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We asked film schools for their actual data (debt, employment, acceptance rates) and ranked 17 programs. FSU came out on top.
▲ 19 r/filmschool

We asked film schools for their actual data (debt, employment, acceptance rates) and ranked 17 programs. FSU came out on top.

I run FilmSchool.org, and I'm excited to announce our first annual film program ranking. Instead of ranking by reputation, we sent schools a questionnaire asking for hard numbers (acceptance rates, cost of attendance, median debt, employment outcomes, industry awards, faculty ratios) and combined that with student and alumni reviews.

How we ranked:

  • Every answer was scored from 1 to 10 using a predefined rubric
  • Six weighted categories: Industry Achievements (30%), Selectivity, Faculty & Classes, Student Success & Career Development, Affordability & Value (15% each), and Student & Alumni Reviews (10%)
  • Schools had to complete the questionnaire and have at least one review on our site to be included
  1. Florida State University (Undergrad) – 7.781 score
  2. AFI Conservatory – 7.144 score
  3. Florida State University (Grad) – 7.075 score
  4. USC School of Cinematic Arts – 7.070 score
  5. Antioch University (Dramatic Writing MFA) – 6.867 score
  6. Chapman University (Undergrad) – 6.845 score
  7. CalArts – 6.835 score
  8. Western Colorado University (Screenwriting MFA) – 6.718 score
  9. Columbia University School of the Arts – 6.654 score
  10. Chapman University (Grad) – 6.599 score
  11. University of Georgia – 6.537 score
  12. Stony Brook University (SUNY) – 6.519 score
  13. San Diego State University – 6.045 score
  14. Clayton State University – 6.041 score
  15. CU Boulder – 5.685 score
  16. Indiana University Bloomington – 5.574 score
  17. University of Hartford – 5.566 score

*Scores are out of 10.

Here's a link to the full article:

https://www.filmschool.org/articles/17-best-us-film-programs-in-2026-a-data-driven-ranking.237/

Emerson, UCLA, NYU, LMU, and DePaul aren't included because they didn't complete the questionnaire.

I hope everyone finds this helpful! :)

filmschool.org
u/filmschool_org — 14 days ago
▲ 5 r/editors

Mac mini m5 pro or Mac Studio for Media Composer

I'm finally buying a home system that can actually edit for side projects instead of just remote into work Media Composers via Jump Desktop.

I ordered the m5 pro mac mini with 48gb of RAM and 1tb drive. $2599

Should I have just gone for the base studio at 36gb of RAM? Seems like overkill as I'll just be doing offline stuff.

Want to make sure RAM is good. The 8gb RAM of my M1 mac mini that I use for Jump is killing me.

reddit.com
u/filmschool_org — 2 months ago
▲ 130 r/Letterboxd

Small town theater skipped rolling credits to get to end credit scene in Brand New Day 😡 Did any other theaters do that?

We were vacationing in a small New England town and saw Brand New Day last night at a small local theater that's not part of any chain that I know of.

They freaking skipped the ENTIRE rolling credits and went straight to the end credit scene. Makes me so mad.

The entire point of those scenes is for people to see the names of all the hardworking filmmakers who busted their asses making the film. To skip over the rolling credits is so incredibly disrespectful and makes me so mad. 😡

Did any other theaters do this?

reddit.com
u/filmschool_org — 2 months ago
▲ 124 r/Filmmakers

Small town theater skipped rolling credits to get to end credit scene in Brand New Day 😡 Did any other theaters do that?

We were vacationing in a small New England town and we saw Brand New Day last night and they freaking skipped the entire rolling text on black credits to get to the end credit scene. Makes me so mad. 😡

The entire point of those scenes is so that you see all the names of the people who worked SO HARD on the film and to reward people for watching them.

Anyone else experience this?

reddit.com
u/filmschool_org — 2 months ago
▲ 6 r/PhysicalMediaMatters

Finally took the dive and bought a Blu-ray player (again)

I had a Sony Blu-ray player when it first came out and I hated it. Took forever to load and didn't save where we stopped and glitched and wouldn't play DVDs.

Fast forward 15+ years. Sick of streaming ads and extra costs and bought the recommended Panasonic DP-UB820-K and popped a 4k disc of Interstellar and man was the picture quality amazing. I'm sold. Plus it loaded SO MUCH quicker than before.

Sadly I sold all of my old DVDs and Blu-rays and I'll have to start my collection again but such is life.

reddit.com
u/filmschool_org — 3 months ago
▲ 136 r/filmschool+8 crossposts

Is Film School Worth It? What Actual Employment Data Reveals

As promised, here are the full results to the survey on Film School Alumni employment. We have 108 responses so far and we'd love to get it up to 400 at least.

We'll break down the results by individual program once we receive 30 to 50 results for each program. If you haven't taken the survey yet, please take it here:

https://forms.gle/u5XDudsuymNUqGEF8

I hope everyone finds the data helpful. EDIT - added following tables. :)

Full results with graphs and long text answers are in the article linked above but main results are below.

To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?

1 - Didn't help me break in 19 17.92%
2 4 3.77%
3 8 7.55%
4 6 5.66%
5 7 6.60%
6 8 7.55%
7 13 12.26%
8 16 15.09%
9 9 8.49%
10 - Instrumental in breaking in 16 15.09%
Total Responses 106

How did film school help you the most?​

Peer Network 58.30%
Technical Skills 35.20%
Life Skills 32.40%
Craft/Narrative Theory 31.50%
Access to Equipment 24.10%
Internship Access 20.40%
Alumni Network 19.40%
The Portfolio/Reel. 13.00%
Faculty Connections 11.10%
Brand/Pedigree 10.20%
Didn't help 8.30%

At what point after graduation did you first land any PAID film-related work?​

Immediately (within 1 month) 36 33.33%
1–3 months 20 18.52%
Never / still haven’t 17 15.74%
3–6 months 12 11.11%
1–2 years 12 11.11%
6–12 months 11 10.19%
Total Responses 108

What best describes the nature of this first film job?

