Lights, Camera, Action… Or Maybe Just Action?
Hey there, aspiring Spielbergs and wannabe Nolans! So, you’re thinking about diving headfirst into the glitzy world of film school, huh? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to take a tram car ride through the celluloid jungle of education, where dreams are made, and student loans are… well, let’s not kill the mood just yet.
The Golden Rule: You Get What You Put In
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – or should I say, the giant film reel in the editing suite? The number one piece of advice for any incoming film student is this: You get what you put into this program. As Danny DeVito would say, it’s like making the ultimate sub sandwich; sure, the film school provides the bread, but it’s up to you to stuff it with the juiciest, most mouth-watering fillings you can find. Think of it this way: film school is your personal green screen. You can project whatever future you want onto it, but if you just stand there doing nothing, all you’ll end up with is a very expensive selfie in front of a blank wall.
The Wrap’s Latest Scoop: Film School Shuffle
Now, before we get too carried away with our witty commentary, let’s take a quick peek at what industry insiders are saying. The Wrap recently dropped their 2024 rankings of the top 50 film schools, and boy, did they shake things up! In a plot twist worthy of M. Night Shyamalan, NYU Tisch School of the Arts (my alma mater) snagged the coveted top spot, dethroning the usual suspects. It’s like the film school equivalent of a indie darling winning Best Picture. Coming in at a close second and third were the perennial powerhouses USC School of Cinematic Arts and AFI Conservatory. The Wrap partnered with Screen Engine/ASI this year to create a more data-driven ranking system, which explains why some schools are suddenly getting their moment in the spotlight. It’s like they hit the industry with a refresh button, and now we’re all waiting to see what happens in the sequel. Read the full article here.
Of course if you want another perspective, you can see what Variety had to say about the top film schools in North America.
The Current State of Affairs: Hollywood’s Not-So-Hot Summer
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But wait! Isn’t Hollywood going through some kind of existential crisis right now?” Well, you’re not wrong. The industry’s return to work after the strikes has been about as exciting as a three-hour art film about paint drying. Production in L.A. is moving slower than a sloth on vacation, with TV production down 16.2% in the first quarter of 2024. It’s like the entire industry collectively hit the snooze button and forgot to wake up.
But Fear Not, Young Padawan!
Here’s the thing: while the big studios (along with their VCs and corporate raiders) are busy figuring out which end of the camera to point at the actors, there’s never been a better time for fresh, innovative voices to break through. It’s like when all the big dinosaurs went extinct – suddenly, there was room for all sorts of new, furry creatures to thrive. And let’s face it, some of those dinosaurs were getting a bit long in the tooth anyway.
Alternative Paths: Because Who Needs Sleep Anyway?
If the thought of traditional film school is making your wallet weep, fear not! There are more alternatives than there are superhero movie sequels. (Do we need another Venom?) From online courses to YouTube tutorials, local workshops to internships, the world is your oyster – or your very low-budget indie film set. You could even start your own YouTube channel. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next big thing, and instead of going to film school, film schools will be studying you. Now that’s a plot twist!
10 alternatives to traditional film school:
- Online courses like MasterClass or Skillshare
- YouTube tutorials and channels focused on filmmaking
- Local film workshops and short-term programs
- Internships or production assistant jobs on film sets
- Creating your own short films and submitting to festivals
- Community college film/media programs
- Film co-ops and collectives for collaborative projects
- Attending film festivals and industry events for networking
- Self-study using filmmaking books and resources
- Apprenticeships with established filmmakers
The Rise of the Underdogs
While the big studios are busy counting their pennies, smaller production companies and indie filmmakers are seizing the day. A24 is venturing into bigger budgets, and Angel Studios came out of nowhere with “Sound of Freedom” grossing nearly $250 million. It’s like David taking on Goliath, except David has a really cool camera and knows how to use TikTok.
The AI Plot Twist
And let’s not forget about our new robot overlords… I mean, AI assistants. They’re shaking things up faster than a handheld camera in a found footage horror movie. But hey, if AI can create entire movies, maybe it can also create an AI version of you to sit through those boring general education classes while you’re off making your masterpiece.
In Conclusion: The Show Must Go On
Look, at the end of the day, the film industry is like that one friend who always says they’re “five minutes away” when they haven’t even left the house yet. It might be running a little late, but it’s definitely on its way. So, if you’ve got that burning passion for storytelling, that itch to create, that desire to make people laugh, cry, or hide behind their popcorn in terror, then go for it! The world needs more storytellers, especially now. Remember, some of the greatest films were made during times of upheaval and change. Who knows? Maybe your quirky indie comedy about a struggling film student will be the next big hit. Just make sure to thank me in your Oscar speech. Now, get out there and start creating! The world is waiting for your vision, even if it doesn’t know it yet. And hey, if all else fails, you can always fall back on that thriving career as a professional Netflix binger. I hear they’re always hiring.
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