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This article was co-authored by Martin Bentsen. Martin Bentsen is a New York City-based Acting Coach and Headshot Photographer. Focusing on developing an actor's ability to book more work, Martin advises clients on professional headshots, demo reels, biographies, websites, and how to connect with talent agents. He has taught actor marketing strategies at New York University, The Actor's Green Room, and Actor's Connection. He has taken over 6,000 headshots for City Headshots and teaches actors via classes, emails, and one-on-one consultations. Martin holds a BFA in Film and Television from New York University.
There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 56,708 times.
Film school is a place for people who are passionate about film and television and want to be involved in the creation, dissemination, and discussion of these kinds of entertainment. Deciding you want to attend film school is a big decision, and a degree can take many years and be quite expensive. The kinds of skills you gain, however, can substantially help you in finding a job in the entertainment industry. From documentary filmmaking to animation to film criticism, film programs prepare students for an array of careers in movies and television.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:
Deciding if Film School is Right for You
Explore the many possible tracks. Film schools typically offer a range of different concentrations, including filmmaking, screenwriting, digital media, animation, scoring, television, and film criticism. Figure out what your primary interest is early so you can find a few different schools that offer what you want. Choosing just one school to apply to is a mistake -- you need to have a few schools so that you can feel certain you will get in to one. If you plan on applying to the most selective schools, choose some that are less selective as well to ensure you get in somewhere. [1]
Weigh the length of time and cost. Although financial aid is available at most film schools, getting an undergraduate degree in film takes at least four years and typically costs tens of thousands of dollars. Some people involved in the film industry went to film school, but many did not.[2] Having a film degree is no guarantee of a job in the entertainment industry. [3]Advertisement
Decide if you like the structure of an academic program. For some, having classmates with whom to work and ready-made mentors in the form of faculty is too good an opportunity to miss. For others, the freedom to realize their vision on a personal project with their choice of pace and personnel outweighs the benefits of film school.[4]
Look into other possibilities might show you alternate ways to get where you want. If the time and cost are too much, but college is still appealing, think about a minor in film and engaging in extracurriculars involving movies. Keep in mind that you could always return after you complete your college degree, this time as a graduate student and get a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) in film. If film school and college are both unappealing, look for ways to get involved in the television and film community where you live.[5] Explore the possibilities of public access television, experimental film fests/contests, or creating online video content. [6]Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:
Finding the Film School for You
Visit the programs to meet students and faculty. They can give you the best sense of what the program is like and whether or not it is what you want. Even if you cannot visit, the admissions office will be able to set you up to communicate with students and faculty about their experiences. Talk to as many people as you can to get the fullest picture of what it would be like to attend this school. It is a big decision and you want to get it right. [7]
Decide the size and location of the film school you want to attend. Think about whether you want a large number of people in your film program, or a more intimate group. Figure out where you want to be geographically. Los Angeles and New York might be right for some people, but there are film programs all over. [8]
Research the strengths of each film program. Not every school gives you the same background. If your interest is documentary films, you need to be at a place with a strong documentary track. If you believe you will end up in television, you should find a place that allows you to get experience in that area. Looking at the courses offered and the faculty specialties will give you a good sense of the strengths of each particular program. [9]
Explore the internship and placement opportunities the school offers. Make sure they are the kinds of experiences you want to have. Ask about what alumni have done and if there is an active alumni network that might help in finding opportunities after graduation. [10]Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:
Applying to Film School
Create a strong application. For a traditional college or university with a film program, this will mean both academic record and creative portfolio. For a film school attached to an art school, there will be less focus on your academics and more on your creative output. For any application, however, you should begin early and write and create multiple drafts of your application. [11]
Take the SAT or ACT exams. Most schools require these for admission. Take these tests for the first time in your junior year of high school (if you plan on going immediately to film school after high school) so you will have plenty of time to retake them if your scores are not high enough for the schools you want to attend. Most schools post their test averages so that you have a good sense of whether you can fall within that range.
Choose appropriate teachers or mentors to write letters of recommendation. Be sure to ask someone who really knows you, your work, and your love of film. Schools take letters of recommendation very seriously and so should you.
Write an excellent personal essay. For a traditional college or university with a film school, most will require some kind of written statement about you and your goals. Start working on this months in advance. Ask your guidance or college counselor to read your essay. They are often able to give you the most specific help and advice since they have experience and insight on the college process. [12]
Select the creative elements (portfolio) of your application carefully. This will often be an extra part of the application, and each school has different requirements. Check carefully for each school to which you are applying -- you might have to do a different portfolio for each one. Think about how you want to present yourself to the admissions committee. If you have done a broad range of film projects, make sure your submission reflects this. You could submit a short film or excerpts from different works. If you are less experienced, you might want to explain how recent your interest in filmmaking is and any projects you have in process. [13]
Keep track of deadlines for applications and financial aid. Get applications in early so that you are certain the schools received them. Most students will be applying for some kind of financial assistance. The form for government grants and loans -- the FAFSA -- is mandatory for many schools. The school to which you are applying may also have a separate financial aid form. Read each school’s policy about financial aid carefully to make sure you don’t miss any paperwork or deadlines. [14]
Be realistic about your chances. Most schools post the ranges of grades and test scores they accept from their applicants. If yours are significantly lower than that range it's unlikely you'll be accepted. Also keep in mind that many of the most prestigious film programs are highly competitive and accept a very small percentage of those who apply. Make sure you have a few backup schools in case your first choices don't accept you.Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:
Deciding Between Film Schools
Choose the school that works best for your situation. Looking at the schools to which you were accepted, look at the college's offer on a larger context. Did they provide enough financial aid that it wouldn't be a hardship to attend? Think not just about tuition but room and board and travel money, particularly if you have to fly there. [15]
Contact students and faculty to help make up your mind. If you're still not sure where you'd like to go, reach out to the students and faculty you have talked to and ask for their advice. Many of the students have probably been in the same situation and often have good insight into the final decision.