Project-Based Contract 33 37.08%
Day Player / Short-term Gig 27 30.34%
Staff/Permanent Position 26 29.21%
Temp Assistant at an office 1 1.12%
Internship (Paid) 1 1.12%
Faculty position 1 1.12%
Total Responses 89

Which department did this first role fall under?​

Production (PA, Producer, AD, etc.) 37 41.11%
Post-Production (Editor, AE, Color, Sound) 15 16.67%
Writing / Development (Script Reader, Assistant) 11 12.22%
Camera / G&E (AC, Op, Gaffer, Grip) 10 11.11%
Corporate / Agency / Studio Office 8 8.89%
Art Department (Set Dresser, Props, Art PA) 2 2.22%
Locations 1 1.11%
Freelance 1 1.11%
Continuity 1 1.11%
Camera + Post-Production 1 1.11%
Assistant 1 1.11%
Academic 1 1.11%
1st AD 1 1.11%
Total Responses 90

What was the primary factor that helped you get that first paid work?​

Peer connections from film school 23 27.71%
Alumni network from film school 15 18.07%
Internship during film school 13 15.66%
Other Job Listings 10 12.05%
Family or non-film connections 8 9.64%
Cold emails / personal hustle / self-promotion 5 6.02%
Faculty connection at school 4 4.82%
Work connections from unpaid film work 3 3.61%
Social Media 2 2.41%
Total Responses 83

What was the duration of the first job?​

1–4 weeks (Short-term project) 20 22.99%
Single Day / Weekend 14 16.09%
1–3 months 14 16.09%
2+ years 12 13.79%
1 - 2 years 12 13.79%
6 months to 1 year 8 9.20%
6 months – 1 year 4 4.60%
3–6 months 3 3.45%
Total Responses 87

What was this first filmmaking job's weekly salary (USD)?​

Under $500 26 28.57%
$500 – $749 24 26.37%
$1,000 – $1,499 20 21.98%
$750 – $999 12 13.19%
$1,500 – $2,000 6 6.59%
$4,000 – $4,499 1 1.10%
$3,000 – $3,499 1 1.10%
$2,000 – $2,499 1 1.10%
Total Responses 91

Have you been able to find a job directly related to your filmmaking focus / track / goal(s) while at film school (i.e. Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Cinematographer, Editor, Production Designer, etc.)?​

Yes 53 60.92%
No 34 39.08%
Total Responses 87

How long after graduation did you land your first role in your chosen concentration?

Under 1 year 30 56.60%
1 to 2 years 10 18.87%
2 to 3 years 6 11.32%
3 to 4 years 3 5.66%
7 to 10 years 1 1.89%
5 to 7 years 1 1.89%
5 to 5 years 1 1.89%
10+ years 1 1.89%
Total Responses 53

What area does this role best fall under?

Editor 13 25.00%
Producer 10 19.23%
Screenwriter 7 13.46%
Cinematographer 6 11.54%
Director 5 9.62%
Production Design 2 3.85%
Writer & Director 1 1.92%
Visual Effects Artist 1 1.92%
Staff at a Production Company/Post Facility 1 1.92%
Set Lighting 1 1.92%
Production Dept 1 1.92%
Legal 1 1.92%
Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Cinematographer, Editor 1 1.92%
Assistant 1 1.92%
AD 1 1.92%
Total Responses 52

What was the primary factor that helped you get this job directly related to your area of study/concentration?​

Peer connections from film school 10 19.61%
Referrals from other film related jobs 9 17.65%
Alumni network from film school 7 13.73%
Other Job Listings 5 9.80%
Internship during film school 4 7.84%
Family or non-film connections 4 7.84%
Cold emails / personal hustle / self-promotion 4 7.84%
Job listings at film school 2 3.92%
Won a prestigious fellowship 1 1.96%
Professor referral 1 1.96%
Professional Fellowship 1 1.96%
LA network from industry 1 1.96%
Job during film school 1 1.96%
Consultations with profersors 1 1.96%
Total Responses 51

What was this job's weekly salary (USD)?

$1,000 – $1,499 20 39.22%
$500 – $749 8 15.69%
$750 – $999 6 11.76%
Under $500 5 9.80%
$1,500 – $2,000 4 7.84%
$5,000+ 2 3.92%
$3,500 – $4,000 2 3.92%
$2,000 – $2,499 2 3.92%
$3,000 – $3,499 1 1.96%
$2,500 – $3,000 1 1.96%
Total Responses 51

If you were NOT able to get a filmmaking job directly related to your area of study/concentration, what filmmaking job did you shift into?

Crew 8 27.59%
Producer 2 6.90%
Visual Effects 1 3.45%
Videographer 1 3.45%
TV and Film Distribution 1 3.45%
Teaching 1 3.45%
Screenwriter 1 3.45%
Production Consultant / independent Scholar 1 3.45%
Post executive 1 3.45%
Photographer and Entrepreneur 1 3.45%
PA, Art Assist, Set Dresserr 1 3.45%
nothing 1 3.45%
None; left the industry 1 3.45%
Locations 1 3.45%
Grip/pa 1 3.45%
Executive 1 3.45%
DP. Shifted from director 1 3.45%
Development 1 3.45%
Commercial producer/writer/director 1 3.45%
Cam op 1 3.45%
Agent 1 3.45%
Total Responses 29

How long after graduation did you shift into this position?​

Under 1 year 11 39.29%
2 to 3 years 7 25.00%
1 to 2 years 7 25.00%
5 to 7 years 1 3.57%
5 to 5 years 1 3.57%
3 to 4 years 1 3.57%
Total Responses 28

What was the primary factor that helped you get this job unrelated to your concentration?​

Peer connections from film school 5 18.52%
Other Job Listings 5 18.52%
Referrals from other film related jobs 4 14.81%
Social Media 3 11.11%
Cold emails / personal hustle / self-promotion 3 11.11%
Internship during film school 2 7.41%
Alumni network from film school 2 7.41%
Same story as before 1 3.70%
Previous work in field before film school 1 3.70%
Family or non-film connections 1 3.70%
Total Responses 27

Are you satisfied with this position?

Yes 9 34.62%
Indiferrent 7 26.92%
Mostly 5 19.23%
Mostly No 3 11.54%
No 2 7.69%
Total Responses 26

Is your current job a film-related role?

