How to Apply to Film School
Film school offers valuable experience and networking opportunities to prospective filmmakers.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Applications
- Internet Access
- Portfolios
- Computers
- Word-processing Software
- Demo Videocassettes
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1
Research. Go to your school library, your local library, the Internet, friends and acquaintances to find out what schools are most recommended and appropriate for what you want to do.
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2
Keep in mind that a school with a top name and a great reputation will help you in your career. Some top film schools can be found at New York University (NYU), the University of Southern California (USC), The American Film Institute in Los Angeles and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
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3
Talk to everyone you know who attended these schools. Ask them if they recommend the school and, if so, whether they'll serve as a reference to help you get in. Connections are extremely important.
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4
Get catalogs, application materials and financial aid information from the schools that interest you.
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5
Prepare all work you have done in film, television or mixed media for your portfolio. The school will want to see your work included in your application. Have your "reel" (a tape of all work you have done) professionally mastered at a film laboratory; have a professional recommend the best lab.
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6
Fill out the application, then send in your reel, references and other supporting material by the deadline.
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7
Sign up for an interview and dress nicely for it; dressing neatly and professionally shows respect and seriousness. Many people underestimate the importance of this first impression.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure the supporting materials you send in, like your reel, are professionally mastered and not amateurish.
Who you know in the film business is extremely important. Even if you have a second cousin twice removed who attended the school or is successful in the film business, call her up and find out if she can put in a good word for you.
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Comments
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These are great points stretched out for anyone who wants to attend, There is the option of saving your money from your current day job. Up enough to attend.
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Elvis De Leon
Jun 03, 2009
Thank you! 5 stars -
agnieszka
Dec 14, 2008
Hi my name is Agnes and I've always wanted to be an actress. My parents say I actually have a potencial to become an actress because Im quite funny. I love to act out in front of my friends and family, make them laugh, make jokes etc, but unfortunately when it comes to public speeches in school, I get so nervous, I start to sweat and sometimes even mix up all the stuff I was supposed to say/read but if that happens I just read on!!! My mam says that maybe as I'm getting older this kind of 'shyness' will dissapear, I hope so! So she suggested that maybe I would like to try out acting on stage, she want's me to sign up to some kind of Drama Classes. I think that it is really a good idea, in that way I could make sure if Acting is really the thing I want to do! She also says that the actors I see on TV also had to PRACTICE, sometimes for long years to become so good at acting, she says that
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agnieszka
Dec 14, 2008
Hi my name is Agnes and I've always wanted to be an actress. My parents say I actually have a potencial to become an actress because Im quite funny. I love to act out in front of my friends and family, make them laugh, make jokes etc, but unfortunately when it comes to public speeches in school, I get so nervous, I start to sweat and sometimes even mix up all the stuff I was supposed to say/read but if that happens I just read on!!! My mam says that maybe as I'm getting older this kind of 'shyness' will dissapear, I hope so! So she suggested that maybe I would like to try out acting on stage, she want's me to sign up to some kind of Drama Classes. I think that it is really a good idea, in that way I could make sure if Acting is really the thing I want to do! She also says that the actors I see on TV also had to PRACTICE, sometimes for long years to become so good at acting, she says that
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Spiralina
Nov 30, 2008
Great tips!
