Hi there, I am a senior in HS and I am wondering about the engineering programs and filmmaking/screenwriting programs (or VES) at Harvard. I’m really interested in both of those subject areas, and I’m not really sure which one is stronger at Harvard. In the future, I’d like to write movies and/or run some sort of startup-esque film/photography equipment company. I’ve been writing and filmmaking since the sixth grade, but I’ve never really taken school courses about either of them.
From what I’ve heard, Harvard isn’t necessarily a top dog in film/engineering, but within Harvard itself, which one would be a stronger choice of study?
Would I be jobless after college if I were to pursue either of those at Harvard?
Is there a stronger, similar, more reputable subject area at Harvard that I can look into? I really like chemistry, Chinese, and environmental science as well. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Check out this article from the Crimson: http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2014/10/7/arts-cover-ves-film-track/?page=1. At Harvard you’ll be making “art films” with a Nikon 5D. At NYU, Columbia, UCLA, even Emerson you’ll be making films on Industry standard Aria Alexa’s and Red Epic/Dragon’s and submitting them to Sundance, Cannes et al. If you want filmmaking, as opposed to Liberal Arts, it’s not even a close comparison.
Many Harvard alumni have significant careers in the film industry, as writers, actors, directors, producers, and pretty much every other role people can play in that industry. But hardly any of them concentrated in Visual and Environmental Studies at Harvard. They studied other things, and then brought their intellect and energy to bear on filmmaking. Furthermore, the VES department isn’t really anything like a film school. Film school teaches you how to make professional-quality films. Harvard more or less teaches you how to be an intelligent critic of films – someone who knows enough about the process to appreciate what the director and screenwriters are doing.
^^@gibby, thanks for posting the Crimson article. Very interesting program. The “top” film programs are very much like music conservatories, with intensive hands-on practical experience. But the VES major sounds like a really innovative and creative program, which might be a great fit for some students.