Yes 69 75.82%
No 22 24.18%
Total Responses 91

What best describes your current job?​

Crew 13 20.97%
Editor 9 14.52%
Screenwriter 7 11.29%
Producer 6 9.68%
Executive 4 6.45%
Assitant Editor 3 4.84%
Visual Effects 2 3.23%
Director 2 3.23%
Assistant Director 2 3.23%
Teaching Intro to Digital Filmmaking 1 1.61%
Set Dresser 1 1.61%
Production Design 1 1.61%
Production Assistant 1 1.61%
Production 1 1.61%
Lecturer on film and storytelling for my undergrad alma mater. 1 1.61%
Film professor 1 1.61%
DP 1 1.61%
Development Assistant 1 1.61%
Commercial writer 1 1.61%
Camera op. 1 1.61%
Camera Department 1 1.61%
Adjunct film professor 1 1.61%
Academic 1 1.61%
Total Responses 62

What is this current filmmaking job's weekly salary (USD)?​

$1,500 – $2,000 13 21.31%
$1,000 – $1,499 10 16.39%
$2,000 – $2,499 8 13.11%
$4,000 – $4,499 5 8.20%
$3,000 – $3,499 5 8.20%
Under $500 4 6.56%
$750 – $999 4 6.56%
$5,000+ 4 6.56%
$500 – $749 3 4.92%
$3,500 – $4,000 2 3.28%
$2,500 – $3,000 2 3.28%
$4,500 – $5,000 1 1.64%
Total Responses 61

What was the primary factor that helped you get this current job?​

Referrals from other film related jobs 25 43.10%
Peer connections from film school 12 20.69%
Other Job Listings 7 12.07%
Family or non-film connections 3 5.17%
Alumni network from film school 3 5.17%
Worked with these clients before film school 1 1.72%
My previouse work 1 1.72%
Job listings at film school 1 1.72%
Hustle. Made spec work that was good, got shared to people that wanted to hire me. 1 1.72%
Connections through a former job 1 1.72%
Career related connections 1 1.72%
awards, reps 1 1.72%
A series of non-film school related networking over the course of years 1 1.72%
Total Responses 58

Do you feel like you've succeeded in your filmmaking goal(s)?​

I am working steadily but haven't 'peaked' yet. 33 52.38%
I am struggling to find consistent work. 14 22.22%
I’ve achieved my primary goal 8 12.70%
I have redefined what success looks like for me. 8 12.70%
Total Responses 63

If you are not currently working in film, what line of work best describes your current job?​

Freelance / Gig Economy: (General independent contracting outside of film) 6 16.67%
Marketing & Advertising: (Copywriting, Ad Agencies, Brand Strategy) 5 13.89%
Social Media & Content Creation: (Influencer mgmt, YouTube/TikTok for brands) 4 11.11%
Service Industry & Retail: (Hospitality, restaurants, sales) 3 8.33%
Education & Academia: (Teaching, administration, film instruction) 3 8.33%
Trade Skills: (Construction, electrical, handy-work) 2 5.56%
Business & Administration: (Operations, HR, Project Management) 2 5.56%
Wedding & Private Event Industry: (Videography, photography, planning) 1 2.78%
Unemployed 1 2.78%
unemployed 1 2.78%
Technology & Software: (UX/UI Design, Coding, Product Management) 1 2.78%
Still in-school! (1 class to go, summer graduation), two remote internships 1 2.78%
Security 1 2.78%
Media 1 2.78%
Legal 1 2.78%
laid off 1 2.78%
Corporate Video/Photography: (Internal comms, headshots, event videography) 1 2.78%
Art Conservation 1 2.78%
Total Responses 36

What is this job's weekly salary (USD)?​

$1,000 – $1,499 12 36.36%
Under $500 9 27.27%
$1,500 – $2,000 4 12.12%
$500 – $749 2 6.06%
$2,000 – $2,499 2 6.06%
$750 – $999 1 3.03%
$4,000 – $4,499 1 3.03%
$3,500 – $4,000 1 3.03%
$3,000 – $3,499 1 3.03%
Total Responses 33

Which best describes your current relationship with the film industry?​

I am working this job to pay bills while actively trying to get back into film. 12 33.33%
I am open to film work, but I am not actively looking for it. 12 33.33%
I have officially left the business and am pursuing this new career path. 8 22.22%
Unemployed and in debt 1 2.78%
I will do it as a hobby, unless it pays the bills. 1 2.78%
I have left the film industry but still pursuing other creative endeavors. 1 2.78%
I dislike working on films for other people. You’re underpaid and under-appreciated. 1 2.78%
Total Responses 36

What is the biggest hurdle preventing you from working in film right now?​

Lack of available jobs. 24 64.90%
I can't afford the pay cut or the inconsistent "gig" lifestyle. 18 48.60%
I’ve lost my connections or my "ins" have dried up. 15 40.50%
I lost interest in the lifestyle/hours. 13 35.10%
I don't live in a production hub and can't move yet. 10 27.00%
I feel my skills have become outdated. 3 8.10%
Convincing myself to commit to the time required (Write-in) 1 2.70%
The industry is shrinking and most people I know are either miserable or out of work. It's no longer what we were promised. (Write-in) 1 2.70%
Not taught enough of the basic skills, plus unpleasant teachers so I lost all interest and decided to leave entirely (Write-in) 1 2.70%

How do you feel about your prospects of returning to film?​

Uncertain: The industry's current state makes it hard to gauge. 11 29.73%
Discouraged: It feels significantly harder than it was before. 10 27.03%
Steady: I'm making slow, deliberate progress. 9 24.32%
Optimistic: I feel a breakthrough is coming. 3 8.11%
Not interested 1 2.70%
Indifferent. 1 2.70%
I'm fine being a fan and happy for my more successful classmates 1 2.70%
Don’t want to 1 2.70%
Total Responses 37

Did you take out student loans to attend film school?​

No - Didn't take out a loan 46 42.20%
$25k to $50k 13 11.93%
$10k to $25 11 10.09%
$100k to $150k 9 8.26%
Under $10k 8 7.34%
$75k to $100k 8 7.34%
$50k to $75k 6 5.50%
$150k to $200k 4 3.67%
Worked a co-op job for tuition 1 0.92%
$300k to $350k 1 0.92%
$250k to $300k 1 0.92%
$200k to $250k 1 0.92%
Total Responses 109

Are you still in debt?

