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How to Start a Film School

Opening a film school provides an opportunity to nurture young talent and build a local film community. Film schools should offer to teach students the technical and creative skills and that filmmakers must possess, as well as how to establish professional contacts. The best way to start a new film school is as a department or school within an already-formed college, since building a reputation independently can take decades.

Things You'll Need

  • Film equipment
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin fundraising. Locate benefactors with the resources and vision to realize the vision of a new film school. When meeting with possible investors, be sure to present a proposal that details why the film school would be innovative, necessary and capable of long-term success.

    • 2

      Contact potential faculty members in the area. Establish a broad range of filmmakers able to instruct students in the disciplines of documentary, narrative, animation, cinematography and screenwriting.

    • 3

      Hire staff to handle enrollment, scheduling and financial aid. Staff members can also work to build community awareness of the new film school and provides a professional atmosphere.

    • 4

      Secure faculty and office space. An ideal location is within 20 minutes of a major city, in a low-rent neighborhood. Costs can also be reduced by leasing a smaller space, if class schedules are staggered and online courses offered.

    • 5

      Purchase tables, chairs, and desks. Create the feeling of a "boardroom," giving rooms a more relaxed atmosphere, compared with using individual desks. Classrooms should also be outfitted with projectors and speakers, so that students can watch and analyze film.

    • 6

      Acquire film equipment for common use by the students. The school's resources should include a high-quality film camera, editing software, lighting rigs and sound equipment.

    • 7

      Enroll students in a few courses. Build the course offerings slowly, adding one or two courses a semester, as enrollment and community interest increase. While the school is still new, it may need to admit any student willing to pay, no matter their age or experience.

Film Production

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