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The Film School Way
Coping with changing technology and a struggling economy takes creativity for both school and student
(Page 2)
UNCSA: This “outside status” is part of our history… We are the school of David Gordon Green, Jody Hill, Will Files, Atli Örvarsson, Craig Zobel, Ben Best and, at the same time—with no actors other than their classmates—we are the school of Danny McBride and Paul Schneider. They had to be especially creative with little. They had to write their hearts out. They had to act in each other’s movies and improvise.
IFSS: It provides more informed, inspired, experienced and capable students. Having said that, we are also seeing people untouched by this revolution, people who are touched by the proliferation of distribution means, who have great film knowledge courtesy of the Web and probably some illegal means of accessing a wide depth and variety of cinematic greats.
IAFT: One of IAFT’s basic foundations is the idea of the world as a network of filmmaking communities, so this expansion benefits us greatly. Since IAFT is located in the Philippines and our students are from all over the world, we have essentially established our own film community “enclave” here in Cebu, and more student films shot here are getting exposure via film festivals and online outlets.
SFI: Since we’re not in the “front yard,” we’ve been in the forefront of this change for our entire history. Over time, it’s become even more natural for students to come here as a destination.
MM: It’s being said that 3-D films are the wave of the future, but 3-D films are all-around more expensive than their 2-D counterparts. Do you plan on teaching 3-D moviemaking? Do you think it is here to stay, or is it a phase that will pass?
UNCSA: 3-D, as James Cameron will no doubt observe in his brilliant Avatar, is a deeper and truer window into a story. Rather than perceiving it as a passing fad or an element of cinematic surprise, it can also be seen as a technology which frames the world of the filmmaker’s creation. Cameron uses it as an aquarium into the human condition. We see people and objects which must be given an emotional or comedic charge and then watch the story play out. It curiously becomes more real and if it does not violate the plane of the screen more intriguing. It is not a hand reaching for your nose, but it can place you in an environment never previously seen. I think we need to teach any element of technology that can illuminate stories for certain types of films. It is not right for all, but for some, it can fill an audience’s imagination and sneak into its heart.
IFFS: It is evidently something that provides great excitement, and the refinements to the medium and the experience is finally taking great strides. Although some students are starting to build their own 3-D rigs, we are watching and waiting, and thinking ahead for the possibilities of 3-D if they take root in the long run.
AAU: 3-D is a strong trend at the moment so movie theaters can attract the audiences and pull them away from their big screen TVs at home. We are actively exploring the new 3-D technology and watching if it becomes a standard to deliver a picture in the movie theatres. As the movie business and technology change, we evolve too. By focusing on art for industry’s sake, Academy of Art University continues to be on the cutting-edge.
IAFT: 3-D has definitely been garnering a lot of attention over the past few years, and we are seeing more and more big studio films being released in which 3-D plays a major marketing role. If this trajectory continues, 3-D training could be something that IAFT offers in the future. At this point, IAFT is continuing to monitor this aspect of the industry carefully.
SFI: The challenge is to find ways of teaching areas like 3-D without sacrificing or gutting areas that are equally important. We’ve been careful to do that. That being said, the way that we integrate 3-D into the program is not by just writing a big check for more equipment.
LAFS: 3-D is an exciting trend, and it appears that 3-D is the future of filmmaking. At the present time there does not seem to be enough of a standardized technology, workflow, and delivery system to teach it adequately. Once the industry has fully embraced 3-D and established the appropriate standards, we’ll definitely add it to the curriculum.
MM: What is your first priority: Getting the highest quality equipment and resources available to the students or putting together the strongest, most knowledgeable faculty possible?
UNCSA: They must go hand in hand. Programs and faculty qualified and motivated to teach them must come hand in hand. We have moved slowly (remember I am a film producer as well and slow for me is measured in days and weeks, not years) but deliberately in a quest to start these unique programs and at the same time we have sought full time and adjunct faculty.
IFFS: You can’t separate the two. They go hand in hand. The highest quality equipment and resources only take on magic under the hands of those stimulated, challenged, nurtured and supported by an inspired and inspiring skilfully knowledgeable faculty.
AAU: I can certainly say that at Academy of Art University, we go for both. There is no sense in having one and not having the other.
IAFT: IAFT’s first priority is recruiting knowledgeable mentors from all over the world. At its heart, great filmmaking is not about the “latest and greatest” gear, it’s about teaching students to explore and communicate their own voices in ways that resonate and move an audience. While we are fortunate to offer state-of-the-art facilities and believe hands-on experience is critical, without the guidance of experienced and skilled teachers to develop those talents, the equipment is meaningless.
SFI: I believe it all starts with faculty. These are the ones who are really getting the students to understand both the conceptual and practical side of filmmaking. Of course, it’s important for students to work with equipment that they will see in the real world but the numbers game can be deceptive. If you compare the specs of a super 8 camera with many HD cameras, I think many students would be surprised at the results.
LAFS: Both. One without the other doesn’t serve much purpose. Having an experienced mentor guide a student in learning to use the technology is the best approach, and that’s what we do.
MM: How have your recent graduates fared in the current job market?
