<p>Does anyone have any thoughts on the Film Program here? I was accepted and want to learn as much as I can before making a full commitment. Anything will help, thanks.</p>
<p>I am currently doing the undergrad film program and focusing on commercials. </p>
<p>Over all - it’s very hands on. Your first two terms at Art Center are the only ones where you’re bombarded with theory – after that, you’re shooting and learning at the same time. </p>
<p>It’s the best film school in the US if you do commercials and music video’s. Huge emphasis on professionalism and creating marketable products that hold ground in the real world (commercials, music videos, etc) vrs. narrative short films. Most of the hard working and serious students are doing commercials and having minor success after graduation due to a lack of good ideation/self brandability/amount of work on their reel - most students don’t make enough projects because when you go to school year-round there isn’t enough time to conceptualize and shoot. </p>
<p>You’ll find school goes by very fast. A lot of directors get signed at production companies quickly after or during school to do commercials/music videos, but they don’t work enough to support themselves for various reasons. </p>
<p>And, no - Michael Bay never comes around or helps out his old alma mater. However; Tarsem (film director - the cell, the fall) does come around and has a very inspiring presence/story which gets students fired-up and driven to break into commercials. </p>
<p>They just got a new undergrad department chair (Ross Lamana) three years ago who is pushing to make students a success anyway he can which is great. Lamana has been vastly improving the program. </p>
<p>Maybe I’m brainwashed and too in the “Art Center bubble” but I think the school has been worth my time and money. Is it better then AFI? Probably not. Is it better then USC or Chapman? Yes, I think so. </p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>