Canada -> LA for Film. Need advice

State Forums
1

I’m a Canadian citizen that’s interested in studying in Los Angeles. I’m in my late 20s but don’t have a bachelor’s degree. I went to college, but my education would be equivalent to an associates degree here.

My dream would be to relocate to Los Angeles to work in the film/tv industry at a studio or network in development. Naturally, I’m interested in attending either UCLA or USC. I’m asking for advice on what I should do.

  1. Do an undergrad in LA. This would put me about $250K(!!!) in debt (I’m not rich) with no guarantee of getting an H-1B visa. (Date while I’m here and hope someone marries me)

  2. Do an undergrad bachelor of arts in Canada. Cost would be $50K. Only problem is I’m not sure if any company would sponsor me for a J-1 Visa that would allow me to work in the States as an intern for one year. Then I could possibly convert to H-1B but no guarantee that it would be approved.

  3. If option #2 fails, pursue grad school in LA. How common is it for USC or UCLA to accept grad students right after doing their undergrad? I would have a bit of work experience with internships at this point, but I’m not sure what program would be right for me. I like the idea of a business + film program (like Business Cinematic Arts at USC but it’s an undergrad). I know programs like the Peter Stark Producing Program are extremely competitive. Are there any programs that aren’t extremely competitive and want years of work experience? Is Cinema and Media Studies (MA) competitive? The program is offered at both schools.

2

From a financial standpoint, you should do your undergrad in Canada and then move to California.

USC grad school is highly competitive. I don’t think there’s such a thing as not extremely competitive schools here.

3

UCLA would be a lot cheaper for you, if you establish residency in California first.

4

Those programs in USC/UCLA are supper supper competitive with acceptence rates of <4%. USC’s program actually has the highest rank in the world and UCLA is not far behind (3rd). Some argue that to get into these 2 programs is harder than to get into Stanford and Harvard!
But the good thing is that most of the top 10 programs are actually in LA, and are much easier to get into them, such as, LMU.

5

@uclaparent9 , then again, my work mate’s daughter just got in to USC School of Cinematic Arts. 3.5 - 3.6 Mercer Island High School. Some APs and Honors - not a whole lot. Two Cs since 9th grade, both in math. ADD kid with extended time on the ACT, after 5 or 6 tries and relentless practice at a Kirkland-based prep. place, worked her way from a 19 to a 30.

But she’s quirky. Her samples and her essay played on her disability, and she got in.

I always say when people throw out the acceptance rate, “X% of what?”.

I am by no means suggesting that USC film is easy to get into.

But I would bet all my money - every red cent - that it’s easier than Harvard or Stanford. I think that is simply preposterous.

I think the key for film is (1) make the academic cut, which isn’t as high as people think, and (2) make somebody there want to meet you.

That’s what my colleague’s daughter did.

For frame of reference, here were her other admits and rejections:

St. Olaf - Admit
Northeastern - Admit
Puget Sound - Admit with merit $$
USC Cinema - Admit
Berkeley - Rejected
UCLA - Rejected
Boston College - Rejected
University of Washington - Admitted
University of Washington Honors College - Denied

No. Getting into SC film is not harder than Stanford or Harvard. Well, if you have no creativity, then it is, because without that, it’s essentially impossible.

6

Hopefully I am wrong.
Wish you the best!