Re: Film School?

Since I teach at the USC School of Cinematic Arts in addition to working in the biz, I figured I'd answer your question and give you some advice.

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[profittlich]

hey im from germany and im highly interested in making films..unfortunately germany couldnt care less about that type of career..im planning after i a have completed my school and my compulsory military service to study film-making in california..is the age or your curriculum vitae of great importance? id be so grateful if someone answered! GREETS

[FrederickLevy]

i don't think age matters. Sometimes when you're older, you've got more experience and that can be quite a positive thing.

[meheh]

Hey thank you for the great input! I am at an 'art school' but I have to learn a massive amoutn on my own. I'm going to film school down in L.A. next year, but I don't know if I'm exceptional enough. Maybe you could critique some of my practicing progress. I have a little bit of my projects up on youtube. Any input on what you think I should do would be great. Thank you! Also, do you think putting screenplays into festivals is better than mailing them to production companies?

[FrederickLevy]

Be resourceful and try every option. Don't limit your method of distribution to one or the other. Send to productions companies AND enter festivals. I know filmmakers who got their break both ways!

[cinemachris]

what do you teach at USC? I work there and I don't think we have met.

[FrederickLevy]

I've taught a class called "Developing and Selling Your Screenplay" for the last five years. I also teach a popular pitching seminar every summer.

[megamatt53]

How would you say is the best way to break in to the bussiness of filmmaking ? to be a director ? would you say making short films and sending them out to film festivals is a good way ?

[icefiredarksector748]

Sir, you've pratically paraphrased everything I've ever heard from anyone giving me advise on how to get into the film industry.

Lol, I give. Thanks for the humbling info.

[sabuinthahouse]

Hello, what is your stance on grad schools? I am currently finishing up an undergrad in the UK that is focused on ftv theory. After graduation i would like to relocate to the States and work in television writer, producer etc. I am just not sure if grad school is the way to go, mostly due to financial reasons. I would need some more practical eperience an contacts, especially since i have no idea how to find a paying job in the field in the States otherwise. Any ideas? Thanks!

[StopThatSquirrel]

great info!

[The040591]

thanks man, that is helpful

[tatertots00]

Its funny how you talk about USC Champman AFI etc saying how great they are, then say UCLA is well ok.... lol Fight On

[vladradforpres5]

Would you say the Best film schools are in the SoCal area? Are you familiar with Film schools in the Bay Area?

[derickih]

Hello, there, grate video. I've been having a hard time to find videos about the USC student's work. So, 'm from Brazil, im graduating in advertising. I've work as video editor in a commercial production company, and now im working as director assistant. I'm looking forward to apply for the commercial production summer program, with the teacher Austion Formato. I'd like to have some comments about that course, to be sure if it is worth the large amount of money.

[KypHeM]

Hey man thank you!

[Ridley446]

Thanks for your input