Hi, I’m currently a junior in high school and I have recently started looking more closely at what I possibly want to major in. I know I definitely want to major in film but I’m debating between screenwriting or film production. I originally thought film production but now I not sure. I really want to pick a major that I could excel and feel comfortable about. Being a film production major sounds amazing but the only problem is that I’m not really a natural born leader so I don’t know if I would be comfortable stepping into directing or producing right away. Although what I really like about the film production major is that there are a variety of skills to be learned. On the other hand with screenwriting I’m really interested in the storytelling/ character development aspect and I am fairly good at writing (I have no idea if taking AP Lang is a good indicator of that or not). I just want an outside opinion on this subject and if it helps I’m currently going to visit LMU and Chapman over spring break. 
Thanks!
Major in one, minor in the other? Screenwriting is a tough entry field, not sure what the ratio of scripts to actually produced movies is, but have been told it is more likely to write a successful novel and have that turned into a movie. Any screenwriters with actual knowledge on the subject out there? The advantage to film production is you will learn skills and make contacts that will allow you to get below the line production work in the field maintaining contacts, working toward production, direction, screenplays. The reality is there are enormous numbers of production jobs, and a minimal number of direction and screenwriting opportunities.
Two excellent schools to visit in LA. They will both tell you that the ability to tell a compelling story is key, and for admission will want to see some evidence of that ability. Good luck. Both are difficult admits. Any other schools you want to visit while in LA? Are you local to S. Cal?
Thanks for reply that really helps in my decision. As for minor in one and major in another I was thinking I’d minor in business, is that a smart choice? Sadly I’m not a local I’m currently living in Colorado right now. For the college visits I might go visit USC but since it’s highly selective and I don’t have much experience I don’t know if I’ll apply. Also, I might go visit some schools in San Diego too. Do you have any other recommendations for other colleges to visit that might be in the LA or San Diego area?
Because you are in Colorado, take a few hours and visit Colorado Film School in Denver (one of the top 25 Film Schools according to the Hollywood Reporter). Even if you are not too interested in CFS as an option, you can at least get a look at what they have going on. Talk to the screenwriting department and students and keep an open ear/mind. Also check out their 2015 Promo on youtube.
I will definitely look more into the Colorado Film School. Also, is the film school something I should be looking at after college or now? My parents really want me to go to a four-year university so they are kind of hesitant towards the Colorado Film School now. What do you suggest?
There are a number of excellent university programs that offer film and related: Syracuse, NYU, Northwestern, FSU, BU - just to name a few. In CA there’s also UCLA, USC, and a few of the CSU’s.
There’s also UCF in Orlando but I don’t know much about the film program.
Emerson in Boston is not a university program but as a media arts school it offers a pretty broad curriculum. Columbia College in Chicago is very similar to Emerson (though less selective so many consider it a safety).
Anyway, here is the Hollywood Reporter Top 25. Some of these are concerning their master’s program so be sure to follow up on the school’s website to understand what it offers at the Bachelor’s level.:
Good luck!