Do you actually need film school in 2024?
Рет қаралды 24,269
Күн бұрынSubmit to the Artlist 100k Fund: bit.ly/Artlist100Kfund
Thanks to Artlist.io, get 2 months free with any annual plan: bit.ly/3HIcaYK
📬 Make stronger films in a few minutes every week (my free newsletter): www.standardstoryco.com/newsl...
🎓 Join my practical 30-day film school: wrapped.school
🤳 Keep up w/ me on IG: / standardstoryco
🙏 Support me on Patreon (bonus videos & private Discord): / standardstoryco
👕 Get my shirts: www.standardstoryco.com/shop
Instagram:
/ standardstoryco
My current filmmaking gear:
Main Camera/Lens - amzn.to/2QYkb6a
B-roll Camera - amzn.to/3q27OEq
Camera Monitor/Recorder - amzn.to/33ruCBB
Lights: amzn.to/3QwDqxo
Editing Laptop - amzn.to/3JnE8t7
Data Storage - amzn.to/3etQClO
Tripod - bhpho.to/43975mD
Microphone - amzn.to/3evKfhJ
Sound Recorder - amzn.to/3FrwrkS
My desk setup- kit.co/kentlamm/kent-s-desk-s...
Business inquiries:
standardstoryco@gmail.com
What is Standard Story Company?
I'm Kent Lamm, an independent filmmaker living in Los Angeles. My goal with this channel is to help other filmmakers improve the storytelling in their films, and to be a home for my own work.
I've been making short films for 20 years, starting at age 11. I directed my first feature film, Bad is Bad, in 2010. Made for only $6,000, the film went on to reach over 7 million views and garner critical acclaim. More recently, my short film, Will "The Machine", screened and won awards at film festivals around the world. Released online in 2019, it reached over 1 million views in just a month. I also work as an editor, cutting videos for clients such as Apple, Netflix, and Beats by Dre.
Links in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
00:00 Grateful for my film school rejection
00:19 My film school dream
04:14 Turning against film school
07:25 Artlist $100k Fund
08:34 Advantages of NOT going to film school
10:18 Advantages of GOING to film school
11:23 Dramatic Irony
12:49 A word about Rejection & Filmmaking
@Selrisitai 9 ай бұрын
I think a combination of life experiences and general creative ambition, plus a tiny scrap of talent, is required. Most people can do it, but most won't. If you go to film school and you're not simultaneously gaining substantial new life experiences-meeting and engaging with new people, going out to places you've never been, doing things you've never done-you will be crippled creatively, in my opinion.
@prasantabehera7461 9 ай бұрын
I went to a film school back in 2013 ( ten years ago) and graduated but my fate took a turn. Before I could start my father foot got amputated. Am the only child of my parents hence I had to leave dreams and step in my father's shoes. After hearing your story am happy that you are doing so well even if you didn't went to film schools.
@edy5082 9 ай бұрын
Strive to continue your film path, do it on the side after work or on free time. Many times in film school you'll be doing exercises and making small productions why not get Going on your own. You have a great heart filling in the shoes after your father's incident, you'll go far, keep your head up
@papsny 9 ай бұрын
You can learn anything online. You go to school for the network.
@dylanclark 9 ай бұрын
I had the EXACT same application situation at Florida State. Every step you described, down to traveling from Virginia for the interview was the same. Didn’t go to FSU in the end though.
@nikolaskerameus 9 ай бұрын
i also felt that going to film school right away would limit my range, so i went to architecture instead. i am graduating soon, and i have to say, most of the things i know, i do from this channel, so keep up the great work, love to see whats next!!
@monosTVsports 9 ай бұрын
Im in a similar position now but i studied anthropology, however as I am approaching the end of the year, I keep thinking that maybe doing a Masters ot something couldn't hurt since well, the networking bit is very hard to do if you live in places where no one likes making films. If I may ask, what are you planning on doing?
