Comparing the Different Film Schools

Film schools are all over the country and students have a number of types of film education they can pursue. Someone interested in studying movies and their production should remember to keep some important factors in mind. Factors such as the type of school they want to attend and what kind of degree they are after.

The study of movies is the study of how a one is constructed. Students learn to read a movie. Reading a movie is understanding the shots involved in making up the cohesive idea or production. Each movie has a different feel and some are more successful then others.

The study of movies is also understanding the importance of where the camera is and what it is looking at between frames. The position of camera to the subject being recorded is vital to understanding the proper elements of a successful movie. Watching the successful movies and breaking them down is no different then understanding the individual brush strokes of any great painting. Camera placement is not the only part of a successful movie.

Light in any production is critical. Light allows the film maker to give his or her movie a certain look that over time becomes easily identifiable and distinguished their movie. The marriage of light and camera position can make a scene or actor come alive, look scary or sad. The proper use of light between scenes makes the story seem to jump out of the screen and draw the viewer into it, following intensely along as the director carries the audience to the end of the story.

Attending the right school means the student is afforded the luxury of not only great teachers but also great equipment to make their own movies. Part of a solid education is the creation of their own production called a student film. No matter the school you attend the end result or final thesis is the creation and premier of their movie to an audience.

One choice of a school is to go a university with a major in film. These four year universities are heavy on theory mixed with practical production experienced during the junior and senior years. These universities mix understanding of movie making with the education of all aspects of the movie making process to better prepare their graduates for life in the entertainment world beyond education.

Among four year universities you can choose between those that are known as film schools and those that teach film. No two universities will be exactly the same, location, price and professors are all factors to consider when comparing Universities. Entertainment education can be costly so the curriculum and professors should be two important factors. You should compare the equipment they offer for use during student productions. The better University will have the right combination of professor, curriculum and equipment to make the education a superior one for the learner.

Filmmaking institutions are more focused on the production of student films versus hours spent understanding theory and are completed in about 2 years or less. Students will produce and work on a number of films during their enrollment and will have more hands on experience over the traditional college. When deciding to go this route cost, location of the institution, equipment and class size are critical. The smaller the class the more one on one teaching each student can expect to receive. Location and equipment are also critical factors, an institution located in a major city will mean a variety of locations for shoots.

Films schools are not the same, some are heavier in theory with a marginal emphasis on practical studies while others are more aimed toward the production of a students vision versus the years spent understanding other filmmakers visions. The right choice will depend on the type of student you are, one who learns with a smaller class size and more hands on practical guide or one that thrives in the textbook college environment. Class size is less important in college and instead the focus is on understanding the subject matter and creation of a movie.

Ready build upon your inner creativity? Find the best film school or join one of the many fine game design schools that will let you develop your artistic skills.