by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009

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Should I spend 80 grand on filming my first movie and learn as I go, or use that money to attend "film school".

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by Jennie thanks all of you ABers on January 30th, 2009
Honestly. I would attend film school. Because after you graduate you can probably find a great job and produce excellent movies
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- I was reading on the internet about famous directors who NEVER went to film school.
  
  Tarantino has been quoted as saying "When people ask me if I went to film school I tell them, 'no, I went to films.
  
  +2 for your answer!
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by NeverWas on February 3rd, 2009
It depends on how inspired you are. If you are a hard working, determined, and brilliant person, then you should follow the paths of Rodriguez and Tarantino and go without film school. I stress, however, that the people who can pull this off are in the scarce minority, and all share an unwavering knowledge that they have the talent to make this film right. If you're less that convinced that you can actually make a good film for $80,000, then I'd recommend film school.
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by MarthaStewart on February 3rd, 2009
If you go to film school, you'll graduate having made SEVERAL films, and you will have used their professional equipment rather than having to buy/rent your own. You will have had professional guidance and critique along the way and you will have had access to numerous budding actors, sound people, editors who will likely have collaborated for free. Have a look at George Lucas' student film some time: THX1138
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066434/
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by Piano Player on January 30th, 2009
Youtube is filled with low budget "films" from people who didn't see the value of a good education. If you'd like to join those folks, go ahead, but if you want to become a serious filmmaker, go to school.
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- I like your perspective, but how can you explain directors like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Robert Rodriguez, Richard Linklater, and Spike Jonze.
  
  http://www.dvguru.com/2006/10/11/10-reasons-you-shouldnt-go-to-film-school/
  
  Thank You! +2
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- Sure. Same explanation as Bill Gates, who dropped out of college. Bill Gates didn't become a billionaire BECAUSE he dropped out of college, he became a billionaire because he had exceptional ideas and drive, and his timing was perfect. The other millions of undereducated of his generation barely scraped by or ended up living under someone's porch. If you are the one in 100 million naturally brilliant potential filmmakers, you would not be asking what to do on Answerbag, you'd have already made 3 movies, 2 of which were shown at Sundance and one of which won a major award.
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  by Piano Player on January 30th, 2009
- Very interesting...you have a very good point.
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- The question remains: Should you go to film school? Tom DiCillo is on the fence. "I can't really advocate one way or the other," he says. "For me, at that point in my life, it was the right thing to do."
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- He views it as an individual decision based on the person's needs, experience and personality. "It depends on a person's temperament. If someone wants to go out with a Super 8 camera and make a movie, and they have absolute confidence in themselves, that's what they should do. Filmmaking has become the profession of the decade. People entering it should ask themselves what kind of movies they want to make. That decision will help you figure out if you want to go to film school or feel you don't need to."
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- All this information is from a filmmaking newsletter
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- I want to find my own past in this industry and my goal is to have my vision on the silver screen.
  
  Awards are just "icing on the cake!" ^_^
  
  Thank you for your answers!
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- my own path
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
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by anonymous on January 30th, 2009
I would go to school. Vancouver has a really good one.
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- Can you give me more info about it? Like for example people you know who attended?
  
  Thanks! +2
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- Here's the link to the Vancouver Film School:
  
  http://www.vfs.com/
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  by anonymous on January 30th, 2009
- Any idea on the price tag for that program?
  
  And thanks again!
  
  I'll give them a call.... ^_^
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- Sorry, I don't know.
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  by anonymous on January 30th, 2009
- Thank you for the link!
  
  I have something to look forward to!
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
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by Adz3r0 on January 30th, 2009
MAAAAAAN, YOU ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY!!!

Definitely attend film school, but don't spend all of that money. If the film school you're looking at costs $80 grand, find another! There are cheaper alternatives. With the money you have left over, try cutting a few shorts and enter them in film festivals. Also, people are always willing to invest or donate money toward the arts.

I wish you the absolute best, my friend!
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- Thank You! +2
  
  I'm really thinking hard about this one and I don't want to waste my hard earned money on anything I don't really need or could do without. I like the idea of film school, but 80 grand sounds like A LOT! and sometimes I just feel like "learning as I go!".
  
