How to Choose Your Film School
56If you're gunning to become the new Steven Spielberg, Film School might be just the way to go. The number of great film schools available is significant, so that's good news. And the better news? You do not need to be in LA to find one.
Googling the term "film school" will give you a great point to begin. You'll discover a handful. The prospects are you'll find one within your locality. Let it be known that film production has already gone beyond Hollywood. The days of the major film studios watching everything is over. Even So, a word of caution: Be certain that the school you have discovered is accredited. Checking if a particular school is accredited is fairly easy. Visit http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html to find details about a school's authority.
Another consideration is that there are Internet schools that offer courses in film production. Many of these emphasize digital productions. Many may orient you on how to make documentary films.
Money is the next thing to consider after finding a school and being accepted in it. How will you pay for the school? Good thing though that most established schools will offer financial aid.
Here are several of the subjects you'll study in Film School.
History of Cinema - As the title hints, this subject will take you through how motion pictures have evolved over the years.
Screenwriting - You need to have a "story" to create a motion picture, and this class will provide you with the nuts and bolts of how to pen one.
Financing - Filmmaking is expensive. This study shall then instruct you on how to get financial funding in order for your picture to be created.
Budgeting - This is related with funding your film.
Directing - Directing isn't just about yelling "action!" Directing a film encompasses quite a bit.
Camera Operation - This course will not only instruct you on how to use a camera, but it also lets you treasure this oh-so important equipment in movie-making.
Lighting - This will instruct you on how to light the film, so that when it is watched on the big screen, the scenes will appear natural and realistic.
Editing - You must properly order your shots. Most films are not taken in chronological order. Tiny errors, bloopers and boo-boos must be edited as well.
Sound Direction - This will teach you on how to make the actions and the sounds blend effortlessly.
Special Effects - As early as now, be aware that whatever happens on the screen is a Special Effect. If a stone breaks a window on screen, this is a special effect. This, however, should not be confused with Special Visual Effects. Think "Star Wars".
The subjects outlined above are just some of the courses that you will be able to take in a Film School. Be aware that most Film Schools can be quite expensive. You always have a choice, though. Among these is Film Connection. Their affordable and easy program puts you behind the camera in no time at all.
Truth is, you can easily grab a camera and start shooting if you want to dub yourself a filmmaker. But if you wish to learn the correct way to make a picture, then you should severely consider attending a qualified Film School.
