How To Get Into Film School

[@jonny.blando]

As a junior in high school applying to film schools, I really needed this. Thank you! Your films are amazing!

[@dancingsun2]

Same dude! Which schools are you looking at?

[@hussainlali4630]

yo, howdit go?

[@jonny.blando]

@@dancingsun2 The big name schools I'm applying are USC, NYU, UCLA, LMU, CalArts, SFSU, Syracuse, and Ithaca.

[@jonny.blando]

@@hussainlali4630 Applications aren't due for a few more months, and results don't come in until spring.

[@dancingsun2]

@@jonny.blando I'm applying to USC and Syracuse aswell! I took nyu off my list awhile ago though.

[@sophitamayo5874]

im only going into junior year of highschool with a huge interest in film making but i have zero experience with it. but this really helped putting everything into perspective, thank you!

[@yourmomsfavoritemexican4804]

It’s the exact same for me. I wasn’t sure but now that junior year is almost done and I have to start thinking about what I wanna do, film making is becoming more and more intriguing to me but I have no experience

[@bloozy7350]

@@yourmomsfavoritemexican4804 same for me rn but how has folk ended up for you? Are you still passionate about it

[@TristanReborn]

How has it been going? Did you get in?

[@jenkiep3614]

same here!

[@AbdulRahimKoko]

It’s been years how has it been

[@christianjalandoni2380]

this feels like a coming of age movie

[@ben5966]

Christian Jalandoni Yeah, it really does

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Ferris Bueller vibes. :)

[@auxiliaryc-nt]

truly, the music choice is perfection

[@abdullahosmn]

this is one of the best videos i’ve ever watched. not only does it consist of very useful tips, but it’s also very entertaining. it’s obvious how much talent you have and i do believe you’re going to be huge in the years to come

[@katesaltel]

Omg I didn't realize you were the filmmaker behind "Shot Gun"-- I watched it a while ago and I can't stop thinking about the transition between day and night with the car until the streetlight.

[@piercemansfield7362]

That lamp trick with the music is the most impressive thing I've watched stoned

[@HannahAckles]

I'm so glad this exists! I would have totally killed to have watched this as a junior and senior in high school. :)

[@anshulshankhdhar8610]

I saw this video 6 months ago when I was uncertain about going to a film school. Now I have applied to the top film schools and got into LMU. Just wanted to appreciate Liam🔥🌟. Thanks to him and this video I got a lot of info and confidence to apply.

[@LiamLoughran]

That's awesome! Congrats

[@realadonskid908]

Good day, do have a insta handle. I want to ask questions about film school

[@ryanleshock]

I really liked Hannah and Ben’s point at the end- a LOT of people apply to these schools and don’t get in (me, i’ll be the first to admit ;) ). You just can’t take it personally. It’s really about how you handle the rejection, not the rejection itself. With almost a year done at UIUC for CS + Advertising, I can tell you that production will happen wherever you make it happen. Liam and I are going to have two EXTREMELY different college experiences, but we’re two different people. As long as you put in all that you can, then there’s not much need to worry. life has a way of figuring things out. open to talking more if ur feeling stressed.

[@ryanleshock]

sorry forgot to mention that I really liked your video and 100% agree with ur points. Also I miss those good ole MMEA days

[@LiamLoughran]

Exactly how I feel!

[@londontipton9386]

Shock Dawgz u rlly out here getting rid of my stress and anxieties. thank you sm

[@brookeaproductions2222]

I did not even apply to film school since there is absolutely no way in the world I could afford it, but this video is amazing!! Your points were great and it was done in such a cinematic way! I loved it!! I subscribed! Awesome job!

[@emfxrrester]

That’s not necessarily true there are actually a few schools that are much more affordable. Obviously I don’t know your financial situation but schools like University of North Carolina School of the Arts has a much more affordable tuition for its film program than a lot of schools

[@pjscoglio7482]

​@@emfxrresterthats crazy bc i looked at her comment thinking that i also cant afford to spend 60k a year outside my state and then read what u said and im literally in nc

[@EmilyKim00]

LIAMMMM this is so great!! This is just what everyone needs when applying- I'm so happy this is out there :)

[@amandaroberts8515]

I'm a junior in high school and this video is so helpful!

