I never heard of the "school" you linked, but if you really want to learn, and dont expect the school to get you a job, there are quite a few good schools out there. You will get hands on experience learn some techniques, and gain access to some good equipment. I'd be wary of anyplace that boasts carreer placement.
My son goes here , pretty good place and he doesnt use my stuff: http://www.ncarts.edu/ncsaprod/filmmaking/

I agree with Jay. Take the money you would have used for film school and buy a good camera and experiement. You can always find someone to mentor you who isnt going to charge you $7000. More importantly, you make a friend/contact in the business and you dont have to pay thousands of dollars for someone to "train" you. Hands on is the best learning ever.

A couple of years ago, when I was college age (ok quite a few years ago), I met a guy who was just going back to school for a second time to major in English. He already had a communications degree, but he explained to me that mastering the English language and writing skill was where it was at - that technology changes from year to year, and the technical skills that will help you today are out of date tomorrow, but that the ability to tell a good story and express it well never goes out of date!

After thinking of it for a couple of years since then, I'd have to agree. Get a degree in creative writing, English, literature, history, or just general studies, but learn the technology on your own or in a mentor situation. That or if you're more science minded, get an engineering or science degree.

I have a degree in music. The theory, the composition classes, the history, the science, religion and English courses have all been invaluable to me. The technical classes in things like "Synclavier direct to disk", "Fortran" , "recording studio technology" were pretty useless though. At the time I thought they were the most important, but the technology I learned in them is so out of date now that in retrospect I'd have to say that the time was pretty much wasted!

Go to school to broaden your mind, learn about all sorts of things you'd never study on your own, but figure out the technology on your own!

Many film schools are still using film cameras and Nagras due to budget limitations. Speaking to students is the best way to find out what you can expect.
I tend to agree with the others. My neighbor graduated from a SUNY school majoring in filmmaking two years ago and hasn't found any work at all. He told me they didn't even discuss digital fimmaking. His debts from school keep him at mediocre jobs so he doesn't end up in default on his student loans.

If you have someone who will pay your way NYU would be a good choice albeit a very expensive choice, but there you are more likely to run into notable directors who may from time to time participate in student film projects. A few years ago Milos Forman was involved in one such student project there. In contrast, The New York Fim Academy is rank amateurish in what they provide.

The Golden Age of Cinema which holds the annual GOLDEN AGE OF CINEMA FILM FESTIVAL may be of interest to you depending upon where you live.
The Golden Age of Cinema Film Festival is produced
and hosted by an award-winning filmmaker and one of the most popular
Film Professors in New York City, Zhenya Kiperman. Mr. Kiperman, a
Columbia University Film School graduate, is an Adjunct Professor at
New York University, Fordham University and New School University.

Among the filmmakers who appeared there two years ago were Tim Robbins,
Marshall Brickman, Jim Jarmusch, Paul Auster, Paul Mazursky, Griffin
Dunne, Giancarlo Esposito, Tom DiCillo, Steve Buscemi, and others.

Haven't checked them out recently though.

John

Great advice from all.

When I was at the Univ. many moons ago, there was one Professor, an English Lit prof at that, remark that English, especially effective writing and language skills would get you a job/position 80 to 90& of the time. he said that if one were to focus on something that was high percentage, writing and language communication skills would make the difference.

What i was looking to do is to somehow go through the mentorship that that program offered and see if i could learn some solid directorial skills and perhaps carve out a new path for myself.

At 42, I've grown tired of doing what I'm doing, perhaps its the impending mid life crises! LOL! I have taught for 8 years at the high school level, did 6 years of military duty, 14 years as a Resp. Therapist, and even dabbled at web design as well. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I would like to do something creative as a future endeavor. Unfortunately, none of the jobs I've held have ever offered the creative stimulation that filmmaking offers. I truly appreciate the feedback as it makes it easier to formulate my new direction. Thanks again.

I don't know where you are located, but you may want to check the casting notices at Backstage.com They post so many casting notices for independent and student films. Maybe you can audition for a part or ask if you can watch the film being produced to get some ideas. Sometimes they are schools and sometimes they are legitimate independent films.

John

Working on projects that other people are doing is invaluable! You can learn all this stuff without footing the bill! Plus you can figure out who to work with when you do a project on your own. Supporting yourself while you do this is the hard part, but then again you're in the same position when you go to school.

Check out http://www.indieslate.com/dov.html

This is Dov S-S Simens 2 Day Film School. Held all over the U.S. and Canada regularly, less than $400. You'd learn a lot, get a lot of connections, and figure out what questions you should ask yourself.

Lots of now famous Hollywood filmmakers took this course.

I just love this type of fast-paced no-bull course.

I'm not connected in any way with Dov or Indieslate, it's just a suggestion.

I will most certainly look into these other avenues ASAP. Fortunately, for me, I can do flexible work schedules while I attend some type of film studies. Please keep your input coming.