Hey what’s up everyone.
I’ve been writing a lot of scripts and I’m now going to start re-rewriting my second script but I want to know what you all think I should do.
I’m 23 so far I live nowhere near London, there’s no community around here for film only theatre and I was was thinking of writing a play so it could help get some credit up but should I go to film school in London? I mean it’s possible and yeah I am 23 and I won’t be finished until I’m 26 but all I want is to work in film? I’m thinking if I study in London I’ll be in the centre of British film making I could help other students and have them help me? I’ll be around more opportunities?
Or should I carry on doing my truck driving job? And keep writing on the side and keep sending it out and try and make short films? Any advice would be great.

Thankyou

Billy, at this point you need to weigh up how you're set up financially, especially during these Covid times.

If I was only twenty-three I'd try to keep my day job and go to film school part-time.
Don't give up your dreams but be practical too.

Get a job in London

Go to school

My opinion.

You're 23 - what do you have to lose?

Depends which school. Most are shit. And the money you spend on studying could have been better spent elsewhere. Plus a big part of what gives even the best school its edge is likely to be pretty handicapped right now what with all this 5G virus stuff, so networking is pretty much out the window.

If you're still keen, this is the one to go for, https://nfts.co.uk/

Keep in mind it's incredibly hard to get into though, and rightly so as you'll be working alongside industry professionals during productions; although I'm not sure if that's the case for writers.

Good luck

From what I've read from other people who've taken the academic route, the only advantage is that it helps you create a network of contacts in the industry and may look slightly better on your CV.

If you are specifically looking to be a screenwriter then probably less reason to do it.

I'd definitely wait till post-covid though, so much remote learning going on at the minute that some of the advantages of studying will be lost.

Imho of course.

Measure it out carefully and make a plan.  School is a great opportunity, not only to learn the in’s and outs, but to make contacts. Contacts may be the most important thing.

If you feel you need to do this, do it. Don’t do nothing.

COVID considerations aside...

Get as involved in making/writing films as you possibly can. If possible, find a job connected to the industry in some way. Every minute you are driving a truck can be a minute paid for advancing your career instead. (Easier said than done, I know. But, that should be your goal.)

Didn't go to one, but film school will definitely help you look at writing and filming in ways you probably aren't right now.

That said, you can learn all that stuff by doing it yourself, by shooting things with others and by constantly scouring the internet for advice/good scripts/feedback. It's a creative endevour, so the school stuff isn't necessary... just a bonus.

Bottom line... no matter what you do (school or no school), keep writing. Find a site where you can test your work. This is a good one, but there are others.

Seek out honest feedback. It hurts at first, but you'll learn how to take notes and you'll learn when to make or ignore suggested changes. Those are skills you definitely will need.

Good luck to you!

Quoted from AnthonyCawood it helps you create a network of contacts in the industry . Imho of course.

Completely agree.
With the internet, some books to study and SS for networking, why pay for school?

Imho of course!

Hey everyone yeah Thankyou all for your comments it’s amazing there’s been that much I was thinking Westminster and your right making a network is so important and just being around a lot of people that are filmmaking aswell I was going to save up to make that dark organs into a cheap cheap short film but I’ve got this year to pay off dept for a roof (boring) and I just need to get to London I think. This community is amazing I hope you guys are all getting through the COVID good, the ones of us that are from the uk less so tier 4 fucking everywhere.

Quoted from PKCardinal COVID considerations aside... Get as involved in making/writing films as you possibly can. If possible, find a job connected to the industry in some way. Every minute you are driving a truck can be a minute paid for advancing your career instead. (Easier said than done, I know. But, that should be your goal.) Didn't go to one, but film school will definitely help you look at writing and filming in ways you probably aren't right now. That said, you can learn all that stuff by doing it yourself, by shooting things with others and by constantly scouring the internet for advice/good scripts/feedback. It's a creative endevour, so the school stuff isn't necessary... just a bonus. Bottom line... no matter what you do (school or no school), keep writing. Find a site where you can test your work. This is a good one, but there are others. Seek out honest feedback. It hurts at first, but you'll learn how to take notes and you'll learn when to make or ignore suggested changes. Those are skills you definitely will need. Good luck to you!

Thankyou that’s really inspiring I will that helps a lot! :)

Quoted from BillyJ Hey everyone yeah Thankyou all for your comments it’s amazing there’s been that much I was thinking Westminster and your right making a network is so important and just being around a lot of people that are filmmaking aswell I was going to save up to make that dark organs into a cheap cheap short film but I’ve got this year to pay off dept for a roof (boring) and I just need to get to London I think. This community is amazing I hope you guys are all getting through the COVID good, the ones of us that are from the uk less so tier 4 fucking everywhere.

Best of luck however you decide to go

Cheers Eldave I think I got to do it, hope you’re keeping well man

Quoted from BillyJ Cheers Eldave I think I got to do it, hope you’re keeping well man

I am indeed - thanks