IFSS: With the maturation of our school, and the increased breadth of excellence manifest in our graduates, recent graduates are finding that the cream rises to the top, and in harsher times employers are more discerning.
AAU: I would say better. AAU’s focus on art for the industry guides students to create outstanding demo reels that are in step with current trends. Besides opening doors in Hollywood, we’ve had students create their own production companies and get hired by faculty.
IAFT: Because all of our students come from many different countries and have begun to build an international network while at IAFT, some recent alumni have found great opportunities in places all over the world.
SFI: The current job market for our students is better. There is much more diversity in the marketplace—especially with Web-based work.
LAFS: Our graduates are faring very well. Even in the best of times, it’s always been tough to break into the entertainment industry. But by the same token, there is always a demand for people with a positive attitude, a great work ethic and technical competency.
MM: There are a number of self-taught moviemakers out there making waves in the industry, but what are the lessons one can only learn in film school?
UNCSA: Quentin Tarantino’s advice is not to go to film school. That is compelling coming from Mr. Tarantino. Then my mind wandered to Martin Scorsese, David Gordon Green and George Lucas—all film school grads. To learn from film masters on world-class equipment is pretty great; I wish it had been around when I was a student. However, school is not for everyone; some may need to find their voice through hard knocks or a series of relationships. In school, a student will learn to think.
AAU: Filmmaking is a collective process of creative individuals working together. It is not impossible to learn all aspects of filmmaking on your own, but it takes time because of all the mistakes one goes through. It is definitely hard to master all aspects of filmmaking on your own.
IAFT: In any given creative field—art, music, dance, etc.— you will always find the exception of untrained (and often lucky) success stories that people will glorify. However, the vast majority of undeveloped talent will not want to spend the time and money on “trial and error” methods of learning filmmaking.
LAFS: Going to a school provides you with an understanding of the language, workflow, technology and culture of filmmaking in a concise manner. While in school, you’re encouraged to experiment and make mistakes. You can learn through trial and error, with guidance of experienced instructors and with ready access to technology. That’s a bit tough to do when working on a professional production.
SFI: “Only” is a pretty big word, but there are certainly areas where a film school education jump-starts the learning curve. I think developing an understanding of the total filmmaking process not only gives students an overall set of skills, but also allows them to find their own passions. As a student’s interests and opportunities change over time, they can continually draw on their film school education to propel them forward.
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COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT 
- Comment by Kimberly Cain on 1/30/10 at 4:05 pm
Great interviews with people who represent the film industry and education very well. It really touches on issues that face the industry and in particulur students like myself who are going to be most affected by it.
- Comment by Şubeler on 6/30/10 at 8:47 pm
passionate students who want to be in the film industry find a way to make it happen
- Comment by Boat Spare Parts on 12/01/10 at 12:38 am
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- Comment by Johnson Smith on 2/02/11 at 5:30 am
It is really a great interview with people who stand for the film industry and education very well.
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The interview with people who represent the film industry and education touches on issues that face the industry and in particulur students who are going to be most affected by it.
Pay loans- Comment by DavieAlvin on 3/31/11 at 3:28 am
The wold is changing fast, technology is advancing and communication becomes global at one click of a button. Globalization demands from students that they break the cultural and linguistic barriers in order to succeed. The internet offers a lot of solutions. Online universities allow students to get criminal justice degrees without having to ever go to the actual university. For film schools this is harder but maybe we will see such options in the future.
- Comment by mark saiwn on 8/04/11 at 4:40 pm
@ DavieAlvin I see online education as a big plus.It’s not harder for film schools.To pursue a career in the film industry, you must have ample understanding of the features of film making and deal with the new changes and technologies.There are various schools and colleges around the world that offer opportunities to avail education online and get the required knowledge from the comfort of your home. It’s easier for one to acquire additional or completing degrees,like a forensic psychology online degree,that would make the portofolio complete.
- Comment by thelmah on 9/29/11 at 4:12 pm
I don’t think that the fact that students spend a little more time on the decision of going to a film school is related to the financial or educational investment.I got into an organizational leadership training program not just for the money and career.I consider this training to be something everyone should have.I think students rather think of the success they would have on the market.I have seen so many inspirational,incredible,mesmerizing movies that many didn’t even hear about.Unfortunately the movie making market isn’t just about talent these days.
- Comment by informative articles on 10/27/11 at 1:20 pm
It’s so fascinating to see people or students find ways of coping with things. And it make them creative in ways they don’t notice.
- Comment by NikolasJosh on 10/30/11 at 4:28 pm
I’m sure that this is a great step in education. The problem with certain schools is that the information the students are given quickly becomes obsolete and out of date, in a matter of years. I had to finish my training with a physical therapy degree just so I could keep up with all the new things that come up in day to day practice.
- Comment by NikolasJosh on 12/21/11 at 5:15 pm
The falling economy is affecting everyone, but indeed has a great impact on students. Loans are getting harder to obtain, scholarships become lower, there is no possibility of getting a job and so on. The lack of employment opportunities is the biggest issues of them all. I have a nursing masters degree and I’m still looking for a decent job.
This story was published in the Winter 2010 MovieMaker Magazine. The headline was:
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