"Christian" Film School vs. "Secular" Film School

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Permalink Reply by Travis mendel on January 27, 2010 at 12:53pm

I don't care if you are secular, christian or budhist! All that I care about is excellence! Excellence in staff and professors, excellence in storytelling and story making! If you give your best, Then he who dwells in you will shine for the rest of the world to see!

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Permalink Reply by Reel Dreams on January 27, 2010 at 1:04pm

Beautifully put. I'll play devil's advocate: Do you think that applies for everyone?

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Permalink Reply by Travis mendel on January 27, 2010 at 1:24pm

My question to your question is... Who do you think it should not apply to?

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Permalink Reply by Reel Dreams on January 27, 2010 at 1:33pm

I went to a "secular" undergrad but a "Christian" graduate school. They were diametrically different experiences, at both I obtained a quality education. At both places I met Christians who would likely NOT thrive in the opposite situation. There is no way to know for sure, all we can do is speculate. So with that preface is the question more clear?

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Permalink Reply by Travis mendel on January 27, 2010 at 2:36pm

I still don't know how to answer your question. I don't care if a person goes to school or not.. I just want to see you creating EXCELLENT WORK!! Like you said, I guess there is no way to know for sure who will thrive best where! I guess the most important thing within our line of work, is not only what you know but WHO you know. Obviously schools with bigger names and reputations will have a larger alumni and network circle than a smaller school. For me there are only 2 reasons that a "christian school" could have an advantage over a secular school:

1: you are a new christian or a baby christian who really needs the added spiritual support of a christian bubble - although I would be careful and concerning of which one you go to!!

2: Sure you prolly will make lasting friendships both casual and business; within your college years which can and will have an artistic and creative impact on you for years to come.

So maybe a "Christian" graduate school would be good to go to!!! :)
But I haven't seen very much of Regent's stuff or any other christian school's over at Cannes or the Berlinale film festivals!!
cheers from Germany
Travis

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Permalink Reply by Travis mendel on January 27, 2010 at 2:50pm

Of course it does also depend on what type of film work you want to do! If you are planning on doing things in the jungles of Africa or S. America, then you prolly don't need a USC degree!

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Permalink Reply by Jon Gregerson on February 1, 2010 at 12:22pm

This is just my opinion of course, but I am a big believer in going to where the talent and the best instructors are and I agree that this could be a Christian school, but typically, I would say, it's going to be the secular institution. Sooner or later you are going to have to get out into the "big ocean" in your field, whether in games, film, television, etc. ) if you want to become better at your craft. If you are not at a place in your life that you are ready for that exposure than I would suggest going to a good liberal arts Christian undergrad program at least for the first couple of years and then taking the plunge to whatever is the best or a top school in your field. I think it will be worth it in the long run in terms of developing yourself. The main thing I want to say is, "don't be afraid". God will be with you wherever you go and can teach you great stuff no matter what the beliefs are of the instructors and fellow students around you.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Gortz on February 1, 2010 at 12:26pm

Unfortunately the advantages of a Christian film school can also be disadvantages depending on how you look at them.

The biggest advantage is the relationships you make. I have made life long friends, and now have a support group that I can lean on and look to in my business. The disadvantage is that these relationships only take you as far as Christian Film Grads can.

It depends on what is important to you. If you want to make it in secular entertainment, the best odds are to go to a secular film school, or just move to LA and get to work. But if you care about your social life, and want real lasting friendships, then a Christian Film school may be the place to go.

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Permalink Reply by Keith Shull on May 31, 2010 at 4:33pm

re: the earlier question of "who does that apply to?" - In a totally different context (Christian K-12 school curriculum), my former employer's policy was that those who wrote the curriculum must be Christians, but didn't make a big deal about software designers, IT staff, warehouse personnel, etc. being believers.

This makes sense to me. The writer/screenwriter must be able to faithfully communicate God's truth - whether in an explicitly Christian/gospel-centered or a "secular" project. But is there a "Christian" way to edit sound? Or an unbiblical approach to location scouting?

(Keeping in mind that all truth is God's truth, so the concept of the "secular/sacred divide" is a false dichotomy)

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Permalink Reply by IAN MARK KIMANJE on July 5, 2011 at 7:27pm

I really don't find much difference, its the talent and desires to make a difference in life with untold stories...but also if we don't train christian filmmakers in a formal christian film school and kind the trainees with both the art of film and bible rules of art...which are not easily obtained...then outsiders will come to tell christian stories in their own understanding....not the way we believe it.   So christian Film schools are really important not only for christian but also those who are searching for the truth....

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