30 Film School

Budget film-making using digital video.

Would you like to get into film school, make the most of your education, and go on to make that movie you?ve always dreamt of making? It?s possible when you know which steps to take.Over three hundred past and current film students from around the country were asked to discuss their experiences in and out of film school and to help answer many of the key questions any young up-and-coming filmmaker might have about film school and the film industry as a whole. Questions such as:What are film schools really looking for in their applicants?What does your school expect of you once you are accepted?What is the best way to ensure success while you are in film school?What are the biggest mistakes made by film students?What should a film student expect after they graduate from college?A phenomenal text that will prove valuable to any potential, current, or post-graduate film student, this book is not only filled with wonderful insight into the world of film school, but is packed with insightful tips for applying to film school, succeeding in film school, and making it in the film industry as a whole. This book is a must read for any future or current filmmaker.

With digital video cameras and desktop video editing tools cheaper than ever, making a film on your own is now easier than ever. Independent artist Michael W. Dean shows readers how to create compelling films without a budget. Full of interviews from insightful filmmakers and artists as well as practical advice and resources, this book not only shows how to make a film, but also how to distribute, tour with, promote, and sell it. The accompanying CD-ROM includes movies, lessons, interviews, trailers, and other tools.

One L meets You'll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again In this comic and moving and completely true tale, Film School reveals what life is like at the elite school that trained Hollywood's biggest names. When Midwestern journalist Steve Boman applied to the University of Southern California's vaunted School of Cinematic Arts, the world's oldest and most prestigious film school, he had more than a few strikes against him: His wife was recovering from thyroid cancer. His beloved sister had just died of leukemia. He lost his job. He had three young children. He was in his late 30s…. And he had no experience in filmmaking. As Boman navigates his way through USC's arduous three-year graduate production program, he finds that his films fall flat, he's threatened with being kicked out of the program and he becomes the old guy no one wants to work with. Defeated, he quits and moves back to the Midwest to be with his family. After he is urged by his wife to reapply, he miraculously gets in for a second time...only to have a stroke on the first day of classes. But instead of doing the easy thing – running away again -- Boman throws caution to the wind and embraces the challenge. He slowly becomes a gray-haired Golden Boy at USC with films that sparkle. And then he does the impossible: While still in school, for a class project, he dreams up a television series that CBS catches wind of and develops into THREE RIVERS, a primetime Sunday night show. This story of challenge and triumph—and what it takes to make it in the world's most famous film school—is a must-read for anyone aspiring to become a Hollywood great or anyone just looking for a good story.

Develop the tools you will need to succeed before, during, and after your film school education. Film School: A Practical Guide to an Impractical Decision is a specific, straightforward guide to applying, getting into, and thriving in film school and in the industry in general. Not only does this book appeal to both prospective and current film students, it also features an in depth discussion of the application process, both from the graduate and undergraduate perspectives. You will learn how to choose between different schools and programs, avoid debt, succeed at festivals, and transition out of film school and into the work world. Author Jason Kohl offers: Tips on how to develop your voice before attending film school A chronological layout that allows you to continually refer to the book throughout your film school process Advice on how to gauge the cost of attending film school Whether you are a recent film school graduate, or just starting the application process, Film School gives important advice and insider knowledge that will help you learn and grow in the film industry. Film School is a must-have for anyone who wants to know what it takes to succeed in film school and beyond.

Now completely revised-all there is to know on getting into the right schools and making the experience count. This completely revised edition of Film School Confidential continues to offer the inside scoop on every major film school program in the country. A must-have guide for students who are considering applying to film school, this book provides more than 20 profiles of the best film school programs across the country. Covering such key areas as curriculum, student body, reputation, and employment options for film school grads, the authors provide solid, objective information on each program as well as snippets from interviews with students and faculty members.