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Should You Learn Video Production Through a School or a Private Mentor?
When I first got into video production, I honestly had no idea where to start.
Should I go to a film school? Or maybe take an online course? What about learning from someone directly?
After years of working professionally and trying different approaches, I’ve come to this conclusion:
“If you want real-world, income-generating skills, learning directly from someone in the field is faster and more effective.”
Why I Chose Mentorship Over School
I once considered going back to school to study filmmaking. But then I thought:
- Is it worth spending 1–2 years in school, paying high tuition, when I could be working and earning now?
- Will the instructors have real, current experience with client projects?
- Will I actually get hands-on experience with client communication, shooting, editing, and delivery?
That’s when I decided to take private mentorship sessions with an experienced filmmaker instead.
We worked on real projects. I made mistakes. Got direct feedback. And learned what actually matters when making a living through video.
What You Don’t Learn in School
Schools can teach theory, tools, and some techniques. But what they often miss is:
- How to land and communicate with clients
- How to price your work
- How to structure your workflow efficiently
- How to build trust and long-term relationships
Those are the real skills that make you a professional, not just a creator.
Of Course, Schools Aren’t Bad
If you’re aiming to work on big-budget films, join a production company, or focus on theory and cinematography in depth, film school can absolutely be a great option.
But if your goal is to become a freelance videographer or offer video services as a business—
Then learning from someone doing exactly that may be the shortcut you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the best learning style depends on your goals, time, and resources.
But if you want practical, income-focused video skills—
Mentorship or one-on-one consulting is something I strongly recommend.
🎥 If you’re interested in how I learned video production step-by-step, I’ll be sharing more on this blog—so stay tuned!