[@bend9053]

I applied to film schools this past year and was accepted to Emerson, waitlisted at LMU, and rejected from the other big names. While the result wasn't entirely what I wanted it to be, it has given me a bigger drive than EVER to pursue film. Through constantly working on films on the side, it allowed me to craft a portfolio to get into a film fellows program which has given me so many opportunities in the film industry, and I haven't even started college yet. I've actually chosen not to go to Emerson as the financial cost outweighed the benefit of going BUT I will be applying as a transfer student to these film schools (including USC ofc) more prepared and amped up; I def think it's wise for me to spend 1-2 years in a mediocre school, to then transfer to the bigger universities, as it saves money :). Even if I don't get into my top choices the 2nd time around I know I will still have a great future in film, as I found other ventures in it. So yes, while I didn't get into USC or NYU or LMU, I was still able to put my filmmaking skills to use to eventually find beneficial opportunities working in film, such as my fellows program. SO KEEP MAKING FILMS!! All of this advice was great by the way, it didn't come off as prententious, but genuine. As long as you have some sort of camera, an idea, and a person to put in front of a camera (it could literally be you if you have no one else), then YOU can make a film!! Don't worry if your stuff is bad, just keep at it, and be PERSISTENT. Don't let ANY situation define whether you want to pursue film. I knew NO ONE in the film industry, and yet in a whole year I was able to make so much progress in my film journey. Also understand that you are so young starting out in film!! I've met so many film professionals who started in their mid 20s. Don't let any situation deter you. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, AND GOOD LUCK!!! YOU can do it.

[@ariana165]

Going into my junior year of high school next year and I’m so grateful for this video. It really opened my eyes on the application process and just gave me so many ideas and motivation for things I want to work on. Thank you, loved the video!

[@norasimsek2734]

I'm pressed this doesn't have more views. The editing and overall quality of the video was amazing and I honestly really needed this. THANK YOU and I hope you get the views you deserve soon

[@johnthecoolguy123]

I’m a senior right now and I’m so stressed with all of this so thank you for making this video

[@realadonskid908]

Good day, do have a insta handle. I want to ask questions about film school

[@Chelsea-1111-v5u]

Thank you so much for this video. Learned a lot my grades were the biggest problem right now I was going to take all AP classes, and all the college courses so I could cover up my freshman and sophomore gpa gap. But my grades are improving soo much better I feel more confident now. Ever since I watched the Dear Basketball film animation it had me in tears and I'm a huge basketball guy. So I started wondering how this film touched my heart and not the other film, story, or video. I realized strip writing is a big stuff that creates a huge difference, The film animation although is not a film as I know it is what gives me the passion to become a filmmaker. and now my film teacher a former USC student is teaching us the 3 act structure of the story when I master I guess I will become a better screen writer and make a better story and improve my chance. Hope me luck guys :) I'm a juniors btw

[@phoenixorion.dicosmo]

As a freshman that’s worried about the upcoming years, this really helped.

[@feelmecrack4582]

im just in 8th grade and i have loved the art of film making ever since i was 9 and i really wish to learn from the best on how to make stories into movies, one day i will hopefully become an amazing director and i hope you succeed in whatever you plan to do in the wonderful art of cinema.

[@rhproductions9874]

Damnit Liam, you're one year behind. Could have used this for my application. Guess I'll have to try to adapt it for a transfer student. But love the video and information and the way you portrayed it, definitely shows why you got into USC. EVERYONE trying to get into a school take notes!

[@brixenjensen3560]

I know there's a billion other comments like this, but as a senior who had no idea where to start to get into film school, this really eased a lot of my worries. Thank You!!

