Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Owens.
Christine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Sherwood Oaks Film School has been assisting emerging writers and filmmakers for over 30 years. Our past guests have included Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood and Robert Altman. Former famous alumni include James Cameron, Nancy Myers, Sylvester Stallone, Paul Haggis, and Taylor Negron.
Sherwood Oaks is a school that is ahead of its time. It has always focused on practical application with a minor emphasis on theory. Many schools focus on spending on why or potential theories rather than the reality of how things work. This is what differentiates the school.
Sherwood Oaks classes consist of great actors, directors, agents, managers, producers, writers, and entertainment attorneys who could share their experiences allowing a student to learn and potentially get an opportunity such as an internship.
Since I attended a lot of traditional schools (bachelors, masters, doctorate degrees) then I found this approach a more effective way to learn and maximize the efficiency of time spent. When I met the founder, Gary Shusett, his approach to teaching and having people succeed in Hollywood and in life, in general, fascinated me. I was drawn to not only meeting famous people but how the school is taught in such a practical, approachable and helpful manner. It was not a surprise that school is presented in Wikipedia due to its uniqueness and a lot of its approaches are now copied by dozens of film schools across the country.
What I enjoy is that students/alumni tell me that they not only learn all about Hollywood but they also learn life skills. Since less than 1% of people succeed in Hollywood, one must learn the EQ (emotional intelligence) or how to present your idea that allows people to connect with you.
With Sherwood Oaks, we have been so fortunate to have 10% to 30% of our students get jobs or screenplays optioned after just one seminar which is unheard of in the industry.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Many students can’t believe that we are real and that a school can provide these many opportunities to students without charge $10,000 to $50,000 like most schools. As a result, we can’t get the word out enough about what we do.
As a result, we have been hit financially. We give so much to the students and charge such a small amount that it can be a struggle. Many schools with huge endowments have been much more.
We are so devoted to the school that every dollar goes back to the school in order to help more students succeed.
Sherwood Oaks Film School – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are most proud of our students’ successes. The number of screenplays optioned, films made every year goes up. Many alumni come back and teach. It is so very exciting!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success can mean a lot. It can mean money such as our alumni like Sylvester Stallone who was broke when filming Rocky while at Sherwood Oaks and then made a fortune.
Success for a screenwriter can be a screenplay optioned.
Success for a working screenwriter may be to become a director like Nancy Myers (It’s Complicated) or James Cameron. Both started as screenwriters and attended Sherwood Oaks before they became famous.
Back in 2009, Autumn McAlpin optioned her script and worked with a producer that she met at a Sherwood Oaks seminar. By 2014, it had become a movie. By 2017, she became a director. In 2017, we had her speak to our students.
For our success, we like to take each student one step closer to their goal. Did they learn a lot? Did they meet key people? Can they focus better? Sherwood Oaks Film School gets them closer to their goal. If you define it this way then we are 100% successful.
My favorite is getting emails, letters, and calls from students about how we made an impact on their lives.
Pricing:
- $25 for a short session
- $395 for two day intensive close encounter seminar (limited attendance)
Contact Info:
- Address: 7095 Hollywood Blvd
Ste 876
Hollywood, CA 90028 - Website: www.sherwoodoaksfilmschool.com
- Phone: 323-250-3595
- Email: info@sherwoodoakscollege@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherwoodoaksfilmschool/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SherwoodOaksFilmSchool/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SherwoodOaks
Image Credit:
Samuel Oldham
Santiago Espudo
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
