Is Film School Worth It? - Everything to Consider When Deciding

The Film School Debate - We weigh the pro’s and con’s of film school to decide if the path is really worth it for filmmakers.
Is Film School Worth It? ►► bit.ly/wo-fs
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Considering Film School
00:33 - Higher Education for Film?
01:13 - Chapter 1: Money
03:15 - Chapter 2: Education & Resources
07:55 - Chapter 3: Experience & Connections
09:56 - Takeaways
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TO BE OR NOT TO BE A FILM STUDENT
The eternal question: is film school worth it? Unfortunately, there is no one clear-cut answer (that’s why the question is eternal). Each filmmaker’s path is unique, with some utilizing their film programs to catapult them to success and others forging their own way without higher film education. But this doesn’t mean you should just flip a coin.
FILM SCHOOL TUITION
If we’re being honest, money is the foremost consideration when it comes to deciding whether or not to go to film school. The top film schools in the country are, for the most part, expensive. Think long and hard about whether or not you want to be in a ton of student debt entering an industry which is infamously difficult to make a living in.
But it’s not all gloom and doom. Some programs, like state schools, are a bit less expensive. And this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re lower quality. Also, film school may be expensive, but so is college generally. Some programs might be slightly more costly than their liberal arts counterparts, but typically not by much.
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN FILM SCHOOL?
So you think you want to spend the money. But what, exactly, will you learn? Film school curriculum can largely be divided into two camps: how and why. The how is obvious: how to light a shot, how to budget a production, etc.. This is all important, but equally important is the why. Where do these lighting conventions come from? Why have they developed the way they have? And so on. Film studies focuses more on the theory and history of film.
FILM SCHOOL EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTIONS
How many times have you heard this? “Film is about who you know.” Well, it’s a cliche because it’s true. This is perhaps the biggest perks of film school- you will meet other filmmakers who will likely become valuable connections and collaborators down the line. This is vital. Look at famous collaborators. Often, they met in school.
Film school isn’t for everyone. But it can also be an enriching experience that can do wonders for your career. The decision comes down to you. What do you need, and how will you get it?
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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♬ SONGS USED:
“Should I Stay or Should I Go?” - The Clash
“Bella” - Jerskin Fendrix
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“Postcards” - Red Licorice
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“Now Then” - Jon Brion
“Chewbacca Song” - Supernova
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“Back 2 Back” - Mullaha
“Lives” - Red Licorice
“Main Title (Bride of Frankenstein) “- Franz Waxman
“We Love Roll Call Y’all” - Bill Lee
“I know” - Red Licorice
“Blue Frank” - Angel Badalamenti
“Spaces” - Utah
“Eye of the Tiger” - Survivor
“Across The Sea” - Blake Ewing
“Cantina Band” - John Williams
“Falling” - Asher
“Captain Kidd” - Red Licorice
“Mongo” - Kyle Mcevoy
“Red Bats With Teeth” - Angelo Badalamenri
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#film-theory, #video-essay, #filmmaker

[@SanderJanssen-yh2cz]

It has never been more expensive to go to film school, and it has never been cheaper to make a movie.

[@filmreviewer117]

So true. The cost of what my course is similar to what it cost to make my short.

[@FilmPunk]

@@filmreviewer117 I made a feature for $2,500 last year. Not a simple one either.

[@1000000man1]

Do they even teach genuine celluloid filmmaking anymore?

[@JunebugPresents]

Isso

[@StudioBinder]

That is definitely true!

[@trusarmor4957]

who ever Edits these needs a raise, a fist bump, a hi five, a firm hug, a pat on the back and a round of applause! 👏👏👏👏

[@brandonscullion]

Couldn't agree more :P

[@StudioBinder]

We love our editors! They're the best.

[@wildekatz]

🙌🙌🙌

[@scottsmith6437]

Studiobinder IS my film school

[@randomrey6568]

yup

[@eddycorreiasart]

And I'll thank yall if I get those oscars 👌👌👌😁

[@Leimertstudiosllc]

Actually

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for saying so! We appreciate all of you.

[@Woodsaras]

Then you are a complete and utter amateur

[@stephajn]

I graduated from the Toronto Film School. It was an incredible experience and I regret nothing about it. I got to learn from industry professionals, make connections, and learned to find my voice as a filmmaker. Sitting at home and watching KZbin tutorials was only going to get me so far, and I am glad I chose the film school route. I’d do it all over again.

[@StudioBinder]

Congrats! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@yellingaboutstartrek1532]

Very cool!! I’m currently in Toronto Film school for the Online Video Production program. I’m loving it and really do love the connections as well as the structure. I find having deadlines and getting instructor feedback really useful😊.

[@RitzOriginal1]

What are you doing now if you don't mind me asking? Have you got a job in industry?

