Is Film School worth it in 2021? | a USC Film Grad's Perspective
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- Опубликовано: 26 дек 2020
- Is film school still worth it in the age of youtube where the information is readily available and access to classic films is at our fingertips? I share some of my thoughts as someone who graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Alikareemfilms.com
instagram: @directedbyali 
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I hold union cards: SAG/AFTRA and I.A.T.S.E.. Worked in L.A.. Worked on 100s of TV episodes and six motion pictures; got a five-year distribution contract for my horror film "Brainiac" (2004). Shot and lighted numerous shorts and got my certifications and worked on many many cable access productions.Throw in five years in management at Paramount and MGM in domestic TV syndication. Whew! I NEVER WORKED WITH ANYONE WHO ATTENDED FILM SCHOOL. Ten percent of production crews I worked with were "legacies": relatives preceded them. Everyone else came to production from other non-related careers. Show passion. Shoot a damn movie on your iPhone. Don't listen to non-believer criticism. Express yourself and don't look back!
Amen! I agree with everything you said, especially the end, very inspiring!
This pumps me up even more
Thanks for sharing. Yeah my real interest in going to school there would to be to make the contacts. Must also feel nice to say, "I graduated from USC film school', but then again I already graduated from The Art Center (photo) and after 30 years I'm still shooting $300-$600 dollar jobs.
AMAZING ADVICE OMGGG!!!!
I’m going to check out your movie!!
Thank you man
I am a 17-year-old high school student living in Korea. My dream is to transfer from cc to usc film shcool like you. I know how hard it is and your video has helped a lot. Thank you
It's totally doable and transferring is the route I recommend! Best of luck, I'm sure you'll do amazing !
USC is now the Lord of Film School's -- head and shoulders above
the previous Top Three (Columbia, NYU and UCLA).
the current Prof's at USC's Film School (as well as Chapman University)
are all upper, upper echelon. Developing the top talent in Hollywood, i.e
current studio/sitcom show runners. "Have no doubt - go if at ALL possible!/
feasible! Go even if it ISN'T possible/feasible.
I’m an old man and I hope to do this as well. Let’s both keep pushing 💪
I am very proud of you Ali .... Thanks for all of the advice you gave me and it made me keep on going with my show. Thank you very much!💕
Thank you so much! As a young filmmaker about to leave high school, I don’t think my mind has ever been opened as much in regards to the industry 🙏🏼
so happy to hear that! if you have any other questions or topics you'd like addressed in future videos don't hesitate to ask!
Use your summer before college to make movies/content every day with your friends and put it all on RUclips
@alikareemfilms4789 How do I become a filmmaker?,I please want the best advice you can give,is film school worth it?,how can I become the best filmmaker I can be?,or do I just buy a camera and shoot a movie?
So happy I came across this hidden gem. Thank you for the great advice.
I'm glad you found it valuable!
I am a USC / SCA alumni. Don't go to film school, everything you need to be a filmmaker can be learned online or through sheer passion. Resources are cheap now, and the internet as a knowledge base and teacher is abundant, even more so than film school, and even more updated. Don't pay for a 50K per year school for 4 years or a 2 year graduate program - the economics simply don't make sense at all; the prestige of the degree fades real quick when you realize you have 200K in student loans to pay, and production assistants are getting paid minimum wage to start. Just DO, study yourself, make your own films, shorts, videos, content, audience, internal and external community, commercials and music videos with something as simple as a used few hundred dollar camera phone and some decent audio.. Even more so in a world where media and entertainment is more fragmented, and "traitional" views of production are no longer just film and tv, and now are a combo of social media, streaming, video games, and everything else in between.
I agree with this
What about the SCA network? I am currently majoring in SCA as a film major, and I am thinking of switching to another major, but remain film as a minor so I can access the SCA network?
