Hi Fasttrack!

I would never suggest anyone shy away from taking courses in Film. However, I went to university to become a marine biologist, and after realizing that it paid horribly for the time and effort I put into my schooling, I took a job randomly as a Production Assistant (PA - entry level) on a tv series called Sacred Lies.

I had no prior skill or experience in the industry. Within a month through working hard and being helpful the Assistant Directors noticed me and had me start as their trainee-assistant director (This is called 4th AD in the states I believe). Since then, I've worked as an assistant director and recently focused on coordinating the background actors on set.

I had no schooling in the subject. So, I do not believe that it would be necessary for your son, and it may also incur unnecessary expenses.

However, if his goal is something specific such as producing, writing, camera, special effects - school can be incredibly beneficial as they'll teach you very niche skills for that department. I'd advise he also look for any indie projects to get practical experience which he can use to get a leg up on new people just starting in on a big-time show.

Honestly the way to get in is find a film production in your city, walk up and ask to speak to the ALM (Assistant Locations Manager). Say you'd love to work in the industry and ask if they need a PA Helper, and you might get hired on the spot. That's how I got in.

I hope this helps, any follow ups I'd be happy to answer. Good luck to your son! The industry is very alive in Canada, so I would believe it would be quite busy down south as well!