“This book goes beyond preparatory advice you might receive before enrolling, it helps students make the most out of their limited time at a film school. It is a recommended read for anyone that is serious about exploring filmmaking through an academic institution.”
— Kevin K. Shah (USC)
Writer/Director/Producer
Feature Films, Games & Virtual Reality: The Sabi Company
"John Pozer taught me much of what I know about film, and reading PRIMER is like taking his class all over again.
It's simple, insightful, and to-the-point. It offers good advice without being needlessly prescriptive. Best of all, it gives you the chance to reflect before you take the plunge.
Nobody can tell you if film school is right for you, but Pozer's insight can guide you to the right place to make that call."
— Tony Zhou
Co-Writer/Director/Editor: Every Frame a Painting
"Primer" should be mandatory reading for anyone planning to embark on the challenging journey of film education. John Pozer's book arms its readers with a large arsenal of useful tools that will help prospective students not only navigate their way through film school but will also set them up for long term success in the highly competitive field of filmmaking.”
— Hans Christian Berger
Writer/Director/Producer: After Eden
"Honestly and thoughtfully geared towards helping students ensure that a $50K-200K investment delivers the maximum possible return.
Every film student should be hanging onto this book from the day they first consider film school to the day they graduate."
— Sebastien de Castell
Director of Program Development, Vancouver Film School (Ret)
"PRIMER is critical reading for anyone considering attending a film school. As a film teacher in a public high school, I have seen too many students commit to a very expensive education without fully preparing to make the most of it.
PRIMER breaks down every possible aspect of attending film school and provides valuable insights into how to squeeze the most out of an intensive and competitive educational process.
This book is the best money any future film student (or parent of a film student!) could possibly spend. There are numerous suggestions and exercises specifically designed to ensure the student understands what they can do to be ready to go on Day 1 of their film school career. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"
Robert French
Filmmaker & Film Teacher, Brookswood Secondary School, Langley
"This is the book every aspiring film student should read, a true eye opener about what to expect when going to film school and the nature of the industry they're hoping to become a part of. Also a great read for recent graduates or filmmakers in their path to professional success, this book will help you re-evaluate what you've learned and motivate you to create"
— Olga Maldonado, Vancouver Film School Alumni | Production Coordinator/Assistant Director Mainframe Studios Vancouver
"If you are a prospective Film Student, or the parent of one, you both want to read this book. I wish I had."
— Oscar Pietri, Executive Editor, Vancouver Film School Alumni 2012/FP142
“In a time when college debt is so high, 21st Century Film Student PRIMER is an extremely valuable tool to have that will help the reader hone their intent of going to film school. Should I go? Can I afford to go? What will I get out of it? Are only a few of the thoughts the book tries to explain are crucial to both deciding if to go, and to get the most out of attending a film school.
Its easily understood and insightful chapters guide the reader in two ways. First, it helps determine if the reader should go to film school by asking them to think about subjects before, during and after going to film school. Many of these are things most aspiring film school students would not necessarily have in mind. And second, it helps guide the reader on how to best be prepared and get the most out of their education. Furthermore, the book contains small exercises that will help the reader obtain an idea of what they want to get out of attending school and all of the possible careers in the film industry.
If you (or someone you know) are thinking of taking this big step, take this quick read as the first class. It will you prepare to get the most out of your future schooling or help you decide that maybe going to film school is not necessarily what you thought or wanted, saving you a lot of money in the end. ”
— Ben C., Director/Editor of Cinematics & Trailers for video games
Have a question about film education? Interested in having John for an engagement?