<p>Hello all! I've been narrowing down my options and would very much like some advice.</p>
<p>Will I be able to take advantage of the Film Studies department as well as get film production work though either internships and/or other classes at Hampshire or U Mass or suchlike? I'm a hard worker and I've been planning on doing my best to make this work out for me. But how supportive will Mount Holyoke be in helping me work this out? How much can I expect there to be open for the taking in comparison to how much I should plan on researching and finding out for myself? I heard that MoHo has specific internships for screenwriting, so info like that would be very helpful. Really anything would be great. I was hoping to get plane tickets out to MoHo so I could meet with the Film Studies professors, but that is currently in flux. </p>
<p>This is an issue mainly because I was accepted to Smith as well. They seem to have less going on in terms of film, but I...am not so sure of the atmosphere I get from MoHo (though I love the woods and lakes!) as I am about Smith after touring both last summer. I'm caught between a school that I feel strongly towards vs a school I love and is possibly more practical for my intended major. </p>
<p>So advice would be absolutely appreciated. I know there are some active parents and alumni out there, so have at me!</p>
<p>I would encourage you to contact the chair of the department, Robin Blaetz, phone: 413-538-2984 or e-mail <a href=“mailto:rblaetz@mtholyoke.edu”>rblaetz@mtholyoke.edu</a> .</p>
<p>There’s a film studies major at the Five Colleges Consortium that allows you to study at both. So far the program has been approved by, if I’m not mistaken, MHC, Smith and Hampshire, but Amherst and UMass are expected to follow suit soon.</p>
<p>Thanks a ton! Do you have a daughter involved with film at Mount Holyoke at present? </p>
<p>@Ghostt</p>
<p>I’ve been checking it out for a couple of weeks, since my acceptances have gotten back to me, but I’m curious in regards to Amherst and U Mass’s stance on the five college major. Can you specify more as to how are they have not approved the major?</p>
<p>Best of luck and if there is anything I can help you with, let me know! My daughter had a fabulous experience at Mount Holyoke and I’m happy to help where I can!</p>
<p>It appears as though there is a rather broad selection of courses beyond the three requirements on the initial web page…again, please contact Robin Blaetz, Chair, to get the complete picture…it’s much better than putting your future in the hands of well meaning CC-ers!!! :D</p>
<p>^ I worked my way though reading all of them and it looks like I’d be pretty content with it (theory PLUS production and documentry film EEEE!) </p>
<p>I’ve also emailed the chair, let’s hope a responce comes soon. </p>
<p>hahha, part of me knows you’re right about getting too much advice from CC. :)</p>
<p>Your thread caught my eye because I too have been accepted to Moho and Smith (as a transfer student), and I’m interested in the film studies program. I am still waiting to hear from a few other schools, but I am putting a deposit down for either Smith or Moho just in case (it’s due on May 1rst). </p>
<p>Have you made a decision? Did you manage to contact Robin Blaetz?</p>
<p>I visited both campuses but really only experienced MHC because I did an overnight. Unfortunately, when I went to Smith no one showed for the tour that day, so they just handed us a map and had us wander around ourselves.</p>
<p>I ended up choosing Smith for several reasons, including financial aid, rep of the school, location, and gut feeling. </p>
<p>I toured last week and had a chance to sit down with the head at Smith’s Film Department (Alexandra Keller) and an Engineer/Film Studies senior who has a two-year job lined up for her at a film company when she graduates. From what I gather, Film Studies at Smith is going to involve some more “traditional” approaches than say, Hampshire. But, you can always take classes there if you’d like to expand your filmy areas. Production and documentary classes are offered in minority, and equipment is decent with Mac computers, camcorders, Final Draft, Final Cut Pro, ect. There is at least one abroad program specifically for film, but Smith sounds very good about lending equipment out if you would rather make projects in other countries. I’ve heard that several hard core production students at Smith like to do most of their non-theory classes at U Mass. </p>
<p>Basically, Smith and MoHo are going to be offering mainly theory and it will be up to you as to how involved with outside projects and off-campus resources you get. Personally, I chose Smith’s film over MoHo’s, Hampshire’s, Bard’s and Sarah Lawrence’s because I wanted to be well-rounded in my knowledge of Science and History in addition to Film while having very strong school support in locating jobs (paid internships are not unique to Smith, but they are willing to prep you for interviews, teach you to write up resumes, email you jobs relative to you intended major every couple of days, and even take out suits from the college to use). Their science department is great and I plan to merge my interests in Film and Bio/Environmental Science so it felt like the best fit. </p>