@@lamchingki715 Wow, you're willing to give up a major that has such a low acceptance rate and is the dream of many? I would be curious the reason why you would do that considering all the effort put to go there. Did you decide to change direction in life? If you are looking to abandon the film major, why would you need the sca network anymore if your goal is shifting away from film? Why bother with a film minor if film isn't your main dedication? Seems a little unfocused. Film minor will likely be a lot less classes, a lot less involved with the core curriculum, and less access. You'll only get as much exposure to it as the classes you take, the friends you make, and your involvement with the department.
In terms of the network....The SCA network is only what you decide to get out of it - typically the network comes from the teachers, the school itself, its job positings online, the companies that have relationships to the school or your classmates. The SCA network can be life long friends that help you, a teacher that helps you get your first internship opportunity that eventually leads to new opportuniites. Make connections, seek our internships, maintain relationship or do whatever you think is helpful. You can derive high quality relationships as long as you can find them and maintain them. But here's the issue, the price of that is its even worse that USC is now close to 90k a year, compared to the 50k when I went there, even with scholarship.
Another thing to keep in mind, is the SCA network can be overrated - don't expect hand outs ... you still have to foster relationships and build them into something tangible. HOWEVER, most connections you'll need in your life to get into the film industry can be created outside of school - joining film communities, making friends with decision makers, going to events, etc. are all part of it....and then there's the other part of this...what value do you have to give that would allow people to pay attention to you. In fact, school connections quite often can pale in comparison to what you can find in the real professional world and the talent you can tangibily demonstrate. Hope that helps. Also, you can see part of my journey if you check out my username YT.
@@kayjaylin your view is quite double sided? So do you support going to film school or not?
@@lamchingki715 I don't suggest going to film school for those who have a choice. But that does not imply that I don't have an opinion on how to utilize film school to its best for those already in it. You are already entrenched in the USC college system and it seems like you are willing to continue college based on your answer, so it is important that I consider your context when answering you. Me telling you to just quit USC goes against your willingness to continue, and it was not suggested by you that you want to quit school. But the fact that you are more worried about an imagined duality about my opinion should be the least of your worries. You should be worried about what you want to do in life and the things you need to get to accomplish them.
I loved how you explained the concept of film school apart from the rest of the bunch. You put a whole new perspective to it, which actually checks out. Loved the video.
Thank you! I'm happy to hear that :)
Senior in high school, also from Texas and wanting to do community college and transfer as well, USC has been a dream school for years. Glad I came across this video
I watched your video a couple of times and didn't really understand it fully. I love how you articulate everything. And you make good points and details. Much appreciated!
My pleasure! I’m happy you found some value in it :)
I love what you said about networking horizontally and building those connections while supporting each other
I just subscribed man you convinced me to keep working and studying on my own. I’m self taught and was thinking about going to film school for the information but after listening to you I’m inspired to keep up my self taught work. I want to be a cinematographer one day for a block buster movies…this motivates me to keep on the path. Thanks so much man!!
Thanks brother! Wish you the best of luck. If you want to be a cinematographer then definitely keep shooting as many projects as possible. Team up with local filmmakers and students and shoot their projects. Most people in school want to be a director anyway so everyone is always hungry for great DPs!
Best RUclips information for me in 2022 so far. 👏🏽✨ Thanks a lot👊🏽
Thanks so much. Wish you well in your journey. Needed to see this video, perfect timing.
Thanks for watching! I’m happy you’ve found this video at the right time in your journey
It really is that sense of community and networking that I miss. That and like you said, the pressure of deadlines and such actually helps. I live in a creative "desert" if you will - being an artist/aspiring filmmaker where I currently live is an incredibly lonely experience. I know that you can find groups online but it really is not the same as working side-to-side with someone in person.
Great advice Ali. Thank you for making this video.
A lot of this of course applies across the street at the Thornton school of music ;) great video!
Film School was/is fantastic - I'd encourage anyone/everyone towards film school.
...great review, Ali Kareem Films - great idea doing first two years in Community College -
made and makes a lot of sense.
