> > I have seen a number of surveys which addressed the question of > > the value > > of film school versus practical training. A variety of highly successful > > film makers and their schoolings are considered. These surveys (as I > > remember them) conclude that about 50 % of their subjects received formal > > film educations while 50 % did not. Mark writes: > These statistics are probably true, however, it is an industry which is > rapidly changing. THe concept of a 'film school' is fairly recent, > compared to something like 'art school' or 'music school'. Since many of > many in Hollywood today started their careers before film becoming a > common university degree, there should be a large number of people > without them. However, now there are more people than ever in film > school, many who have tremendous experince as well. So future film > employers have the ability to choose both experience and education. > > Also, film school does offer many internship possibilities which aren't > attainable elsewhere, but I imagine that that varies depending on the > strength of the industry in the are where the school resides. I know this is at a bit of a tangent, but I am myself considering attending a film school (in Vancouver, BC, Canada), and would be interested in any advice you (or anyone on screen-l) could give me on this matter. It seems to me that "film school" refers to two types of institution: universities (which tend to offer a 4-yr programme), and independent film schools (shorter time span, higher cost). The former mixes technical instruction with humanities-based courses; the latter is more "industry-focussed". As someone who would like eventually to be able to make films independently, I would be grateful for any info on the pros and cons of these two varieties of film school. Do the advantages (some of which are mentioned above) of attending a film school apply more to one variety than to the other? Thanks in advance, Allan. ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]