<p>A film school degree should be treated other “school” degree - e.g. engineering school, law school, medical school, etc. There are many areas of specialization or concentration in the field of work despite the fact that graduates just receive a generalized BA or MFA in Film. </p>
<p>Some students going in knowing exactly what they want to do out of school - screenwriter, cinematographer, director, set designer, production designer, lighting electrician, director, actor, editor, sound designer, foley, etc. Others have no idea and hopefully by the conclusion of their studies have a better idea. </p>
<p>Some dream of directing the next big summer blockbuster, under the heavy creative control of the studios and investors. Others find true freedom in their own creative freedom directing music videos or commercials. Still others enjoy the fast paced and off the cuff nature of directing TV. </p>
<p>Each area is a craft that takes many years to master, typically as you move up/sideways/diagonally thru ranks. Starting as a Production Assistant, you may one day be Line producer or a casting director and one day Producer. Or a camera assistant -> cinematographer. Actor -> Director. Editor’s Assistant -> Editor. Grip -> Set Designer. There is no set path, but you learn the ropes as you go. Sure there is also the path of producing your own work until you are “discovered” as well, which can often happen while one is also crewing on jobs to make rent. </p>
<p>ATL vs BTL may be how a studio sees the world, but from a film student’s perspective I think the lines are a lot more blurred than that.</p>