No 65 60.19%
Yes 43 39.81%
Total Responses 108

How much debt do you still have?​

N/A - Didn't take out a loan 41 41.41%
Loans all paid off 14 14.14%
$10k to $25 11 11.11%
Under $10k 6 6.06%
$100k to $150k 6 6.06%
$25k to $50k 5 5.05%
$75k to $100k 3 3.03%
$50k to $75k 3 3.03%
Over $400k 2 2.02%
$300k to $350k 2 2.02%
$200k to $250k 2 2.02%
$150k to $200k 2 2.02%
I used my life savings and am currently moving to LA in a currently precarious financial state. 1 1.01%
$250k to $300k 1 1.01%
Total Responses 99

Was taking out student loans for film school ultimately worth it?​

1 - Regret taking loans 14 19.72%
2 3 4.23%
3 6 8.45%
4 3 4.23%
5 10 14.08%
6 3 4.23%
7 10 14.08%
8 7 9.86%
9 6 8.45%
10 - A good decision 9 12.68%
Total Responses 71

Would you recommend your film program to someone starting today?​

Yes, but only if you get a scholarship/don't take on too much debt. 54 50.47%
No, I would recommend a different path (e.g., set work, private workshops). 34 31.78%
Yes, regardless of the cost 19 17.76%
0 0.00%
Total Responses 107

If you could go back to the day you applied to film school, knowing what you know now about your career outcome, would you still apply?​

Yes 68 63.55%
No 22 20.56%
Maybe 17 15.89%
Total Responses 107

filmschool.org
u/filmschool_org — 3 months ago
▲ 1 r/filmmaking

To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?

We're doing a survey on Film School Alumni Employment Outcomes and have received 107 responses so far. Here are some of the results:

To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?

1 - Didn't help me break - 18.1%
2 - 3.8%
3 - 6.7%
4 - 5.7%
5 - 6.7%
6 - 7.6%
7 - 12.4%
8 - 15.2%
9 - 8.6%
10 - Instrumental in breaking in - 15.2%

Was taking out student loans for film school ultimately worth it?

1 - Regret taking loans 20%
2 - 4.3%
3 - 8.6%
4 - 4.3%
5 - 12.9%
6 - 4.9%
7 - 14.3%
8 - 10%
9 - 8.6%
10 - A good decision - 12.9%

Would you recommend your film program to someone starting today?

Yes, regardless of the cost 17.9%
Yes, but only if you get a scholarship/don't take on too much debt. 50.9%
No, I would recommend a different path (e.g., set work, private workshops). 31.1%

Did you go to film school? To take the anonymous survey use this link so we can improve our data:

https://forms.gle/525D3QHpkVMaVyAB9

A Google Sheet of employment results from the survey is here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YXhH2fkPdH6S2FyRZDnsB3dzXQ1Qyr0D5jGfqHmw8qc/edit?usp=sharing

If there is any more data from the survey that you'd like me to share let me know and I'll post it here.

u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 8 r/nycfilmmakers

To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?

We're doing a survey on Film School Alumni Employment Outcomes and have received 107 responses so far. Here are some of the results:

To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?

1 - Didn't help me break - 18.1%
2 - 3.8%
3 - 6.7%
4 - 5.7%
5 - 6.7%
6 - 7.6%
7 - 12.4%
8 - 15.2%
9 - 8.6%
10 - Instrumental in breaking in - 15.2%

Was taking out student loans for film school ultimately worth it?

1 - Regret taking loans 20%
2 - 4.3%
3 - 8.6%
4 - 4.3%
5 - 12.9%
6 - 4.9%
7 - 14.3%
8 - 10%
9 - 8.6%
10 - A good decision - 12.9%

Would you recommend your film program to someone starting today?

Yes, regardless of the cost 17.9%
Yes, but only if you get a scholarship/don't take on too much debt. 50.9%
No, I would recommend a different path (e.g., set work, private workshops). 31.1%

Did you go to film school? To take the anonymous survey use this link:

https://forms.gle/525D3QHpkVMaVyAB9

A Google Sheet of employment results from the survey is here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YXhH2fkPdH6S2FyRZDnsB3dzXQ1Qyr0D5jGfqHmw8qc/edit?usp=sharing

If there is any more data from the survey that you'd like me to share let me know and I'll post it here.

u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 1 r/FilmIndustryLondon

To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?

We're doing a survey on Film School Alumni Employment Outcomes and have received 107 responses so far. Here are some of the results:

To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?

1 - Didn't help me break - 18.1%
2 - 3.8%
3 - 6.7%
4 - 5.7%
5 - 6.7%
6 - 7.6%
7 - 12.4%
8 - 15.2%
9 - 8.6%
10 - Instrumental in breaking in - 15.2%

`Was taking out student loans for film school ultimately worth it?

1 - Regret taking loans 20%
2 - 4.3%
3 - 8.6%
4 - 4.3%
5 - 12.9%
6 - 4.9%
7 - 14.3%
8 - 10%
9 - 8.6%
10 - A good decision - 12.9%

Would you recommend your film program to someone starting today?

Yes, regardless of the cost 17.9%
Yes, but only if you get a scholarship/don't take on too much debt. 50.9%
No, I would recommend a different path (e.g., set work, private workshops). 31.1%

Did you go to film school? To take the anonymous survey use this link:

https://forms.gle/525D3QHpkVMaVyAB9

A Google Sheet of employment results from the survey is here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YXhH2fkPdH6S2FyRZDnsB3dzXQ1Qyr0D5jGfqHmw8qc/edit?usp=sharing

If there is any more data from the survey that you'd like me to share let me know and I'll post it here.

u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 5 r/filmschool

To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?

We're doing a survey on Film School Alumni Employment Outcomes and have received 107 responses so far. As promised, here are some of the results:

To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?

1 - Didn't help me break - 18.1%
2 - 3.8%
3 - 6.7%
4 - 5.7%
5 - 6.7%
6 - 7.6%
7 - 12.4%
8 - 15.2%
9 - 8.6%
10 - Instrumental in breaking in - 15.2%

Was taking out student loans for film school ultimately worth it?

1 - Regret taking loans 20%
2 - 4.3%
3 - 8.6%
4 - 4.3%
5 - 12.9%
6 - 4.9%
7 - 14.3%
8 - 10%
9 - 8.6%
10 - A good decision - 12.9%

Would you recommend your film program to someone starting today?

Yes, regardless of the cost 17.9%
Yes, but only if you get a scholarship/don't take on too much debt. 50.9%
No, I would recommend a different path (e.g., set work, private workshops). 31.1%

Did you go to film school? To take the anonymous survey use this link:

https://forms.gle/525D3QHpkVMaVyAB9

A Google Sheet of employment results from the survey is here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YXhH2fkPdH6S2FyRZDnsB3dzXQ1Qyr0D5jGfqHmw8qc/edit?usp=sharing

If there is any more data from the survey that you'd like me to share let me know and I'll post it here.

u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 0 r/Filmmakers

To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?

We're doing a survey on Film School Alumni Employment Outcomes and have received 107 responses so far. As promised, here are some of the results:

1 Didn't help me break in to 10 Instrumental in breaking in

To what extent did film school help you break into the industry?

