It seems like everyone today want to be an actor. While acting can certainly be a very rewarding profession, in both monetary and fulfilling terms, it’s probably one of the most difficult areas of film to break in to.
If film and television is your passion, there is a whole host of other jobs that will get you into this sometimes glamorous, always competitive industry. Whether your interest lies in directing, producing, or even script-writing, choosing the right school is the most important decision you’ll making.
The first step in getting into the film industry is determining what type of career you’re interested in. Just about any job in the film industry pays very well, so you should be ready for plenty of competition. You should also be aware that you’ll need to start at the bottom, often as a production assistant (answering phones, getting coffee, etc) before any hopes of working in the field you were trained in.
Keep in mind that you will also likely need to move to where the work is available. In the film industry, that can mean working on location for weeks or months at a time.
Finding the Right Film School
If you’re passionate about becoming an actor, don’t choose a film school that specializes in directing. Of course, you need to be familiar with all aspects of the business but you should choose a school that is strong in the area you most want to work.
Look for film schools that allow you to take specific classes in your film degree rather than a set course load.
With the growth of the film industry, you’ll find film schools popping up all over the country (and the world). So you’ll need to do your due diligence to make sure you’re not paying a lot of money for a degree that isn’t going to get you anywhere.
Find out how long the school has been around and double-check their credentials. Many large universities are now starting to offer film degrees, many of which are very highly regarded in the industry, so that is another possible alternative.