[@MontysRoomStudios]

A photographer mentioned to me. A major reason that people attend film school. It is to build a network of future industry contacts.

[@JukeboxWithJay]

The industry is not only hard to get into but is dead now with Ai on the rise

[@MontysRoomStudios]

@@JukeboxWithJay Create your own opportunities. Nowadays, you need to gain the proficiency at obtaining finance and distribution. Educate yourself. The Internet has opened up the way for you to become more successful at filmmaking.

[@JukeboxWithJay]

@@MontysRoomStudios yea that’s what I was sayin…I’m talkin about the industry

[@StudioBinder]

Film is a collaborative medium so no matter where you live or if you go to film school or not, you're going to need people to work with.

[@MultiAsssasin]

I went To Film school and at my 4th year I started watching Studiobinder and realized I learned more from Studiobinder than school! But school obviously gave me more connections

[@tatendamuparutsa2388]

Which school did you go to? I'm thinking about going to school for film but I also know that it's possible to make it without having to go to school

[@randomrey6568]

Agreed

[@Ruylopez778]

I think when we find "new" learning resources, perspectives or techniques, it's easy to assume we are learning "more", but just finding more techniques, opinions and paradigms doesn't necessarily equate to improvement in our own process or productivity. It might simply be substituting one methodology for an equally valid alternative. I also think feedback (as well as connections) is heavily underrated when people scoff at the cost of college fees.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching! We provide as much education as we can but there is also a lot to learn from other sources. And we can't provide those connections, which are essential for many filmmakers.

[@dhannysvallejocevallos6059]

That's true, even tough I'm not a filmmaker but I want to become one, studio binder has taught me many interesting and useful things for a filmmaking career. I'm grateful for that. thank you very much studio binder!

[@AbhishekProduction]

It is very expensive and difficult for a novice filmmaker to assemble a cast and crew with little or no budget right out of film school. My suggestion is that, if you are going to film school, make a team and start making films as many as possible. The fastest way to learn filmmaking is to make films. No matter whether anyone likes it or not, you have to forget about the audience and start experimenting at different levels of filmmaking in the initial learning stage. Once you've learned the basics of each department of filmmaking, you can then look for your audience and experiment with your filmmaking style.

[@robertobuatti7226]

I wish channels like this existed when I was a teenager in the 90's, I failed at school because I have a very low I.Q., slight Asperger's, OCD and learning disabilities and would of loved to learn Filmmaking at my pace, I would love for future generations that have any learning disabilities for film school's & classes to teach them the art of Filmmaking at their level because filmmaking school's seems like it's made for intellectuals.

[@StudioBinder]

Sorry to hear that. I hope there are programs like this out there. If anyone knows of any, please share!

[@robertobuatti7226]

@@StudioBinder Oh thank you for the kind words, I truly appreciate it, cheers.

[@ben7510]

Personally as someone who's attending film school. I would say it depends on what you want to do as a filmmaker. If you want to be screenwriter you need to go to a film school or take a short course so that you can learn how it's done within the industry and you can still make it as a writer w/o film school. If you're doing VFX/Editing/Motion design & animation/ sound production. You may need a film school, and Yes you can watch YT tutorials and learn from them but you're limited to what's on screen. At a film school you'll be learning hands on and collaborate with different departments and learn your craft. And you'll learn more . But don't be limited by it, you don't need a film to know how to hold a camera or a microphone. Film school is there for networking, exposure and experience first hand working and collaboration with different film departments. You can be a sound engineer and work with animators or work with VFX artists or writers and thus learning different crafts of the industry which will be valuable when working with different departments on a feature or tv. Bottom line is, it depends on what you want to do as a filmmaker and thank God we have the internet and it's now even easier to learn with or without attending a film school

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for sharing. You've made some really valid points!

[@jn-xw3cq]

As a 3rd year film student, I'd agree with this. However film school will help fast track the camera and audio department knowledge immensely tho (but I guess that also depends on the quality of the school). Like at my school, we can be steadicam, easy-rig, or jib certified for free as long as we spend like a 3 hour course with a professor learning how to ser up and operate the equipment. Now, those are much higher end equipment though. Just it's hard to imagine someone not having to pay a ton of money for a short course for that one training for the steadicam, easy rig, or jib. Film school isn't cheap but those trainings might be included in the whole package if the student knows to ask.

[@ben7510]

@@jn-xw3cq the access to state of the art softwares, cameras, lighting and gear is an enormous bonus for a film school ( If its a good film school). Of which buying on your own w/o a film school would be super expensive as some softwares are pricey e.g Nuke can cost around $5K which you'll have to buy on your own If you're a doing vfx + a good Mac if you don't have one already. Obviously they're cons and pros to going to film school and the major con is that they're expensive for an industry that doesn't necessarily need a degree at that same price you could do a law degree or medical degree or an engineering degree give or take.

