r/Filmmakers • u/Big-Juggernaut-7414 • Feb 15 '25
Article Full Sail University: The mistake that never was
Going to Full Sail University for film was, without a doubt, the biggest mistake of my life. It was expensive, the program lacked the depth I needed to build a career, and the experience left me feeling demotivated and disillusioned. But here’s the twist: it was also the mistake that led me to my true passion—esports production and casting. So, while I can’t deny the regret I feel about my time in the film program, I also can’t ignore the fact that it ultimately set me on the path to where I am today.
The Film Program: A Mixed Bag Let’s start with the film program itself. Yes, I learned a lot about filmmaking. I got hands-on experience with cameras, lighting, and editing software. But the program fell short in so many ways. The students around me were often unmotivated, caught up in the delusion that they’d be the next Spielberg or Scorsese without putting in the work. Collaboration was like pulling teeth despite having clear plans and schedules, many of my peers were unwilling to dedicate time to shoots or projects if they weren’t going to be the director.
The instructors were a mixed bag. In class, they were knowledgeable and engaging, but outside of class, their advice often boiled down to one thing: “Attend APN” (Advanced Production Network). I did attend a handful of APN sessions, but they were far from helpful. I was told to sit, stand, and watch—never to actually get hands-on experience or network meaningfully. The main instructor, Larry Katz, seemed disengaged, often sitting in his director’s chair (with his name on it, of course) scrolling through his phone, facing away from the set. Not exactly inspiring.
There were a few bright spots, like Deb Walters, the script supervisor, who was always sweet and encouraging. But even she couldn’t provide the mentorship or guidance I was seeking. The makeup lab instructors were cool, but they often seemed more interested in chatting or vaping in class than actually teaching. I reached out to instructors for mentorship, stayed after class, and asked for advice, but it felt like they just… didn’t want to help.
The Real Cost of Full Sail At the end of the day, I left Full Sail with a film degree that feels or is worthless. No meaningful connections, no clear career path, and a mountain of debt. I’ll admit, part of this was on me—maybe I could’ve pushed harder, networked more, or been more assertive, or even just not fallen for their silver tongue. But the environment itself was demotivating. It felt like I was constantly swimming upstream, trying to make something out of an experience that wasn’t designed to help me succeed.
The Silver Lining: Esports Armada But here’s the thing: Full Sail wasn’t a total loss. Through the school’s Esports Armada program, I found my true passion—esports production and casting. The people in Armada were some of the most awesome, chill, and supportive individuals I’ve ever met. Unlike the film program, where collaboration felt like a chore, the esports community was vibrant and welcoming. I learned more from my peers and mentors in Armada than I ever did from my film instructors.
Through Armada, I discovered my love for esports production and directing. I became known as “The Voice of Victory,” and I found a career path that excites and fulfills me. The skills I learned in the film program—like camera work, editing, and storytelling—have translated surprisingly well into esports production. But it was the esports community that truly shaped me and gave me the tools to succeed.
Conclusion: A Mistake That Led to My Passion So, was going to Full Sail a mistake? Absolutely. 200%. The film program was expensive, underwhelming, and left me with little to show for it. But was it a total mistake? Not quite. Without Full Sail, I never would’ve discovered Esports Armada. I never would’ve found my true calling in esports production and casting.
In the end, Full Sail was the mistake that never was. It was a detour, a costly one, but one that led me to where I’m meant to be. And for that, I’m grateful.
If you’re considering Full Sail—or any film program—think VERY carefully about what you want to get out of it. Ask yourself if the cost is worth the potential return. And most importantly, be open to the unexpected. Sometimes, the biggest mistakes lead to the greatest discoveries.
