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I did a 2-year film program at a community college before getting my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I’ve done and am doing some limited work in the film industry. I plan to do more in the future but have other commitments right now.

I recommend the community college approach to learn the nuts and bolts of filmmaking. I learned directing from a professor who directed major actors like Sigourney Weaver. He formerly taught at the prestigious film school at UT Austin. (Their undergrad program is average, but they only accept about a dozen applicants per year into their Master’s program.)

Keep in mind that careers in filmmaking fall into 2 major categories: business and creative. Highly successful filmmakers like Christopher Nolan are geniuses in both aspects. But if I could give any helpful advice for your son at this stage it is this:

Learn how to raise money for film projects.

This is the most essential skill that controls what doors open and shut.

If I had a son wishing to pursue a career in filmmaking and was trying to decide on college, I’d push for going to a community college first for a film program that’s focused on the nuts and bolts (most of the classes are film-related). Students get more hours, typically, on film-related studies in a 2-year film program than in a 4-year program, surprisingly.

Then I’d recommend transferring the credits to a school to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in business. There’s entrepreneurship, marketing, business management, finance, etc. Learn sales skills. Learn to network. Learn to engage in conversations with people where you ask questions, listen, and come to understand what their needs are. Then, learn to offer solutions to those needs. Ask for contact information and then follow up. This is how you identify investors and raise money.

Also, AI is the future of filmmaking. I suggest getting a good understanding of how AI can contribute to various steps of the filmmaking process from screenwriting to visual effects.