The problem I had was the people I went to film school with didn't take film making seriously. They took getting stoned and playing X Box seriously. I worked full time as well as going to school full time. Mostly to just avoid the lazy stoners I went to school with. My network was completely useless. Looking back, that I graduated was a small miracle. It took a lot of heavy lifting and DIY.
I'd be totally interested in the list of books and videos you recommend!! I already had my mind set I'm going to film school, but I am 1000% more sure after this, thank you!
Love this Video ! Motivated me to follow my dream !
I’m goong to SCA remotely and our experience has been nothing at all like you described. But this makes me look forward to going iA
Love this advise! I am certainly thinking a lot today about a graduate program for film and production. Thank you for these honest tips!
My pleasure! I’m happy you found the video helpful!
Really its an inspiration to get an information by the upcoming famouse director mohammed ali.......thanks a lot
I appreciate this video so much. Thank you Ali.
My pleasure!
Amazing advice. Thanks for doing this. I feel like I need the networking, your right most of the info is online, this really helped me make a decision.
I love this video! Could you please do a video (or comment) examples of interviews/books/playlists you mention in order to study the craft?
pls especially the books
Hey man, great great video! Honest and informative. It's really good to hear from someone that actually went to film school. As you mention near the end of the film, would you recommend some books and probably youtube videos for filmmaking? Would appreciate it a lot!
This was VERY HELPFUL! thank youu so muchhh
Thank you for this video; it really helped to see another perspective. What books do you recommend? Thank you again for sharing your story and experience!
Hey. Current SCA Freshman here. You made me feel better about a lot of the doubts I have. Thanks
Great to hear! As my 480 directing professor said: film school is a great place to learn the fundamentals, and the rest you continue to learn over a lifetime. Have fun and enjoy the ride!
The community element is what I'm missing and what I find appealing about film school
me to - im thinking in my case - la or orange county has to have a film cinematography lighting community
Hey thank you!! Your a life saver!! I was thinking whether or not i wanted to go to film school....amd pay all that money, but hearing your story and advice!! O don't think i will, i thiink i will learn on my own, thank you so much!!! I subscribed because i am interested in watching your films as well!!🥰🥰
Sorry for all the typos
Yeah I'm a radio/tv/film grad, I couldn't do film school cuz the amount of debt I'd end up in and the competition to get that first job is too competitive and its not even enough to cover monthly payments. Not only are you competing against fresh grads from other programs and ppl who graduated up to 5 to 7 yrs ago, but you're competing ppl who come from other industries w/ impressive portfolios, and working freelance professionals. I would've wanted to go, but its too expensive. I work in tech and film But film school is definitely for community and relationships. Not just the base level but at the higher levels too. Relationships and your connects is the name of the entertainment industry.
Hi, based on your experience working in tech and film, is it possible to get into film with a bachelor in tech? I want to pursue both areas you mentioned.
@@lisjimenezbalbuena977 it’s possible yes.
@@jaycool9480 Thank you 😁
Absolutely agree with Everything..
Love this!!
Great video, appreciate the candid information! Do you have that list of books and/or playlist you mentioned from your video?
Thank you for sharing your opinion. This video encourages me a lot.
My pleasure!
You were really great
You have given interesting and informative presentation, and given us, from your personal experience, motivation and inspiration.
A truly inspiring experience
Proud of you dear Ali, good luck 🤞👏🙏❤️👍
Dr. Maysoon Almosawi
Journalistic
Thank you!
Thank you! This was very helpful
I’m So proud of you 👍🏻❤️😍
Thank you!
this video was really helpful. thanks!
Happy to hear that!
Thanks man this was super helpful !
Happy to hear that!
Hey, thanks so much for making this video! Would you please be able to give me the titles of those books on screenwriting and directing that you showed as examples? I just have little idea of where to start. Thanks!
Hi, thank you very much for the video. you mention two books during the video, can you tell me the names? thank you so much
Hi! My name is Seniha, Thanks for sharing! What is the book on directing you showed?
Also one of the appeals for film school for me was to get access to sets and experience there, is there a way to get access to sets without going to film school? How?
