Is Film School Worth It? The Unfiltered Truth.

Let's cut straight to the chase — is film school worth it in 2025? The answer will be piss some people off, but here's the truth: for most aspiring filmmakers, probably not.

The Real Cost of Film School

Top film schools can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000 per year. That's potentially a quarter-million dollars for a four-year degree. But here's what they don't tell you in the brochures...

When Film School Makes Sense

• There are specific scenarios where film school can be valuable:

  • You have a full scholarship or substantial financial aid (i.e. rich parents)

  • You're specifically interested in discussing film theory or academic research.

  • You want to teach film at an academic level.

  • You just want to go. You’re emotionally attached to the idea of attending.

  If you’re thinking “but film school is where you meet connections.” Film school is where you meet other film students and faculty who may or may not work on something in the future.

  It doesn’t guarantee employment in an already shaken-up industry.

  The Success Stories You Don't Hear About

  Let me tell you two quick stories that changed my perspective on film education:

  First, there's the Dog Walker. She graduated Columbia university as a film major 20 years ago. She currently works full time as a dog walker.

  Then there's the Stoner. A guy who had absolutely no interest in working in the film industry and lived nowhere near major production hub like Los Angeles or New York. He became a location scout because he smoked pot with a few producers outside a bar.

  Did he know the skills? No, but he learned on the fly. What did he do exactly to land it? The producers had a location scouting issue, he made a good suggestion. Producers asked for more suggestions. It’s also important to note, he essentially sold his personality before selling his “skills”. He was likable and easy to get along with.

  People like working with people they can get along with. That being said, networking comes in a variety of ways. You don't need film school to network in the film industry. Graduating from film school doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a job in film. Graduating from a vast majority of colleges doesn’t guarantee a job.

  I’ll make an in-depth article about networking for filmmakers in 2025, but here’s a quick list.

  You can find active filmmakers online:

  • The indie filmmaker who shared their latest project yesterday.

  • The Netflix producer who likes to scroll threads, but doesn’t post much.

  • The screenwriter who sold 6 scripts who shares writing tips on Instagram

  You can find active filmmakers offline:

  • The director at film screenings.

  • The actor who needs more roles for their portfolio.

  • The local beginner whose looking for work.

  The Alternative Path

  Instead of film school, consider this proven approach:

  • Watch films actively with a notebook. Study shots, transitions, and storytelling.

  • Devour free YouTube tutorials from working professionals.

  • Read filmmaking books (much cheaper than tuition).

  • Buy a digital product: Like directing with Martin Scorsese, or Writing with Aaron Sorkin.

  • Most importantly: CREATE. Then create some more.

  The Smart Compromise

  The reason why you go to college is because you want more job opportunities. I would argue a film degree limits those opportunities.

  Most film majors I know work a corporate video job, or do the grunt work of production.

  If you still want a degree, consider majoring in communications, marketing, maybe even business administration. Then pursue filmmaking on the side. You'll get broader skills, more career options, and save a ton of money. Plus, you can still get the same jobs you would as if you went the film degree route.

  If you want to make a living from your passion, don’t go to school for it. Just create because you're passionate.

  The beatles didn't go to music school.

  Leonardo Davinci didn’t go to art school.

  Quentin Tarantino didn't go to film school.

  They all just created.

  What the Pros Say

  Consider this: Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, and Steven Spielberg — three of the most successful directors in history -- didn't go to film school. They not the only ones.

  In this roster of successful filmmakers who didn’t go to film school include David Fincher, Greta Gerwig, Wes Anderson, Paul Thomas Anderson etc.

  They learned by doing.

  The truth is, the film industry cares more about your portfolio than your diploma. Imagine you wrote a masterpiece and you need to pitch it a major studio. In a meeting, It’s better to have proof of experience than proof of knowledge.

  The Bottom Line

  The best film school is the one you create for yourself through constant creation, learning, and real-world experience. Your $250,000 would be better spent creating a strong portfolio to showcase your talents.

  Remember: The industry doesn't ask where you studied — they ask what you've made.