How can you choose the best film production education program for your career?

The first thing to consider is what you know about the film industry. The real experience could be somewhat different than what you imagine it to be. Allow yourself the time to explore different roles in the industry via a Film Production course that puts you directly in the centre and offers you real professional experience - but in a safe environment - enabling you to grow, develop and take a meaningful and well-informed decision.

I find that head on experience is what helps, and just getting out there. If you’re near an industry city (LA, NYC, Atlanta, Chicago) I would start by being an extra on a set. Whether that’s a student film, TV show, film. Get yourself in the environment. You can learn so much from the people around you. If you’re not in a city, I would look at different YouTube videos/vlogs/Tik Toks. Even just tapping into a community online helps. Be as close to an environment as you can, and you learn whether that’s online or in person. learning so much just from watching, and talking to random people can give you a broader idea. I didn’t just decide to want to start overnight, but from watching I was able to narrow down.

Firstly, when you watch the credits of a film, you will find a huge list of skills involved, so be honest and try to match your abilities with this amazing list, ranging from Accountants to carpenters! We’re not all actors, editors, directors or camera crew! I started and ran the Brighton Film School for over 12 years, so met several thousand who, of course, all wanted to direct, BUT most didn’t know what a director does! I personally started at a drama college, became an accountant and went to the London Film School before working at one of the best production companies on commercials, documentaries and features after working in distribution too. Some even start at their local cinema, learning in the projection box and end up in dubbing!

You can train people in skills, and provide them with the knowledge about the roles. However, you cannot train personality, nor can you instruct a person with the gift of art of the craft. If your goal is have knowledge about film-making and the roles of the crew, then most programs will do to varying degrees. Read up on the faculty. However, if your goal is to work in that role, find a program with an internship component. Don't invest your time and money in a program that has you waiting until you complete the program, to discover if you can actually do the job you want as a career? Volunteer or intern as soon as you can, to discover whether you are a fit for the industry to begin with.

You need to assess yourself first & foremost. What do you want to do & why? Is it glamour, peer pressure or a skill set which drives you? What do you think you can bring to the table which is your own? Be objective in your assessment of yourself before getting into any kind of course. Once you have answered all the questions mentioned above satisfactorily & honesty. Pick a course which suits your preference best. It should be a practically oriented course with extensive hands-on training. Filmmaking is an applied art & the application of your chosen discipline is far more important than the theory going forward. The language of cinema is always the same & is based in storytelling but the application & discipline varies as per job roles.

The curriculum must give you comprehensive exposure to all the departments in filmmaking. Working in groups for all processes i, e, ideation, story & script development, storyboarding, planning, research, scheduling & budgeting, then shooting & then editing is imperative as this will help you learn from & with others. It will also challenge & motivate you to bring your best to the process. Working in teams /groups will not only instill a foundation for teamwork as no film is made alone but also expose you to the fundamentals of professionalism and personnel management. All audio visual mediums should be taught as part of the curriculum to enable you to be industry ready with whichever job opportunity that may come your way.

With regards to film, such as it is in Los Angeles, set experience and networking is key. Often, we highly specialize even within genres and medium. Non-scripted cameramen, for example, rarely do anything else. Transitioning from one role or genre to another takes considerable effort especially once your network has affirmed your specialty. Personally, as a director, my educational focus was on visual storytelling particularly as it pertains to directing actors. I also trained in post-production sound and production management to understand how my role fit within the larger picture. In short, plan to learn what each role does and how they fit into the larger picture, but focus intensely on one or two areas. All else is learned on set.

When selecting a film production program, prioritize mastering technical and creative skills relevant to your desired role. Seek a well-rounded curriculum covering camera work, lighting, sound, editing, script development, shot design, and vital soft skills like communication and problem-solving. Remember, the skills you acquire, including budgeting, event planning, and management, will benefit you regardless of your career choice. This holistic approach ensures your readiness for success in the film industry and beyond.

Additionally, think about your preferred learning environment and how it aligns with your lifestyle. Film school offers classroom interaction and enforced deadlines, enhancing your short film projects. However, with an entrepreneurial spirit, you can replicate these exercises. Consider if you prefer the structure of a classroom or the flexibility of online learning. Decide on full-time or part-time study, and the duration of your program. Evaluate if you need access to professional equipment or can work with your resources. The right program should cater to your learning preferences and requirements.

Filming is technical and hands-on. You absolutely should prioritize direct, hands-on instruction when possible. If editing or writing is your thing, you can get away with online coursework, but that will not suffice for most other roles. Knowing how to build a camera or rig lights should only be taught in person. Find a program that offers a range of tools to work with.

Film is an interesting business. Some go to film school, some don’t. There’s always a different story. While I have not attended film school, I cannot stress to you how community building is so important. I would have not been able to make my short film had I not stayed in touch with my colleagues/friends. I ended up having a larger crew than expected, and I was able to get fellow Troma alumni involved after working on past projects. Make friends in art communities, and support your fellow artists. If you are going to school, do film classes/clubs. But support the artists of all kind, the arts are all connected industries.

An insight I can share with my personal experience is that though working with a group of close friends can sound beneficial/comfortable in many ways, it is more likely that your personal growth in the understanding of filmmaking and/or mastering a particular crew role may not have positive effects in a timely manner if the group you are involved in lacks proper expertise in the eyes of reality.

Consider your long-term career prospects. While pursuing a career in the film industry is a dream for many, it doesn't work out for everyone. Evaluate and truly consider exactly how much you are willing to suffer. Can you put off having a family, for example? Do you like Top Ramen? Some artists struggle financially, and I've witnessed friends facing continuous challenges. This prompted me to pivot towards a stable marketing job for a steady paycheck. Consider your backup plan. If it doesn't work in the film industry, how can you take the lessons learned in this chapter of your life and apply it to another profession?

Turning your passion into a career can lead to greater job satisfaction and happiness in life since you're doing what you love, and it can keep you motivated since you are driven by personal interest. However, there are downsides to consider. Your passion may lose some of its charm when it becomes work, maybe even resulting in you disliking what you once loved. You may also value different things as you get older. A passion-led career at the risk of lower income sounds fine when you are young and your needs are not complicated, but as you get older, financial stability becomes more valuable. As much as you research the different roles, research the different outcomes and lifestyles not only of those who 'make it' but also those who don't.

Apart from the normal pre-production plans, a good practice for a successful shoot day is to plan all the scenes to be covered the following day with a contingency plan if you suspect last-minute issues. Actual/probable issues can be best identified the previous day/night. This helps heaps in time management.

Be open to collaborating. I know film can be a my way or the highway type of vision, but unless you’re a mega multi hyphenate, or have a lot of money, you need to cooperate and be open to ideas. When I was making my film demons in pre-production, I was suggested ideas I didn’t even think of at first, and I’m glad that I listened. Feedback is your ally, you’ll get much farther as a team than yourself out there. I’ve been the actress, the writer, and director, and what always makes a successful shoot is teamwork, and being open minded.