Finding A Film School

From the USA Study Guide:

Another factor in choosing a film school is location. If you would like to remain closer to home, then check the film schools in your area. Many of the most acclaimed film schools are located in New York and in Los Angeles, as they are the two major film centers in the United States. You may want to choose a film school in one of these or another major city, because it will give you a chance to be close to the film industry. This opens up more opportunities for you to get an film-related internship or job.

• Film School, Film Making School, Film Directing Schools That Meet Your Career Needs

Depending on what branch of film most interests you, you will want to select a film school with a degree/program that will aid you in your particular field of interest.

There are three major types of film schools. Industry film schools are film schools that prepare you for a career in Hollywood and teach you how best to go about selling your movie ideas to producers. Independent film school will help you if you want to produce major films outside of the Hollywood system. Experimental film school does not teach the financial and business side of film, but focuses on the artistic side of film.

• Film School Degrees vs. Film School Diplomas

Another very important factor when choosing a film school is knowing what the film schools offer you upon graduation. Some film schools will offer a degree, and some will offer a diploma upon completion of the course, but no degree. That is not to say that the programs are not recognized by the film industry, however. Many of the film degrees available are MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Degrees. To be considered for admission into a film school program of this nature, you must already have an undergraduate degree.

If possible, visit the film schools or film directing schools you are seriously considering attending. Make sure that you like the campus, city, and program they have to offer. You are given many options when looking for a film school. Make sure you choose the one that is right for you.

Applying to Film School and Film Making Schools

When applying to a film school or a number of film schools, you will be asked to provide them with various items to demonstrate your ability as a film-maker and prospective film school student. You may want to start early accumulating things that will look impressive in order to be admitted to your first choice film school.

Preparing Your Film School Résumé

The first item you will be asked to submit will be a résumé. In addition to the things you would put on any college application, you will want to focus on certain things. Many film schools look for students with advanced writing skills. Taking writing classes will give you an edge. Acting and theater-related classes will also help you, especially if you hope to specialize in directing during your film school career. Directing requires you to be able to relate and effectively communicate with the actors you are working with. Also, be sure to include any previous movie production experience you have, if any.

Making a Application Film for Film School

The other, equally important thing that a film school will want to see is a sample movie. Film schools want to see you in action. They want to see an example of your film production abilities. If you don’t have a video camera yourself, try to borrow one from a friend. The movie should not be very long. It should probably be between 5 and 10 minutes. Make multiple movies. Watch them with others and have them give you feedback. Your films will get progressively better as you gain more experience. With this information in mind, you may want to take different extra-curricular film programs and attend film camps to give yourself an extra edge in the competition for film school admission.

Other Requirements for Film School Applications

Some film schools may ask for other things, including a screenplay other example of your writing, an animation storyboard, or photographs. Much of it depends on the individual film schools, and what area of film you want to enter. For example, if you wanted to enter animation, you would most likely need to send your prospective film school drawings. Be sure to check the admission requirements for your specific film school.