Make your decision and let the school know. Most places require you to let them know by May 1, so keep that date in mind as you're working on your decision. Let the other schools know that you will not be attending as soon as you can -- they might be able to offer your spot to another student on a waiting list. [18]Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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- QuestionDo most filmmakers go to film school?
Martin BentsenMartin Bentsen is a New York City-based Acting Coach and Headshot Photographer. Focusing on developing an actor's ability to book more work, Martin advises clients on professional headshots, demo reels, biographies, websites, and how to connect with talent agents. He has taught actor marketing strategies at New York University, The Actor's Green Room, and Actor's Connection. He has taken over 6,000 headshots for City Headshots and teaches actors via classes, emails, and one-on-one consultations. Martin holds a BFA in Film and Television from New York University.
Acting Coach & Headshot PhotographerSome filmmakers go to film school, but not all do. You can still be a filmmaker even if you don't go to film school. - QuestionIs going to film school worth it?Martin BentsenMartin Bentsen is a New York City-based Acting Coach and Headshot Photographer. Focusing on developing an actor's ability to book more work, Martin advises clients on professional headshots, demo reels, biographies, websites, and how to connect with talent agents. He has taught actor marketing strategies at New York University, The Actor's Green Room, and Actor's Connection. He has taken over 6,000 headshots for City Headshots and teaches actors via classes, emails, and one-on-one consultations. Martin holds a BFA in Film and Television from New York University.
Acting Coach & Headshot PhotographerGoing to film school has its benefits. You learn a lot and make important connections. It's important to realize, though, that it's not necessary to go to film school to have a film career. It is also very expensive. Getting training and learning how to market yourself properly is much more important when trying to work in the film industry. - QuestionCan I still get into film school if I am a middle school drop out?
Community AnswerIt's very unlikely unless you go back and finish school. Previous schooling is a requirement to get into film school.
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Tips
- If you are put on the wait list at a school, there is still hope that you might be accepted. Sometimes you won't have a final answer until after the May 1 deadline, so it can get complicated to accept one school while waiting to hear about entrance into another. Decide if the school that put you on the wait list is worth waiting for. If not, take your name off the list.Thanks
- If you don't want to major in film or attend a designated film school, you can still take classes in film. There are also many community art programs and schools where anyone can take film courses. You also might want to check out intensive summer programs that are often offered for high school or college students through art schools or art museums to help expose them to filmmaking techniques.Thanks
- Even if you don't end up getting in or going to a film school, there are many opportunities to be involved in the creation of film and television as you work or get a degree in something other than film.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/top-25-film-schools-united-721649
- ↑ Martin Bentsen. Acting Coach & Headshot Photographer. Expert Interview. 8 May 2020.
- ↑ http://www.entertainmentcareers.net/
- ↑ Martin Bentsen. Acting Coach & Headshot Photographer. Expert Interview. 8 May 2020.
- ↑ Martin Bentsen. Acting Coach & Headshot Photographer. Expert Interview. 8 May 2020.
- ↑ http://www.filmmakingstuff.com/
- ↑ https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/majors/arts-visual-performing-film-studies
- ↑ http://www.thebestcolleges.org/the-10-best-film-schools-in-the-united-states/
- ↑ http://www.filmmaking.net/filmschools/
- ↑ http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/top-american-film-schools-alumni-721827/1-ucla
- ↑ https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/apply-to-college
- ↑ http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/going-beyond-cliche-how-to-write-a-great-college-essay/?_r=0
- ↑ https://www.cca.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/undergrad-portfolio.pdf
- ↑ https://studentaid.gov/
- ↑ http://www.finaid.org/fafsa/awardletters.phtml
- ↑ Martin Bentsen. Acting Coach & Headshot Photographer. Expert Interview. 8 May 2020.
- ↑ http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/13/cherry-creek-dunham-2/?_r=0
- ↑ https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/making-a-decision/what-to-do-if-youre-wait-listed
About this article
Martin Bentsen
Acting Coach & Headshot Photographer
This article was co-authored by Martin Bentsen. Martin Bentsen is a New York City-based Acting Coach and Headshot Photographer. Focusing on developing an actor's ability to book more work, Martin advises clients on professional headshots, demo reels, biographies, websites, and how to connect with talent agents. He has taught actor marketing strategies at New York University, The Actor's Green Room, and Actor's Connection. He has taken over 6,000 headshots for City Headshots and teaches actors via classes, emails, and one-on-one consultations. Martin holds a BFA in Film and Television from New York University. This article has been viewed 56,708 times.
Co-authors: 13
Updated: June 1, 2023
Views: 56,708
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 56,708 times.
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