Film School
My son is heading off to a rad film school called SCAD. This got me thinking about my own journey from traditional film school to the wild world of professional filmmaking. As someone who went through the trenches of both NYU Tisch and AFI, I saw firsthand how the focus could sometimes drift away from what really matters – sharpening your skills, building an awesome portfolio, and making crucial connections with like-minded peers.
The film school experience is insanely valuable in a lot of ways. The theory, the history, the chance to collab with other passionate filmmakers – it's all essential. But sometimes, it feels folks get so caught up in the institutional politics, cliques, and even partying they forget about the practical realities of how insanely impossible it is to actually make a living in this racket. I was lucky enough to have a couple of friends who’d graduated ahead of me and were already working in LA, so I think I had a good handle on it. I kept my fingers on the keys and scribbled 24-7.
These days, you don't need a fancy piece of paper or a fat stack of cash to make your mark. With the right tools and a ton of creativity, anyone can cook up something that rivals the quality of a Hollywood blockbuster. The version of this from my era was Robert Rodriguez, who made "El Mariachi" for a measly $7,000 while still a student, or Quentin Tarantino, who studied film by devouring flicks while working at a video rental store.
Ava DuVernay didn't even pick up a camera until she was 32 and learned everything on the job. These are the kinds of stories that give me hope for my son’s career potential and for the countless other aspiring filmmakers out there.
The barriers to entry are lower than ever. You don't need a ton of dough or connections to get started – just a camera, a computer, and a story to tell. Via the internet, you can build a fanbase and get instant feedback on your work, something that did not even exist back in the OG days, when filmmakers were required to go to festivals in search of distribution deals.
The biggest lesson is the importance of self-motivation and staying on that learning grind. The most successful filmmakers I know are the ones who never stop pushing themselves to level up, whether that means experimenting with new tools, collaborating with other creatives, or simply watching and analyzing as many films as possible.
So, where does that leave traditional film education? There's absolutely a place for it. My time in film school was critical to my career. I hope the schools emphasize hands-on experience and practical skills, teaching students not only how to use the latest tech but also how to market themselves and their work to the latest version of the business. These elements will really set them up for success in the long run.
At the end of the day, whether you're a film school grad or a self-taught YouTuber, the most important thing is to never stop creating and never stop learning. The only things that really matter are the work you put out there and the authentic and positive connections you make along the way.
Always be scribbling!
