The Best Ideas Are Close To Home

When Mike Mills was looking for an idea for his latest film he didn't need to look any farther than his own life. Seems his father had a dark secret that didn't come out until his father was old and dying. The film "Beginners" does nothing more than tell the story of Mike Mills family but because it is an honest and interesting story it is getting rave reviews.

If you are looking or a great screenplay idea don't sign up for another filmmaking course. Check out this blog post on the story.

Forget Film Making Courses - Film Your Life

Director Mike Mills new film "Beginners" is a great example of filming what you know. His movie is getting rave reviews and it's simply the story of his life and the discovery that his father had a secret.

Top Film School -- For YOU

There are so many jobs in filmmaking, all requiring different skill sets, that just the concept of a top film school is ridiculous. What is it YOU want to do? What is your dream job? What will it take to get there?

Figure that out and you've found the best film school for you.

Top Film Schools - Does It Really Matter

Top film schools discussions are always sure to lead to heated exchanges. Students are quick to defend their schools but I was glad to receive a comment from a visitor who asked: does it really matter whether or not you go to one of the top film schools so long as you learn the skills you need?

This visitor was asking an excellent question. Where you learn doesn't matter as long as you get what you need.

But there are two other important questions that need to be asked before you can chart your course for your educational journey.

The first question has to do with whether the school you are considering is going to cost a reasonable amount compared with what you will get out of the training. All of the schools claiming to be among the top film schools have very high tuition rates leading to enourmous school loans that you will never be able to pay off at the typical salaries film school graduates earn.

The second, and far more basic question, is about how much the student actually knows about the demands of professional filmmaking and if they are psychologically suited to the hard work required. If they will be able to muster the hustle and self-drive needed to succeed.

I think very few top film school students have ever actually spent much time talking to real filmmakers or any people who work in the film industry. They're imagining that after graduation they will be able to find work that doesn't exist.