What is the American Film Institute (AFI)?

Question

If I want to become an actor and start a film production company is AFI the right choice? Also, please describe the question asked.

I'm going to USC no doubt, and of course I'm not going to AFI, just a little curious because of their education program; I went to their website and the student videos are ghetto.

Answer 1

AFI was created to preserve film, television & radio history. They do have quite a collection of old films that they are trying to keep from literally crumbling into pieces. Their website says that they provide leadership in screen education, etc.
Read more here : http://www.afi.com/about/whatis.aspx

They have a conservatory that's been called the Julliard for filmmakers located up in Griffith Park. They teach Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting. It's been listed at the top with USC & NYU so I'd say it's a solid choice for education and it's right in the center of everything here in LA, however they do not have an acting program so if you were looking for that as well you would have to take classes outside of this program should you choose this route. Not hard to find in Los Angeles though. Just check out WorkingActors.com, click on actors, then on training. You'll find tons of calsses there. You could also pick up BackstageWest and look at any number of ads for classes there. However, starting a production company is a lot more involved that becoming an actor so perhaps it would be good for you to enter a program that would teach you different disciplines.

Starting a production company, I think you need to work in the business for a while first. Being a student and gaining lots of knowledge a great start, but working on a few sets even as an intern will earn you lots of first hand knowledge. There are a lot of ropes to learn. Get out there and hold a few before jumping into your own company. There are plenty of small production companies that woulc use cheap or free help and if you have the time to give, it's valuable knowledge.

You could also get pulled into working as an actor just by virtue of being there... you'll get a reel out of it in no time :-)

As for describing the question asked, I'm not sure what you mean... but I hope I've helped.

Good luck.

Answer 2

NO, don't go to AFI.

Go to UCLA or USC Film school or just start taking acting classes where ever you are.

AFI can be a good graduate school program but if you want a good undergraduate degree with great connections to breakin ginto the industry UCLA and USC are your best paths to success.