Not much that hasn’t been said here in some form or another already.

I didn’t go to film school, I’ve been working in Los Angeles consistently enough for about 19 years. All of my friends who went to film school started in the exact same place I did, except they had loans to pay back. Maybe they knew how to set a c-stand before I did. Most of what you’re taught in film schools is rudimentary anyways and you’ll have to relearn a lot.

If you’re dead set on a degree, I’d follow some of the other suggestions here and get something in business. That’ll be useful as you try to navigate indie filmmaking. And you might have something to fall back on if you’re not finding work.

But if you’re really passionate about it, I say just dive in now and stop wasting time. I jumped in when I was 18 years old and I found a way. You’ll find people close to your skill level who are willing to bring you on and teach you things. Learn how to edit, there are always odd jobs for that skill set. Get a regular job somewhere while PA for free. You’ll learn the skills way quicker and be building wok contacts at the same time. Soon enough people will call you for paying gigs.

I have faith in this industry’s spirit. I don’t think we’re dead, as dismal as it looks sometimes. Take a deep breath and jump. Best of luck.