Film School for Teens: Syndicate Film School
- Syndicate Productions
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Film School for Teens: Syndicate Film School
If you're a high school student interested in filmmaking, you might be wondering what steps you should take to get into film school, whether grades matter, and what the best options are. This blog will answer those questions and explain why Syndicate Film School's teen filmmaking program might be the best choice for you.
What to Do in High School to Get Into Film School?
Syndicate Film School provides all of these opportunities for students, ensuring they gain hands-on experience, industry knowledge, and networking connections to kickstart their filmmaking careers.
Unlike other fields, filmmaking isn’t just about grades—it’s about experience. If you want to get into a film school in New Jersey, here’s what you should focus on:
Make Your Own Films: Start creating short films, even with just a phone. The more projects you complete, the better.
Learn Editing & Cinematography: Try free software like DaVinci Resolve to practice editing. Study shot composition and lighting techniques.
Get Involved in School Media Clubs: Join your school’s film club, theater group, or yearbook team to gain hands-on experience.
Find Local Film Programs: Searching for film classes near me? Programs like Syndicate Film School’s teen filmmaking program offer real-world, hands-on experience with industry professionals.
Explore Youth Film Programs: Programs such as youth filmmaking programs, youth filmmaking workshops, and film classes for teens can give you an early start in film production.
Take Professional Filmmaking Courses: Consider filmography classes, directing film courses, cinematography courses, film making class, film producing courses, screenwriting for teens, and filmmaking lessons to build a solid foundation.
Consider Alternative Film Schools: If you're looking for film school near me, film schools in NJ, film making school near me, or professional filmmaking courses, there are various programs beyond traditional universities that can provide hands-on training.
Network with Filmmakers: Connect with local filmmakers, enter film festivals, and seek mentorship from professionals in the industry.
Do Grades Matter for Film School?
For traditional NJ film schools, grades can play a role, but they are not the most important factor. Many film schools care more about your portfolio than your GPA. A strong portfolio of work can often outweigh a mediocre academic record. At Syndicate Film School, we don’t require grades or SAT scores—only dedication and a passion for filmmaking.
What GPA Is Needed for Film School?
Most traditional film schools in NJ require at least a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA for admission. However, some of the best filmmakers in the industry never went to traditional film school. What really matters is whether you have the skills to create compelling films. At Syndicate Film School, there are no GPA requirements—just a commitment to learning and making films.
How Many Years Is Film School?
Traditional film schools in New Jersey usually last four years for a bachelor’s degree. Some offer two-year associate degrees, while others have one-year certification programs. However, many students spend years in film school and still graduate without the hands-on skills needed for the industry.
Syndicate Film School takes a different approach—we focus on practical, real-world training so students can start working in the industry sooner. Our program is designed to teach filmmaking the way professionals learn—on set, not in a classroom.
What Is the Average Cost of Film School?
Traditional film schools in NJ can be incredibly expensive, with tuition costs averaging $40,000 to $60,000 per year at top institutions. Some private film schools charge even more.
By contrast, Syndicate Film School keeps costs low because we operate as both a film production company and a school. Our teen filmmaking program is a fraction of the cost of traditional schools, while offering industry-standard training and real-world experience.
What Are the Disadvantages of Film School?
Traditional film making schools have several major downsides:
High Costs: As mentioned, tuition can be extremely expensive.
Limited Real-World Experience: Many schools focus too much on theory and not enough on practical, on-set experience.
No Guaranteed Industry Connections: Traditional programs may not offer direct pathways into the industry.
Outdated Education Models: Many film schools still teach outdated techniques, rather than the latest industry-standard methods.
Syndicate Film School eliminates these disadvantages by focusing on hands-on training, networking with real professionals, and making real films—not just studying them.
Are There Any Free Film Schools?
There are a few free or low-cost youth filmmaking programs online, including:
YouTube Tutorials – Great for self-learning but lacks structured guidance.
Workshops & Community Programs – Some cities offer free youth filmmaking workshops.
On-the-Job Learning – Some filmmakers learn by working their way up in the industry.
However, Syndicate Film School’s teen program offers a free trial your first day to test out if you like the program. Either way, affordable, industry-standard training without the debt of traditional schools.
Ready to Start Your Filmmaking Journey?
If you’re serious about film, there’s no better way to learn than by doing. Syndicate Film School’s teen filmmaking program gives students hands-on experience with industry professionals, helping them build portfolios, gain real-world skills, and take their first steps into the industry.
Plus, we offer a free trial class so students can test out the program and see if it’s the right fit before committing.
Looking for the #1 film school that offers practical training without the traditional barriers? Syndicate Film School is your best option.
Interested? Apply today and start making movies that matter.
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