@playversetv3877 9 ай бұрын
yeh you can do a masters in film. its def a worthwhile experience@@monosTVsports
@campo1521 7 ай бұрын
I will also graduate soon architecture, parallel worlds haha, also interested in film making
@nikolaskerameus 7 ай бұрын
@monosTVsports I'm planning on meeting as much people as possible and gathering all the experience I can
@nikolaskerameus 7 ай бұрын
@campo1521 yes they are kind of similar fields in way of thinking
@MaisonKharl 3 ай бұрын
To be honest with you, I went to a film school and its definitely not needed (BUT) it depends on your path. The thing I loved about film school is it gives you access to sets, material, connections that on your own can take a lot to acquire. Specially if someone is just strating out and has no contacts that are in the industry. If you're not that person, if you can be resourceful, depending on how much time that takes you, you'll crush it as you learn more and more. If Im being honest though, there are a lot of things that film schools dont teach you, such as how to run a team, teamwork, that for some reason a lot of them dont know. Going to film school doesnt mean you're gonna make it, a lot of them are wrking in LA as PAs in the hope of getting gifted a shot, or some graduate with flashy BA and never work in anything film related, gotta put food on the table. Film school sometimes gives ppl an ego, which is a very dangerous thing to have heading into the industry. If anything though, film school just like life makes you realize if this is your path or not.
@ZvilgantisKailis 9 ай бұрын
One respected man once said that only medics and lawyers needs a diploma.
@nutoriousclown4107 9 ай бұрын
Agreed
@filipsperl 9 ай бұрын
Not architects, chemists, pilots, safety inspectors...? 🤔
@ZvilgantisKailis 9 ай бұрын
@@filipsperl You can build a simple house without being an architect, you can learn how to pilot a small plane but you can't get prescription for a simple medicine to people without diploma.
@filipsperl 9 ай бұрын
@@ZvilgantisKailis dont want to sound like 'umm actually 🤓' but I really wouldn't want to live in a house made by someone who didn't study it, same with pilots
@ZvilgantisKailis 8 ай бұрын
@@OneDayAtATime365 Why don't you use punctuation marks in your sentences and your thoughts are not clearly expressed. Looks like you haven't finished middle school.
@filipsperl 9 ай бұрын
I don't think film school is that bad, quite the opposite. After 2 other universities (maths, multimedia), I have finally gotten the courage to apply to a film school and I'm happy I got in. The teachers actually have very clever remarks that you can apply on the school sets right away. Someone is always shooting something, so you can always watch/help out on sets, and you meet a lot of people your age that have the same passion for film and school sponsors or classmates who already have a job in the industry can also get you onto real sets. Connections are priceless. Moreover, my parents don't financually support me and the school doesn't give us anyting besides the equipment, so I don't think we're losing grasp on how to make a movie for like $100. The only cons are that the school takes up a lot of time and money by itself, a few subjects are pretty boring and useless (as with any other school) and you can't publish your movies without the school's permission. But if you power through these and build a good portfolio, you'll get an okay job right after graduation and you'll have a big advantage and a chance to move up the ladder quickly.
@playversetv3877 9 ай бұрын
yeh thats true with literally anything you study, you are bound to be faced with things that you might not really need to learn, or dont really use anyways. on the job learning does the rest of your education basically
@pinang1 7 ай бұрын
i agree except for this argument ' school doesn't give us anyting besides the equipment' that's actually where beginners spend most of their money so it's a huge help, especially in some schools they latest cameras etc..
@YouthSalad 9 ай бұрын
Failure as a motivator is so real. I went through that at a local film festival last year (film placed 10th place out of 11). Let your spite take you far!
@producerjdub 9 ай бұрын
Testify! As a filmmaker my favorite lesson is you have to be so broke. Not so broke that you are worried about your favorite flavor of ramen noodles. If your that broke you can't focus creatively. If you have money you don't learn anything but how to throw money at a problem. You have to be so broke that you become inventive and creative to solve your problems.