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

Dear StudioBinder, you Are A Complete Audiovisual Film School. Inspiring, Entertaining, Motivating. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder for this Inspiring video.💯💯💯💯💯 Like Martin Scorsese said : I always tell the younger filmmakers and students: Do it like the painters used to... Study they old masters. Enrich your palette. Expand the canvas. There's always so much more to learn. I didn't go to film school, I went to films - Quentin Tarantino💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for saying that!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

My Favorite Filmmakers who didn't go to film schools and who inspires are : Quentin Tarantino / James Cameron / Christopher Nolan / Ridley Scott / The Wachowski / Guy Ritchie / Terry Gilliam... My Favorite Filmmakers who did go to Film school: Martin Scorsese / Kathryn Bigelow / George Lucas / Steven Spielberg

[@ahmadhassan8610]

Spielberg didn't went to film school he dropped out from college when he was offered a directing job at universal. but later on was awarded by an honorary degree in 2002 by that college in bachelor's of electronic media.

[@StudioBinder]

Like we said, there are great filmmakers on either side of this debate.

[@sbozinovic]

What you describe, suons like a vocational, trade school not Art school... What about the theory, art history and such, that points you toward your style or at least shape/build your esthetics?

[@DoubleEdgedFilms_TV]

Learning by doing just works so well! When you spend all your money on a short film and its terrible, you learn pretty quickly; what kind of mistakes you made and what you can do better. And then on top of that you can study a ton of free content on the side!

[@StudioBinder]

Exactly. We'd recommend doing as much as you can for free. Get the basics down and then start spending money on your productions.

[@i_love_memes5438]

I still can't believe you guys pump out this amazing content for free! Thank you Studio Binder!

[@StudioBinder]

You're very welcome!

[@user-oc3lc1sx8m]

Seriously!

[@everythingstartsfromadot]

I checked every film directors' background each time after I watched a film. The simple answer is that if you want to be a great director, you need to go to film school. Not just any average film school, but the best film schools in the world. There is something that working directly in the industry cannot beat over studying the fundamental system of filmmaking from the best and most experienced professionals. Everybody can make a film now, but not everybody truly understands the aesthetics of filmmaking and films, and not everybody truly makes a good film.

[@RitzOriginal1]

What films have you been watching then? Majority of the biggest directors in Hollywood never went to film school...

[@shaynecosby5625]

If you want to be a great director you “need” to go to film school. No you don’t

[@MuhdAzharAhmadthspring]

Still couldn't believe you guys do this for free! Thank you so much

[@marcelorodriguesautor]

Sharing my story: I attended film school, and despite my disabilities , I made the most of it, like any other student. However, I took an associate degree and majority of classes were about film history. Was good, because I didn't know nothing about camera movements or Nouvelle Vague. On the other hand, i felt course lacked of more screenwriting and production courses. That's why I am planning apply for USC and Columbia. Want to shape my writer style. Having a real hard time on choosing between USC MFA in Writing for Film and TV or Columbia Film writing for film and tv concentration.

[@StudioBinder]

Thank you for sharing your story. Those are both great programs.

[@johntyjoseph5633]

Thank you... Studio Binder for not only providing information and data about films but also guiding and motivating us to become better filmmakers with every video...

[@MajorNoob]

StudioBinder on top, Keep making these videos! 🙏🏼

[@chaitanyabommisetty1592]

Recently went to Film school to learn basics. Didn't spent much amount on it. However Undoubtedly learnt lot of things from Studio Binder!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks, we try!

[@stevemillerencino]

Another excellent well-thought-out video! And I teach in a film/TV school.

[@prithvijangid6472]

thanks for this video truly!!! I've already went to a film school, learned more about what not to do than what to do, but still i made new friends who are passionate about film making! and I'm blessed to have that...but going to film school did costed me a lot on my creativity! you guy's did a great job making this video, cause young ones like me need to know!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks for sharing your experience.

[@vickmeyer]

I Love this Channel so much!!!! 😊

[@filmreviewer117]

I didn’t do a full degree course but did a practical 6 month one as I had no idea what field I wanted to work on. I found it useful as it gave my the tools to make my own one which I did but in terms of long term work and support they didn’t anything. I found work though the people I knew there, but have leaned more about the whole process of film and technique via watching your videos and making my own shorts. For the same cost of the tuition. Then again to the school you go to and what field you want to specialise in.

[@robsumone2040]

I'm 17 and was debating myself whether or not to go to film school. I'm glad I got more Input and I know I got the motivation. This video helped me form a better Idea. Thank you.

[@StudioBinder]

You're very welcome. Good luck to you!

[@zaiah9252]

What in the film would you like to focus on? Writing, Editing, Cinematography, ext.

[@oliversvoice4383]

Very helpful, thank you for laying things out, you’ve just help me solidify my choice a little more.

