TV / Film School
Broadcasting SchoolRecording Engineer School
FILM SCHOOL
A Real-World Film Studio is the Best Place to Learn
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But what does it actually take to enter this exciting career? Two things. Namely, skills, and connections. While traditional film school may be helpful in one area (skills), it is not nearly as effective in the other -- connections. Here's why.
Filmmaking Techniques
It's true that in film school, you will learn a lot about the theory, and something about the practical application, of making films. However, the odds are that you will make one, maybe two student films while in the program.In an apprenticeship, you'll be involved in any number of productions -- at all levels -- from a full-length motion picture to shorter commercial productions. You'll be out in the real world, working under the conditions that have to be faced every day in the business.
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It's Who You Know That Counts
Everyone knows this expression, and for good reason. It really is your network that will get -- and keep -- you working in the industry. But guess what? The people that can help you get work are already working! And to get to know them, you have to work with them. Or work with people who know them.What better way to do this than to be learning under their supervision? After all, nothing builds camaraderie like an intense working situation. Once you've been in the trenches with the people who are mentoring you, they'll really know you. And it's that kind of relationship that forwards your career.
Location, Location, Location
If you live in New York or Los Angeles, you're close to a lot of film and video production companies -- and are competing with an enormous amount of people for the jobs available. If you live elsewhere, you have less competition, but also not as many opportunities. Either way, your success at entering -- and succeeding in -- the business, is directly proportionate to the amount of people in the business that you know.The advantage of an apprenticeship is that you can enter the industry wherever you are, gain the valuable skill set needed, and start building your network at the same time. Because many of the same production techniques are useful no matter where you are, and no matter what kind of production you're working on, that experience will serve you well in any location.
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Time Is Money, and Vice Versa
Finally, you'll almost certainly pay many times more to attend film school than you will for an apprentice program. It will also take a lot longer for you to get your start in your career, since in an apprenticeship, you'll begin working in the field immediately, as opposed to a traditional film school, in which you'll attend school for an average of 2 to 4 years before getting into the "real" world.
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ZDT Entertainment Network is a fully accredited institute of education. |
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| "Not only did I not go to college for broadcasting, I never even finished high school. I did however get my foot in the door, and since have been awarded over 8 Emmys for news reporting." |
| — Peter Jennings World News Tonight |
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I'm not very enamored with the American public school system." |
| — Quentin Tarantino Director, Screenwriter |
