Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a free catalog?
Simply click here.....

I have no film experience, is this course for me?
Yes, the curriculum and the "hands-on, learn-by-doing" method taught at the Palm Beach Film School was designed specifically for students of all ages with little or no filmmaking experience.

What will I learn at the Palm Beach Film School?
The educational objective of our school is to teach our students how to write, shoot, direct and edit their own character-driven drama, comedy or horror films in a "hands-on, learn-by-doing" method in whch student makes their own film.

How big are the classes?
They are small. Usually no more than 8-12 students per class which allows us to focus on each students' individual goals.

How long does it take to complete the courses at the Palm Beach Film School?
The Short Film Program is 104 hours. There are 21 four hour class sessions plus a minimum of 20 hours of film-shooting production time. We offer a night class that meets on either Mondays or Tuesdays from 6 pm to 10 pm, for 21 weeks. We also offer a day class that meets Mondays, Wednesday and Friday from 12 noon to 4 pm, for 7 weeks.

The Feature Film Program is 312 hours which includes screenwriting, pre-production, production and post production. The films are shot on location over a 10-15 day production schedule.

Do I actually make a film while attending the Palm Beach Film School, or do I just work on someone else's film?
Every student makes their own character-driven drama, comedy or horror film at the Palm Beach Film School. You will also work as a crew member on other students' films. Students learn how to take their movie ideas from concept to reality and graduate from the school with their own short or feature film on a DVD.

How are the classes set up?
At the Palm Beach Film School, the curriculum is designed to focus on screenwriting, pre-production (directing, cinematography, lighting, sound and casting), production (shooting your film) and post-production (Final Cut Pro editing).

How much is the tuition?
The tuition for the Short Film Program is $5,490.00. The tuition for the Feature Film Program is based on the length of the final screenplay and the number of days required to shoot the film. Call Jim York, School Director for details. Tuition includes all books, cameras, gear and equipment, fees, lab materials, insurance, permits,and use of the facilities, etc.

Is there tuition financing available?
Yes, the Palm Beach Film School partners with IBM Financial to offer affordable financing options and low monthly payments to those who qualify.

What else do I get from attending the Palm Beach Film School?
You will receive a diploma/certificate and a DVD copy of your film. All completed films are screened at a local South Florida movie theatre.

Is the Palm Beach Film School licensed?
Yes, the Palm Beach Film School is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399, toll-free telephone number 888-224-6684. License number 3074.

This sounds great, but can I talk to recent Palm Beach Film School graduates or the teachers?
Absolutely! When you click here, we'll send you information and invite you for an interview. At that time, you can check out our facilities, talk to our teachers and recent graduates about your interest in independent filmmaking.

What are the requirements for admission to the Palm Beach Film School?
For the Short Film Program, applicants must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the school director adequate skills, appropriate educational background, and sufficient career motivation to fully benefit from our training. For the Feature Film Program, we require applicants to have either completed our Short Film Program or another film course that required them to write, shoot, direct and edit a film. Our objective is to find students whose talent and passion for filmmaking will allow them to succeed in our programs.

What kind of movies can I make?
At the Palm Beach Film School, we focus on character-driven drama, comedy or horror films. See a sampling of our student films online.

Who teaches the classes?
All teachers at the Palm Beach Film School are local independent filmmakers or industry professionals who specialize in specific areas, such as writing, sound production, directing, acting and much more. Visit our faculty page to learn more.

For more information, call Jim York, School Director at (561) 242-9190