CWHIT - I do agree that shooting your films is a good practice but only after you learn how to shoot one. Self taught filmmakers, like self-taught attorneys, architects, dentists, etc. do lack professionalism. Anybody can make a movie today. I've met many Writer-Producer-Director types under twelve years old. They do the work and they have the titles.
However, for the serious aspiring hopeful with a desire for professional and commercial success, the best way to learn is with the standard folk-lore hand-me-down system used in films for generations: Professionals hand down how to do it to the rookies in every category of film work.
If you think you can learn from top Hollywood's real-life working filmmakers, check out cinemaartstech.com. It does have the very best, most production experienced working professional group of instructors compared to any other film school in this country! They can provide that folk-lore style of training. And probably at the lowest prices: $5,000.00 for the LineProducer-Production Manager- Production Accountant Course. With this course alone each student could be well qualified to work in a key job in the industry.
Save years of struggling to get a degree, then many more years trying to get into the biz, and then years more of slow vertical rising up into a key job. Skip all of that forementioned sluggish ladder climbing and actually start work in a key job as many success oriented individuals have done in the past and continue to do so today!
Call me for more info at 818-787-8886. jim kd