1 - Didn't help me break - 18.1%
2 - 3.8%
3 - 6.7%
4 - 5.7%
5 - 6.7%
6 - 7.6%
7 - 12.4%
8 - 15.2%
9 - 8.6%
10 - Instrumental in breaking in - 15.2%

1 - Regret taking loans to 10 - A good decision

`Was taking out student loans for film school ultimately worth it?

1 - Regret taking loans 20%
2 - 4.3%
3 - 8.6%
4 - 4.3%
5 - 12.9%
6 - 4.9%
7 - 14.3%
8 - 10%
9 - 8.6%
10 - A good decision - 12.9%

https://preview.redd.it/xyqdn5vkh7ah1.png?width=2196&format=png&auto=webp&s=2995f87e1ef563bd6b3c48f1d1b9492fb1e6cb15

Would you recommend your film program to someone starting today?

Yes, regardless of the cost 17.9%
Yes, but only if you get a scholarship/don't take on too much debt. 50.9%
No, I would recommend a different path (e.g., set work, private workshops). 31.1%

Did you go to film school? To take the anonymous survey use this link:

https://forms.gle/525D3QHpkVMaVyAB9

A Google Sheet of employment results from the survey is here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YXhH2fkPdH6S2FyRZDnsB3dzXQ1Qyr0D5jGfqHmw8qc/edit?usp=sharing

If there is any more data from the survey that you'd like me to share let me know and I'll post it here.

reddit.com
u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 79 r/filmschool+1 crossposts

33% of film school graduates get their first film gig within a month. 49.5% within 2 years... and 16.8% never do

We're doing a survey on Film School Alumni Employment outcomes. We've received 101 responses so far. If you haven't taken it yet, please do on the link below:

https://forms.gle/9F4oz6giF1rWNjXk8

At what point after graduation did you first land any PAID film-related work?

Immediately (within 1 month) 33.7%
1–3 months 16.8%
3–6 months 11.9%
6–12 months 10.9%
1–2 years 9.9%
Never / still haven’t 16.8%

Here are some other findings from the survey:

What was that first PAID filmmaking job or role?

Assistant Editor

Production Assistant

PA

Assistant Director

Camera op

Post production

Creative Producer

Avid Instructor

It was before film school. 2nd AD on a miniseries. First after school was as senior editor for an internet startup.

Writer

I was already freelancing as a videographer in undergrad, but landed my first TV gig 2 years after graduation as a PA in reality tv.

Dailies Editor

Wedding editing

Cinematographer

Covering Script Supervisor

Videographer at UCLA

200

Script Supervisor

Editing feature

My first paid filmmaking job was as a production assistant on an indie film.

Pa / directors assistant

Working for a lighting rental house

Entertainment PR and Location Manager for 10 hotels in Vegas

Director

I did various paid jobs in school, and quite a lot of Union Set Electric work after graduation.

Production Assistant, Casey’s Pizza Commercial

Editor for a local small production company

Freelance advertising promo

PA Music Video

producer's assistant

Office assistant at indie film company

1st AD

I worked as a PA while I was still in school

Screenwriter for project development

Assistant at film international sales company

PA on Transformers

Videographer/Editor for youtube channel

Grip/electric

Production Assistant on an independent movie

Writers Asst

Producer

AD / Producer

Development Assistant

Grip

PA for a commercial

Assistant

1st ac

Executive Assistant to Filmmaker

Office Production Assistant

Editor

Assistant editing

Production Assistant - Reality TV. 4 months

Clinical Assistant Professor

PA on General Hospital

Digital Imaging Technician

Production Assistant

Screenwriter, TV miniseries

Art Assistant

Post Production Assistant

Admin Assistant

Line Producer for an independent short and a paid part-time development role, almost simultaneously

Freelance Gigs - Photography/Videography/Editing

producer assistant

Temp assistant to a major producer

Post Production Assistant

Talent Agent Assistant

staff writer on netflix show

directing a short film

Assistant at an Agency

Freelance contract jobs

I landed in Video Games (Production Coordinator)

Jr. Execuitve Assistant

Covid Compliance Officer

Avid Technical Support

Which department did this first role fall under?

40.5% of first jobs were in production.

What was the duration of the first job?

60.7% of these jobs were short duration (under 1 year).

What was this first filmmaking job's weekly salary (USD)?

What was the primary factor that helped you get that first paid work?

What was the primary factor that helped you get that first paid work?

Peer connections from film school 26.5%
Alumni network from film school 16.9%
Internship during film school 12%
Other Job Listings 12%
Family or non-film connections 9.6%

Please go into detail on how you secured your first filmmaking job

Got it through an alumni

Post gig through a friend

I worked as an event manager after graduating and those skills translated well to being a Producer.
I also freelanced editing conference sessions which I think was helpful to becoming a producer

Someone quit and they called me to fill in.

The producer on my thesis film who was a fellow student got a job and hired me.

COVID forced me to return to my home country to make my thesis film. My producer friend who helped me on the film ended up working with a company looking for new directors. He put in a word and showed my thesis to the company and they decided to take a gamble on me.

Best Friend and business partner was a PA on this gig and referred me.

Networked with alumni and called them when I moved to Los Angeles

One of my dad’s coworker’s wife was hiring

I was recommended for an assistant position while I was in school and took a year off for the job. I was hired by one of my professors to work on a project directly after graduating.

Other

Made a friend in uni who needed me to cover him for a weekend

Friend from internship/unpaid film work referred me to the job as she was leaving LA for NY to start over.

Aunt worked at Steiner studio

I explained to the Producer / Director why he needed script supervision.

While studing I was working mostly on documentaries. Profesors from documentary departament were visiting us in editing room for consultation and one of them liked my work. He asked me if I want to colaborate on his move as an second editor but after rough cut he decided to let me finish the movie. So I finished this movie as my master film and right after masters exames we went to premiere movie in Venice.

I secured my first filmmaking job through a friend I met in film school who recommended me for the role. They needed an extra PA for a short film, and I applied without hesitating. I showcased my eagerness and previous experience, which left a good impression.

Family friend knew a writer that had a film going into pre production. He got me an interview with the director.

A friend from High school worked at the organization already. He got me the interview.

By chance older brother had a connection with unit production manager

A contact at a Sundance film festival.

Secured financing for independent film I wrote and directed

Parents work in the industry, worked in the industry before and during film school

I signed up for Mandy.com and got the job there through however I sold myself. I remember trying to come off as both humble in personality and confident in skills.

