<p>Originally I started my engineering program but my heart is really in film directing and editing. Im a little nervous about job outlook in film but I feel my passion will drive me to success. I just want a great school to go to but can't afford to leave Florida with no scholarships. That you guys :)</p>
<p>Here is a video I filmed and edited for a friend of mine. Only formal film class i have taken so far is Intro to editing (FCP) looking forward to learning much more.</p>
<p>Florida State University and Ringling College of Art and Design.</p>
<p>Of course, you can look outside of Florida and see what kind of financial aid/merit aid you could get as well.</p>
<p>FSU: fabulous program, but takes at least one summer semester to complete, and very competitive for entrance
Ringling: especially good for animation
Univeristy of Central Florida: also a great program, and in a great city</p>
<p>Thank you guys, I have been hearing great things about FSU’s program lately. I’m coming in as a transfer student, I don’t know what exactly they look for to get in that makes it so tough but I guess I’ll have to find out.</p>
<p>H Alexqd3, You are getting great advice here from those who “wrote the book” on film schools! I agree with maddenmd on all points. I’ve heard great things about FSU, and have personal experience with both Ringling and UCF. One kiddo is currently a student at Ringling (not film) and another is a recent UCF grad. As a parent I couldn’t be more pleased with these colleges, both just terrific and (more importantly) my kids also think they’re wonderful. I do know the ditial film program at Ringling has been getting quite a bit of attention, has won Student Academy Awards, has new production facilities backed by big names, and is on the Hollywood Reporter list of the top 25 best film schools. I don’t know anything about the UCF film program, but the college itself is impressive. They “walk the walk” in making the students a priority and seem to be investing in all the right things (programs, infrastructure, etc.) to give a terrific education at a great value. It’s the second largest university in the country so there’s lots of opportunity for networking, which has served my recent grad well! The campus is east of what most people think of as Orlando, so it’s very safe and also both modern and pretty! My daughter had an awesome college experience; lots of campus activities, great sports programs, beautiful housing, etc. Almost all her friends had Bright Futures scholarships so even if their parents lived nearby they lived in campus housing, or as they got older, the apartments in the area. One other thought: I know Daytona State College has a top photography program, and graduates from there are guaranteed admission into the 4 yr. universitites; do you know if they offer film as well? My niece is currently a photo major there and loves it. There are several Pulitzer prize winning photographers that are DSC alumni. Might be worth looking into! Good luck!</p>
<p>FSU is one of the places that seems to embrace transfers. All entering film students start in year one of a three year film program. So if you go in having completed more than once year at another school, just be sure you understand your are committing to three more there. If you haven’t visited these schools and can do so, it is really worth taking the trip to see them.<br>
Colcon: so good to hear your kids are so happy at their schools, and good to hear of the developments at Ringling. They really do have an up and coming program.</p>
<p>maddenmd, Thank you! That is high praise coming from you. It’s always nice to hear positive feedback about a school in which we have an interest!</p>
<p>When my S was a senior in high school , the valedictorian, who could have been accepted by any number of top tier colleges, applied only to UCF, for film. No one at his New England high school had ever heard of the place, and the general consensus was that he was nuts to go there and his parents were nuts to let him. He now has a career in film, and one of his short subjects was an official selection at the SXSW Film Festival this year. He knew what he was doing!</p>
<p>Congrats on the South By Soutwest Film Fest! Awesome!</p>
<p>Congrats from me as well… For motivated students willing to work collaboratively with the best other students in film school, making contacts through upperclass students and alumni, and willing to go where the jobs are, finding work in the film industry is not as hard as you might suspect. There are three aspects to film schools:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The opportunities for making films, leading projects and also working for others; the more the better, IMHO.</p></li>
<li><p>The quality of instruction, which is related to the experience of the faculty and the quality of equipment/labs/facilities available.</p></li>
<li><p>(MOST IMPORTANT) Getting involved with talented, driven individuals who live and breathe FILM.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>And while I think you have a chance of finding #3 at most any school, the chances of finding them at one of the “name” schools is higher.</p>