If you’re an aspiring film director, film producer, film editor or screenwriter looking for an education in filmmaking in Los Angeles, you almost certainly know that deciding among Los Angeles film schools is simpler said than done. The home of the Hollywood film industry, Los Angeles is practically cluttered with film programs which range from basic trade school programs to master’s degrees, and just about all things in between. If you’re trying to choose which one is best for your needs, here’s a short overview of the types of schools which are “out there” to help you narrow down your options.
COLLEGES USC and UCLA are usually the several schools within southern California that offer well-respected film majors and both undergraduate and graduate degrees as well in several areas of filmmaking. The college route is a great one to take if you’re looking for a well-rounded education (undergraduate degrees include general education courses). However, be advised that universites and colleges are likely to be pricey. Make sure you have any established connections to the film industry once you graduate, so that you aren’t struggling to produce work when it comes time to pay off your student debt.
DEDICATED FILM SCHOOLS There are also a number of Los Angeles Los Angeles film schools that are dedicated to the filmmaking arts (or perhaps an variety of media arts). These programs vary widely in length, learning approach, and price. Some schools take much more of a collegiate or conservatory approach (like the AFI Conservatory or CalArts), or maybe more of the trade school approach (like Los Angeles Film School). These programs can offer a more intensive target filmmaking, but tend to also be quite expensive.
MENTOR-APPRENTICE APPROACH The traditional education format which most film schools take is a great issue on college or trade school approach since the subject matter is taught off the “real world”- classrooms. This is often quite problematic for film students because the film sector is all about connections and real-world experience, and traditional education can provide neither of such. The mentor-apprentice alternative closes this gap by actually educating film students in real film production companies, in the tutelage of real working film professionals. (One of the schools that employs the mentor-apprentice approach is Film Connection.Students who are learning in the mentor-apprentice method getting through with the curriculum are able to gain real- life experience in a tuition far lower than of most other film schools (while there is no campus to help maintain).
Not every film school approach is perfect for everyone, making it imperative that you understand your options in order to make a good selection for yourself. When deciding among Los Angeles film schools, however, be sure to take a look at the mentor-apprentice alternative.