shari Reed

I'm sure my son isn't going to just give up because I have"talked"to a few people on the internet. He will push the issue but ultimately he will need some of my financial assistance. We live very close to the University of Arkansas but have family in the LA and New York area. In fact he has made plans to go to NY to visit some guys that are doing something for HBO. I grew up traveling all around and I have taken my son on numerous trips so he wants to get out there and see what he can do. He isn't afraid of hard work but I'm not sure if he has a more idealistic picture of what his lifestyle would really be like. I think he would love film school but I really want him to be able to use what he learns and not waste my money. At least with a 4 year degree he could possibly get a job in some field. The problem is he doesn't want to go through all the first 2 year classes at a university....he just wants to film....more reasearch to do.

OMG...I think I'll just let him buy a new camera with his saved up college $ so he can film in his spare time and then highly encourage him to go to our local university and come up with a new plan- I'll save thousands....I hate that because this is my "think outside the box" kid but my gut tells me that he will be better off down the road. If he wants it bad enough he'll make something work but he will hopefully have some kind of useful degree that can get him an income. The guy at our local high school that teaches television production makes over 50K yearly for 192 days of 8-4. He's not gettin rich but for the lower midwest he does alright. Again, I'm glad to have found this site and I appreciate all the input!

By unbiased I mean someone who is actually in the business vs a school rep that is giving me the latest, made for marketing stats and promoting their own agenda. I just want my kid to do something he will enjoy and has passion for- it does worry me that film work seems so sporadic. While making a lot of money is not the most important issue I would hope that he can support himself (he has for the last 2 years at a dead end job). Again, I think some of the suggested reading will help- definitely can't hurt. So those of you that went to film school would you do it again? Was it worth the money?

Yes we have encountered pros and cons concerning Full Sail. We went there last year. The place looks amazing- made me want to go back to school! A mini universal studio but I can't ignore the derogatory things I read either. I feel like it is a 70,000 dollar gamble and I'm not much of a gambler. His friends have said you will learn there but you can learn the same thing if you just go get a job in the business...easier said than done with no experience. We will keep looking for the right opportunity. I'd like to hear how some of you got your start?? Thanks.

Thanks so much for your unbiased advice. My son is only 20 and has always loved filming, pictures, and lighting. We were pretty set on Full Sail last year but I have heard just as much bad as good. Some say you get out what you put in- just like anything else. I went to the typical 4 year university and I have taught for some time now, so I tend to want him to go that route but I respect his individuality and want him to follow his dream. I just don't want the both of us regretting spending a tremendous amount of money only to realize later it wasn't worth it. In my profession its a no brainer- a bachelors or master is necessary. I will give him your book recommendations and continue our research. Anybody out there that has actually gone to film school- let me hear your thoughts!! Thanks again for the advice.

My son wants to get into cinematography. He spends all his spare time talking, watching ,and making movies. He has been working at a general labor job for a year and now its time to get serious about what he is going to do. We have looked into 4 year colleges with film programs (just got back from USC) but he likes the more hands on "real world" schools like Full Sail and IAFT. Either way its a chunk of change $$ but we have offered to help pay for his school. He attended a large high school with a pretty extensive television program but other than that and what he has figured out himself he has no experience. Really, what is the best way to get into the field of cinematography?