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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Film School Recommendation

I actually applied at Austin and was rejected. SCAD sounds worth a shot, at least, though I hear it's quite expensive (and fairly competitive, but I guess most film schools are).
 
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Chapman isn't a good choice right now, its very overcrowded at the moment and they are pretty short on everything. Also the curriculum requires you to be prepared to not make your own films during the second and third years, that is unless you are a director but that program is pretty nerfed as far as digital goes, oh and it really isn't too friendly towards RED and VDSLR users either. Also, networking is kind of tough as you are stuck in Orange, a good bit away for a lot of folks from LA, we've all run into this issue there. We do get some cool guests from time to time but nobody has really benefited from it and more often than not students there have actually disrespected the guests during Q&A sessions or simply wasted time with IMDB level FAQ questions.
 
Thanks, I'm still going to apply to Chapman but, in the unlikely event I get in, I'll visit before making up my mind to go there.

CalArts is my top choice right now, but they don't have spring admission and I hear it's nearly impossible to get in.
 
Just revised my reel and statement. If anyone who's been admitted to film school would be willing to give it a look it would be much appreciated. Send me a PM or let me know in this thread.
 
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So I've decided to attend film school in the fall, concentrating on cinematography most likely but I also want to learn direction. Staging, blocking, and shot choice based on script and tone are what I want to learn most.

I've been accepted into UT Austin's MFA and I interviewed at FSU. Right now those are my top choices. Two very different schools. I don't have much money saved up so I want to go to a state school. Has anyone attended either of these programs and have any feedback? I think my decision will be based on visiting but I want to know what questions to ask.

Also, is the non-LA location a deal-breaker? I've been told there's no use attending a school outside LA, but I can't find any good affordable programs there. Maybe I can wait a year, save up money, and reapply, though, if this really is the case.

Thanks for the help. All opinions welcome.
 
I don't think non-LA is a deal breaker, but it depends on what you want. If you're really just going to learn things from people who can teach you, than any decent program with the appropriate educators and resources will do. It's my understanding that the huge perks of LA and NY are the networking options available there. Especially LA, where you have guest speakers from the industry, school-sponsored functions to bring in agents and above the line talent from the industry, all to get their students a step ahead. I'm not saying this doesn't happen anywhere else, just seems to be much more frequent in LA. Personally, I only got my undergrad in film studies from a 4-year university in NC, and it had pros and cons like great educators that cared about what they did, some resources available to students, and internship opportunities as it's located near Screen Gems Studios. Cons were that the film program wasn't one of the universities' top priorities, and in turn was difficult to get funding for things as simple but necessary as developing film for classes. So, pros and cons, all the schools have them, just make sure it's something you really want.
 
Cool, that's encouraging. I'm probably going to get into nearly six figures of debt if I go for this so it's a tough choice and I want to make sure I do it right.

Out of curiosity, did you study shot choice, blocking, etc. in really practical terms? And how much time did you spend on set? I'm not here to learn about Bazin, nor am I here to learn how the fine points of color sampling; I want to learn how to direct and light.

Also, if any FSU or Austin grads want to chime in I'd really appreciate the feedback. Or feedback from anyone who turned those programs down and why. Just trying to figure this out. Thanks!
 
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If you can't afford it, don't do it. My experience has involved having to buy something that the school doesn't have, whether its a lens, filter, sound mixer, or something non-equipment wise such as props, craft services or production design. Most of all, if you have to buy your own film or memory cards, you're toast. Save up before you go, its the stupid little stuff that gets you in film school. Don't do a RED purchase or anything if film school is your goal, renting is much easier as a student but it will still probably come out of your own pocket in the end.
 
Yeah I don't think I'd be in the market for a red for the next decade or so. I have a little money for living expenses and misc gear, but will probably end up taking out $100,000 in loans for either program.

I made a little under $2000 freelancing this year, supplementing that with other stuff, but I had to move back with the parents and need a leg up. Need to bring my work to a professional level. Figure this can provide that and the kind of conceptual framework a director or DP needs. On the other hand, if it doesn't, I'll have to flee the country from loan collection officers. I'm certainly attending, I guess mostly just choosing between those two programs now.
 
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Again, I only went to an ungrad program and thought I learned quite a bit, but I'd had a very small exposure to film before that. For that amount of debt, I really don't think a graduate program in Film is really worth it. If you're truly dedicated and interested in doing these types of things as a profession, you can learn a lot just from reading books the schools would use and watching the films that they would watch. Read articles and papers on the significance of major cultural and artistic films, and analyze their influence. Watch a bunch of "classics", they're called such for good reason. I've got nothing against higher education, but the expense (for now) doesn't seem worth the payoff, especially against the cost of just buying the books. One of the only other major benefits of school is that they make you work, shoot films/write/act/etc. so you have something when you come out of the program. You can do this on your own time without the crazy amount of money spent on the credentials of a school. Get your own camera, a cheap one even, just to practice your craft. Shoot as much as you can. Hone it to focus on certain aspects or exercises such as blocking, staging, lighting, etc. Once you get a feel for them all, combine them and work with what you have. It's hard enough saving the money to get all the equipment you need when you don't already have debt to pay off. Just know that there are other ways, and film is a very competitive industry, both above and below the line.
 
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