Although “best” is something of a relative term, there are a few things to consider when deciding on which online film school is right for you. Program types, industry connections, thriving alumni, faculty proficiency, and ultimately how everything fits into your personalized goals should all be thought through when it comes to choosing the online film school for you. Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent ones…

Absolutely! No matter your reason why, if you can’t or aren’t interested in attending a traditional in-person school, you don’t have to.

Many of those traditional film schools provide online class options. In addition, many film schools now have an entirely online platform. Especially in the wake of the changes necessitated by the pandemic, it’s never been easier to take courses through an online film school.

A film degree being “worth it” depends on a host of factors. Is it financially feasible for you? Will it provide skills you can’t learn elsewhere? Will the experience of film school be something you regret should you forego it?

A film degree can be extremely valuable in terms of learning critical technical skills, especially if you plan to be a Cinematographer, Editor, or another film professional whose livelihood depends on more than just raw creativity. Film school can also provide the opportunity to network with other aspiring filmmakers who may one day be in a position to recommend or hire you. Lastly, you’ll get the chance to work on student films, which will only strengthen and build your skillsets.

But unlike degrees required to become a doctor or attorney, you don’t need a film degree to work in the film industry. Plenty of people have gone on to have hugely successful careers in entertainment without a formal degree. In the end, it’s a choice you must make about whether the attributes of a film degree make worthwhile the pursuit of it.

Filmmaking is a very general term that describes many of the people who work in entertainment. So if you have decided to go to film school, the degree that’s best for you depends entirely on which specialty you want to pursue. Do you want to be a Film Director? A Cinematographer? An Editor? There are programs that cater to each of these specialties.

Before committing yourself to a particular film school, consider first in which area of the industry you want to work and from there research the film schools that have the programs to help you learn that particular specialty.

As with an in-person institution, online film schools necessitate several requirements for admission. These will vary from school to school, but all of them will have at least a few of these…

• Educational Background

Online film schools will often require a high school diploma (or equivalent) from their applicants. Getting a rudimentary educational background can help as you move forward, into a more specified, cinematic field.

• Transcript

Your pre-college academic performance is typically requested by the admissions board of an online school. These records will ideally entail not only your academic journey, but also provide an insight into any other education you may have gotten.

• Standardized Test Scores

Many schools seek to evaluate candidates’ performances on standardized tests such as ACT or the SAT. For students who wish to progress further, graduate schools will often require GMAT or GRE scores.

• Statement of Personal Intent

Some schools require a statement of personal intent from aspiring students. This typically outlines why you’re interested in filmmaking, your career goals, and why you’re applying to this school’s specific program. It’s a good idea to research whichever institution you’re applying to and let those values reflect in your letter of intent.

• Portfolio

Film schools usually require applicants to submit a portfolio of their creative work. Portfolios can consist of short films (or features, if you have any), photographs, screenplays, or other original projects. It’s the place where prospective students have an opportunity to really let their identities shine.

• Application Form

As with the majority of educational institutions, most online film schools will require an application. Typically accompanied with a fee, application forms are standardized documents that provide rudimentary information about an applicant’s personal and educational background.

• Letters of Recommendation

Employers, mentors, and teachers are the most common sources for obtaining a letter of recommendation. These letters can help provide another party’s perspective on potential candidates and give broader insight to the admissions board.

• Interview

Online schools may ask for an interview as one of the final steps in the application and admission process. Typically, for online schools, these can be conducted via video conference or phone. Some people see the interview process as stressful. Instead, prospective students should try looking at it as an opportunity to showcase not just who they are as a person and filmmaker, but their unbridled enthusiasm for becoming a student at the esteemed institution they’re interviewing at.

Both online and in-person film schools have their own specialized shares of advantages. While one puts students into an in-person, on-site learning scenario, the other offers room for students to build their own schedule and study filmmaking craft and execution from anywhere across the globe. Ultimately the decision comes down to personal preference and what works best for students individually. Let’s take a look at a few of the pros and cons for each type of institution to draw a clearer comparison…

• Flexibility

Online schools offer a tremendous advantage in terms of flexibility. Because so much content gets recorded and stored online, students can access assignments, lectures, and other content as it fits their personal schedule. Conversely, in-person schools usually have set times and places for classes that students are required to attend.

• Networking Opportunities

Traditional film schools seem to take the edge in this one, allotting times and places for in-person events and interactions. This includes networking mixers, lecture events, and the experience of being in an in-person community. That’s not to say networking is impossible in an online setting. Many online schools host virtual events, forums, and alumni gatherings remotely. While both methods have seen measures of success, some students have voiced that the energy of a remote event may not have the same benefits as an in-person experience.

• Accessibility

Educational materials tend to be more accessible in a remote setting, allowing students access to lectures and materials regardless of where they are in the world or what time of day (or night) they’re looking to get hold of them.

• Hands-On Experience

Traditional film schools can offer students access to cutting edge equipment, facilities, and other state-of-the-art resources that may only be available in professional settings otherwise. By contrast, online students are free to use any equipment available to them, but that doesn’t guarantee a degree of professionalism to their finished work.

• Instructional Quality

Both traditional and online film schools should be certified to deliver competent, high-quality education of professional value. The largest difference will be the method instruction is given. Some students may prefer the more interactive, face-to-face learning experience they’d find at an on-campus facility, while others thrive in an online, high-tech environment of multimedia and interactive exercises.

• Cost

Online school takes the win on this one, as remote education eliminates the need for housing, campus fees, transportation, and other costs associated with a traditional, on-campus setting. All of which can all add up to costly amounts. That’s not to say that all traditional, on-campus learning should be ruled out solely for budgetary reasons. Many in-person institutions offer financial aid and scholarships, so prospective students should do their homework when it comes to choosing the film institution that will be the best suit for them and their ultimate career goals.