Hi folks!!

I am highly interested in getting into feature film work.
I want to be a lighting artist.

Is going to an art school absolutely important?

I cannot afford to go to a full time course now.

I am making a kinda serioues shift into graphics esp. learning maya for the purpose.

How can I increse my chances of getting into a job situation by sacrificing school, or is it simply too hard?

Please guide me!