<p>I have always dreaded the question about my career goals in the future, because as a freshman in highschool I could not answer with any kind of certainty. Now, as a junior - I have an answer. I want to put my immense love for writing and film together. I know it sounds corny, maybe even cliche, but when I was younger I thought acting was glamorous. I've participated in every school play and every filming excursion made by those in my school since, but I know my own abilities. I know very well that my true passion for the field does not lie in acting, but in the industry that presents so much opportunity. I'd like to be a screenwriter. I feel that I can portray the emotions of characters well through my writing and give depth to a story - whether it be my own, or someone elses.</p>
<p>As far as my career as a student, I volunteer frequently and expect to complete 150 hours by the end of my senior year. I have an overall gpa of 3.8 - which with all my ap courses will weigh out at a 4.0. [Though, I'm not counting on the weight to pull me through by any means. I took the courses because they demanded more from me and hopefully this will bode well.] Due to my extreme lack of coordination, I try to refrain from sports :) for others sake. This worries me, because I know that colleges look upon sports as a great way to tell your level of commitment and teamwork. I am a member of my drama club, enviormental club, and volunteer for my church on a regular baMost sis, as well as all of the activities I participate in outside of school for drama. Writing-wise, I hav taken all the courses my school offers. [Creative writing, the ap. English courses, and next year I will take a Film Studies course.]</p>
<p>I would love to learn anything I possibly could about the best colleges for study in this field in or around Kentucky. If it comes down to it, I would be willing to go out of state if it meant attending a college better suited for me. Most important to me is the education in screenwriting and film that I could obtain from the college that I choose. Any place where studying abroad or hands-on experience is possible, otherwise, I'm quite open. Thank you so very much for taking time out of your day to help someone who is unsure. :D I greatly applaud those on this site who dedicate time to things such as this. In my small highschool, you can rarely depend on our counsler [ who has her own son ] to answer all your questions.</p>
<p>I forgot to mention ; I’ve applied and auditioned for a summer program called Governor’s School for the Arts, in the areas of creative writing and drama. It is a three-week extensive program where I can earn college credit - if I get in, that is. I’ll know on April 14-15th. Cross your fingers for me please! :)</p>
<p>Hi! I’ve actually looked quite a bit into this topic on my own, because I also have an interest in screenwriting. I’ve changed my mind about wanting to pursue a career in screenwriting, but I do still have some good information on the topic from back when I was dreaming of Hollywood!</p>
<p>If you are seriously interested in going into the entertainment industry – like, Hollywood movies – University of Southern California is undoubtedly your best bet; it’s considered by most to have the best film program in the country, including a major in screenwriting. It far from home, but it would be worth it. </p>
<p>Also check out: Chapman University (lesser known, but possibly just as good as USC…very up-and-coming), UCLA (nationally ranked film/television department, especially good for screenwriting), and California Institute of the Arts (founded by Walt Disney!)</p>
<p>There are some other schools that have excellent film programs, but being farther from California, they more often produce the alternative, film-festival style screenwriters. That could be good too though, so definately look into:
Emerson
NYU
Wesleyan U
Bennington
Columbia</p>
<p>Something I also looked into was graduate programs for screenwriting. It’s becoming more and more common! I know that USC, UCLA and Chapman offer graduate programs where you can work with student directors in making films during graduate programs. I know they’re all also very competetive for grad programs (USC’s graduate film school acceptance rate is about 3%, and they rejected Steven Speilburg…three times…) Just something to think about though.</p>
<p>USC, NYU, LMU, UCLA, Emerson, and Wesleyan all came to mind until you said close to Kentucky. Sorry, I really can’t think of anything near there.</p>
<p>USC is in the process of completing a $150 million dollar cinema complex. It is state of the art in every way. The faculty is top notch and contacts with the entertainment industry are strong.
Not as well known is the fantastic library for the school which includes archives and films from Warner Brothers and other studios as well as personal memorabilia from many Hollywood personalities.
On the art and film forum are videos posted by KOHR. These explain the various programs within SCA. I strongly urge you to view these. They give insight into the opportunities available for students at SCA and comments by faculty members.</p>
<p>thanks for the suggestions everyone!<br>
I will be taking time out to research each one and find the right fit for me.
I have been seriously considering the graduate program for screenwriting at UCLA - but sadly, Kentucky hasn’t seemed to be offering me many choices.</p>
<p>I would love to apply to a film school in Cali, but the expense would be outrageous for me. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Figure out your finances. Do a trial FAFSA - does your EFC (expected family contribution) suggest you would be eligible for need-based financial aid? If not, figure out your budget - how much are your parents willing to contribute, how much can you contribute with your own jobs, how much would you be willing to borrow?</p>
<p>;] thank you Midwest! I’ve been scouring the internet and pouring over books for the past few weeks when it hit me - I’m nearly a senior and I feel unprepared. Your suggestion about DePauls in Chicago was very helpful.</p>
<p>I’ve been considering the possibility of completing my undergrad. studies at a university in or around Ky - and by then, if I’m smart about it - I could have the finances and such to pursue my grad. studies in UCLA’s screenwriting program. They have an AMAZING set-up there, but seeing as how I would be an out of stater and money is tight, I doubt I could jump right into that.</p>
<p>I checked in on USC ( and I loved the depth of the program ) and I’m going to go over all the options with my mom. I just want her to know how committed I am to the idea of going out of state to get the best education in the field.</p>
<p>Some great film schools have been covered however, I’m not of the opinion that film schools develop screen writers any more successfully than a creative writing major. Having said that connections are important and grad work at a place like USC can certainly help with that. </p>
<p>Whether that is a better use of time and money than just moving to L.A. and working out of a one-room office/bedroom is debatable. Keep in mind that the new screenwriter is a former exotic dancer from Minneapolis. </p>
<p>When you get to meet a big time screenwriter/director (Lynch, Tarantino, Coen Brothers etc.) ask them what role music had on their script from the get-go. You won’t be sorry you did. ;)</p>
<p>I absolutely agree with your point about what might be a better use of time and money CT. I have also checked out Centre College - and I’m considering adding this on my list of where to apply to.</p>
<p>Also agree w/ ctyankee. I suggest you look into Wesleyan U, also…they have a well-known film studies program and their alums have a presence in Hollywood (though they graduated Michael Bay…ouch). I THINK they have a fairly good English program, too, being a liberal arts school.</p>
<p>There’s also Oberlin, if you don’t want to move too far away. Creative writing’s strong there.</p>
I just want her to know how committed I am to the idea of going out of state to get the best education in the field.</p>