Boston College Film Program

Colleges and Universities A-Z Boston College
1

Has anyone had any experience with Boston College’s film program (Or theater program)? I did some research on their website, and it seems pretty solid, but I haven’t heard much buzz about it the same way you would hear about Wesleyan or Northwestern.

2

Boston U. is stronger in those area’s

3

I’m a Freshman doing a Film minor and the classes are good! Screenwriting is one of my personal favorites. Professor is very chill and laid back, and the class is engaging. If you are going to BC with the intent of a film MAJOR, I’d maybe say no, but if it’s a secondary/side interest, I’d say go for it! :slight_smile:

4

Whether it’s BC, USC, or NYU, going to film school is a waste of time and money

5

@Dontskipthemoose:
Can you elaborate?

6

@jpm50 You can do some research or watch videos on youtube on whether film school is worth it or not, but the general consensus is that it’s not worth the money. Even Werner Herzog states that you can the basics of filmmaking that film schools teach for 3 years in about a week on your own. In order to get better, you need to actually go out and gain experience shooting film and editing. But just a few reasons why film school is overrated is that:

  1. Film school curriculum is outdated. It hasn't been updated since the 1960's/70's. During those times, it was necessary to go to film school to have access to expensive cameras and equipment. Nowadays, you can shoot with your phone and gain more experience.

For instance, one of the first classes you take at NYU’s film school is called Sequencing. You take still images and “learn” how to put that together. You are basically making a slideshow and you do that for one semester.

  1. You don't actually use a camera and start filming for a while. It is better to work on sets or work on your own projects and and shoot your own stuff. You will learn more from experience.
  2. Just because you go to a film school means you will be hired. There are a lot of film school grads that can't find jobs in the industry, while directors like Quentin Tarantino, James Cameron, and Christopher Nolan never went to film school.