@wchorski 6 ай бұрын
There is something to be said about getting some personal projects under your belt before going into a film/creative school. You don't want to waste your first year learning the basics. Having that initial ground work of trial and error prior to school is immensely helpful
@silasmiranda7590 9 ай бұрын
I know for me I started working in a movie studio at age 19 and it felt like the best thing ever thinking I was ahead of the game. The reality was they used me and I really didnt make it like I thought I would have. After almost 3 years of trying and failing at opportunities that seemed like THE OPPORTUNITIES, I still keep getting rejected but I think thats been making many of my feature scripts better. I know just this last month I finished shooting my first short film and now Im trying to use it to apply for film school if not for just a year to network. But you know, failure exhales success as long as you choose to keep breathing. Simple as that! Glad to see an amazing video that shares my outlook! Keep creating!
@war6nheaven 9 ай бұрын
how did you realize they were using you, in your situation, if you don't mind?
@silasmiranda7590 9 ай бұрын
@@war6nheaven the long and short is they brought me on as an unpaid intern a long time back. After 6 months of full time work for free they gave me a $10 an hour job and after 2 and a half years they never bumped my pay the entire time and had me working the lowest job on the totem pole while a bunch of rich kids got brought in to do the jobs I was working towards. I kept working hard because they kept telling me one day they'd move me up but they never did and had absolutely no plans to. It was incredibly demeaning.
@playversetv3877 9 ай бұрын
i worked at a movie studio, they used me to buy lunches for them and i got paid 12 dollars a week@@war6nheaven
@noonecomics 9 ай бұрын
A little angry is one way of putting it I guess.. hahaha excellent video man, people mistake being angry as something negative but you can transform that as fuel, like you mention in the video, and make something out of it, staying angry for a long time is the real pitfall.
@Rallyfan 9 ай бұрын
I heard that art school rejections had some terrible stories in the past, good that you found the peaceful way to solve it 😅
@richardweeks 9 ай бұрын
I'm 51 and just signed up for your course. I have some short film ideas (don't we all) just need some help getting them out of my head, on to paper then to film - well, SD card. Love your channel.
@StandardStoryCo 9 ай бұрын
👏 I look forward to seeing your film!
@theskunky 9 ай бұрын
this is your best video ive seen, the thumbnail, the story, everything. Good job dude!
@cogmission1 4 ай бұрын
I'm inspired. Going to check out your class - just found you today... Been leaving drive-by comments and enjoying your stuff! You're awesome, and a great addition to the community of peeps trying to figure it all out!
@danielthehuman107 8 ай бұрын
Almost every time I've stopped planning to make a film and actually made a film it was because of a challenge or online festival / film jam. I think if you created an online film jam just for this community who watches your videos some great films could come of it, a lot of people who procrastinate actually filming anything would be motivated to make stuff!
@joshuadrilon3832 8 ай бұрын
I dare say it's great idea going into Creative Writing instead of film school. Before I even got involved or interested in filmmaking and photography, storytelling and literature was the driving factor that really propelled my artistic creativity into motion. Everything just connected into the same tapestry. Now I'm looking into getting a masters on film after BA English. I remember stumbling upon an interview of a famous director here in the Philippines and he said the one thing he regretted was not reading more often. Most motion pictures were derived from books, so I think that's a win for you than a loss!
@Jonathanmccallum1 9 ай бұрын
Really helpful, thanks for making videos like this that give a different perspective
@okaplan 9 ай бұрын
Great video. I also got rejected from film schools (NYU & AFI) two years in a row after interviewing at both. Now all I have is a useless Computer Science & Engineering degree. That said, I've been supporting a family and making a living as a director in LA for the past 18 years. Just had to do the film school stuff without the film school, like shooting my own projects and making friends with filmmakers. Eventually my reel of work and network of people was good enough to get me paid directing opportunities. I think a lot of working filmmakers have taken this same path.
@TheAmazinRaven 9 ай бұрын
This makes me feel a little okay bc I’m currently obtaining my degree in Cloud (I’m a DevOps Engineer) but I want to pivot to film/acting!
