By Jenna May Bourque
Whether film school is worth the high costs is hard for me to answer, as it hinges on various factors, including personal disposition, work ethic, and individual goals. While part of me wants to unequivocally say yes, my own experience compels me to acknowledge the nuanced reality.
Ultimately, the value of film school lies in what you make of it, with its pros and cons. Undoubtedly, one of the most glaring drawbacks is the hefty price tag associated with tuition fees. The financial burden can be daunting for many aspiring filmmakers, including myself. Moreover, the quality of the educational experience often hinges on the instructors and the dynamics of the classmates you’re grouped with.
It’s a crucible where your willingness to immerse yourself in the curriculum and engage with instructors can significantly impact your trajectory. The quality of instruction can make or break the experience, as supportive mentors can elevate your learning journey, while uninspiring ones may leave you feeling disillusioned. The school has a lot of politics, and it’s hard not to notice that they sometimes care more about making money than our actual education or the staff. This is daunting. It is a reminder of the industry you’re trying to get into and foreshadows the shady business you’ll see within the film world.
The value of film school is deeply intertwined with the individuals you encounter along the way. The instructors you’re fortunate (or at times unfortunate) enough to have can significantly shape your learning journey. Likewise, the collaborative nature of filmmaking relies heavily on the collective talent and dedication of your classmates. Witnessing the culmination of everyone’s efforts in a final project is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Yet, despite its challenges, film school offers unparalleled opportunities for hands-on practice and experimentation with industry-standard equipment. It’s a playground where you can learn on the job without worrying too much about destroying your reputation immediately and collaborate with peers to bring creative visions to life. The networking potential in film school is the main reason most people attend film school, forging valuable professional connections down the line. Moreover, the chance to accumulate credits on multiple short films can bolster your experience and credibility in the industry. Instructors and other classmates will notice how much work you put in, which can eventually be a potential networking contact once you graduate. Some instructors have been hired by their students, and vice versa.
That said, it’s crucial to recognize that success in the film industry isn’t based on a film school education. It became evident that success was not solely determined by academic achievements but rather by how we showed up, the effort we invested, and the relationships we cultivated. Those who excelled were not necessarily the top scorers on assignments but rather the ones who demonstrated a strong work ethic and garnered respect from their peers and mentors.
However, there were a few students who tested the patience of their peers. These individuals consistently arrived late, contributed minimally to group projects, remained glued to their phones, and frequently missed deadlines.
It served as a stark reminder that the value of film school extended far beyond the classroom. While some struggled to grasp this concept, others thrived by channeling their energy into real-world projects and professional endeavors. Their ability to succeed despite their disregard for academic performance left me frustrated and envious, prompting me to question why they chose to pursue an education they seemed to undervalue.
For those gifted in networking and possessing natural talent, alternative paths may prove equally practical. However, despite any alternative routes, I remain deeply grateful for my journey through film school. The experiences, lessons, and connections I gained at VFS have undeniably enriched my life in ways I couldn’t have anticipated, despite where my career may take me next.
When I started the Foundation program, I attended one of Kevin Smith’s talks. Kevin is a famous American director who attended Vancouver Film School. He talks about his success and advocates for the school. He reminds everyone that even though he dropped out, he also teamed up with other alumni and the producer of his projects who had graduated with producing specializations. Everyone has stories of pushing their way into film; many have climbed up, and some have managed to skip the line. It’s not just about learning the technical aspects of filmmaking; it’s about forging connections and nurturing a network that we can lean on and reach out to when needed. Film school can be worth it if you have the money to spend on it and the government can help. Now, there are several film schools if you look for them, so do your research to find what might work best for you. After graduating from the Foundation in Visual Art and Design, I sometimes regret not trying my hand at a different school called In Focus Film School (also located in Vancouver).
Although the cohort I was placed with was dysfunctional, it was a family nonetheless. They showed their support and showcased their talents, serving as a poignant reminder of why I embarked on the film school journey in the first place. I can’t wait to see the work these amazing people create. I could not have gotten through the year without most of them. I didn’t get to know half of them as well as I would like, and I liked less than half of them as well as they deserved.
Indeed, the path of a filmmaker is fraught with ups and downs, drama, and gossip. Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s an indescribable thrill that comes with the days of filming. In those moments, all else fades away, and the singular focus becomes the shooting schedule, the creative process, and bringing our visions to life on screen.
Even if my journey in the film industry doesn’t unfold exactly as planned, I remain profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have crossed paths with such a diverse and talented group of individuals. Their creativity, passion, and resilience have inspired me in ways I never could have imagined. As I navigate the uncertainties of this path, I carry with me the valuable lessons learned and the enduring connections forged during my time in film school.