Rating:(10/10)

Review:

Attended: 2002 - Present
Recommend: Yes

I am an American who has come to Sydney to participate in a two year diploma program at APA. I did my undergrad work at NYU and although I took a film class, my major was drama. I got an amazing education there (although, if I would have written a review about it at the time, I probably would have sounded like some of the people I've been reading on this webpage). I decided on this school because I have worked in theatre (and some film & video) off and on for fifteen years. I was interested in a hands on approach rather than the more theoretical offerings of many universities. I also wanted to study abroad, especially in Sydney because of the burgeoning film business here. This school teaches with a "zero knowledge" idea. They start at the very beginning. It has been a bit boring for me as I have had experience with film, but review never hurt anyone. We make eight films the first year and ten the second. They are very short, but the production experience is complete. Also, when I say eight films, that means that each group of 6-7 people make eight films. Plenty of chance to gain experience in any field. If you are looking for a theoretical, historical, or creative approach to filmmaking, this is not the school for you. I chose it because I have had extensive experience in those areas. I am here to learn the craft, skill, and business of making film. The school provides me with that kind of environment. There are some pretty whiny reviewers in this column who love to talk about how their expensive schools suck without saying why. One question: why are you going there? Think about it, folks, this is your time and your money. This is your HUGE investment. If you are unhappy about it, you have no one to blame but yourself. Think back to when you decided to apply for that school. Did you really ask questions about the school's agenda? Did you have a realistic view of the film business and what aspect of that business would interest you? Most importantly, did you think that film school was going to make you a filmmaker? It won't. You have to make you a filmmaker. If you are shopping around for a film school sit down and really think hard about what you want out of it. There is no school that will make you a great filmmaker. All they can do is provide the environment. What kind of environment do you want to be in? What do you want out of the film world? Be clear with yourself about what you really want, then go to the school and make appointments to talk to people there. Ask them the questions that will give you the information you need. If they won't answer you, ask yourself if this is where you want to go. You are about to invest a huge amount of money and time. In some places you could buy a house for that much money. You are the customer, which means that when you are shopping, be thorough. And, when you find a school, remember that there are going to be some things about it you don't like. Nothing is perfect, but you create your own reality and you will only get the best experience out of film school if you create it for yourself.

Reviewer's Location: Sydney, New South Wales Australia

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Note: This review was auto-imported from an older LOAFS database. A "Yes" recommendation has been translated into a rating of ten. A "No" has been translated into a rating of one.
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Review Submitted by: Jeff Freeman (unverified)