I am a 17 year old high school student from Sydney, is it possible to get into USC using the atar system? I’m in my final year of high school doing mostly science and math subjects, and although I didn’t do so well last year I’m hoping to do better from now on and the only thing that motivates me is my love of film and storytelling. Is there anywhere to find information about coming from another country directly out of high school? :)
thank u for this, it’s very helpful.
one question: did u study editing there too?
Great video and good lighting 🙂. Question... Would love your advice. I'm a professional and have worked an operations the majority of my finance career. So I understand task oriented deadline achievement that you mentioned.
What advice would you give me as I now have the means to purchase my own equipment and I'm looking for a community but I live in a state (Delaware) where there's not much happening lol. Do you know of any really good communities in the Northeast around Philly?
my new favorite chanel
Great insights, It’d be awesome if you could make a video discussing those ten books you recommended at 10:16
I’ll definitely make a books video!
@@alikareemfilms4789 yeah would be great
Hello Ali !
Great information you shared in this video, Thanks!
Can you please share with me those links of video interviews and those Books that I would rather say that Tuitions and read the Books so that I can concentrate on them instead of wasting that a lot of money.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Hey can you suggest the books mentioned and also the interviews in the video
Great Video! those books you showed look really interesting! I could catch the title. What where the titles/ and authors of the books? Any other book recommendations? Cheers Lo
Can you do a recommendation list of books and classes to watch for film? It would be really helpful. Thanks
hey i’m going to asu for a film degree is it easy to get a job like a filming job?
Hey! I just watched your short film "The Lamb". It was very good. I just wanted to ask about the books you showed in the video. What were the books you showed on screenwriting and directing? I am planning on going to film school, but I would love to get my hands on those to help me learn on my own.
Sure thing! I'll make an entire video on the subject but here's a quick list: on filmmaking by alexander mackendrick, On Directing by David Mamet, In The Blink of Eye by Walter Murch (Editing), The Writer's Journey, The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri, and maybe Save The Cat. Not an exhaustive list by any means but these should keep you plenty busy for a while
@@alikareemfilms4789 Thank you! This will help a ton!
Thank you 🙏
Hello Ali. I'm a 16 year old from england and when ive finished my GCSEs [highschool exams] im going to attend hopefully a cinematography course at a performing art sixth form. I just honestly want to have the professional exprience for university and the degreee. But is it worth it? Going through student loans and everything. Is the experience worth it?
What were the two books that you showed in the video ?
CAN U PLEASE SAY THE NAMES OF THOSE BOOKS YOU, flashed in the video for a nanosecond
hi this is sriram. i m really interested in color grading. i live in india and i really want to work in hollywood. would u recommend me to go study in usa for my master's degree and will that be a safe path for a job?
getting a feeling it all depends on experience and portfolio - in my case im thinking a portfolio could stand out more - bc its all about vision - and depending on what someones skill assets are -
How can I become a filmmaker and film director? I don´t know how to start
Do you get to do everything on filmmaking or you select modules at USC?
THANK YOU BHAI :)
My pleasure!!
This is very interesting. What are the ten books you mentioned?
Hey, what were those 2 books
is there masterdegree of Photography at usc?
Appreciate you
I’m finishing my A levels here in Pakistan and have got accepted into film unis in the uk but might not be able to go, there are courses here but in hmmmm not sure if they’ll be as good or whatever but I’m also questioning the path I should take In order to Carry out my passion
That's definitely a tough decision, I say regardless what path you choose to take, start making films right now. Even just using your phone to shoot whatever is around you, this will help train your eye visually and will benefit you a lot in the long run
bro how do you afford film school and going to UK? It's hella expensive. I'm out here in Latvia with no money and want to go study film abroad and I don't have nothing.
What were those two books sir?
what books did you hold up?
EXCELLENT VIDEO. What do you think about SCAD? 50,000 PER YEAR (WITH DORM).