I was the most motivated, charismatic and eager to learn and apply myself student in my class. I talked to my teacher about how mich i wantwd to work in the industry. I applied myself out of the classroom, which helped prove to him that i should be brought on.

I had interned at the company during my senior year, and they offered me a part-time gig editing for them. Was severely underpaid but thrilled.

I made a promotional video for a tennis facility that a coworker of my dads son trained at.

Internships from school and friendships from internships

My professor hired me as an assistant for her independent film company.

A graduate student professor that liked me recommended me to this company to work as a PA

I was recommended by a individual who was also getting into PA work in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, they were often recommending me for jobs that they were unavailable for.

It had a lot to do with what I had learned at Film School: how to pitch in a professional environment, how to develop a writing project, how to properly cold email / self-promote.

Met with alumni who referred me to another alumni. That second alum offered me an unpaid internship, then as I was leaving they had a job open up that I took

Friend’s sister got me in

A peer from school who had graduated before me was working at this job and recommended me.

Fellow graduate landed on a job and got me hired

I partnered up with 4 other people from film school who wanted to move to LA. We all did together. One of us had a friend who was doing a lot of shooting in LA and wanted to start building his camera and G/E
Team. So all of us got a few small gigs right away.

I responded to a post on Facebook calling for PAs

Friend I made through USC script list put me up for the job

I worked with a Professor from my University before graduation and landed the job after graduation.

Was on Indeed, did well during the interview because of my Resume

Friend gave a word of mouth referral, my name got passed around to a couple productions and I booked the gig over a phone call.

From the school's listserv

After moving to Los Angeles (roommates) with acquaintances met at college; one of my roommates was asked to day-play on the evening of Valentine’s Day and it was unavailable. So she recommended me for the job.

Was put in touch through a film professor

USCs job person got me it

Met an agent at a party who hooked me up with an assistant gig to an actor.

Series was looking for a PA, an instructor from my MFA program recommended me.

My editing professor knew the VP of post production for Boardwalk Pictures and connected us. He hired me on for one of their shows.

Friends hired me for a low budget feature

Was living in San Diego and my friend was a PA in LA, he called me and asked if I needed work for a day, I said I sure as crap do!

My first filmmaking jobs were during and after undergraduate. Internships that led to office PA on a show that led to personal assisting for more than a decade. I went back to school later so I think I'm a different case. With all of my experience, it was easy to find a high-paid job right out of school-- although it's not related to screenwriting. That career is something I'm having to pursue on the side. My current job has some creative elements as my boss preps a movie he's written and will direct and produce.

An alumni working as a Production Supervisor and Coordinator in NJ/NY who I reached out to + have been in contact with offered me an unpaid internship on a feature she was working on. There was a change, and it turns out the production didn't have room for an intern. Few days later she reaches out to me saying that a full-time paid office PA role opened up and is mine if I'm interested. I took the job and started four days later!

A friend of a collaborator needed and editor for an indie project.

Referred

Close friend of mine from film school who graduated 1 year before me recommended me for the job.

I did teaching assistantships while in graduate school and then applied for many faculty positions during my last year of school. I also had an established successful record of film work with festival and award recognition. I found my first job through Higher Ed Jobs

They needed many PAs and asked film schools for us

My graduate program was part of an initiative of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment in New York City. They were hiring students who could do below the line work while union members did department leads.

Landed an office job at a studio and hit up production companies from there. I eventually got a chance to work on a film from those visits.

Alum reached out to faculty member who recommended me.

A former colleague of my Mother gave me an opportunity to Interview

Peer connections from college friend > Unpaid internship > Paid PA job

Applied via EntertainmentCareers.net

It was posted on the SCA groupchat and the person hiring knew a guy at school that I’d produced a student project for and had heard good things about me.

I can't remember what my first gig was - but my main sources for gigs in the beginning was social media + connections from film school peers.

Applied to be an intern via the UTA job list and then our boss fired his asst, so he needed a temp asst while he searched for a person with more experience than I had.

Craig’s List

I interned for a talent manager in LA and through her I was able to get a job with a talent agency in Toronto (where I'm from). They co managed clients

i worked at the writers union (wga) and met a writer who staffed me

They had an idea and I went to pitch how I would write and direct it. They ended up hiring another writer but hired me to direct.

Combination of internship experience (important! Paid or unpaid) and networking with peers/alumni

I hopped right back in what I was doing prior to attending grad school, so it's hard to say what my "first" job after grad school.

My friend from undergrad ended up helping me secure an interview at that job

Gotta be honest, I don't know, I think I just manifested it. I got a call one day from a recruitment agency I had never applied to, but they had my resume and they got me the interview. No idea how they got my resume (I checked my Google search history and everything) but it worked

I interned at Avid during senior year of college and I worked hard while there. I must have impressed them where they asked if I wanted to be interviewed for the job.

What did you love the most and dislike the most about your first filmmaking job?

Loved the work I did, hated the company

I liked that I was thrown to the wolves and it was a full time position. I didn't love the commute or pay

Education was great but I needed more real world experience before I taught others.

Loved that I was working everyday. Hates the content and the executives.

I love the relative creative freedom they gave me for a first-time TV writer & director. I hated the low pay and the very short production time, but that's what the budget in Thailand could afford for a project of this nature.

loved the on-set experience gained and lifestyle, hated the long hours.

Loved getting full-time work with benefits; hated that it was nighttime hours.

Loved the pay, the environment, learning. Hated that it wasn’t “secure”, no benefits, I had to invoice them

Job was fascinating. Hours were utterly miserable.

Poor money

Loved the feeling - it was REAL. I disliked the script and topics covered.

No creative and career progression. Steady work every month from 2012-2019.

It was pretty simple which good and bad there no credit but I did see Steven Spielberg

Being a script supervisor is not a creative task, I considered it as part of building production experience for IATSE membership (call sheets). Discovered this was not for me.

I saw it as an oportunity to become real editor. What I didn't realized that time was that because that movie was directed by older generation and was succeful at festival etc I had a problem to get another work after that because I was no enough experienced for older generation but for younger generation I was over experienced so it took me another year to work on another movie.

What I loved most about my first job was the hands-on experience and the chance to work creatively with a dedicated team. However, I disliked the long hours and sometimes chaotic environment that came with short film shoots.

Access learning. Lack of respect

Loved learning about new equipment. The thing I disliked most was my boss' poor time management.

Wish it was more consiste

Cool experiences. Disliked the pay and hours.

I loved that I was on a big production in my own hometown, and i got a taste of what the professionals really do. I got to work around real working industry filmmakers and i loved it.
At the time, i disliked having to do the PA desk work at the end of the production. Not for me.