[@StudioBinder]

You are so welcome! Good luck to you.

[@user-ri9tm2we8f]

The fact that such a great directors like Nolan , Tarantino , Kameron and others didn't have a movie studies in filmschools , it's enough

[@benjamindover4337]

You named 4 directors out of the ten thousand working today. The odds that you are in that 4 out of ten thousand isn't great.

[@nicholasfranghias9542]

A well reputed film school gives you a network, a platform to experiment and develop your voice, and some formal degree credibility to begin with. In any case, you must have PASSION.

[@StudioBinder]

Well said!

[@MrMan-7703]

No need for film school as long as Studiobinder posts!

[@StudioBinder]

We try to educate as best we can but don't stop learning from other sources.

[@CallunFilm]

4:31 that was my film teacher in college. Pretty awesome seeing him in Studio Binder video

[@jn-xw3cq]

I was already at college for another major and in my second year I added film as a double major. It's a private university and not as much tuition added for the double major. Even though it's made me super busy as a student, I wouldn't change that decision to do film school at all. I learned so many things from my classes and made plenty of solid friends and peers to work with on projects. Also, having a gear lab to "rent" gear out for free and use a variety of expensive cameras and equipment has been a massive plus. If I just stuck with doing videos/vlogs on KZbin, my filmmaking journey would have been limited by probably like 10-15 years of experience, information, and connections. I'm currently a third year so will soon be working on my thesis short film to close out my time here at film school. Excited to see what's ahead. I get film school isn't for everyone, BUT I feel like a fair amount of the people on KZbin that critize film school didn't even try film school at all and only do vlogs/videography. Thankfully there are some, like the video mentioned that did try a bit or a decent chunk of film school, but there are plenty that didn't. And some that claim that they didn't go to film school paid for or are paying for online film courses. So, in a way, they are still doing film school but with a way smaller tuition and remotely. But for the ones that have only done vlogs/videography, I find it hard to acknowledge them as "filmmakers" with a legitimate voice against film school if they haven't even been on set anywhere or tried making at least 3-5 short films or documentaries on their own. There's a lot of prideful "self-taught" filmmakers out there that don't know as much as they say or make too many dangerous mistakes for others by ignoring legitimate and legal concerns on set. But then again, there are plenty that aren't prideful and are willing to learn in any way possible. Likewise, there are some people in film school that are quite arrogant and only care about their projects and ideas too. It's a mixed bag. But at least the arrogant film school filmmakers I know have at least some degree of knowledge and experience on set.

[@clyntmedia]

I love this channel so much

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks, we love you too!

[@gos_7079]

I'm in a short film school where you learn how to make films, producers, etc. But the teachers/the people are a pain in the ass. They don't talk about relationships often and I wish they did because it depends if you will stick with them. But since I watch StduoBinder, watch you're THE GOAT!!!! It turns out much better than the people who teach you are okay with just doing for a paycheck.

[@mouad_Jimmy]

I lovedp the intro song "should I stay or should i go now" 😂

[@Sieffy13]

Went to film school and while I'd recommend it if you need that discipline/motivation to make a film. I found that I learned more on the job/working in the industry. Though even with a degree, getting a job in film/tv is tough. The good thing is you can set yourself up very easily. I studied screenwriting and started out doing script coverage. This also helped improve my writing. One massive positive from film school/being a student was getting scriptwriting software on the cheap. I bought Final Draft and Fade In while I was a student and have never looked back. Doing well in film school can be a huge boost. A thesis film or script can be submitted to competitions.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for sharing!

[@spoilingspoony4465]

I study sound at a german filmschool - so the tuition is very managable (less than 1k a year) - there are entry tests though for pretty much every department and the competition is fierce depending on what you want to do. In my department it's the knowledge you have to have before entering (music theory, piano play, basics in acoustic/studio equipment, etc). For directing and acting there are hundreds of applicants for a class of 10 (ish). And depending what department you're in, the chances of finding a job in your field after graduating varies greatly: the technical departments (sound, cinematography, editing, scenography) have a better chance there, directors have a much harder time. But you will graduate with a lot of contacts in other departments and with a portfolio of projects that look and sound professional.

[@StudioBinder]

Great advice! Thank you for sharing.

[@user-sv9we5bx2n]

as a film school graduate from the university of utah, I can tell you: Film School gives you a short cut to the film industry, not the key to your success so it really depends on a person on how much determined you want to do. So going to film school or not, it really depends on you.

[@mariamadonna3748]

No Film School. A lots of attention on the backstage when I worked on the Makeup, KZbin channels, Sundance Collab, Studio Binder, watch movies, research and Studio Binder, again and again. So, thank you so much for the amazing work. I am very glad.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for sharing!

[@freddyjosereginomontalvo4667]

Thanks for the videos 🌍🌟

[@StudioBinder]

Any time!