Hey Ali my name is Luqmaan I’m 17 and entering my senior year of high school this year... I always had a passion for cinema from cartoon to movies or tv but now is when I’ve realized I want to be a film producer and really make it a career. However I have zero experience other than writing tons and tons of scripts and short stories by myself do you have any advice for me as to how to get started if I any to be a producer thank you man 🙏🏾
Hey bud , how are you doing?
name of the books?
The ten books please 😍
I am proud of you son
Thank you!
Is there a way to make contacts with people inside the industry without going to film school? I think that's the only reason why I'm still considering to go to film school.
Best way to make contacts is working on set, from student films to indies and you’ll slowly make contacts
@@alikareemfilms4789 Ok, now I get it. Thanks!
this helped a lot
i wish i could talk to you personally
Hi, Ali I am from Nigeria and I wanted to ask some questions
Can I study film making for masters if I have a bachelor in communications?
From your point of view is it necessary for me to go to film school or I should go to college as an international student....or better yet I should just learn the craft here. Thank you💜
hi, first of all yes you can study film with any degree. When I was at USC, there were masters students who has backgrounds in medicine, engineering, and a variety of different fields. However, I can honestly say I've learned just as much about the craft from books and online courses as I did in school. The best part about school was being surrounded by people who worked hard and took the craft seriously. But my favorite resource for film now is Masterclass.com for directing and writing. And youtube for editing and cinematography. Going abroad can be helpful in getting work in the industry and learning from others, but I don't believe film school is necessary at all.
@@alikareemfilms4789 Thank you so much. This helps a lot🥰
quality opinion
So basically, I want to be a pro director, editor and colourist, but with additional knowledge of producer, cinematographer, and lighting. And I would really love to attend a film school, I jut wanna graduate and have a degree, to at least let my parents know that filmmaking is also a thing. All dey wanna see is my certificate. 😭😭😭😂😂
I have knowledge of what will be taught in film schools, but I don't have the certificate. 😂😂At least let my mom see it and be proud of me. 😂😂Try and get the scope.
I have that same futon
your true inspiration Ali thank you for your information hope i meet you in person
Really appreciate that!
how do u get into Hollywood after this?
It depends on your ultimate goal but from what I’ve seen, what works best is picking a craft and specializing in it. For example, I’ve seen people specializing in editing and then go out to LA and get work as post-production assistants, then assistant editors in reality tv, then work their way up to be editors eventually. I’ve also seen tv editors in scripted end up directing episodes. If your ultimate goal is to be a director, then you just have to keep directing and working on your craft and making films. But ultimately one has to pick a lane and spend years working their way up.
Are you still in Texas?
yeah i'm still here
@@alikareemfilms4789 just moved to Austin... Let's talk about filming.
tho I repeat tho 63k price tag - crazy - has to be a better way - in my case I thinking about - okay you gotta adjust living commadtions move to la find a job - but then like okay? finding a job? ima be scattered brain af - prefer to find work and move up before I move
Yeah the economics don’t make sense. To put things in perspective, I moved back to Texas during the pandemic and left LA all together. Good work is happening all over the place and you don’t need to be in LA necessarily.
I've been really struggling on whether to pursue film, specifically editing. I love editing, when I have free time it is so fun for me to just edit clips together with music or cool effects with Premiere or AE. I am in my 2nd year of film class at my high school and I am a senior. The thing is I worked really hard in hs, I took many AP classes and maintained straight As. I love calculus and my stem classes and thought abt being a physicist or engineer. idk what to do, so many hours of my life has been dedicated to these stem classes but I have such a love for film and movies too. I was thinking of going to college for physics/engineering and doing editing as a side hustle and see if that takes off. I actually live in CA so I have some connections already in the film industry. I am so lost ahh any advice? sorry this is so long.