[@aquaartistcat5835]

Your videos continue to be the best! Thanks for this. I'm a sophomore in high school who wants to go to film school but can't really afford it, but I hope that I'll manage to pursue film in some way in life, and your vids are very inspiring. (This somehow gave me a spark of inspo and I just started a new script. let's hope i finish this one :') )

[@The_Minhace]

Probably the most well spent 23 minutes of my life. Awesome job bro!

[@EPTrinKetSociety]

I have been watching a lot of KZbin really trying to get rid of this anxiety for film school. This one really helped me. Thank you, all of you. I will be searching for your name in the lights.

[@Theallanrodriguez]

Me watching this while already in Film School.... P.S. I remember watching your short "Delivery" back at MMEA a few years back... absolutely goated film!

[@marshaarbi]

thought this had more views. really glad this was recommended to me. im gonna take advantage over the free time i have bc of covid. i wish the best for everyone pursuing their dreams :) thanks for this

[@GhostStealth590]

I'm so glad I never had to do any of that bullshit when getting into college. 2 years at community college for an associate of arts, then transferred to a Film and Video Production BA. I had 0 experience with anything video before transferring, as it really was a shot in the dark, but thankfully I excel at it and it's now my entire life.

[@ariasijiali1689]

Liam this is such a good video!! I'm so freakin impressed, I wish I could have watched this video myself when I was applying to USC. Also all my classmates made such cogent and moving points-- I love y'all

[@zacvillanueva3804]

Great work here! Best of luck to everyone applying!

[@addysonpopenhagen]

This couldn't have come out at a better time for me, thank you!

[@matiascrespo5049]

This is such a great video. I am a junior in high school and this is exactly what I needed. Such a well done video, and I can tell you are very talented.

[@freetoplay1073]

I know I’m a bit late to this videos release but my god this is helpful! I’m starting my senior years of highschool soon and I know film is what I want/need to do as a career. I stress and think about this career path everyday and wonder if I’ll be successful or fail at it all together. A video like this on applying for a school really made me encouraged and gave me hope that I can become successful! Thank you so much

[@mindfullyme4316]

This is so well put together, I loved every second

[@minervachaney8242]

This inspires me so much! But I also feel a sense of impending doom that my story will not be as incredible as all these amazing short film applications! I am going to work very hard and do my very best though!

[@_vswave_7644]

I am 11 second into it and I already know this is going to be fun and educational... love it

[@gracedanehy7694]

This was actually insanely helpful. I’m crunched for time rn and this really helped. Thanks bro

[@stickybizcuit]

As someone studying business and not considering switching, I didn't need this, but I enjoyed it nonetheless

[@jacksonleach5472]

Im a freshmen in high school but this is really helpful and something ill keep in mind for the future, thanks for all the info!

[@kazanina.studios]

This is so cool! I am planning on making a short film over this summer and this was super helpful

[@DanielJesseLife]

I have watched a ton of these types of videos - I am so glad I did not go to film school. I learned everything I know about my gear and filmmaking from KZbin, and just by making my own videos. I have seen film students who have made their capstone video, and then nothing since. I just want to ask them why they are not making short KZbin videos - experimenting etc. The most important thing people need to understand is that there are NO RULES - sure there are best practices and good technique, but there are no rules. I made and published 3 full length documentaries, before I realized that film students make a bunch of shorts before they make a feature film. I learned how to be a one man production company. Again, I'm so glad I did not go to film school.

[@saramccann7172]

I needed this 5 years ago

[@quinnthecameraman]

I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into this. Your advice should help me out a lot!

[@KermitFilms]

So well put together and I appreciate how this video helped me lessen my stress around applying. I don't know you, but thanks so much Liam.

[@gracejeffrey]

This was so helpful!! Really calmed my nerves and taught me a lot 😌

[@santigonzalez4811]

Hey I so those short films a long time ago, I really really loved them, had no idea you did them, great job!

[@satyabeee]

That's so awesome. High quality video and interesting storytelling.

