Let’s face it, picking a filmmaking school can be daunting, but it isn’t something that should deter you from efforts to follow your dreams or become a working professional in the industry. Film schools have tremendous benefits. 

Here are nine tips (in no particular order) to consider when choosing a filmmaking school: 

1) Ranking 

The first thing most students look for when choosing a film school is ranking. Film schools are rated according to many things, including but not limited to campus climate, campus culture, faculty to student ratio, and more.  

There are a few organizations that conduct these ratings annually. For example; The Hollywood Reporter, The Wrap, Niche Ranking, and US News.

2) Faculty to Student Ratio

If rankings or a large student body isn’t important to you, then perhaps you are more interested in exploring a smaller college with a smaller faculty-to-student ratio. With smaller class sizes, students often receive greater quality or one-on-one time with faculty.

3) Notable Faculty 

Attending a filmmaking school where you can be taught by faculty who are actively working in the industry or who have worked in the industry, can make your learning experience a lot more applicable and perhaps even more engaging (as students would learn from industry-relevant information, leads, emerging technology, and equipment). 

Nothing beats hands-on experience, and if you are taught by award-winning faculty and industry professionals, you will have access to insider advice and perhaps even their network. 

Upon graduating, you can even request to receive a letter of recommendation from faculty — provided that you did well in their courses — to help propel your career. 

4) Alumni Network 

Many top film schools with a higher ranking have distinguished alumni in their union who have won numerous awards or worked extensively in the industry but have also offered various opportunities to their alumni base. 

Connecting with your alumni on LinkedIn or at networking mixers is an opportunity to not only socialize about your previous experience in film school but also to obtain an advance notice on leads, internships, or opportunities that are only broadcast to that particular network. 

Imagine being able to say that you attended the same school as George Lucas, Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, or more. 

Look at the school’s success rate and ask yourself if this matters to you.

5) A Robust, Learning-Centered Curriculum

Do you prefer a liberal arts school or research-based institution focused on data or theory? Do you enjoy a robust curriculum that allows you to specialize in any area (programs include — directing, producing, cinematography, editing, production design, audio production, sound design)? Perhaps you enjoy a hands-on approach with project-based activities, which allow you to build on your learning while shaping the curriculum. 

Visit the website of the film school you are interested in and study their production tracks. Take a look at their stages and editing labs, as well as equipment used and technical support. 

Research what classes and industry standards you need before you get your degree. Learn how the school prepares students for their future. If the film school offers a degree program that interests you, then it’s a good choice.

6) Career Center

In addition to a growing or established alumni network, a supportive Career Center can help tremendously assist students matriculating through college to secure internships or industry jobs while also finishing their degree program. 

A good career center can help you with job searches, resume and cover writing, internships, film festival submissions, access to career events, panels, presentations, and more. 

7) Location 

Location does matter in the film industry. Luckily film production is not simply restricted to Los Angeles. 

Film production happens all over the world. Film crews are consistently hired to work TV, commercials, documentary, and film within the San Francisco Bay Area, Atlanta, New York City, and many additional locations. 

Find out if you want to be closer to home or if you’re ready to take the leap and travel to pursue your dream. 

8)  Inclusivity  

Take a look at resources, student body, demographics, course material, textbooks, and filmmakers being taught. 

Does it reflect the world you live in or want to live in? Does it feel inclusive? If this will help to solidify your decision, it would behoove you to research these key areas. 

Would you feel more supported or connected knowing you had a community of support, or that your voice and contributions matter? If so, consider this as a factor when selecting your film school. 

9) Emphasis on Story 

It’s good to attend a filmmaking school that has access to top technologies and equipment.

However, if you never get a good grasp on how directors work with talent, or how the story is central to the heart of the film (the mood, tone, production design, cinematography, editing, and direction) then you will not truly learn your craft or the power of visual storytelling. 

The story is king, and you want to be at a film school that promotes it. 

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If you are serious about a career in the film industry San Francisco Film School offers multiple degree and certificate programs to get you started!