There's more than one way to break into filmmaking, but a college education
is a good starting point.
Luke van Dyk is the head engineer in television for a graduate film program.
"The film history component of it is a very important part of it,"
he says. "[Because of] the nature of composition and storytelling, a college
education becomes important."
A number of universities and colleges will prepare you for a career in
filmmaking through their four-year bachelor's programs in fine arts.
There are also two-year community or junior college programs where you can
get an associate's degree in fine arts and get training in filmmaking.
There are also a number of well-respected private training centers that
offer programs and workshops in film and television. But if you go the
private route, check out a school's credentials first. Find out who the
graduates are and where they're working. Contact industry associations to
see what they have to say about the school.
Typical classes include acting, directing, writing, producing, computer
animation, editing, history and cinema studies. You might also cover the
technical skills of film editing, including video post-production and sound
mixing.
Students in four-year programs are generally expected to take other classes
in the arts and sciences as well.
"So they might be taking a Spanish class and then take a history and criticism
class and then a writing class," says David Irving, a film and television
professor at New York University.
"At least one or two days of every student's week is built around a production
class where they are actually making films. Typically on the weekend, the
students are out shooting their projects."
Graduate-level programs offer more intense training. Classes might include
cinematography, editing, producing, art direction, writing, sound recording
and business operations. You usually will make a film as your "thesis," a
final project that uses all the skills you learned while in school.
Start preparing now. Laurence Johnson is an instructor in the film and
video production program at a community college. He suggests taking as many computer
classes as possible. English, drama and communications are also
important. Radio, video and drama clubs will also teach you useful skills.
"The best way to learn about filmmaking or film production is to get into
the thick of it," says Kathryn Emslie, a director for film and television
programs at a film center. "If you want to direct, write, produce or edit
films, then just make it happen. Grab a video camera and shoot scenes,
experiment with what you want to say, read scripts, read books, take acting
classes. As you play around with the medium, you'll soon discover the
areas that you're interested in pursuing."
Besides tuition, costs include books, lab fees and equipment deposits.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Actors,
Directors and Producers
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Check out the home page
Resources for the Study of Film
This site will get you started if you want to do some research
Film Schools Around the World
Study the programs for these international film schools