Spring Break
The Daily OrangeDVDs offer film school alternative
By Sara Brainard
Posted: 2/19/07, 10:47 PM EST Section: Feature
Jason Tomaric believes he developed a way for students looking to break into the film industry to sidestep the bother of a tedious college education. The independent filmmaker said he has comprised all the secrets to a successful filmmaking career in his five-hour DVD set, "The Ultimate Filmmaking Kit."
Tomaric and other film aficionados are contributing to the new trend of how-to DVDs marketed as containing all the information one needs to work as a movie editor, director or producer. Most claim they are viable alternatives to a traditional education or work experience in the industry.
With the rapid development of technology that can enable anyone to make their own amateur films, some filmmakers are saying a lucrative film career can be cultivated with minimal instruction or experience.
The DVD box sets already on the market cost anywhere from $50 to $500.
The instructional DVDs promise to coach "students" with the latest digital technology used by major film studios. The "Film School in a Box" Web site assures viewers that "this [program] will teach you every aspect of the movie making process."
However, others believe these claims are questionable.
"There is no secret way of learning these things," said Richard Breyer, documentary filmmaker and professor of television, radio and film at Syracuse University. "Some filmmakers have no schooling, some have a PhD, some start out acting. It's not that simple; with an education, you'll be better prepared."
As for aspiring filmmakers, several film students rejected the notion of learning exclusively from DVDs.
"That's like buying one of those books for dummies," said Jeff Peters, a sophomore television, radio and film major. "I would put that on the same level as those kind of things."
Experts point out that DVD programs can only offer so much information about the procedures of filmmaking. Breyer said filmmaking goes beyond the technology and creative processes and includes business and legal matters. Peter Moller, professor of television, radio and film added that human interaction is also an important part of creating films.
"Filmmaking is a collaborative process," he said. "The most important thing we teach our students is how to work in teams to make films. You can't learn that with a DVD."
With all the controversy, the merit of filmmaking DVDs is still debatable. Breyer acknowledged that the DVDs could be useful in assisting, although not encompassing, a student's film education.
"One course, one DVD, one book could be an inspiration," he said.
Tomaric and other film aficionados are contributing to the new trend of how-to DVDs marketed as containing all the information one needs to work as a movie editor, director or producer. Most claim they are viable alternatives to a traditional education or work experience in the industry.
With the rapid development of technology that can enable anyone to make their own amateur films, some filmmakers are saying a lucrative film career can be cultivated with minimal instruction or experience.
The DVD box sets already on the market cost anywhere from $50 to $500.
The instructional DVDs promise to coach "students" with the latest digital technology used by major film studios. The "Film School in a Box" Web site assures viewers that "this [program] will teach you every aspect of the movie making process."
However, others believe these claims are questionable.
"There is no secret way of learning these things," said Richard Breyer, documentary filmmaker and professor of television, radio and film at Syracuse University. "Some filmmakers have no schooling, some have a PhD, some start out acting. It's not that simple; with an education, you'll be better prepared."
As for aspiring filmmakers, several film students rejected the notion of learning exclusively from DVDs.
"That's like buying one of those books for dummies," said Jeff Peters, a sophomore television, radio and film major. "I would put that on the same level as those kind of things."
Experts point out that DVD programs can only offer so much information about the procedures of filmmaking. Breyer said filmmaking goes beyond the technology and creative processes and includes business and legal matters. Peter Moller, professor of television, radio and film added that human interaction is also an important part of creating films.
"Filmmaking is a collaborative process," he said. "The most important thing we teach our students is how to work in teams to make films. You can't learn that with a DVD."
With all the controversy, the merit of filmmaking DVDs is still debatable. Breyer acknowledged that the DVDs could be useful in assisting, although not encompassing, a student's film education.
"One course, one DVD, one book could be an inspiration," he said.
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