@Noregretspod 9 ай бұрын
Thank you for your content brother, I I'm in high school rn deciding whether I should go to film school or study business, this really helps me-
@CaptainBearPants 9 ай бұрын
Love your channel bro, I got into short films a few years ago, written out 16 films, just a passion project 🎉
@HorrorViews 8 ай бұрын
Amazing video! Love these kind of videos from you. Thank you 🔥
@Nooooaction 9 ай бұрын
I believe the film school is a wonderful place for talents who already have millions of stories to tell and know how to tell stories to show their abilities on the stage and know professional filmmakers in the industry. I never expect that I can actually learn something out of it but we have admit that it is still the best place for you to reach the network when you absolutely don't have a family for back up or any resources.
@brunosaurusproductions3741 29 күн бұрын
My journey is- me and a friend made short films first, around 2000-2001, whilst working full time. On the strength of a couple of the shorts I got accepted at my local university studying film, at the age of 25, with the intention of carrying on making films after, but whilst studying I really got into the theoretical aspect of film, and decided to teach film and media after graduating, which I did for 2 years until I couldn’t get another job doing it. After a gap of about 7 years I decided to do a Master’s degree in film, but every film MA was geared towards the production of film and not the theory, which is fine, but I wanted to study film academically. In the end I had to switch disciplines and study MA English - Contemporary Literature and Film. This was great but didn’t lead to any further teaching, so now I just make films for fun, whilst in a regular job. Keep up the great content, I’ve just subscribed to your newsletter, as even though I do make films I’m not the most fluent at the technical side still. I enjoy the theory more, but I also do just making films too.
@eleventhvision 8 ай бұрын
To the new comers : here are your options: Go to film school and owe thousands on student loans OR Work a side hustle job while writing, producing, filming and editing your own films and learn just as much if not more than film school can teach you.
@pradipta_iok 7 ай бұрын
Same experience right here, getting rejected from film school twice... this video really gives me a hope, thanks man for sharing this kind of video
@counterx6341 9 ай бұрын
Inspiration, don’t have to go to film school to make the greatest short films ever.
@playversetv3877 9 ай бұрын
but you can buy his awesome course for 600 dollars lol
@DialloMoore503 9 ай бұрын
When people think of school (or education), what usually comes to mind is a classroom. But you can learn anywhere. James Cameron went to Roger Corman’s filmmaking school, but the classroom was ON THE SET.
@playversetv3877 9 ай бұрын
but if you happen to go to film school, its a good choice as well, just like many jobs, you dont learn everything after undergraduate, the rest of the education is done while doing the job . i have a friend who went to film school, eventually got into a program from the uni with the uni's industry professionals and got to work as an assistant screenwriter for shows
@AdventureswithDreadandFriends 9 ай бұрын
Great inspiration ❤
@yousemansour8448 9 ай бұрын
another win video by Kent! Well said my friend.
@coyotestudios1 9 ай бұрын
Learning by doing. Agreed 100%
@counterx6341 9 ай бұрын
Also, could you make a video to help beginner filmmakers who have literally never made a short film get motivated to do so? I have a Lumix G7 a ronin SC lighting editing software and a boom mic and I’m still to scared to even click record.
@JW-dp4we 5 ай бұрын
What I’ve heard is that film school is great for building connections and get you used to working with a pro crew. But you can learn the technical know-how easily enough on your own.
@Hernandezvideofilmaudio 8 ай бұрын
I love your channel and your wealth of information and of course I'm a subscriber and as soon as the time is right money wise I'm going to buy your 30 Days to Wrap course. I shot a couple of movies and now I'd like to hire myself out for really any aspect of the movie production such as editing, cinematography, lighting, sound, etc. Is there a reliable source that tells me what I should charge per day or per hour? I'm hoping this would be a good source of income to fund my other movies. Thanks
@deadgojibrotherscinema9302 3 ай бұрын
This story reminds me on how I got rejected by my College that does a Film Course cause I did Maths And English for a year they said my Qualfications wasn't enough I needed to be in there for 2 more years unforutently but that didn't take me down I'm still kicking about as a Filmmaker and I'll never give up cause Filmmaking is my passion and art
@CarterEliArt 9 ай бұрын
Just realized your friends with the paint coach! Been thinking that the portraits in the background looked like a familiar style 😂
@chrisw443 4 ай бұрын
I couldnt afford the schools that accepted me because we were so poor, talk about heartbreaking. Columbia, tribeca flashpoint, seattle film institute, and usc all accepted me. But none would help me pay. So I gave up. It was 2007 so the economy collapsed. The entertainment industry was not hiring they were terrified. After traveling and settling into my dream city of portland, still broke. A friend I made on the max train said something to me a few weeks into knowing me. "Why did you give up on cameras, i mean film? It's all you talk about." - Friend "Because I couldnt afford school" - Me "Well the community college here has a film program, someone said it was all art institute folks running it as a second job. don't give up, you moved across the country to make being here a reality. film school is literally 3 blocks from here, finish your dream." I dunno where she is, but she changed my life. Only one person from my class still works, and there an AC who never made their own projects again. One of the best directors I knew too. Never give up.
