film school doesn't guarantee employment in an already shaken-up industry. Even degree-required professions don't guarantee employment.
I once had a person tell me "Yes, but film school is akin to a mentor teaching guitar lessons to a student." That's bullshit. If guitar lessons and filmmaking lessons were comparable, you'd shadow someone who knows what they're doing. Not sell your kidneys to be lectured about the cinema from the 1940s.
When someone tells me they went to college for filmmaking, photography (or insert common low-yield majors), my thought process goes like:
You're making a volatile, bold bet on yourself to break even/make a profit in a highly competitive field with a high failure rate. A hobbyist with steady income has better odds because they're not desperate to recoup their "investment."
Doctors take YEARS to pay off their student loans. Yes, medical school is more expensive, but being a doctor has a high success rate and pays well.
The Success Stories You Don't Hear About
Let me tell you two quick stories that changed my perspective on film education:
First, there's the Dog Walker. She graduated Columbia University as a film major 20 years ago. She currently works full-time as a dog walker.
Then there's the Stoner. A guy who had absolutely no interest in working in the film industry and lived nowhere near major production hubs like Los Angeles or New York. He became a location scout because he smoked pot with a few producers outside a bar. Did he know the skills? No, but he learned on the fly.
What did he do exactly to land it? The producers had a location scouting issue, he made a good suggestion. Producers asked for more suggestions. It's also important to note, he essentially sold his personality before selling his "skills." He was likable and easy to get along with. People like working with people they can get along with. That being said, networking comes in a variety of ways. Does film school help? It could, but nothing is guaranteed. You don't need film school to network in the film industry. Graduating from film school doesn't guarantee you'll get a job in film. Graduating from a vast majority of colleges doesn't guarantee a job.
You can find active filmmakers online:
The indie filmmaker who shared their latest project yesterday.
The Netflix producer who likes to scroll threads, but doesn't post much.
The screenwriter who sold 6 scripts who shares writing tips on Instagram.
You can find active filmmakers offline:
The director at film screenings.
The actor who needs more roles for their portfolio.
The local beginner who's looking for work.
The Alternative Path
Instead of film school, consider this proven approach:
Watch films actively with a notebook. Study shots, transitions, and storytelling.
Devour free YouTube tutorials from working professionals.
Read filmmaking books (much cheaper than tuition).
Buy a digital product: like directing with Martin Scorsese, or writing with Aaron Sorkin.
Most importantly: CREATE. Then create some more.
The Smart Compromise
The reason why most people go to college is because they want more job opportunities. I would argue a film degree limits those opportunities. Most film majors I know work a corporate video job, or do the grunt work of production.
If you still want a degree, consider majoring in communications, marketing, maybe even business administration. Then pursue filmmaking on the side. You'll get broader skills, more career options, and save a ton of money. Plus, you can still get the same jobs you would as if you went the film degree route.
If you want to make a living from your passion, don't go to school for it. Just create because you're passionate. The Beatles didn't go to music school. Leonardo da Vinci didn't go to art school. Quentin Tarantino didn't go to film school. They learned by doing.
The truth is, the film industry cares more about your portfolio than your diploma. Imagine you wrote a masterpiece and you need to pitch it to a major studio. In a meeting, it's better to have proof of experience than proof of knowledge.
The Bottom Line
The best film school is the one you create for yourself through constant creation, learning, and real-world experience. Your $250,000 would be better spent creating a strong portfolio to showcase your talents. The industry doesn't ask where you studied—they ask what you've made.
Agree with me? Great!
Don't? That's alright too.
World's not ending either way.
-Kev
