Going to film school is a big decision to make, and choosing to do so in another country may seem even more daunting. There are many added costs, not to mention the challenges of navigating a new language or culture. However, there are many advantages to studying film abroad.
As writer Louis-Ferdinand Céline says in his most famous book Journey to the End of the Night, “Travel is useful, it exercises your imagination. All the rest is disappointment and fatigue.” Travel will expand your mind and stretch your skills in ways few other experiences can, which makes it a very valuable tool in filmmaking. Most importantly, studying film abroad can become and point of leverage in your career, setting you apart from others that choose a more traditional route.
In this article, we’ll answer some of the most important questions you should consider: why should I study film abroad? Is it a worthwhile investment? How do I pick the right city or school?
Why study film abroad?
Studying film abroad will prepare you for the challenges of filmmaking. By traveling to a new country, you will experience new cultures, learn how to work with different people, and push your imagination to new heights. It is a masterclass in problem-solving, which is one of the most important skills to cultivate as a filmmaker.
Perhaps most importantly, leaving your comforts and community will push you in important ways that ultimately help you cultivate your own identity as a person and a filmmaker. You will find things that inspire and infuriate you, from which you will draw inspiration and determination.
I experienced this firsthand when I arrived leaving my native Italy to study cinema in San Francisco. I was completely enamored with the dramatic sights and vibrant neighborhoods. This led me to make my award-winning short film The Golden Gate, a story about a young gay man in the Castro confronting his mother’s homophobia, all while capturing the beauty of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Stories like these are borne from exposure to new cultures and communities, understanding what they like, what is important to them, and how to touch their hearts and minds through film.
Is it really a worthwhile investment?
Moving countries for film school will no doubt be costly. Is it really worthwhile?
The answer is yes– Unless you currently live in the center of the film industry, it will almost certainly benefit you to get your feet on the ground in cities with a strong cinema community. Cities like San Francisco, Atlanta, Portland, and Los Angeles offer countless opportunities to attend events, workshops, connect with mentors, and exchange ideas with other film fanatics. This is hard to find in areas without a strong film scene. Simply being there will open up valuable opportunities to network with professionals and show your value when the moment arises.
Moving countries also adds tremendously to your resume. Having a multicultural background is a big asset in filmmaking and one that most people don’t have. It shows you are successful at taking on big challenges, navigating different cultures and languages, and more. It will set you apart from the pack and allow you to provide a novel perspective to the conversations and projects you are part of.
Location, location, location
The city you choose will determine the connections you make and the jobs you get. First, you need to understand what skills and connections are going to set you up for success, and where best to build them. Are you interested in production or cinematography? Sound or set designer? Narrative films or documentaries? Spend a good portion of your time understanding the pros and cons of cities where you might study.
For example, San Francisco is an attractive city to consider because of its history as a hub for independent films and documentaries, connections to blockbuster franchises (The Matrix, Lucas Films), and proximity to cash-rich startups with commercial opportunities.
Los Angeles is largely known as the film capital of the world, home to classic commercial cinema. It is also the most competitive industry to break into. Atlanta and Portland are also important cities.
Portland Oregon has recently become the backdrop of important film series by Netflix and Bron Studios, so you can expect to see more opportunities popping up in this affordable city.
Lastly, because of its new tax incentives, Atlanta Georgia has become a hotbed for film studio production. This is a great place to start to get your foot in the door as a production assistant and then work the way up to more important or relevant roles.
This is one of the most important steps to consider given how much time you will be investing in film school. You want to spend your time learning from teachers but also building connections in the places where you can immediately get hired and start your career. By inserting yourself in a city ripe with opportunity, you’ll find that the instructors, mentors, speakers, and peers you meet at school will soon become your employers and coworkers.
Community matters.
You are who you surround yourself with. Community will be key to unlocking your success. When researching film schools, research who will you be surrounded by. Having contact with experienced teachers and mentors, award winners & nominees will give you a front-row seat to success in the industry. Research the staff and alumni to see what kind of success the school’s community has had and what they’re working on now.
Additionally, understand what will your day-to-day at school be like. How much 1:1 time will you have with instructors? Are there platforms and spaces to build connections and get support? Are there opportunities for you to show your passion, devotion, and talent?
But don’t stop there. Research the opportunities outside of the classroom that would be available to you. Are there workshops, conventions, masterclasses, festivals, or internships in the area? How can you spend your nights and weekends learning more and meeting the right contacts? Do people in that community love cinema as much as you do?
Will the city you decide to live in give you the opportunity to work in the business? Does it offer a great community of mentors who makes you feel supported and safe as you create your first short films?
Also consider how large of an international program the school has. Connecting with other international students like yourself will amplify your experience studying film abroad and allow your network to cross borders. You’ll get exposed to the resources in other countries as well. While studying in San Francisco, I met several Israeli students that encouraged me to apply to the Jerusalem Film Workshop. Via those connections, he created one of his first short films, Jerusalem in Between, which earned him a spot at the Jerusalem Film Festival and kickstarted his career.
Having international connections also makes you a valuable asset to your future employers. These days, so much film production is done via international co-productions. A single film may be shot or produced in five or six different countries due to budget constraints or location requirements. lnternational production companies find it valuable to bring on team members that have experience navigating and doing business in different countries.
Conclusion
Traveling opens your mind and opens doors. Attending film school abroad in a cinema-rich city is important to consider because ultimately, it will help you achieve your dreams faster. It will be a life-changing experience that will make you a better person and a better filmmaker.
Evaluate each school carefully to ensure you are making the right investment. Learning in the classroom is important, but taking advantage of the people and places your city has to offer is what will set you apart as a student and as a professional. It’s a challenging world, but with the right mentors, imagination, determination, you will set yourself up for success and make the films you care about.
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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!