Question by The Dude: Film School (Getting my foot in the door)?
First a brief history about me:
I’m in a training program that my father got me into a few years ago that would pay for my schooling so i can become and Engineer. I decided that I didn’t care for that field after taking the basic courses in college and working with other Engineers at the office. I know that my father would really be disappointed when I drop out (which I plan to do) but I need to do it. At first my grades were pretty good (A’s and a couple B’s) but after a couple years of it I started to slack off and got B’s, C’s and a D or two.
What’s Going on Now:
I decided that since I love story telling and had a wonderful time making videos as a kid that perhaps the film business would work for me. I love creating stories (mainly fantasy dealing with Norse Mythology) so perhaps screenwriting would work. But I decided I wanted to continue school but for a different degree, something that would help get me in the business. Ultimately I’d love to write my own work and direct it but I know how far off and difficult that could be.
My Question:
I still have the record of my bad grades from school, should I stick with my trainee position for a little longer and retake those classes to raise up my grades? Or should I try enrolling in one of the Film Art Schools? I don’t think I could be accepted in one of the better schools due to me grades. Also what schools should I consider? Since I want to get into directing and screenwriting what degree should I go for? I really don’t know how or where to start. Anyone with any real knowledge of how all of this works please help me out.
There are two schools here that deal with Film, one is the Portland Art Institute and the other is the Northwest Film Center School. The NW Film Center offers one course per quarter for near $ 1000 a course. Portland Art Institute of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Film and Video but for the whole degree it could cost about $ 85,000 total. That’s quite a bit of money for me, even if I got for a student loan. I dunno what to do and really could use the help.
Best answer:
Answer by PE2008
It would be a SERIOUS BAD ERROR to drop Engineering for “Film School.” For sure should not make your father pay for this fantasy.
The only job you will get in film, is as Ronald McDonald, with red rubber nose, selling videos to parents at childrens’ birthday parties. Mostly, you’ll just be unemployed and lining up for soup kitchens.
You should go back to Engineering School, except drop down to Engineering Technology so that you can save most of your credits but still graduate with a useful degree.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!