Best Colleges for an Aspiring Film Screenwriter?

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

<p>Basically what title says. I'm looking for good film programs for undergrad with an emphasis in Screenwriting. I've initially already made a list of colleges with reputable film programs but I'm not exactly sure how these colleges are with Screenwriting. Here's my stats:</p>

<p>Intended Major: Double Major in Classics/Humanities and Film Production (Screenwriting/Directing)</p>

<p>GPA:3.3 UW/4.2 W GPA</p>

<p>SAT: Took first in June (195). PSAT Score-189. Practice Tests Scores Ranges (2180-2290)</p>

<p>AP Courses: (Frosh-Soph) Taken 4 so far (AP Chemistry, AP World History, AP French Language, AP Human Geography)</p>

<p>AP Courses: (Junior Year) Taking 4 (AP Physics, AP US History, AP English Language and Composition, AP Statistics)--Plenty of Honors Classes through the years as well</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities (most notable):
French Honor Society Officer (1 year), Crew (1 year), Beta Club (1 year), Link Crew Leader (1 year)--as you can see I didn't really start to get involved in my ECs till this year.</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities (for Senior Year):
Crew, Newspaper Editor, Literary Magazine Editor, as well as other writing stuff</p>

<p>Awards:
None at the moment, but I'm hoping to win some Creative Writing Awards/Scholarships this summer as well as compete in some competitions (YoungARTS and Scholastic Awards).</p>

<p>Community Service:
Beta Club Hours, Volunteered at a nursing home. (200 + Hours)</p>

<p>Work Experience:
Worked at Win Dixie last year. Summer Job at Panera Bread--Working on a Summer Job at a Theater or Book Shop</p>

<p>State:
Florida</p>

<p>Ethnicity/Gender:
African American Female</p>

<p>List Of Colleges:
Reaches:
Columbia (Dream School-No high hopes, I just like there Film program for Undergrad)
NYU: Tisch School of The Arts
USC
Bard</p>

<p>Matches:
Chapman University
Loyola Marymount University
Bryn Mawr/Scripps
Kenyon</p>

<p>Safties:
FSU (Florida State University): College of Motion Picture Arts (in-state)
Bennington College
Sarah Lawrence College</p>

<p>So of these are there any with sub par screenwriting programs or notable ones? </p>

<p>Thank You</p>

2

<p>All of those schools will suit you fine for screenwriting. I beg of you to hear me out. Don’t major in screenwriting as an undergrad. Go to a college like Kenyon or Sarah Lawrence and get a really well rounded education, keep on writing, and then get an M.F.A. in screenwriting. The connections will be better, your voice will be developed, and you’ll actually have something to tell.</p>

<p>Note - Florida State may be instate, but that is not a safety if you plan on applying to their film school.</p>

3

<p>Applebeam,</p>

<p>I would add Wesleyan to your good list of schools. </p>

<p>I agree with Destinyhelp; FSU film is not a safety for anyone. FSU is a safety for you but not FSU-MPA. I can’t think of a highly thought of film school that could be considered a safety.</p>

<p>For a true safety I would recommend adding two or three colleges to your list where you apply as a non-film major. Maybe as an English or creative writing major.</p>

<p>Best,
Wheaty</p>

4

<p>I agree with Wheaty, Wesleyan would be an excellent addition, along with Vassar and Occidental.</p>

5

<p>I am so very proud of you, kid.
sorry OP, just had to be said.</p>

6

<p>^What do you mean, bears and dogs?</p>

<p>I’ve come into a problem. I’m thinking about majoring in Film Production, rather than Screenwriting but I don’t actually have any experience with Filming. I haven’t even held a camera before. And as I review some of the requirements for Undergrad Film programs I’ve noticed that some require that I produce a film. It may be easier for me if I just stick with Screenwriting as it’s the only thing I have any real experience in. What do you guys think?</p>

7

<p>I will tell you if destiny said OK</p>

<p>there are many people who know so so much more would answer your other question.</p>

8

<p>Wheaty is right, quality film schools are not safeties, but there are a lot of reputable schools in Swiss Beauties big list that aren’t as exclusive you might look at. It will take a lot of digging to find which are best for screenwriting. Film Production can be all-consuming, a double major could be difficult in 4 years. Destinyhelp is consistent and probably right about screenwriting being better as an M.F.A., but does anyone have options for the student where an undergrad degree taps all the excess money. Many undergrads are pressed just to finish in four years, what is an aspiring screenwriter to do.</p>