[@joesssaucey]

Very well done and articulated, I agree with everything you said in the video

[@ifercarrasco]

thank you so much , I was so needy of info like this! see u in Hollywood y'all

[@keziah9243]

what if you dont have anything to put on your creative resume because you decided film was your passion at a very very late stage of your high school life?

[@bend9053]

Come on, you're 16, 17, 18 years old. There are professionals that start out in their mid-20s, heck 30s. If you still want to pursue filmmaking and are alr going to college, try transferring! Film is so much more than the school. Filmmaking is not only being a storyteller. You can be just a cinematographer, editor, or gaffer, which are more technical and individualized jobs, and are also just as valuable. If you're in a semi major city, try to find opportunities in fellows programs, filmmaking for teens, volunteering at film events, or just make your own video using just you and a camera. Keep making them and making them, you will notice the improvement even if you think there aren't, everyone has to start somewhere.

[@pauladuarte9494]

thank you so much for this video, it helped me a lot, it was the kind of video I needed ps: your work is amazing

[@lillianguzman150]

YOURE THE GUY BEHIND THESE TWO SHORTS?!?!?!? YAAAAASSSSSSS KIIIIINGGGGGG

[@Violn95]

If the character doesn't change, either think of a way to have them change... OR think about how the environment AROUND your character changes while they stay the same!

[@AlinaGarib]

omg i was obssesed w ur application videos i didnt realize it was u that made them

[@katelyncalvo]

shot like a Wes Anderson film. I love to see it.

[@thisisVC]

First of all, the quality of this video is AMAZING! Also, what's the name of the song at 0:46? It's so good!

[@iceex3365]

Guys, help! So many questions What is more important: awards and extracurriculars or portfolio? Or any of these can work? I have no experience at cinema or anything related, could I apply with a few short films and photos only? I consider only need blind schools (for international students) Am I understand correctly, your films is the most important thing for a college to make decision?

[@BaharehMovahedi]

Even with the fact that the school sistemes are very different here in my country, but this was so helpful. Thank you

[@erikaurano]

where does this man live it’s so pretty like I’m pretty sure that ain’t in the usc dorms

[@asianarae7281]

Even this advice video is so beautiful

[@fifi37475]

thank you so much for making this! truly encouraging and inspiring

[@tahixen]

YO MAN, JUST THANK YOU SO SO SO SO MUCH REALLY, SO HELPFUL :)! Btw! I love your shorftfilms!

[@Bethany_Storey]

me finding this video the literal day after i finish all of my college apps

[@jkkookie5958]

Thank you for making this video, I will try my best to apply USC in 2022

[@dannyh7550]

Brilliant video, thank you

[@kgsyt]

THIS IS AMAZING ADVICE! THANKS SO MUCH

[@benthehauzendorfer]

Could you make a video on how to make a shory film, i really want to make one. But i don't excactly understand what i have to do before filming amd while filming. And a basics video would help a lot!! :)

[@liretrever]

i love your work with the music in this video

[@estellecollettevideos]

I really needed this video thank you so much.

[@figuerofilms4424]

I love you for making this!

[@Yonggary1999isamasterpiece]

Really need this, thanks

[@JonotarKotha00]

What's about Master’s in film school as an international student in usa ? Studied bachelor in film

[@wo0lfie917]

37 seconds in the only thing stressful and anxiety inducing is how you hold you wine glass

[@bolddiamond]

This is excellent advice, thank you so much!

[@radximena3578]

SOO FREAKING GOOD

[@MiriamAnEngineer]

I really liked this, great job and Thank you

[@aGemEntertainment]

Bro I gotta have a drink with you at the 901 or something, you're so goddamn talented

[@SurajBoddu]

hey this was super good!

[@h.a.hudsonbrown]

It’s really weird when I hear this song outside a half in the bag episode.

[@LukesLifeofficial]

This was very helpful and intuitive! Great tips!

