Why Film School May Not Be Worth the Cost

As someone who went to film school, I can tell you that it's not all it's cracked up to be. 

And to be honest, is a bit of a scam.

I went. I had a good time. 

I met some interesting people, and sure, I had fun.

Do I regret going? No.

Would I do it again or advise younger people to go? Nah.

I’ve never had to use my degree, not even once.

Yes, you get to meet some cool people and work on some interesting projects, but at what cost? The average student graduates with around $50,000 in student loan debt. Is it really worth it?

I'm not saying that you shouldn't pursue a career in film or the arts. In fact, I encourage it. But there are other ways to get there that don't involve racking up tens of thousands of dollars in debt.  

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Film is no longer traditional movies; it can also refer to video production, content creation for platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, live television broadcasting, virtual reality experiences, and a myriad of other media formats.

Here are a few reasons why going to Uni for film/video may not be worth the cost:

1. You don't need a degree to work in film.

There are plenty of successful filmmakers who never set foot in a film school classroom. Look at the greats: Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan. They may be exceptions to the rule, but they prove that you don't need a degree to be successful in this field. Likewise there are plenty of creative video makers from YouTube to agency owners who again do not have a degree.

What you do need is talent, persistence, and a willingness to learn.

Tarantino famously lost his first film, but that lost film taught him all he needed to know to get started.

2. You can learn the same skills on your own.

The internet has made it easier than ever to learn new skills. You can find tutorials on everything from cinematography to sound design to editing. You can also find communities of like-minded people who can offer feedback and support. With a little initiative, you can learn everything you need to know without ever setting foot in a big, expensive classroom.

3. You can build your network without going to film school.

Yes, film school is a great place to meet people in the industry. But you can also build your network outside of school. Attend film festivals, join local film groups, and volunteer on independent projects. Make yourself useful.

4. You can start working in the industry right now.

There's no need to wait until you graduate to start working in the industry. You can start building your resume and your reel right now. Take on freelance gigs, work on actual Uni students films, they’ll need help. You'll gain valuable experience and make connections that could lead to future work. As well as confidence. 

Be a runner. You'll meet plenty of people who share your passion and can offer guidance and support.

You have an iPhone 10? That will do for now. Make sure to not forget about audio!

When I hire people, I look at their reel, their reasoning, and their ability to communicate. A degree is probably a factor that I will never consider.

5. The cost of film school is simply too high.

Let's face it, the cost of higher education in general is out of control. But film school is especially expensive. And with the current state of the industry, it's unlikely that you'll be able to pay off your student loans anytime soon. Is it really worth it?

I’m actually starting to believe that the ‘smarter’ folks skip uni altogether.

Film school may actually hinder your progress. You spend a lot of time sitting in classrooms, listening to lectures and watching films. But filmmaking is a hands-on craft – you need to get out there and actually do it. You need to work with your hands, experiment, and learn by doing. And the truth is, you can learn all of that without a lifetime burden of debt.

The cost of university is staggering.

Although I'm uncertain of the origin of the student loan plans, I strongly believe that the economists who authorised the proposal made huge errors in judgment. I can't help but ponder whether they foresaw the current economic situation, where the cost of living is rising, wages have not kept up, and these loans are widely available but not affordable.

Furthermore, they are marketed to a young audience using dubious tactics on your favourite social media platform.

The sad reality is that it may take years, if not decades, to pay off that loan. It's a burden that the next generation should not really need to carry.

If you're passionate about film, creativity and the arts, there are other ways to pursue your dreams without going into debt. Through the power of the internet, take the initiative to learn on your own, build your network, and start working in the industry now.

Learn everything you can about that role and work your way up, find the time if you can only do this part time.

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If you need guidance, find a mentor who can help you navigate the industry and provide constructive criticism.

Your talent and persistence will take you far, regardless of whether or not you have a paid-for-degree.