Bro your situation is so similar to mine
@@kragghead5780 omg really? what are you thinking cause I'm lost lol. rn I might just go for physics and do editing as a hobby unless it take off. glad I'm not alone
@@daniellal4525 yea im probably gonna go into comsci and do editing as a side gig, and if I end up hating comsci then I'll cross that road when I get to it. I actually considered film way too late, like a few days ago late, so I've been splitting my head over what I should do. Film school is so tricky. Does it matter which one? Does it matter where? Do I even need to go? If i wanted to be a doctor then I'd take the straight and strict path set out. Film doesn't have that, and you can go to film school and not make it, and not go and make it. It's a lot to think about, and admissions for LA schools are due like tomorrow so I say why bother. Even if I got past the 12% or something acceptance rate, which is unlikely because I really don't have anything special about other than I love to do it, the tuition is insane. If flipped my mind over this so many times, it might flip again who knows. That's my two cents though, and in a way I'm glad we're both struggling with this. I swear I was all on my own
@@kragghead5780 why are we the same person lol. except i thought i would go to film school for years i was set on it. until i thought to myself am i really going to go to film when i having been working so hard in stem classes i actually enjoy? so many different people said different things like yes film school is useful or many said no, it is a waste of money. I do not have thousands of dollars to waste so i was thinking why go to film school and be in debt for who knows how long... and yes there is the chance editing/film can take off.. but there is also a chance it couldn't. And I do not have the money to spend to "hope for the best" you know? Like, i can spend the same money it would cost for film school to get a stem degree that practically guarantees a job right out of college as well as a high-paying job. and that is so funny you brought up the "doctor path" bc i think about that a lot. sometimes i envy people who want to work in health care bc its such a nice path laid out for you that practically guarantees a good high-paying job. but whenever i am editing it is so much fun for me. it is my passion. i have a special love for film. i applied to the UCs yesterday and ended up going for physics but put film as an alternative major for UCLA (if i even got in lol) so i am just hoping everything will work out how it is supposed to. and comsci is such a great degree rn actually probably the best degree to get right now! i actually have been considering that as well and put it as an alternative major. wow this is so long sorry.
@@daniellal4525 yea I applied to the UCs yesterday too, and the application said something about a separate film application that I need to fill out. They haven't emailed me yet though, but I don't have really any "serious" work to show; it's honestly dumb that I'd need it, I mean I wanna learn more. I wanna become a filmmaker, yet it seems that I already have to be one to get in. And yea its sooo much money as well. I hope comsci works out, and stem stuff for you. Good luck to us
TWA Flight 800 - What Really Happened. Make a movie out of it.
The answer to the question is No.
Interesting insights, very....as the points you bring up can be applied to any say Collage Major or any business in today's arena.
All the data you need can be found on the internet & yes there is so much just on youtube for again ANY topic one may choose to learn.
But one thing you mention, the "interaction" or the "human to human" factor is a WAY HUGE INSIGHT that was studied back in the late 80's & 90's. The virtual shopping was one test as was the work at home. The fail was the need for humans to be with other humans. Technology has came at us roaring....at a cost!
One that could destroy us....the human "one on one" factor or the interaction between humans needed to be recognized if we are to survive. And it would seem you have!
One note is their "plan-demic" & making us DISTANCE from each other, wear a mask etc. This is DE-HUMANIZING to a society & is nothing absolutely NOTHING about our health, or about positive health care....they the 1% know this fact very well. Also why they are pushing it. The mind games being played on us are the worst & at a time when we really need to get a handle on the tech running our lives.
Ok, again the points you hit on are the stuff that will make or break you in performing at your best and also make or break humanity, society.....maybe even human existence.
Good luck, keep doing what your doing....your on the above average, you see the real world, and you get what is needed to progress.
Your on the REALITY real right track & understanding!
p.s. ALso you hit on the "help others" view. That we should lift not step on others!
For again all the stuff, good intentioned I mentioned above.
[God code I call it]
Always Forward ~ Godspeed
Very interesting comment, thank you for watching and for your insights! Intriguing stuff
My sister repped the community college she drop out and die an uneducated girl. I took the man who dropped her our to my graduation of college.