9

<p>jtmoney, when push comes to shove I would advise an aspiring screenwriter to study a discipline such as English or History (maybe creative writing) as an undergraduate. If there is no money left over for grad school, then teach yourself how to write screenplays. There are dozens of great books (Save the Cat, Your Screenplay Sucks!, etc.) that can help with the basics. It will be harder to break into the industry this way, but I am a firm believer that learning film studies (and in some cases film production) is a waste of time for undergraduates, especially for a screenwriter, who needs to be learning the structure of stories, developing their voice, having life experiences and learning interesting things to write about.</p>

10

<p>I just made a similar post about this in another thread. You don’t necessarily need a degree in film to work in the film industry, and you especially don’t need a screenwriting degree to be a screenwriter. If you don’t have experience with a camera than I probably wouldn’t try to go to a film school for film production. Those schools are incredibly hard to get into, you’ll be up against some of the most talented film students in the country. If you’re interested in film production and/or screenwriting check out state schools, or schools in nearby states. </p>

<p>Just because you have a film degree doesn’t mean it will be any easier to break into the industry. Unless your uncle just happens to be a Hollywood producer or something, you’re going to have to start from the bottom and work your way up just like everyone else. And those types of salaries are no good for paying back film school loans! Really breaking into the screenwriting industry can take years, decades, sometimes a whole lifetime. You have to be really, really dedicated and have a passion that can’t be harmed no matter how many people tell you that you’re not good enough. You have to be willing to work through all the bad jobs and take those pitiful salaries so that you can keep moving forward. That’s hard enough while just paying for an apartment, groceries, and bills. Let alone paying back film school tuition!</p>

<p>Find a state school that has a film/TV/electronic media/mass media program (they’re called different names at every school!). You’ll still be able to learn the production skills you’ll need, and you’ll still have plenty of time to work on your screenwriting. Even if they don’t offer screenwriting courses you can still learn a lot just by reading professional screenplays online and reading books on screenwriting.</p>

11

<p>I’m not sure what to exactly do now. I might consider just majoring in Creative Writing/English at a good college, but film production is still a consideration as well. I really don’t want to go to school in state or near my state at all. Would it be sensible if I decided to apply to schools with Film Programs and schools with notable Creative Writing/English Majors?</p>

12

<p>That would be very sensible AppleBeam. In my eyes, these are the schools that will fit your needs the best</p>

<p>Reaches</p>

<p>Wesleyan
Vassar
Columbia
NYU (I’m still against you going there for film production as an undergraduate) </p>

<p>Matches</p>

<p>Kenyon
Sarah Lawrence
Pitzer
Occidental</p>

<p>Safeties </p>

<p>Chapman
Loyola Marymount</p>

13

<p>“Would it be sensible if I decided to apply to schools with Film Programs and schools with notable Creative Writing/English Majors?”</p>

<p>This sounds like a good idea. Remember that a lot of schools won’t just call it “film production”. TV/Film programs have a dozen different names depending on the school. You could always major in some kind of production program and minor (or double major) in creative writing/English.</p>

14

<p>AppleBeam, To be frank, there’s no right or wrong way to get there, but there is an advantage of attending a strong film program. There are many schools out there that offer film production and screenwriting, but keep in mind that getting connected to the right people will give you an edge and how you sell it. It’s important to have passion, meaning endurance, hard work and long hours, not to give up, and the desire to get connected because you can’t do it alone.</p>

<p>The pros and cons of BFA vs. MFA in film. The advantage of a BFA program is you’ll be able to get started earlier in your career after you’ve graduated compared to wait until after an MFA program to get started. A BFA generally takes 4 years to complete while an MFA will take another 2 years to complete which will take a total of 6 years to complete. However, because MFA students are more schooled than BFA students, they’re usually have had more experience in film or other subject matters. Either way, you will find students both experienced and non in the grad programs in film. Those that don’t have any experience in film will be on track with some of the BFA students when it comes to knowledge and experience as a filmmaker. On the other hand, there are BFA students who have worked in the film industry or have intern experiences will probably have more filmmaking experience than some MFA students. </p>

<p>To give you another perspective, here’s an MFA student’s view from another site, “What is different is that most MFA students have gotten their BFA degrees in business, communications, law, political science, etc, etc, etc, etc. The BFA film students have none of that under their belt, they’re just working to get their degree in film. A BFA film degree is completely different than a BFA at regular schools.”</p>

<p>So my advice is whether you chose an undergrad program in film or a grad program in film, find a strong one that can support and connect you to the industry. Generally, the history or the success stories of their students will give you a hint of how strong their programs are. For example, here’s one from Chapman University. An excellent reputation from their recent grads and their success stories in the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.</p>