[@ericengland33]

I’ve directed 5 features; had a #1 movie on Netflix, went to film school, and I still watch Studiobinder every week. This channel is better than most film schools!

[@dhruvrandi007]

Heisenberg

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for saying so!

[@MichaelMichael-us6wq]

1:00 YES, Kartsen Runquest is being mentioned!!!

[@StudioBinder]

We're big fans!

[@user-zi1vs8qg4e]

Film riot and StudioBinder, I never joke with these two channels😌❤

[@user-zi1vs8qg4e]

Brady Bessette as well✊

[@zaiah9252]

Film Riot is great

[@zaiah9252]

Both great channels

[@brandonscullion]

For anyone interesting in skipping film school and jumping right in to filmmaking, I highly recommend two documentaries: Popatopolis, which is about filmmaking legend and softcore smut peddler Jim Wynorski and follows him as he makes a low budget feature film in three days, and the other is American Movie, which follows filmmaker Mark Borchardt on his journey to make a movie. Both films are hilarious and I used clips from both in this video.

[@5aab4ever]

Started video editing in 2017 in 30's. Now still editing. And will retire with it can't live without it ( solving puzzles all time)

[@StudioBinder]

Keep it up!

[@zaiah9252]

I went to Film School for Writing For Film And TV online during the pandemic. It was an amazing incredible experience and I networked with a lot of people. It was worth it. However, I do agree you don't need to go to film school. You can learn on your own or through online for free. You also have to be working while you're in film school on your own projects.

[@Bryan-xf3lw]

Before I started filmmaking I was and still do acting. I watched alot of what people did on set and asked questions. Also when it comes to writing I think my acting has helped too

[@rytfrommars]

When you are just a high school pass-out and confused either to go or not go for film school (even after watching almost all yt videos about it), studio binder takes over. Thanks a lot ❤ now I'm not going to film school anymore 😅

[@StudioBinder]

Glad to see that you clarified the decision for yourself. The "not knowing what to do" is always difficult.

[@dipeshpadewar]

I will never do movie or anything related but I love watching these videos 😅

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@kunosan029]

I am a film school student my opinion is different perspectives have different answers in my film school i do enjoy even though its bit pressurized and definitely not cheap but what it offers is real time practice and knowledge moreover the connection door and daily update whats happening around on the other side no time to review about new idea and to actually drop off to that connection made also mistakes are criticized heavily. My personal POV will be if you have to make mistakes make it professional enough so that you are surrounded by the experienced one in class all are at same level which makes it harder to take decisions at time but indeed its a great door to start with

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@custodio9523]

Thank for this one.

[@StudioBinder]

Our pleasure!

[@ActorswithStrings]

Would like to have gone to film school but have had "Middleclass handcuffs" on since I was 22 [married, mortgage, kids] - found out about the 48 hour film project and found my people - started out making short films with marionettes then went to IClone by Reallusion for animation - have made 45 short films - I agree the best way to learn is to make films - love this channel thanks for all the great content

[@StudioBinder]

Wow, what a story! Congrats!

[@icyjaam]

Just gave an entrance for the film school but damn thanks for the motivation

[@StudioBinder]

You're welcome!

[@metalinyourhead3604]

Me; I did go to film school, and I don’t regret it for one minute. Now I’m must mention I have a learning disability, so school is tough for me, but learning on my own was way worse. I also didn’t go to a film school, I went to college and studied broadcasting, and that program taught radio, television, and film. as it was a college, there was a good mix of practical hands-on experience as well as theory based learning. All of my professors were also all industry professionals, who had years of prior experience, which meant we were learning from industry veterans, who were either still working occasionally, or retired from working in film. I feel this really made the difference in the quality of my education. I still have much to learn, but I that film school has made me more prepared for the industry that I’m about to enter. Many legendary filmmakers went to film school, others didn’t. It all depends on what works for you and if you feel you’d benefit from film school.

[@StudioBinder]

Congrats! Thank you sharing your story and happy to hear it worked out for you.

[@mrfryfilmguy]

It's already been mentioned, I went though film school. And yes you learn alot but the MAIN reason and best reason to go, is for the contacts you make. Other creators, such as animators, musicians etc aswell as industry pro's.

[@pedro_a_martins]

I didn't go to film school but I studied communication and definitely what I go most out of it was the connections.

[@StudioBinder]

That's true. College is great for making connections in every field of study.

[@henryhallock9754]

Thank you!!

[@StudioBinder]

You're welcome!

[@itselvisgrant]

Could you do one showing the difference between action directors, horror, sitcom, storytelling & more!

[@StudioBinder]

Interesting idea! We'll think about it.

