Long time listener, first time caller.

First of all, I apologize in advance if any of this sounds cynical. Please know that this is a genuine inquiry.

I'm an older, self-supporting undergraduate BFA film student (will graduate about a week before I turn 30). My passions are directing and screenwriting. A couple of my undergraduate short films have received a small level of accolade, particularly within festivals/publications in my home state. I have consistently maintained a 3.5 cumulative GPA (3.8 within my major).

Lately I have been pondering whether or not to further my education in graduate school. Although my graduation is still two years away, I'd like to get a jumpstart on the process. I have been researching the directing programs at AFI, USC, UCLA, and CalArts.

There are two words that best describe my situation right now: STICKER SHOCK.

Which brings me to my (potentially naive) question:

Holy hell!! Are these numbers for real?!

From the limited amount of information I've gathered thus far, it seems like there are only two ways that I can possibly attend any of the five schools.

1.) BE RICH. (I am most certainly not. I receive no financial support other than the Pell Grant and a small university grant at my state school. I have been working two jobs to support myself while in school.).

2.) INCUR STUDENT LOAN DEBT IN EXCESS OF $150,000 (for a three-year program, before interest).

Is this really an accurate assessment of my only options? How do other people who aren't rich afford to go to these schools? Are they saddled with debt for decades?

If that's the case, it seems like regardless of how serious a student I am, just about all of the schools in the Los Angeles area are way outside of my price range, assuming I don't want to still be paying down debt in my 50s.

I've read many threads on this forum, and one of the oft-repeated pieces of advice is to find a program that I feel is a good match for me. Does this sentiment apply to anybody that isn't wealthy? Would I even use any criteria to assess these programs other than just price alone? Is graduate film school a pursuit for just the rich?

I am very serious about wanting to pursue filmmaking as a career, and I can definitely see the value of studying at the graduate level. However, I'm wary about saddling myself with that kind of debt at my age.

Do film schools ever work with students from humble means over tuition?

Like I said, I'm sorry if this is kind of a downer, but I think it is an accurate portrayal of where my mind is right now. I'm heartbroken at the thought of having to choose between serious study of my chosen craft and the financial security to own a home and/or raise a family within the next ten years.

Thank you in advance. I look forward to your feedback.

Bold,

Way to go posting this. I applaud you for being a realist.

I'm very hesitant to take out massive loans for an education that---and i'm sorry to whomever disagrees----guarantees jacksh*t monetarily 5 or 10 years down the road compared to a degree in medicine or law. And unlike certain careers, you don't HAVE to go to film school to practice screenwriting/directing/cinematography/editing. There are plenty of ridiculously accomplished individuals who've wrote, directed, or had a hand in amazing films by working their way up, and staying disciplined with their own work as a writer. or director, etc

qoute: "at the beginning of the first year, the fifty incoming MFA Production students go through a week of orientation. One part of this orientation is the official lowering of expectations; a professors gets up in front of the entering class and tells them that the film industry is a great industry to be in but that few if any of the students in front of him will ever get in. There follows a lecture asking students to be realistic about what to expect of USC and what will happen after graduation." - film school book

I was recently facing basically the same choices - as I imagine many on this forum have/are.

I can only say that, personally, I chose to further my education in a field other than film - one that has more "realistic" job prospects at the end.

I agree with the post above that the reality is most people will not have film jobs after school - depending on which school you go to. If you can get into USC, but all means, go.

Otherwise, it depends what you put into it. If you are determined to get a film job, you will get one. If you think a degree will guarantee you a film job, it won't. BUT, it CAN help, sometimes. More often than not it comes down to who you know - and film school can introduce you to some people.

But, here in Louisiana, most of the people I know who want a career in film and just working as PA's on movie sets and slowly climbing the ranks....and guess what - most of their fellow PA's from out of state...have a degree in film.

So - can you get into USC, UCLA or NYU? If so, might be worth the loans.

If you want to go to film school - are you willing to fully commit and pursue every avenue to get yourself a job? You have to start working IN school, not after.

Can you work on movie sets near you now?

Hope this helps.