Choosing The Film Schools That's Best For You

By Nathan James

It seems like everyone today want to be an actor. While acting can certainly be a very rewarding profession, in both monetary and fulfilling terms, it's probably one of the most difficult areas of film to break in to.

If you're hoping to work in film or television, there are plenty of other areas to consider. For example, you might think about producing, directing or script writing. Choosing the right film school is one of the key decisions you'll make.

The first step along the road to the film industry is to choose the type of career you're going to pursue. Almost any job in film pays well so you'll need to prepare yourself to be up against plenty of competition. Also keep in mind that you'll probably have to start at the bottom, usually as a PA or production assistant doing things like answering the phone and getting coffee.

Also know that you'll need to move to where the work is. If you're planning on working in film this often means working on location for weeks, sometimes months at a time.

How to Find The Film School That Meets Your Criteria

If your passion is continuity, don't go to one of the film schools that focuses on directing. While it is typically important to get a feel for all areas of film production, you'll want to spend the most time focusing on your own career goals.

Find a school that will let you choose courses that best suit your goals rather than handing you a set class list that you must follow.

With the growth of the film industry, you'll find film schools popping up all over the country (and the world). So you'll need to do your due diligence to make sure you're not paying a lot of money for a degree that isn't going to get you anywhere.

Make sure the school has been around for quite a while and check their credentials. Many major universities also offer top notch film degrees which are well regarded in the industry.

About the Author:

Looking for more information about the top film schools for acting, directing or other aspects of the film industry? Check out the Top Film Schools website at http://www.topfilmschools.info for more helpful information.

A Castle in Death Valley

By Penelope SanMateo

Now why anyone would want to live in Death Valley is beyond me but here but Albert Mussey Johnson decided to built his vacation home in Death Valley. It was supposedly built with the money from the gold mine that he had backed but in fact, there was no gold mine and so it was certainly not built with funds from one.

Walter Scott was a miner, a dreamer and apparently a scammer to boot. He convinced Mr. Johnson to invest in the gold mine in Death Valley. It was probably going along just fine (with Scott getting his money from the investment) until Mr. Johnson decided to visit. He thought a tour of the mine would be a good idea. It was hard to do since there wasn't a mine to see.

Mr. Johnson and his wife liked Walter Scott, even after the knowledge that there was no mine. Mr. Johnson became enamored by Death Valley and with the encouragement of his wife built a vacation retreat. Although the retreat was actually named Death Valley Ranch it became known as Scotty's Castle.

The rich and famous came to the retreat when it became a tourist attraction. They wanted to see the retreat built by one of California's richest gold miners. Of course, had he told that it wasn't from the riches gained from the non-existent mine there wouldn't have been nearly the attraction to it that there was at the time.

There are guided tours available at the castle for those of you wanting to visit. With interactive displays, living history exhibits and all inside the house it will be a treat to see. The tours are available daily on the hour.

There is a second tour that you can take while at the castle. It is the tour of the underground area of the castle. It shows you the technology incorporated a the time to produce electricity and see the 1/4 mile underground tunnel system that runs under the house.

Thanks for the National Park Service the castle is maintained for people to visit. Technology from the past and present are both used in the lower level of the castle to keep it functioning as it should. You will enjoy the tour and the history of the castle.

About the Author:

Penelope SanMateo is a travel writer for the California Beautiful travel guide. If you are planning your next vacation, then check out this guide to California Tourism. And while you are there, explore the San Francisco California Tourism region to discover more interesting attractions that will make your family vacation one to remember.