[@peterkalyabe7553]

Aside from the cost of tuition, I would recommend going to school if you were not raised around "all things filmmaking". The directors who did not go to school, such as Paul Thomas Anderson, were well versed in the process of filmmaking. They were already educated, but not in a formal environment. I'm your regular neighbor who had no idea about filmmaking until I met StudioBinder.

[@StudioBinder]

PT Anderson is a good example. He even admits that his upbringing gave him a head start in a lot of ways, making film school less important.

[@peterkalyabe7553]

@@StudioBinder Thank You.

[@fatimagray4604]

Resources and friends to be actors is important

[@selfella]

I said last year that had I come across Studio Binder before going to film school, I wouldn't have bothered with film school!!

[@cuff2860]

I'm on the fence about this as an aspiring writer. I have a screenplay I'm nearly finished with and I'd like to continue the practice with other stories I've had over the years, but I've no idea about the other aspects of film. I'm military so I've got tuition assistance that I can use to pay for it, but as you said, it's not necessary. I guess it would ultimately come down to how my first screenplay goes since I'll still be earning my bachelor's at that time.

[@StudioBinder]

Getting your Bachelor's is not a bad idea. Especially if it's a liberal arts curriculum, it will help inform your writing!

[@cuff2860]

@@StudioBinder yup, a history degree.

[@zaiah9252]

As someone who is about to graduate from the LA Film School for Writing For Film And TV, it's worth it. Yes, screenwriting is more of experience and how much you write, but it can teach you how to balance, and become more formal in your style, and pitch, and best of all, it gives you networking. It is definitely a commitment and it disciplines but if you are passionate enough it's worth it.

[@phaezeh.art1]

It's so interesting because I was thinking about this subject exactly few days ago And saying myself what is it worth to attend to film school or not Beside the communications can you build in film school I think nowadays it's really easier to learn cinema The access is more simple than the past With more diligence

[@StudioBinder]

That's true. What you get (or don't get) from film school today is different.

[@taekehf]

Film school is not only about learning how to make movies, but connect to people and build a network. Also a great way to learn how to work in a team which sometimes is full of egos so you learn how to deal with them before starting in the industry.

[@brycecombs2868]

Some people definitely need the structure. I teach English for special purposes, which requires me to learn a great deal of technical information about my students' own fields of work or study. One of my students, who wishes to attend film school, requires constant pushing to work on her writing or do technical camera work, something that I did with an actual film camera back in my high school days, when I attended a junior college to gain extra knowledge. I believe she has talent, but, as she lacks strong internal motivation, requires it be applied externally. That is my two cents on the issue.😉

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for sharing that. Motivation and structure is something a lot of creative people need - as well as teachers like yourself!

[@Ruylopez778]

I think when we find "new" learning resources, perspectives or techniques, it's easy to assume we are learning "more", but just finding more techniques, opinions and paradigms doesn't necessarily equate to improvement in our own process or productivity. It might simply be substituting one methodology for an equally valid alternative. I also think feedback (as well as connections) is heavily underrated when people scoff at the cost of college fees. Sometimes it's hard to accept criticism from a peer, mentor or professor when it's easier to justify our own opinion by cherrypicking from a textbook or a filmmaker's interview. Perhaps the middle ground is taking professional workshops and seeking out mentors rather than getting saddled in college debt?

[@StudioBinder]

It's true, one should never limit their education to one source. Definitely seek out mentors wherever you can find them!

[@djjoe8899]

can you do a video explaining how to create a supporting cast for you main character?

[@arsalanburiro3187]

No I didn't but I do want to express, to show, to see my stories out there it is pure art that's why I love it, will be done with my first short in probably May or June. Wish me luck.

[@StudioBinder]

Good luck! Send a link when it's done.

[@azizbekurinbaev1]

Cool video ❤

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks 😁

[@tiffanyshaffer4062]

I'm about to graduate with my MFA in Screenwriting but I only got the degree so I could teach. You can learn how to write a screenplay from a few books, a few videos, a cheap online course, and watching movies. Don't do it if you have to take on debt. Student loan debt is a parasite.

[@StudioBinder]

Congrats on the upcoming graduation! And we couldn't agree more about the student debt.

[@cinematicmike5323]

I went to film school. I had a friend who didn’t like me going because he did say I could learn every thing on my own. I actually meet him at film school but he didn’t continue on he left and he’s been doing filmmaking ever since. I feel he had to do with my upbringing and all I can’t stay focus like him or process information at home on my own. At school I was able to do that. I loved the assignments I would get. My professor knew how much fun I would have. Now that I’m out it’s depressing. I’ve been telling my co workers id like to film something but I don’t have anyone. My personal friends are into filmmaking like that and are settled down and some reason people just didn’t want to connect with me just finish assignment and get out lol. I feel at school I was able to focus and knew I’d do because I had to because I had to turn something in. Now that I’m out Idk. I may have degree in it but I feel someone who doesn’t have degree and has filmed more and on various projects has the better chance. I think film school depends on the person. Im not to judge but I feel both ways can work.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Sorry to hear that you're struggling post-graduation. That happens a lot but don't give up!