[@bri1680]

This is really good information thank you

[@Darkhooligann]

Omg i am that teen freshman and sophomore year i was a D, F student now my junior year right now im a A+, B+ student I was so worried about that not letting me in thank you so much.

[@IMMANUELFRANCY]

I thought in the end he will turn into a vampire.

[@abrahamdawod]

So helpful. The amount of haze killed me LOL. This video is for the undergrad production program, right? I'm hoping to apply to the MFA production program but the creative app is quite similar so this was still very helpful :)

[@briaandfamily]

Amazing, amazing, amazing! But I doubt you don't know that. 😁 I was inspired😍

[@littlemanproductions]

you are a godsend

[@fitnessbyxeni1794]

Very helpful

[@royzheng6006]

good luck to everyone applying for film school and hope I can get into UCLA

[@kayjaylin]

I got into USC and NYU film school, and I'm a USC SCA film school alum. Please save your money everyone. You can learn everything online these days. The ROI just doesn't exist for most.

[@Spirit365]

Roi what does that mean bro and doing filmmaking course in USC or in any other universities is just a time waste and money, isn't that worthy ?

[@kayjaylin]

@@Spirit365 Return on Investment. Your question is an over generalization of the system. Depends on the course and pricing. If you are paying close to 50k for each year with 8-10 courses that range from intro to film 101 to critical studies you are paying for a very expensive research article being read straight back to you that you can find online. But if you are laying 3k for learning technical skills or understanding 3 act structure then maybe. Tell me, when will you make back 200k worth of minimum wage as a production assistant or retail worker before you have something as unreliable as a "big break". It takes years of consistency to make a name, but 200k of debt over 4 years with LA living expenses would take you years of toiling paying back a massive student debt. Most won't be pay that back without help. At minimum wage that's close to 14,000 hours of work and almost three years (but compacted with living expenses, you won't even dent it because rent alone will destroy your earnings). Having technical skills which can completely be learned online for much cheaper is more important than paying for overpriced lessons in the history of film. Because it's the technical knowhow or execution know how that gets you the jobs, not how much you know about Hitchcock's film resume or french new wave.

[@homyostasia]

loved it!!!

[@BenFreel]

damn i remember seeing delivery at mmea! i hope to see you at usc one day

[@haileymarie5649]

I really need this :) Thank you

[@rickychavez3155]

I’d love if you could collaborate with a non-traditional student at USC who applied after already getting a degree in something else. I’m considering applying to film school but I just graduated college with a degree in something not related to arts

[@priyaacharya9696]

Yes please please do that ....same situation over here

[@ethan7346]

HALF IN THE BAG

[@sleepasmr2335]

That’s just so useful thank you thank you thank you

[@shonalily7354]

thank you so much I need this

[@MalchikhinaDaria]

I think yeah that's cool that all these people got in and that you guys in the comments could possibly do that, though I think there is this thing that can be considered as main - affordability. $280000 for 4 years is kinda crazy..or maybe it's just me being extremely poor 😢

[@scubamando2002]

The real question: how much debt are you in now after graduating?

[@JP-bo2tt]

This was so freaking helpful

[@crystalgacha2218]

Ahhh this made me feel like film isn't the path i should go to :( i already love editing or getting cool shots but I'm definitely not very good at wrtiting stories..

[@mymelody03]

What about a degree in cinematography?

[@minjoon316]

Pls make a detailed video on USC,UCLA acting school- Requirements Application website Fees Schlorships !! Im not getting proper info,websites or videos on KZbin about it 😭 I searched alot Pls help I'm an international student want to become an actor Studying for SAT Pls pls help 🙏🙏🙏

[@ellabanchieri8114]

he probably doesn't have much experience with that as he is a production major.

[@ChiaraJade811]

You will have to do all the information search yourself if you want to be an acting major at these universities: USC: dramaticarts.usc.edu/programs/ UCLA:www.tft.ucla.edu/programs/theater-department/undergraduate-degrees/undergraduate-theater-program-ba/acting/