So you are considering going to film school. Here are some of my thoughts and observations to help you with this idea.

Back in 1978 I was considering the same thing. (scary isn't it?)

So why go to film school? After all it does cost quite a bit and when you’re done will it guarantee you a job? These were questions I was asking myself along with which is the right school for me?

After months of agonizing over whether to go forward with the idea or not I came to realize that I was procrastinating because I was scared to make the wrong decision.

Then I came to the understanding that doing nothing about it meant all the time I had put in thinking about it would be simply wasted. After all, if I was going to spend that much time thinking about my decision it must be because I really wanted to do it otherwise I would have said forget it and gone on with my life as it was.

So I bit the bullet and went to film school.(It was the best decision I ever made. It filled in the gaps in my knowledge and gave me the confidence to make lots of award winning films and open up Victoria Motion Picture School.)

You know it is amazing how, when you make a decision to do something, all the forces in the universe seem to come out to help you.

I can't explain why but my whole life I have noticed that the very process of taking action, making that decision delivers results, and the answers seem to just drop into your lap.

Hundreds of students who have come through the doors of Victoria Motion Picture

School have made these big decisions before you.

Many, but not all, have gone onto successful careers in film. The successful ones all seem to have a number of things in common:

They all really, really, really want to be in film. They all get along with people.
They all have a generous amount of integrity.
They are all prepared to make sacrifices to reach their goal.
They all seem to smile more than frown.

So, let’s say you have made up your mind to go! Good!
Now, which school is right for you?

There are some very big film schools; some are very good and very expensive, others are not so good and you feel like you are just a number - not a person.

There are some small film schools. Often these schools don’t have much equipment or don’t have the hands-on experience you were looking for.

There are university degrees in film. There is nothing wrong with that. The only problem is that you finish your studies having a lot of background knowledge on film, but your practical skills, which you need for a job, are non-existent.

Some schools are accredited and recognized by the government and some aren’t. Accreditation means the school has to play by the rules and adhere to government standards. Once you are accredited the government will allow students to apply for student loans to the school. This helps protect your investment as a student.

No matter which school you go to, ask questions. Make sure that the school will deliver what they say. Talk to past graduates. Ask to see some of the students' work. Get a feel for the people who work there. Does it feel right for you? That gut feeling is very important.

We just want you to consider VMPS along with other film schools. Here is a little about VMPS. I call this the 8 for 8 (Eight months training, eight points you can count on).

1. We have been training filmmakers for over 16 years.

2. We have been accredited for many years now (since 2000).

3. Hundreds of our graduates are working in film.

4. We are not too big and yet, not that small (you are not a number).

5. Our instructors care about you as a student.

6. Combined together all of our staff and instructors have a wealth of contacts to help you in the industry.

7. Victoria is a beautiful and safe city with great weather.

8. You can even wind up with real world credits on your resume from film jobs outside film school by the time you graduate.

I hope you will give VMPS some serious consideration, and please call me anytime for a personal chat.

Sincerely,
Barry Casson c.s.c.
President, Victoria Motion Picture School
www.vicfilm.com
PH. 381-3032
TOLL FREE: 1-888-522-FILM (3456)