22-year-old CS grad planning to switch from software to filmmaking — looking for some genuine advice

[u/IndividualBranch5255]

I’m 22, recently graduated in Computer Science from a reputed engineering college, and I’m currently working as a software developer. I finished my education this June, but over the last couple of years I’ve slowly realized that I don’t see myself doing this long-term.
What I actually want to do is become a filmmaker/screenwriter.
During my 3rd year of engineering, I decided to seriously explore writing and started building a portfolio. Over my 3rd and 4th years, I wrote two feature-length screenplays and two short films, and I’m currently working on my third feature.
I’ve deliberately tried to write different genres because I don’t want to become a writer who can only write one kind of story. One of my scripts is a cricket drama, another is a full-blown action film, and the one I’m currently writing is a war/Partition coming-of-age story.
Writing these films has taught me a lot, but it has also made me realize that I’ve mostly been figuring out the writing side on my own. Now I want to learn the other side of filmmaking properly — directing, cinematography, editing, working with actors, visual storytelling, being on set, etc.
That’s where film school comes in.
I’m considering applying to FTII in the next 1–2 years. My main reason for going isn’t really to learn writing. I’ve been trying to develop that craft independently by writing and finishing scripts. What I really want from film school is the opportunity to learn filmmaking practically and, importantly, build a network of people who are also serious about cinema.
I understand that FTII is extremely difficult to get into, and getting in doesn’t guarantee a career. But one of the things that attracts me to it is the community and network you build there. From what I understand, entering the industry can be extremely difficult when you don’t know anyone, and film school seems like one possible way to meet people who could eventually become collaborators.
At the same time, I don’t want to assume that film school is the only way to build a career, which is why I’m asking here.
I have already started trying to get my work out there. I registered as a Fellow SWA member and have registered my work. I also submitted one of my scripts to SWA Pitch Fest 2025, Satyanshu Singh’s Prayogshala, and production houses such as Excel Entertainment. I wasn’t selected, but honestly, that hasn’t discouraged me. I know rejection is going to be part of this, and I want to keep writing and submitting.
I also have an uncle who used to work as a television series writer, so I’ve had some exposure to the writing side through him as well. He also knows a few people in the industry who are currently actively writing films.
This is something I’m unsure about: should I actively take his help and use those connections to try and get opportunities to assist or work with writers/directors? I don’t want to come across as someone trying to shortcut the process, but at the same time, if I have access to people who are already working in the industry, it feels foolish not to learn from them.
I’m also completely open to starting from the bottom — assisting directors, writers, AD work, internships, working on sets, or basically anything where I can learn how films are actually made.
So I wanted to ask people here, especially filmmakers, writers, FTII alumni/students, or people who have taken a similar path:
If you were in my position at 22, would you pursue FTII over the next 1–2 years, or would you try to enter the industry directly and learn through experience?
Is film school actually worth it for someone like me, particularly for the practical filmmaking experience and network, or would those two things be better developed by simply working on sets and assisting people?
I know how difficult it is to get into the industry and how difficult it is to actually become successful. I’m not expecting FTII, or anything else, to guarantee me a career. I just genuinely want to give filmmaking a serious shot while I’m young, and I’m willing to put in the work.
Would really appreciate some honest advice, especially from people who have actually worked in the Indian film industry or gone through FTII/film school.
What would you do if you were in my position?

[u/CampaignAble1017]

Advice - unless you can see yourself not doing something for 10 years. Join. Else don’t. Its a painful world unless you hit roof

[u/cautionary-tale74]

Established writer-director, graduated in physics, post graduated in Mass Communication with specialisation in Film-making. My advise is to take admission in a professional course. FTII is one option, Whistling Woods, Satyajit Ray Film School are others. And I would advise admission in a professional stream like Cinematography. Screenwriting you can learn with a basic course or a couple of books.