Should I consider film school but I've never made a short film before and don't know what to do

[modern cairn]

Hey there, should I consider Film school? I love editing, filming, photographing, I made a lot of edits back at school even tho its just some silly fan edits It always had a story and wasn't just meaningless edits and I had a YouTube channel, Directed some students in voice over we made a great video and it won the 2ed place in a competition and now I'm working on an animation short film and It looks good, The thing is I have never made a short film before and I don't know what to put in my portfolio, what type of content should I film? should I have a showreel? and I Love filmmaking always wanted to be a director, I don't know what to do!

[normal gull]

With the internet you can learn everything you'd need about filmmaking, but it's unorganized and scattered. Sometimes you'd have conflcting information and you'd need to judge what's best. You'd also need to find your own networking events and practice and be self motivated all on your own. If you're willing to do it yourself, and literally for free, then no you don't need film school. If you want a clear this class then this class then this class and school forcing you network and you think that is worth $30,000 then yeah think about it

Personally I think the cost is too insane if I can just work a bit and do it myself for free

But some people need that structure and have money to burn

[modern cairn]

The thing is I don't know what exactly am I supposed to do ? shoot content Just anything and everything I'd like ? cuz I can't do any short film now. Or is there a specific kind of stuff should I have ? It's like a whole huge field and I don't know where to start and what people expect me to do YK

[eternal rain]

I recommend personally is, if you want to go to school, go to a school that can be a tool for your filmmaking. For instance, if you go to school for marketing, you'll have a way better idea on how to market your film. I know a lot of people who went to school not for filmmaking, but for something to help with their filmmaking.

Because truthfully, in this day in age, anyone can make a film & improve on their skills using only a phone for recording and editing. Won't be a "professional level," but we all have to start somewhere and keep improving. Resources online are definitely scattered, but I'd recommend a good place to start learning about the process is the StudioBinder YouTube channel, and any photography/editing tutorial videos you have.

[desert granite]

i feel like majoring in something else and having film as a minor would be a good if it's an option (i might go for something like that)

[wintry light]

Marker. @desert granite is on Take 4!

[silver geode]

Are you going for undergrad or grad? I did a film minor as an undergrad because my school didn’t offer film as a major. It taught me the basics but I definitely still have a lot to learn. I’m aiming to eventually go to grad school once I save up enough money.

It also depends on your current skill level. A lot of what you learn in undergrad is available on YouTube but like someone said above me, the information on YouTube is sporadic and you might waste a lot of time before finding actual useful information. Also if you go to film school, you’d get feedback from your instructors which you mostly wouldn’t get from online sources.

I personally think film school is worth it because I’m the type of person to like structured learning styles and I value the instructor feedback and networking. It’s really up to your budget and knowing how you prefer to learn

[modern cairn]

Undergrad, and I want to turn into real job, not soo skillful, still a beginner still learning but I want to be a Director and for that I don't know what exactly I should read about and as you said the film school is worth it and it's difficult to become a director without a degree so If I'm going to go for school anyway it'll better something will help me achieve my dream goal or the collage years would a waste of time, effort and money right?

[gritty bough]

I am a second year in college. For several years I debated going to film school. I took some classes but i realized often professors still don't allow 100% creativity, so i just found some friends.

if you can, find some friends with same passion, because often times, film school you only pay for connections and maybe better equipment.

yes, film school has it's perks but if you've never made a short film, I'd say you should do it on your own first.

film school usually requires an extensive profile to apply anyway

[modern cairn]

I'm working on my first short, don't know when it's going to be done yet

[modern cairn]

what do you suggest to include in my Portfolio since my first short is'nt out yet

[gritty bough]

some schools want visual arts too, some want scripts, or simply just a few shorts. They know everyone is a student and doesn’t have a big budget but just like to see you try to do your best.

There will be some writing and projects

For sample here is USCs guidelines.

https://cinema.usc.edu/admissions/procedures/production/firstyearprocedures.cfm

[silver geode]

I encourage film school because you often have to learn the rules before you break them

[modern cairn]

good one thanks really🙌

[modern cairn]

True sometimes I forget about that, it feels sometimes everything has to be perfect, which can be frustrating sometimes, thanks for the advice really appreciate it

[gritty bough]

You’re welcome. Wish you luck in your film school journey🙏

[modern cairn]

do you mind if I ask you for help?

[gritty bough]

i can try to help yeah. i never ended up applying to film school

though

[modern cairn]

thanks, yet you seem informed

[wintry light]

Marker. @modern cairn is on Take 5!

[gritty bough]

Yeah cuz I closely considered. But sure if you want some more advice I can try to help