I like getting paid for film and being my own boss but it was a boring video. I also didn’t enjoy negotiating my own rates.

Cool subject, but bad working hours

I liked that I got a job right away and had a lot of autonomy and decision making, but hated the politics and dealing with egos.

I liked how much it paid me at the time as a college student, there wasn’t much I disliked

I love that I was working in the industry and that I was forced out of my comfort zone and just had to dive head first into learning and making sure the production stayed on track.

It happened right after graduation, and it gave me the impression that things were going to be easier than they ended up being.

Lots of good stories but being a PA was crap work. Min 16 hour days, plus drive time and getting ready before and after bed. I was lucky if I got 6 hours of sleep per night.

Very flexible bosses and owners who let me work on my own side projects as well. I disliked being the only one to work there and was very removed from any real film sets or jobs.

Loved I was working. Did not love that I was a PA.

It was fun to finally get paid and our equipment was in such better shape than film school. But the hours were long and physical.

As an independent, we had to do a lot of the locations work and driving work since we didn’t have a transpo or locations department. We also didn’t have a fully staffed team, so I operated as a 2nd 2nd AD for the PA rate. But I just loved being on a film set. And I loved the smaller size of the crew as it helped us make connections at all levels.

Toxic environment, but paid well

It was my first time Producing a feature film and I learned a lot. It was and is the most difficult job I have ever done for many reasons I won't go into here.

Good freedom but no overtime due to flat rates

Being on set. Hated the hours and low pay.

Liked - cammaraderi; Disliked - Long hours, night hours

Loved that I finally got to start working with real gear. Hated that it was overnight prepping gear to travel 4pm-4am.

Learned a lot on the job and continued making connections in the area. Wasn’t quite ready for a true 12 hour day was

I was a PA so great to be on a real, professional set. disliked how it was so temporary.

I loved that I was going to be mentored by a well known filmmaker. Instead I was shorted on pay for 3 years and received no help in advancing my career.

That it was a PA gig I was over qualified for

I wished I was paid more, I enjoyed the team and friendly atmosphere. I also learned a lot from the lead AE.

Fun to work on a feature with friends, low rates all around

Liked being on set, learning a bit about things, and free food. Disliked the 16 hour day, kept watching my hourly rate drop and drop!

I'm still working it! It's relatively low budget, so the lack of benefits (lunch, good crafty) is probably my least favorite thing. BUT the people I'm meeting are all really cool, and it's so amazing to see stuff I've only learned about being put into action.

It was barely paid.

It was a job

Loved getting to finally work in the business, cut my teeth on a tough job, and learn from folks who’d done it a long time. That said, it was docu/reality and I wanted to be in scripted, so it was hard at first adapting to the landscape.

I enjoyed teaching but didn't like the location (Huntsville, TX). It also didn't offer financial support for my film projects.

Being on set

I loved learning the needs for dailies. I disliked the unrealistic expectations that a DIT would also do Dailies processing along with media management.

Just enjoyed the whole process. I have nothing bad to say of the experience.

Loved research and writing; hated boorish Italian producers

I liked working with my hands and being on my feet. I liked the attitude of my peers.
Hated being shutdown.

Loved learning and being in the industry, struggled to survive on minimum wage pay

I didn’t want to work in Post so it really wasn’t my cup of tea but money is money.

Very chaotic leadership. Would be more cautious going forward about outlining responsibilities

I like the freedom, flexibility, and creative expression of freelancing. I don't love how much pay fluctuates, and how much self-promotion is required.

It was honestly a hellish job and I really didnt like any of it since the boss was very toxic. Only thing I liked was the idea that I had my whole career in front of me and this was just the beginning.

Meeting new people was nice but the pay was terrible

Lack of pay

I loved everything about it. Though it was covid and zoom rooms were hard

It was a small production but very fun and organized, well paid.

Love: the experience, learning a lot, meeting a lot of peers; Dislike: the hours, lack of creativity

Flexibility

I love getting to work on video game trailers and work alongside my awesome coworkers. Hate how women don't seem to get that many creative jobs here. Also some of the men are pretty toxic

Being an assistant at a production company could be super boring at times, especially and unscripted TV one. But I liked the people and I learned a ton about unscripted development

I loved that I had an Avid at my desk and was trained all about the system. I learned how to edit with it, take it apart, reinstall everything, and troubleshoot problems. I also took all of the official Avid classes and eventually got certified to teach the Avid classes. The least favorite part was actually doing the phone support which was my real job. I was able to help people which was great but doing phone support is never fun. My coworkers were great though.

u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 4 r/needamod

r/filmschool - Mods potentially needed for a filmmaking and film school community

Are you interested in films and filmmaking? Do you have an interest in film schools or did you attend a film school?

I'm looking for additional moderators for our subreddit that I'm reviving after it wasn't moderated for 7 years.

https://www.reddit.com/r/filmschool/comments/1u5ka85/looking_for_12_additional_moderators_current/

I'm looking for people who are willing to help keep the subreddit active and respond to users posts and potentially make new on topic posts to boost engagement - as well as of course enforcing the rules.

reddit.com
u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 134 r/filmschool+1 crossposts

Finally watched Obsession - Inde Navarrette definitely deserves an Oscar nomination for Best Actress

Watched Obsession with my 18yo as he wanted to see it.

I didn't know much about the film except that it was doing really well theatrically and was being hyped. We'll the hype was worth it because it was really good but MAN that movie was scary and creepy. The cinematography was EXCELLENT and the camera placement and surgical editing kept on amping up the tension and creepiness.

But let's be real, it was really Inde Navarrette's incredible acting and voices that made it creepy and scary. She was absolutely excellent and definitely deserves an Oscar nomination for her role.

Amy Madigan's win for Weapons (which I still haven't seen yet) paved the way for horror films to be recognized. I really hope she's nominated.

As a side note I really wonder if Curry Barker was inspired by Quentin and Pulp Fiction for the first shot and scene of the movie.

Anyone else see it and have thoughts?

u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 4 r/modhelp

When adding new mods... do you give them all the privileges or just some?

I'm going to add some more mods to my subreddit soon. Do you give them all of the checkmarks?

  • Everything - Full access including the ability to manage moderator access and permissions.
  • Users - Access mod notes, ban and mute users, and approve submitters*.
  • Config - Manage community settings, appearance, emojis, rules, and AutoMod*.
  • Flair - Create and manage user and post flair.

