<p>digmedia's CCipedia for film majors seems to have whimpered out, so I thought I would try maddenmd's suggestion and posting just one question at a time. then when it slows down we can post another one. There are some great questions, and I don't know the answers to them, but I thought I would start with question 9: Do you need to go to a "name" school to make it in the film industry? What are the advantages? Do California schools give you a leg-up in the industry?
My opinion? I think going to a lesser known school in LA would in the long run be more likely to get you actually working in film compared to even a big name school outside of LA. Making contacts through internships and working on sets are how you network your way into a job. How do you do that as easily in Florida or Boston compared to LA. Even NYU???</p>
<p>You’ve already answered your own question. The thing is, that’s only for getting a job in the industry. If you want to make films, you will have to do that on your own anyways, so it doesn’t matter where you go in that regard.</p>
<p>I believe that those with talent and drive will succeed coming from WHATEVER school or background. Having said that, what some of the name schools can provide is networking contacts. BUT without some talent and drive, it won’t matter if you know a lot of people. I agree with destiny: if you want industry connections, going to a school that has them will help. BUT only if you put yourself out there and have the interpersonal skills to make and keep those contacts, and enough talent to get noticed. If you are lucky/industrious enough to get a good internship or a chance to work on a set in any capacity: grab it and make yourself liked and helpful. Get coffee, clean equipment, be the first to come and the last to leave. NOTICE things and help where you can, don’t be cocky. Send thank you notes, hand written, to anyone who helps you or gives you advice. These things will get you far. And yes, having connections is probably half the battle. But you can get them if you just are persistent and nice. You don’t have to go to a “name” school.</p>
<p>One more note: yes, LA is in the thick of things, but schools like Emerson in Boston and FSU in Talahassee have their “mafias” in LA that will give a leg up to their students. Somethings making your mistakes and learning far from the fray is good, and then when you are seasoned, you use the connections to meet people. I certainly would NOT write off a school that is in another state. Ask them where their recent graduates are working. See if they help graduates find work. These answers will be more informative in many cases than the city of the school.</p>
<p>In doing some research for a new book, I was talking to someone in a California film school. In that particular school, I was told that less than 5% of graduates ended up with jobs in “the entertainment business.” Then the fellow I was talking to changed that to say SIGNIFICANTLY less than 5%. Many found work as TV cameramen, in corporate marketing jobs (video), etc… So being in LA is no guarantee.</p>
<p>Some excellent advice is to begin networking immediately after you arrive as a freshman, working with sophomores, juniors, and seniors to help on their projects. Work with those who appear to be “going places” in their careers, and when they do, you’ll have the connections you need (assuming you have the talent and drive mentioned above).</p>
<p>you can live on your pet subject and write books to prove them, or you can be very smart and very pretty and do indie.
[Living</a> Multiple Outcomes: Brit Marling Is A Hyphenate On ‘Another Earth’ : Monkey See : NPR](<a href=“Living Multiple Outcomes: Brit Marling Is A Hyphenate On 'Another Earth' : NPR”>Living Multiple Outcomes: Brit Marling Is A Hyphenate On 'Another Earth' : NPR)
OK, I will shut up now.</p>
<p>bears and dogs -</p>
<p>You add so much to this forum… thanks! I love your comments. But… I have to admit that sometimes what you’re saying goes right over my head… Wooosh! LOL</p>
<p>For those who didn’t click on the link bears and dogs provided: I heard the original story on NPR. This amazing woman Brit Marling wrote produced and acted in a new movie called Another Earth. They call her a multi-hyphenate (actor-writer-producer). There are not many of those out there! And… a woman to boot! She sounds very talented.</p>
<p>That’s funny, reminds me of what my D was told by a children’s book author - that my D as a writer and an illustrator, she’s a “double threat”. Hyphenated sounds better!</p>
<p>Another article in Filmmaker magazine:</p>
<p>[Brit</a> Marling and Mike Cahill cover feature for Filmmaker Magazine | FoxSearchlight.com](<a href=“http://content.foxsearchlight.com/inside/node/4918]Brit”>http://content.foxsearchlight.com/inside/node/4918)</p>