Is Film School Worth It?

A lot of people ask me my opinion on film school and whether or not you should go. But I think this is the wrong question. It's not about whether or not you go to film school. It's about something else entirely.

#screenwriting #FilmSchool

[wasifali]

Film school does the following
-Gives you an opportunity to make films
-Gives you deadlines to meet
-Teaches you to work well with others
And the most important thing
-It helps you discover who you really are as an individual & a creative.
-From time to time let's you interact with Industry Talent.
-Provides you with opportunities to work on a set.
-Acts as a gateway into the industry.
It does not do the following
-Teach you how to make films because that is what you learn on your own. All you learn are the rules & conventions which guide you in learning how to make films.

[coreyroberson]

After getting a degree in film, I learned two important things:
- You don't need a degree to work in film.
- A film degree doesn't get you a job anywhere else.

That doesn't mean it's not worth doing; you still learn great things and get to network. But the degree itself is no guarantee of success.

I also saw several people finish a film degree and then, with no clear future, go on to pay many times more for post-grad film studies. They could have made several low budget features for the amount their tuition cost.

[sangria-margarita]

Imagine one of your subscribers becomes the next Spielberg or Burton

[DE-lvxl]

This is actually, why I wanna be a writer. I mean today, in most of industries you can be succesful only if you have a friend at court. But on writing industry all you have is your talent. Isnt it obvious? You can not fake writing.

[CaleighGulsby]

Because I worked my ass off in high school, I am actually going to college for free in my state. Due to this I feel film school is my path. I thrive in school environments and I’m excited to go in the fall.

[vollkarmoviies]

Film School would have been great if it was affordable and cost effective. Everyone wants the confidence education can bring. It’s not the time people spend that is the problem, it’s the money which most often doesn’t feel equally proportional to the returns it offers.

[LycanVisuals]

If I could afford it I'd go to NYU, USC or AFI especially for networking but I'm surrounded by corn here lol

[jadennavarrofilms]

I’m a senior in high school. I believe that I need to go to film school so I may have a better grasp and understanding of film as a whole rather than know nothing or just learning on the internet. And most of what I hear for getting I to the industry is not your degree but what you have made. That’s my reason. Thanks for the video!

[psychedlic]

I just got my film school certification. I want to be a screenwriter and direct. Finished my first script working on my 2nd, already have an idea for the 3rd script. Its hard work. You have to be ahead of everything and accept criticism. If you're a procastinator, youre not going to make it.

[awr]

Thanks alot for this man im 16 and really in a position where i need to figure out a plan and this was really helpful and reassuring. Been watching your vids for awhile man keep up the great work.

[N.Traveler]

If you intend on going to film school, you should be doing it for the connections and internship/exchange opportunities, NOT for the actual information or courses. You could be spending the money for that tuition on funding your own movie, hiring editors, agents or pitch meetings/courses. J.K. Rowling didn't study writing and Harry Potter was rejected, I believe, 18 times. The same goes for Stranger Things and Breaking Bad. You have to just be persistent, patient and, most of all, passionate.

[rosem]

I applied to university.. Yesterday and... This calmed me down. I completely agree with what you said. It truly depends on the person and how they work. I started to individually study film about two years ago. Sure I have experience, but on a personal note feel like I need that push and pressure from a school. Regardless, thank you for the video!

[crayamx]

This is a proper lesson for all paths in life. Good job on the video. Every successful person not born into wealth has worked hard - it's the one thing that they all have in common.

[CrystalHairston]

I’m still wrestling with my decision to go to film school or not. I’m thinking of going for writing instead bc that degree has a broader job field. I’d be qualified to work writing for movies & tv which is what I really wanna do.

[indiefilmcomposer]

Very good call out, I am a part time composer and have had the chance to work with USC film school a
Alumni on a few indie features and would just add one important a lot about positioning the big schools position you better in the industry you get introduced to the contacts, you intern with proven directors, etc etc....this is those schools are so challenging

[TheDecEditz]

Brilliant video and explained VERY well. I'm 20 and this is my second attempt at university studying film and I just can't get my head around it. I've learned more by doing my own research and going out there and making my own films. The only way I learn more about the craft is by DOING and it feels like university is slowing me down 100%. Nobody around me (On my course) actually want's to do film in the future so it begs the question: why am I still here? This video has motivated me to continue doing what I love and continue working at my own pace and making films.

[drewdejesus]

19 and just starting the grind! Cool to see someone my age help out his peers ❤️

[darryl]

Thank you, dude. That was quite helpful to me. I mean, I already guessed the answer, but hearing it from you truly gave me a good vote. Know I know what I must do.

[AxelAxe]

Constantly work and keep seeking out information. Totally agree. Really good video Tyler. I like that you’re keeping it honest and right in point. I would love to read some of your scripts and make a film together.

[daviddelayat-dnapictures]

I love the way you answer questions, it looks exactly like how you work on your screenplay : You look deeper and deeper and ask yourself "What's the true question behind it ?" and it's great because most of the time you don't end with a yes or no answer, but the viewer makes his decision.
Your YT videos are well written and thought, I would love to find a way doing the same !
Greetings for France