@Samsonmanase 9 ай бұрын
Thank you 🙏🏿
@minesxlt 9 ай бұрын
Huh, have same story as yours, I've got rejected from fillming school so now I learning it all by myself. But yeah when you don't have budget and friends who wants to act in your ,,short movie'' is really big problem. Even light up scene without budget is not that hard as finding ,,actors''
@V1ZNS. 9 ай бұрын
So funny, great story teller
@shrug_shrugsly 8 ай бұрын
I really like your creator-style
@pinang1 7 ай бұрын
My story was similar. Almost got in to my dream film school in another continent that accepts only 10 candidates and only every 2 years. I went through 3 intense stages of recruitment. One of which took a week of being physically at the place and different type of tasks to do like working with actor, photography, image storytelling, writing etc. Anyway I was in the last stage of 15 people and it was just final interview. So chances were 67% and... it did not happen. I was devastated as f. Especially because they would not provide any specific feedback as to why... I would be less devastated if they'd have rejected me right at the first stage. That way I'd save enormous amount of time, stress and money. But I must admit it was valuable experience and one of the most stressful (I probably stressed more than I needed to and it might have cost me) What's worse two years before I got to the second stage there based on my portfolio but the school decided that during Covid there is no excuse of not attending exam on the other side of the world in person.... So they just pocketed application fee and said bye.
@us0769 9 ай бұрын
I went to Full Sail University! I think Florida has a lot of good opportunities for the entertainment industry minded. Sorry to hear you were turned down in Florida but glad to hear you were still accepted elsewhere.
@nclivin4220 9 ай бұрын
Did you use relight on the lamp in the background?
@LukiAnderson 9 ай бұрын
Dude, we literally have nearly identical stories. I watch your videos all the time and I am AT FSU Film School in the grad program. I tired myself out applying for transfers in undergrad and got outright rejected. I then put my nose to the grindstone, only to end up getting on the waitlist for the grad program. Where our stories divert, for some reason or the other, a few people dropped and made room for lil ol me. I'm still so thankful it happened, but was always curious how it would've turned out. I'm now remembering all the turmoil, confusion, and anger I had in the months not studying film and feeling like I was on the outside of something big. I'm curious if you had any sort of tips that you'd give yourself IF you had gotten into film school (knowing what you know now) like a film school guide to "real world" filmmaking if that makes sense. Anyways, this got way too long and I never comment on videos but just thought it was too crazy not to. Love your videos man and keep 'em cooking, cause they rock 🤙
@LukiAnderson 9 ай бұрын
If you ever wanted to speak at the film school that rejected you we may be able to set something up 👀
@StandardStoryCo 9 ай бұрын
Oh man, thanks for sharing your story! And for offering to speak, although I don’t think I shall haha. The only advice I’d give is to nurture those relationships with your classmates (and probably faculty too) after school, they’re so valuable.
@LukiAnderson 9 ай бұрын
@@StandardStoryCo Thanks for the reply! If you ever have a change of heart, I think your perspective would go a long way for the filmmakers here, but I completely understand your stance! Your advice rings true and it's something that I've made a priority with my time here. Thank you for replying man and I'll continue to watch and support!