  I know a lot of actors around the city who would be interested in my movie.
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- Consider not fronting all of your money. Do half, and do a serious search for financiers or investors. What city are you from?
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  by Adz3r0 on January 30th, 2009
- San Francisco, CA
  
  But I'm moving to North Carolina.
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
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by Squirrel Face on January 30th, 2009
I would shoot the movie. Film school is more about contacts then anything else. You can get contacts if you shoot the movie. In fact you'll need to.
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- What do you think about "film school"?
  
  +2
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- I've taken one class and it was a great experience. It all depends on your preference. Film school has something to offer, but then again so does making your own movie. Have you done any short films?
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  by Squirrel Face on January 30th, 2009
- No. I have only done "voice acting" for short anime films.
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- I would do a bunch of short films. Nothing that costs too much, but just some stuff to get you started.
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  by Squirrel Face on January 30th, 2009
- 5-10 min shorts?
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- Maybe even shorter then that. Then build yourself up from there.
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  by Squirrel Face on January 30th, 2009
- GOT IT!
  
  ^_^
  
  AND THANKS!
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- I do short films actually. www.jqpentertainment.com if you want to check them out. =)
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  by Squirrel Face on January 30th, 2009
- WOW!
  
  That is a great start!
  
  I have one question...do you recommend books on filmmaking? Just to get the "juices flowing".
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- http://www.amazon.com/Making-Short-Films-Complete-Script/dp/1845200632/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233354170&sr=8-2
  
  You should also watch every movie you can get your hands on. Even the crappy ones offer something. =)
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  by Squirrel Face on January 30th, 2009
- Thats why I have the IFC channel on directv
  
  I learn from that too!
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- You know what crappy movies do for me? They make think "I can do this. This movie sucks and it got a DVD release." =P
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  by Squirrel Face on January 30th, 2009
- Anytime I see a "crappy" or "cheesy" 80's horror flick I say the exact samething.
  
  "If that movie can get a DVD released, then so can I!"
  
  -BB
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- Absolutely. I love shooting short films. It's a blast. The more you plan before hand the better off you are when you actually shoot.
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  by Squirrel Face on January 30th, 2009
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by EcoTechGeek - 5-MeO-DMT on January 30th, 2009
Wing it, you will probably learn more by doing, but it will not be cheap.
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- Do you think film school is "overrated"?
  
  +2
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- In general, yes.
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  by EcoTechGeek - 5-MeO-DMT on January 30th, 2009
- Thanks!
  
  ^_^
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
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by cunning stunt who u calling chicken on January 30th, 2009
what did lucas do? (film school, then THX)
what did coppola do? (i don't know)

personally, i'd make the film
what kind of film
music? art?
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- Drama
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- ah gawds, another drama queen? drama king?
  LOL
  good luck.
  I have some friends who are film makers - and I'm working on premiering their film (released in UK only) here where I live.
  They do documentaries (music) though.
  They are very accessible for questions about movie making and
  production.
  1 Giant Leap is the name my friends work under.
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  by cunning stunt who u calling chicken on January 30th, 2009
- ^_^
  
  What's wrong with drama? LOL!
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on January 30th, 2009
- Not a thing. I happen to use that expression often, and in regards to my husband who is THE drama king (and he isn't an actor, nor does he make movies. He just creates drama).
  Good luck with your film ... when it gets made, look me up.
  I love premiers.
  :D
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  by cunning stunt who u calling chicken on January 31st, 2009
- If I look you up, then I would expect you to show up.
  
  Yes! I will invite you.
  
  And this is a promise.
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  by Big_Boss_1964 on February 1st, 2009
- I do come out for premiers. In fact, I am going to do a screening/premier of my friends' film here in the armpit of america in mid april. all in the planning stages right now.
  thnx 4 the friend req.
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  by cunning stunt who u calling chicken on February 4th, 2009
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by Lederin on July 7th, 2009
Goodness go to film school!

You learn how to make films through trial and error, shoe-string-budget films are the best way to start, besides if you mess up your first film (which I did) you'll be mege-bummed at spending all that money, the expereince you gain at film school is vital :)

Plus, if people see you've been to film school, they might hire you to work on their films so you can spend THEIR money ;)
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Should I spend 80 grand on filming my first movie and learn as I go, or use that money to attend "film school".

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Should I spend 80 grand on filming my first movie and learn as I go, or use that money to attend "film school".

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