[@RoblesPictures]

If you can afford it, yes but I would rather spend that money on making projects. Just rented out a mombo combo, junior boom arm, and basically $16,000 worth of gear and currently editing the footage right now plus color grading. I learned so much about lighting from this project and I recommend people start doing Behind-the-Scenes for Directors to learn all the roles. You will see what they do, and just implement it in your projects (that is where the experience comes in and you learn). Honestly, when I sell my first script and things go even more well I am considering going to Film School since I will have more money.

[@Cyperstudio]

Well, if it means anything, my professor literally shows these videos DURING film classes. I think that's pretty evident enough that people can learn what they need to know from amazing channels like this and the internet alone. All it takes is some self discipline and the willingness to learn and experiment to get started.

[@StudioBinder]

That's good to hear. Our videos are designed to help film students in film school but we also recognize they're good starting points for the instructors to then expand upon.

[@dhannysvallejocevallos6059]

This is my opinion about it: there are many filmmakers that didn’t go to film school but they work very hard in the filmmaking field in order to becoming in a successful filmmaker, many of the famous filmmakers nowadays worked harder in the past, they practice with editing software or even they met with filmmaking contacts and they learned with these tools in order to have experience and to become famous.

[@StudioBinder]

To be a filmmaker, hard work is required no matter if you go to film school.

[@dhannysvallejocevallos6059]

@@StudioBinder that’s a good point.

[@landonp629]

You can make several feature films for the price of film school. NOTHING beats actual experience.

[@Shimaverentv]

I love this ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks, we love making them!

[@joaquinhernandez6940]

I am on my final semester about to finish my Associates degree in filmmaking. I'm taking a whole gap year to attend film festivals to network my screenplays at.

[@StudioBinder]

Congrats!

[@manikandan-ft6dl]

i'm who already in film school one important point it gives me whole time to learn for others only specific time in day

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for sharing!

[@CharlotteAndTim]

I did 4 years of film school. I did make some good connections and made a lot of projects to add to my reel. As an editor, it’s not needed. Most of things taught I already knew because of KZbin.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for sharing!

[@libreriafesacatlan]

How about a video about the careers of some directors who did or did not study filmmaking outside US and how come they where able to gain success in the US.

[@ExecutiveAutomotiveSociety]

What I find funny is I didn't watch other people's stuff because I didn't want to be like other people and it took me longer to find out who I was and then I collaborated with others and now it looks completely different! It's been a lot of fun!

[@StudioBinder]

Finding your voice is a journey we've all taken. Glad to hear you're having fun!

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

Superb ❤

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks!

[@Psyclonus7]

For opportunities and networking, yes.

[@StudioBinder]

Those are definitely valuable.

[@redgetheedge7212]

Film School is the classic approach. Best part is the contacts you make and keep.

[@StudioBinder]

Contacts and connections can be priceless!

[@khaledhesham8721]

Please make a video about how to convince the producers to produce your own movie

[@StudioBinder]

Interesting topic. We have a video coming up soon that might be close to what you're talking about.

[@joshuaochoa7621]

I am form Mexico and personally I didn't attend to a film school, because there is so much less option, so I began a film producer company called Pluton Producciones, we already have two shortfilms, the first actually sucks, but me and my crewmates learned by the mistakes we have done in that sort Film, and in our second shortfilm we put all of our knowledge from the past first experience, indeed that second shortfilm went all the way through athenas grece, and we won a second place in a film festival. The moral of this story, do not give up if a failure happens, that won't mark all your future career

[@StudioBinder]

Wow! That's awesome, thanks for sharing. And good luck to future Pluton productions!

[@jellyfishionado]

i love you guys.

[@StudioBinder]

Right back at ya!

[@shahabalbonaser2889]

Dear studiobinder I have a question, but before I ask I wanned to say that your channel makes Internet much more worthful and it is a filmschool on its own. My question is about the content that you use from other movies, how does it work with the copyrights of these content? is there no copyrights because you only use short footage? I sometimes want to use some short content like you do and I coudnt find an answer if its legal or not.

[@JIMBOLADA]

Yooo my footage for the marketing team is in this video 😂

[@StudioBinder]

Hey! Thanks for the fine work!

[@poorwotan]

As someone with no skin in the game (but I enjoy films enough to watch many YTs) it seems to me that a partial approach would be the way to go if I had chosen this field as a career. You can learn so much on the internet for free or for very low costs but that is all theoretical knowledge like "here is how to learn to weld"; great info and you see the video but until you've actually handled a welding stick - well, you don't really know, right? In film, I'd put those in the technical aspects of things: how to light, how to handle a camera, how to do sound. Maybe taking some classes, or even auditing, is a way to create those contacts while learning the 'hands on' parts. Seems to me that that hard knowledge is important for someone trying to do films in the hope that they'll be noticed... FWIW, I graduated with a BS in Management from a quite prestigious college and can honestly say that I have only used 1 concept learned there in my whole life. Biggest waste of my parent's money!!! However, also at a time when the 'free' education systems weren't really around...