@trashcanhd1790 8 ай бұрын
Hardest part of film school from my experience is finding people to make films with 🤣 sounds weird but people in film school don’t seem to even like making movies, they all so serious “this is work”.
@libertines24 9 ай бұрын
It’s wild you got rejected the second time.
@StandardStoryCo 9 ай бұрын
Fool me once... 😂
@g.wizard1629 9 ай бұрын
my boy!
@maartenv4366 9 ай бұрын
I got a long way making videos without film school, but I do find now that when I apply for a videographer job I get denied because I don't have film school on my diploma, which is so sad because my work should speak for me. Anyone had this and knows how to apply him/herself in that situation?
@joshdiditt 9 ай бұрын
You live in Virginia, you could have went to Howard, lol. Great Cinematographers came from there.
@Ash_4949 7 ай бұрын
Hi, Do you think shooting low budget film in 1080p will be fine? Cause I want decent image. Not super HD.
@brucequinn 8 ай бұрын
Watching this I kept having flashbacks to how brilliant Last Laugh Inc is.
@t.rawley 9 ай бұрын
Not me trying to get into FSU's film school as a transfer next fall
@StandardStoryCo 9 ай бұрын
Haha, I hope this video is reassuring that even if you don't get accepted you can still take your filmmaking education into your own hands.
@mateleber 9 ай бұрын
I once got rejected from an art school too.
@mychalsimmons4177 8 ай бұрын
Aeesome
@DavidJReidOFFICIAL 9 ай бұрын
I went a different road- I made a feature film then applied. Got in-
@kaushiqpradeep7774 9 ай бұрын
Man u should make another feature film .
@LawrenceRoss1906 8 ай бұрын
Man, I'm a recovering UCLA MFA screenwriting grad. LOL You're gonna be fine.
@yellowdeadfish 9 ай бұрын
When will you get a frame for Travis Bickle?
@StandardStoryCo 9 ай бұрын
Once I get organizized
@yellowdeadfish 9 ай бұрын
@@StandardStoryCo one of these days
@vikasshelat6545 9 ай бұрын
i don't wanna waste 3 years behind a degree, so i thought i would do a 1 year course and then start doing my own. do you think i should persue this? plz comment
@StandardStoryCo 9 ай бұрын
Way too many variables to give good advice on that. My essay writing classes at USC were really hard and I HATED them at the time... and now those skills are what allow me to express my thoughts more clearly and effectively on this channel, which allows me to make more movies. So you never know what your education will do for you down the road, but people rarely regret learning more things 💁🏻♂️
@vikasshelat6545 9 ай бұрын
@@StandardStoryCothank you
@LycanVisuals 9 ай бұрын
I couldnt afford AFI, NYU or USC. Also Im surrounded by corn here in Hoosier Land.
@markstrain8989 9 ай бұрын
👍👍👍👍
@spacetortoiseentertainment9090 9 ай бұрын
i am become film school, destroyer of florida film program
@PressRec 9 ай бұрын
im also rejected twice my friend ur not alone
@smilingfacerecordsrhimyboy 9 ай бұрын
Is Art list also supporting African films?
@OneDayAtATime365 8 ай бұрын
At least you got to go to school and he had parents that loves you enough to try to get you in school and drive you all the way to freaking School
@TheRealRabbitHole 9 ай бұрын
I haven't watched the video. I graduated from film school in 2009. Let me save everybody some time. Nobody. Nobody should ever go to film school. EVERYONE should get a film EDUCATION. On set, on KZfaq, just rolling up your sleeves and doing it. Just don't go to film school.
@TheStockwell 9 ай бұрын
Spielberg didn't go to a film school. Kubrick didn't go to a film school. George Lucas did. Now, who among them have created inspiring bodies of work - and who mastered the ability to create expensive cash registers disguised as impressive cinematic achievements? 🤔
@DialloMoore503 9 ай бұрын
Spielberg did attend a film school. Just not a prestigious one.
@silverking6970 9 ай бұрын
Ok? You're just going to mention 3 filmmakers that support your argument? Several big and influential directors have gone to film school