I know since I'm the top mode they won't be able to boot me. But what is the best practice?

I've gone through their post history and their application and they seem like a good fit. Anything else?

If they don't work out is it easy to remove them as mod?

Thank you! It's my first time running a subreddit.

I'm using desktop for most admin tasks and android for general browsing and minor mod tasks.

reddit.com
u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 5 r/filmschool

CalArts Film School Admissions Q&A with Dean Mukherjee (Part 1)

Our site recently interviewed CalArts's Dean Ranu Mukherjee about their film program. I hope it's helpful to people! :)

filmschool.org
u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 4 r/filmschool

Why do you want to go to film school?

Why did you make the decision to study film and go to film school?

Dating myself (I'm almost 50), but for me like many of my generation I was enthralled by films like Star Wars - saw ROTJ in theater - and I made films with my friends with my Dad's Super 8mm film camera.

I dreamed of being a director myself and got into writing. While I enjoyed writing I never really was good at writing endings for my stories. I was able to create moments or starts that I like but never good endings.

In high school, I took a film class and we made some films shooting on VHS - no editing but just shooting it in order in the camera. That was fun but there weren't many more people at school that were as interested in film as me.

I saw that BU was doing a summer program for high school students and I had a wonderful time - shooting on a Bolex 16mm camera on B&W reversal and editing by hand. BU was the only college with a film program that I applied to and I got in and attended. For some reason applying to other film schools didn't really occur to me. This was before the internet etc.

I went in thinking I wanted to direct but quickly learned that I loved editing and didn't really like being on a film set. I loved going through a mountain of raw footage and telling a story out of it - editors are really the final writers of a film.

Now I've been working for the past 25 years as a union editor in TV and film. So it turns out I got good at writing after all. ;)

What about you? When did you start getting interested in film and why are you applying to film school?

reddit.com
u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 1 r/filmschool

r/filmschool Member Check-In: Current Film Students & Alumni - What School & What Year? (Survey Inside)

Hey r/filmschool,

I'm doing a quick member check-in - who here is currently in film school or an alumni?

Drop a comment and let us know:

  • What school did you attend (or are attending)?
  • What year did you graduate (or expected graduation)?
  • What was your main focus (screenwriting, directing, cinematography, producing, etc.)?
  • If you graduated, what are you currently doing for work?

I'll start: I got my BS in film from Boston University College of Communication (BU COM) and my class year was 1999 (technically I graduated in 2000 as I stayed an extra semester after studying abroad). I'm currently working as a union film & tv editor. I've edited independent features, music videos, commercials, documentaries, but for the last 18 years or so I've been primarily editing unscripted television as it pays well and the work is quite steady. Plus cutting together a mountain of raw footage into a cohesive and interesting story is a fun puzzle to solve for me.

-----------

We're also running a Film School Alumni Employment Outcomes Survey to better understand real career paths, salaries, debt reality, and advice for current students.

We have 98 responses so far. The more we get, the more useful the data will be for everyone. It’s completely anonymous unless you choose otherwise.

Take the survey here:
https://forms.gle/PiNfL2juwibHk7La6

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 1 r/filmschool

Looking for 1-2 Additional Moderators (Current Students / Alumni Preferred)

Hello everyone!

I recently took over r/filmschool after it was unmoderated for 7 years, and I want to make sure it stays active and well-maintained. With that in mind, I’m looking to bring on 1–2 new moderators.

Requirements:

  • Current film student, alumni, or serious applicant
  • Active on Reddit and familiar with film school topics
  • Good judgment, fair, and patient
  • Able to commit a few hours per week

Main Responsibilities:

  • Welcoming new members and responding to new posts
  • Approving/Removing posts & comments when needed
  • Dealing with spam and rule-breaking
  • Helping with weekly threads and community engagement

If you're interested, reply to this post with:

  1. Your user flair / current status (e.g. AFI ’20, NYU '27)
  2. Why you want to mod
  3. How much time you can realistically commit

I’ll review applications over the next week or so. No previous moderator experience required.

Thanks everyone!

reddit.com
u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago
▲ 20 r/filmschool

Under New Management: Welcome to the new r/filmschool! (Updates, New Rules, and Future Plans)

Hello everyone!

As you may have noticed, this subreddit has been essentially unmoderated for a long time. I’m happy to announce that I have officially taken over as the new moderator of r/filmschool to clean things up, get rid of the spam, and build this back up into a thriving, valuable resource.

My name is Chris and I am a film school graduate myself (BU COM 1999), a working union editor for the past 25 years, and I have been running and moderating filmschool.org (along with a few sister sites) for the past 26 years.

I was a member of r/filmschool for a while and I noticed that the moderator of the subreddit hadn't been active on Reddit for 7 years and the subreddit was getting a bunch of spam so I asked Reddit if I could become a moderator and the request was approved.

My goal isn't to over-moderate or stifle conversation, but rather to use my experience to make sure this subreddit is a clean, helpful, and high-quality space for anyone interested in film school.

I've already updated the subreddit rules so that we can get a handle on the unrelated spam that had been being posted. If you have any suggestions to these rules I'm all ears.

Are any changes for the subreddit that you'd like to see? I'd love to get it to be more active.

Here are some changes that I've already implimented:

  • Display name change: The old one was "ask questions. get answers. make films." and it is now "Get help applying to and surviving film school". Better yes?
  • Community Description: Added as there wasn't there before.
  • Rules: Added as there weren't any before.
  • Posting Guidelines: Added as there wasn't there before.
  • Post Flair: Added Application Advice, Portfolio / Reel Advice, School Decisions, School Reviews, Student Film Showcase, and General Discussion. Anything else I should add?
  • User Flair: Added Prospective Student, Parent, Current Student, and Alumni. The later two ARE EDITABLE so you can add which school you went to and year of graduation. :)

Here are some changes I'm thinking of doing over the next couple of days.

  • Community Guide: I'll need to create some sort of guide - especially going through the new user and post flair.
  • Resources Sidebar: I'm planning to add a curated list of helpful links, application guides, and resources to the sidebar. Full disclosure - I will definitely be linking to the great resources on FilmSchool.org. Any other resources I should link to?

Any other changes you'd like to see? What kind of content or resources would you like to see here?

Also, once I get the subreddit on it's feet again I'll definitely be looking to add more moderators so the subreddit isn't left without an active moderator again.

Thanks everyone. I'm totally open to all suggestions on how to get r/filmschool thriving again!

-Chris

reddit.com
u/filmschool_org — 4 months ago