[@StudioBinder]

Great advice!

[@alyssabruno5519]

Don't normally comment on videos, but I'm a film school grad. I went because I knew nothing about filmmaking or even how to get a job in the industry. I'm from Canada and film school was the only place where I learned about the Canadian film industry and how to navigate it. Didn't really know much about it beforehand. They didn't just teach us how to make movies; I also learned how to apply to grants and festivals, and got a list of all of them from my professors. I don't think film school is a bad idea, but definitely do your homework about all film schools available before you apply. Some of the ones around are a waste of time and money. They should realistically be teaching more than just how to make a movie. Cause many people I graduated with built peoduction companies right after graduation. Also, some people in my program did realize they prefer watching and learning about film to making films and dropped out. So it's an expensive way to do trial and error, but the right school might actually teach you whether or not you really want to do it. I'm probably a rare case, but I'll never regret film school. But it's definitely a case by case basis thing.

[@StudioBinder]

Great advice! Thanks for sharing.

[@quanyuan0824]

If you learn other modules in university, dig in some special scripts, and have money, and have resources, you could easily become a director.

[@StudioBinder]

Definitely!

[@solertia33]

I ended up in a Film Studies program and it was a great education. I learned about the world through movies. The downside is I’m still paying my student loans years later.

[@StudioBinder]

Sorry about the loans. Those can be tough.

[@FactsOnFilms]

Could you please tell me the scene and sequence differences by an example in a movie?

[@Johnrap]

When all the streaming companies were ramping up and stocking their libraries with exclusive content I'm pretty sure they let just about anybody write and direct movies.

[@LONE-WOLF-FILMS]

I'm a mature student studying film production at university. I am generally in classes with GEN Z students and it's an awful experience for a mature student. I'm learning things that I didn't understand before but networking is difficult as there is a huge age gap and if you don't drink alcohol then you're screwed. Most of these younger generation students procrastinate way too much and expect everything to be delivered to their doors. They don't realise you must work at this to make it work. I'm in my 3rd and final year this coming September and I doubt I'll keep in touch with anybody from my course. I'll keep working on my degree, but find my own path from there through events and socialising with people outside of the university.

[@perroraton9515]

This vid made me cry... :')

[@sbozinovic]

This is quite a us-centric post, and I don't say that to belittle or be negative, but to point out that there are diffferent film schools in different countries. Now, when it comes to debate... as I can see, most of the examples are various directors... but there are also cinematographers, editors... scriptwriters... Film school is just like any art school... Take for example painting... they will teach you basic techniques, but they will also teach and discuss art history, movements, drives... What I'm trying to say is this... yes you can be selfeducated filmmaker, but the quality of that education depends solely on you. Do you just replicate or do you create? Do you make a "Tarkovskii" movie, or do you make an art movie that is an expression of your need? Ok, I know that the main aspect is the business side but film is still an art... that is for some. What I'm driving at, convoluted as it sounds, is this... if you want to be in the movie business, I guess that you will not miss the formal education side that much, but if you see film as a art form it will be a bit different. As I said, yes, you can selfeducate, there are a lot of great directors that didn't go to art school (there are much less cinematographers, though...) but, again, that depends on you and your ability to analyse, cross reference, debate, selfquestion, etc.

[@daniellatteo_thefilmmaker]

8:12 "For one you're working with peers who're just as passionate as you are." Not always the case my friend! I mean, in my Film School, half of my peers were egotistical assholes, with no collaborative spirit whatsover. It was pretty much a "Dog eat Dog" environment. Ego can be a problem in this profession... You should make a video about that.

[@DeanCassady]

Motivation is everything.

[@DEEPVIBEVIDEOS1701]

i had the best film school ever since i started watching studiobinder

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching! Glad to hear we're helping out.

[@tronam]

I guess it just depends on the person. Christopher Nolan didn’t attend (although he wanted to), but Denis Villeneuve did. Cameron and Spielberg didn’t, but Ridley Scott and Scorsese did. There’s no one path to success either. Spielberg and Nolan seemed like born directors constantly making home movies as kids, Scott started in advertising and commercials, Villeneuve started in photography and documentary work, and Cameron started as an artist in production making models and matte paintings. They all share a number of traits though: passion, perseverance, and hard work. In truth probably addicted to the work.

[@StudioBinder]

Excellent points! Cameron was a truck driver and self-taught himself filmmaking by going to the USC library. He is the epitome of motivation!