With the price of technology today, you don’t need film school. Simply buy a mini-dv camera, a good PC, some software, Robert Rodriguez’ book “Rebel Without a Crew” and start experimenting. The best education for becoming a director is practice. Cheapest, too.
If you go to film school, you will have a better chance at holding a boom mic or getting someone coffee, but it’s a great short film or demo reel that’s going to get attention for being a DIRECTOR. It doesn’t take a degree to submit to festivals. Start filming, get good, and submit, submit, submit… if you’re good and have a little luck on your side…
There is a school in Santa Barbara that specializes in that type of thing. It’s called Brooks Institute I believe. They offer scholarships, grants and loans. You should check it out. I wanted to go there but it’s so far away from home. I’m a chicken! But they’ll send you info and talk to you over the phone…
Of course you have a chance!!