[Kirjaava]

Hi everyone,

I have been looking through some threads today, but found only bits and pieces of information relevant to me.

Could someone recommend a decent access to higher education course in film? I am looking for something in London, Edinburgh, Manchester or Brighton (quite a selection, eh?).

I know I can simply go through colleges from each city, but there are SO many! so, if anyone knows which ones are particularly good, please feel free to share your opinion.

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Another point - I have an AS level in Film studies (Grade B) and a BTEC Award in Media (Distinction), but I don't believe this would be enough to apply for a university, would it? I have professional experience and a showreel, but would that get me through? Thoughts on that would be appreciated, too.

Thanks!

[askew116]

I know you posted this thread several months ago, so you may well have made your decision by now, but I was in a similar situation, where I had an AS in film studies, and a professional showreel and wanted more formal film making education.

I applied to Northampton, City of Birmingham, AUCB and Kingston. I was unsuccessful for all of them except Northampton, which I have accepted.

The course at Northampton is an HND in filmmaking, which is a 2 year course, after which you can do a top-up year in Media Production or similar.

Hope this helps.

[Skip_Snip]

Surely it's better to get experience in production rather than a degree, very few big film makers have a degree in 'Film Making'. Apply to production companies as a 'runner' or similar, and work your way up before starting your own productions is probably the best way about it, in the three years you'd be in education, you could probably have risen pretty well up the ladder

[askew116]

the thing is (and i mentioned this on my personal statement) as a runner, you don't get much time to learn how to use equipment in the chaos of a film set (i know this from experience). Your tasks as a runner are generally things like making the tea/coffee, setting marks with tape, holding something in place, etc.
Then there's starting your own projects (short film and documentary). I've made 3 short films so far. I've found them good for learning skills like directing actors and producing, but again I'm looking for a good all-round knowledge of all aspects of film-making, and when producing your own projects, it's quickest to recruit experienced people in whatever role you're looking for.
I've tried approaching production companies even for unpaid experience, but even then the competition is fierce. I've had responses from some saying that the experience I have is good, but I need relevant qualifications. Going directly into the industry works for some people, but I feel I would benefit greatly from a university degree.
Finally, quite a few 'big filmmakers' have a degree in filmmaking, including James Wan and Leigh Whannell (Saw, Dead Silence), and M Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, Signs).
To Skip_Snip, please don't take this post the wrong way, I just wanted to explain my answer above, and to respond to your answer. :-)

[BexiG]

I think the dedication to obtain a degree is a good enough reason. As a mature student I had dismissed university from an earlier age and went to work as a care worker...I developed a passion for film-making, made two short films but was still at a dead end. Going back to college as taught me so much!!! and also fuelled me to continue and complete my education while still going for my goals in the film industry. At the end of the day when I achieve a degree, no on can take that away from me...so it's not all about getting a job in film, but the life achievements as well.

[askew116]

(Original post by BexiG)
I think the dedication to obtain a degree is a good enough reason. As a mature student I had dismissed university from an earlier age and went to work as a care worker...I developed a passion for film-making, made two short films but was still at a dead end. Going back to college as taught me so much!!! and also fuelled me to continue and complete my education while still going for my goals in the film industry. At the end of the day when I achieve a degree, no on can take that away from me...so it's not all about getting a job in film, but the life achievements as well.

Well said!