<p>[Sundancing</a> With Ben York Jones and Like Crazy - Page 1 - Movies - Orange County - OC Weekly](<a href=“http://www.ocweekly.com/2011-02-03/film/ben-york-jones-like-crazy-sundance/]Sundancing”>http://www.ocweekly.com/2011-02-03/film/ben-york-jones-like-crazy-sundance/)
[Ben</a> York Jones and His Chapman Pals Storm Sundance - Orange County News - Navel Gazing](<a href=“http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2011/01/ben_york_jones_sundance_chapma.php]Ben”>http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2011/01/ben_york_jones_sundance_chapma.php)
[‘Like</a> Crazy’ team will get ‘Through to You’ - latimes.com](<a href=“Archive blogs”>'Like Crazy' team will get 'Through to You')</p>

15

<p>Unfortunately, you can’t count LMU or Chapman as safties in the film programs. They are very competitive for film. FSU is a fabulous program: but again, not a safety. However… FSU will allow you to transfer in at any point. You just have to start the 3 and one half year program after you transfer. That might be a good option: go first year as a general ed person: take a lot of writing/lit/English courses then transfer in. </p>

<p>I think a screenwriter can get there from many places: English major, film major, film studies or critical studies major. If you are not sure you want production, go visit some of the programs and see what they do. </p>

<p>Have you considered; Emerson, UT-Austin, BU, and Northwestern? All considered good screenwriting programs.</p>

16

<p>I wasn’t referring to LMU or Chapman’s film programs as safeties, I was referring to their academics as being safeties. I will fight with you guys to the grave about this - she should not study film as an undergrad.</p>

17

<p>Keep in mind that Chapman has strong academic programs in other majors as well, not just in film. Here’s an example from their athletic training program: </p>

<p>"Chapman University’s Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) boasts a 30-year history of producing hundreds of graduates who are successfully employed as allied healthcare professionals and educators in various settings.</p>

<p>Combining rigorous academic coursework with clinical hands-on experiences, our program prepares students for careers and graduate studies in a variety of fields, including:</p>

<p>§ Athletic training
§ Physical or occupational therapy
§ Physician assistant or medical school
§ Nursing/nurse practitioner
§ Healthcare administration and leadership</p>

<p>New Grads are Exam Champs! </p>

<p>Here’s more evidence that Chapman ATEP graduates excel beyond the national average: 16 out of 16 from the class of 2010 passed the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, 14 of them passed on their first attempt. Our first-attempt pass rate (87.5%) continues to greatly exceed the national average of approximately 50%.</p>

<p>The class of 2010’s stellar performance continues the CU ATEP tradition of success. Since fall 2002, 88% of all Chapman AT graduates have passed the BOC exam–the majority of them doing so with their first attempt. Success with the exam is also linked to placement in graduate schools and employment, which we also track. More than 90% of CU ATEP graduates since 2002 have been accepted to graduate schools and/or secured jobs."</p>

18

<p>I think I’ve consolidated a “list” of colleges that have notable film programs as well as colleges with good English/Creative writing departments. What I’m most worried about is whether or not I’ll have a decent chance at my match/reach colleges and financial aid (my parents aren’t very well-off. . .). I feel like my GPA might hinder my chances (I’m expecting a 3.25-3.3 GPA). I’d like to know what you guys think of this list and my chances.</p>

<p>Reaches (5):
Columbia (may or may not apply to)
Wesleyan
USC: School of Cinematic Arts
Vassar
NYU: Tisch School of the Arts</p>

<p>Matches (4):
Kenyon College
Chapman University: Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
Loyola Marymount University: School Of Film and Television
Bard</p>

<p>Safeties (2):
Sarah Lawrence College
Ithaca College</p>

19

<p>If you’re worried about financial aid then honestly I would look at the most affordable college with the best program. If you’re going to have to take out a lot of loans for this then you’re not going to want to be paying the tuition cost of most of those schools. Film is an incredibly difficult industry to break into. You have to first be able to afford to live somewhere where films are being made, which might mean relocating. You also have to be able and willing to take small jobs to start climbing up the ladder, and those salaries aren’t the best for paying back college loans. I really don’t want to sound like the negative voice here, but I just like to point out the realism of things. </p>

<p>It never hurts to apply, apply, apply and see what scholarships you might get, but if you start to realize you’re going to have to rely on a lot of loans then that’s usually the time to look at other options.</p>

20

<p>Alright, October47. Thanks for the advice on aid, but do you think I have a decent chance at these colleges. I’m not sure if I picked the right matches/reaches that fit my profile.</p>