Contents

Acknowledgments

Foreword: Film Crit Hulk

Part 1 • Introduction: Middle-Aged Olympians

Part 2 • Who Needs Film School?

CHAPTER 1 Ten Reasons to Go to Film School

1. Time

2. Structure

3. The Freedom (to Fail)

4. The Opportunity to Relocate to a Filmmaking Center

5. Commitment/Affirmation

6. Guidance

7. A Professional Network

8. Insurance/Equipment

9. Teaching Credentials

10. Practice

CHAPTER 2 Ryan Koo: Ten Reasons Not to Go to Film School

1. It Has Never Been More Expensive to Go to Film School, and It Has Never Been Cheaper to Make a Movie

2. Many of Your Favorite Filmmakers Didn’t Go to Film School

3. You Don’t Need Access to Expensive Celluloid Equipment

4. Every Movie and Book Is at Your Fingertips

5. A Film Degree Is Optional

6. Not Everyone Learns Best in the Classroom

7. Lessons and Answers Can Be Found on Websites, Forums and DVD Special Features

8. An Online Network

9. You’ll Probably Make It (or Not) Either Way

10. The Most Instructive School Is the School of Hard Knocks

CHAPTER 3 Graduate or Undergraduate Film School?

1. Money

2. Maturity

3. Timing

CHAPTER 4 The Film School Majors This Book Addresses

1. Directing

2. Cinematography

3. Editing

4. Producing

5. Screenwriting/Television Writing

Part 3 • Before Film School

CHAPTER 1 Develop Your Voice

1. Areas of Mastery for Filmmakers

2. Dig Your Creative Well

3. Self-Overcoming: Discipline, Courage, Perseverance

4. Get Organized

5. Build a Writer’s Routine

6. Build Your Portfolio

7. Revise Your Work Based on Feedback

8. Take a Few Classes to Prepare

9. Think about What Major You Would Be Interested In

10. Get a Job

11. Define Why You Want to Be a Filmmaker

Sidebar: The Big Choice: Film School, Film Work, or Just Keep Making Things?

CHAPTER 2 Applying to Film School: General Research

1. How Did the Movies I Love Get Made?

2. Did the Filmmakers Go to Film School?

3. What Companies Made the Films and TV Shows I Love?

4. Big Cities/Small Cities

5. Read the Trades

6. Learn the History

7. What Kind of Filmmaker Do I Want to Be?

Sidebar: Choose the Major You Actually Want to Pursue

CHAPTER 3 Applying to Film School: Program-Specific Research

1. Eight Great American Film Schools (and Seventeen Very Good Ones)

2. The Possible Majors Revisited

3. What Does Each School’s Program Look Like?

4. How Much Do They Cost?

5. Can I Afford It?

6. Can I Get In?

7. Pick Three to Five Schools

Sidebar: If You Don’t Move to a Big City

CHAPTER 4 Apply

1. Start Early

2. Make an Application To Do List and Matching Calendar

3. Write Your Statement of Purpose (Personal Statement)

4. Assemble Your Work Samples

5. Revise Your Application Based on Feedback

6. Polish (Read It Out Loud)

7. Submit

8. Prepare for Your Interview

9. If You Don’t Get In on Your First Try

CHAPTER 5 For International Students

1. American Basics

2. Special Financial Considerations for International Students

3. Learn Really Good English

4. Catch Up on American Pop Culture

5. Keep a Foot in Your Home Country

6. Embrace Your Dual Identity

7. Staying in America: The Post–Film School Dash

Part 4 • During Film School

CHAPTER 1 Minimize Debt

1. Calculate Your Net Worth

2. The Debt Scorecard

3. Track All Expenses

4. Teaching Assistantships (TAships)

5. Get a Part-Time Job (Pay Down Interest)

6. Be a Residential Assistant (Free Housing)

7. For Directors: Avoid the Arms Race

8. For Directors: Buy an Affordable Kit

9 Leave of Absences

CHAPTER 2 Practice Your Craft

1. Make a Creative Plan (Set Goals)

2. Finish Every Project

3. Learn to Give and Receive Great Feedback

4. Develop a Feedback Circle

5. Learn How to Do Research

6. Develop a Project You Can Realistically Make After Graduation

7. Don’t Swing at Every Pitch (Prioritize)

8. Understand the Other Disciplines

9. Give Yourself Talkdowns

10. Develop Healthy Habits

CHAPTER 3 Build Relationships

1. Do Several Internships

2. Be Grateful (Always Thank and Update)

3. Learn to Make an Email Request

4. Your Attitude Is Your Life

5. Your Classmates Are Your Film School

6. Become a Talent Scout

7. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

8. (Don’t Be Afraid to) Fall in Love

9. Choose Your Collaborators Wisely

10. Who You Know Does Matter (A Strategy for Meeting People)

CHAPTER 4 Craft an Exit Strategy

1. The Lean Years

2. Film Festivals

3. Some Film Festivals You Should Know

4. How to Apply to Film Festivals

5. How to Release a Short Film Online

6. Screenwriting Opportunities

7. Imposter Syndrome

8. TV Writing Opportunities

9. Major Independent Film Organizations

10. A Career Is Not a Contest

11. Producers

12. Co-Production Markets

13. Representation

14. Get a Job

15. Get It in Writing

16. Crowdfunding

17. Patience (Rejection)

18. Leveling Up (Learn to Love the Process)

19. Always Make the Hard Choice

Part 5 • Life After Film School: A Benediction

Appendices

A. Author Bio

B. Film School Budgeting Worksheet

C. Applying to Film Festivals Worksheet

D. A Reading List for Aspiring Filmmakers

Index