Am interested in attending Dov S-Simens 2-day film school and wanting some feedback from anyone out there who has already attended the course. Wondering if it's worth it, or should I look elsewhere? Your advice is greatly appreciated!

I have taken one of his seminars and I walked out. First, he has done his homework and if you are a complete noob you will learn a few things but the bottom line is he is a salesman with the type of personality that most people who know little about Hollywood think Hollywood people are like so they buy his schtick hook line and sinker. So, he knows enough to fill the dvd seminars he sells but anything he teaches you can find on the internet or a library much much cheaper. I would even steer noobs away.

I've never taken his seminar, but to me, it doeshn't seem like you can learn all of filmmaking (or even the basics) in two days.

Dov kinda reminds me of a salesguy who goes across the country telling people how if they buy his book, then they too can become real estate millionares.

His seminar isn't about filmmaking but the business side of the industry. If you don't feel like shelling out the money for his seminar and I know it can be a little expensive check out his book 'From Reel To Deal' His seminar basically follows the format of the book. I think you'll find it informative and you'll only be out like 10 bucks.

There is a reason why so many people in the industry-that you probably look up to (eg. Tarantino, Spike Lee etc)-took his course, bought his materials or paid him to personally teach it to them: He knows his stuff, in terms of producing movies, learning how to within a short time. You can find this information elsewhere, but how long will it take you to amass it?

There is nothing he teaches that you cannot find for free on the internet or from borrowing a book or two from the library. I'm serious, I have taken his seminar, just like many others including a few famous people. If you are serious you can find out how it's done for free and make a few friends/contacts in the process. Learn to save money now and I guarantee it will help you in the future in and out of film. Sure he's done the research, so should you.

I took Dov's course last year and found it GREAT. I am a production manager in Los Angeles. I am not naive and am constantly frustrated with these $200,000 4-year theory laden Film School Grads who still don't know anything about the Business of making a Feature Film. Ask them how to buy Film Stcok (35mm or 16mm) or even how to purchase tape (DVD, Mini-DV, HD, etc) they always come up with this 4-year UCLA/USC/NYU crap of "I hired my Cinematographer and I intend to let him odre what he wants".

Boy is that naive producer going to get screwed. He/she doesn't even know how to buy Film Stock or Tape Stock and he/she wants to be a Prodcuer.

These are the things that Dov S-S Simens covers. He clearly and honestly states that "He is not a great Producer or Director" (I love honesty) but he states that "He is the Greatest Film Instructor...ever". Now, that's a big-big statement.

I took his class and I can testify to the fact that he is what he states, "HE IS A GREAT FILM INSTRUCTOR".

In the first day of the class in 8-hours I learned how to write the, as he calls, 38 bank checques (Film, Lab, Camera, Sound, Light, Grips, Dollies, Pewrmits, Insurance, etc) that you are going to write when you make a feature film. He clearly knows his stuff. And bank checque by bank checque he takes you step-by-step through the process of making your first feature.

Not only does he take you step-by-step through the process but you vicariously feel as if you are physically making the movie right then and there.

Then on the second day he takes you step-by-step through the process of Marketing, Selling Distributing that first feature film.

The course is GREAT.

It is all REAL.

Dov is not a salesman, he leaves it all out there for you.

And, as best you can, in one-weekend you will accumulate more practical information in these 2-days than if you spent upwards of $200,000 at some 4-year theory laden film school.

If you do not take Dov's course I can guarantee you that if you ever make a feature film you will (A) go way over budget, (B) more than likely never get it done and (C) even if you get it done you won't get into a major festival and secure a Distributor.

Dov's course is Superb. It is only $395 and 2 days...what the f*ck.

Jack