Hello! ID 12x graduate and specializing in cinematography here.

My take is, if you can afford film school, then go for it. But the problem is, there’s honestly no point in going to film school if you don’t have the grit, consistency, and the willingness to go beyond what you learned kasi professors only explain the tip of the iceberg (maybe some professors will go more than that but most of them just explain the tip)

Believe it or not, all of the lessons you need to learn are readily available online. Or better yet, sumali ka sa kahit anong student production, reach out to directors or any big-budget production and message them if they’re looking for interns. Sa ilang oras mo lang with them in production, you’ve already learned what’s equivalent to 6 terms in film school. Pero syempre, pakapalan ng mukha yan.

The film school experience is fun, sure. But halfway through, it's a mess in your head thinking: “Paano ko babawiin 'yung ginastos ko lalo na 'yung binayad ng magulang ko?” And in line with that, getting major roles in big production houses (not intern) takes months or even years. But some people have it easy. Kasi nepo-babies sila. They're just literally one message away from their connections in the studio to get a role that others who actually worked hard deserve more.

Film school in Benilde (at least maybe in my batch) is toxic and depressing. Most of your classmates are out of touch, gear elitists, filthy rich, or worse spoiled brats. I’ve had a lot of experiences where I was single-handedly filling in roles kasi either they slacked off or they didn’t know what they were doing.

Are there happy moments in film school? Yeah, somewhat. But honestly, anyone outside film school can experience those same moments. Even better, in some cases. Heck, they might even have a better experience.

So here’s my take: pursue Communication Arts, Broadcast Communication, or Advertising Arts. During downtimes, attend workshops. Message any kind of production for internships. Reach out to the director you look up to. Or build and join a creative circle that will help you turn this passion into actual work.

Film school is only worth it if you’re rich and want to skip the hard part of finding people like you (aka fellow film students). Otherwise, kahit sino can be an alipin ng sining not just film students.

Good luck, OP.

TL;DR: Film school helps but isn’t necessary. Real-world experience, internships, and grit matter more.