A film school is an educational institution dedicated to the study of filmmaking. Film schools are either self-contained or affiliated with a university. A film school will usually offer courses or programs in producing, directing, acting, and screenwriting, as well as camera and filming technology.
Although film school is not required for people who want to work in the film and television industry, it can provide an opportunity to learn about all of the components that go into making a film. Film schools introduce students to skills that they can pursue further if they are interested. Students at film schools are frequently encouraged to work on small feature film projects that they can include on their resumes. While graduation from a film or television school does not guarantee employment in those fields, the education and film projects gained students can be used on a resume to improve their chances of being hired for entry-level work in television or movies.
The majority of film school curriculum is built around core knowledge in all aspects of filmmaking, as well as elective and specialty course options. After completing the core curriculum, students at some film schools have the option of specializing in either theater or television and film. Some film schools specialize in a single field, such as animation or visual effects, while others focus solely on acting and directing. Students should look for schools that offer programs in the areas of filmmaking in which they are most interested.
Film schools can be found in countries such as Germany, Israel, and Australia. Top film schools, such as those at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and Florida State University, are particularly associated with the United States (FSU). UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television offers courses in film history and theory, as well as technical and creative aspects of the industry.
UCLA is known for its theater, film, and television bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. People who want to teach filmmaking may benefit from a master’s degree in fine arts from UCLA or another film school. For aspiring filmmakers, teaching filmmaking could be a rewarding future career option. FSU is known for pairing film students with career mentors in order to assist graduates in finding jobs in the film industry within a year of graduation.