DS is deciding between LMU Production (Film and Television) and UT Austin RTF.
We will be touring both schools this coming week, but wonder if anyone has insight re which program is better for someone whose professional goal is to direct films. COA are the same (OOS for Texas, partial merit at LMU).
I am bumping because I would truly appreciate opinions re which of these two well rated program will offer him better training and job connections. Thanks.
Both have excellent film programs, but different advantages. Your choice DS’s choice will depend on what factors are important to him. Here are a few points to consider:
- locale. LA is the home of the industry. If he wants to work there, LMU is the better choice. They have hundreds of internships and partnerships within the entertainment world. That said, Austin is a lively city with a booming film industry. Great place for indie filmmaking. UT also has LA study abroad programs.
- college experience. If a big university experience (with sports, greek life, school spirit, tons of clubs, etc) is important, then UT is the better choice. Academic rigor in many programs at UT challenging for many students that’s have never had a B. The liberal arts core foundation has been compared to Ivies.
- cost. In our search for film programs, this is the biggest determining factor. If you’re in state at LMU, then your cost at UT is likely much higher. If cost doesn’t matter to you, God bless you :) mitigating debt for a film degree helps job opportunities afterwards.
The film programs at both at excellent. You won’t make a bad choice between the two. After touring both, I think you’ll get a better sense of fit.
Have now toured both schools. Facilities and resources at UT Austin/Moody seem so much better. Things like access to equipment and soundstage time, not to mention the physical buildings. I wonder how strong the Longhorn alum network is in Los Angeles in hooking up the new grad with opportunities.
Moved this thread to college selection; hoping to receive more input here. Thanks.
Try asking in the film major subforum: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/
S19 is applying to both schools for film. We’re in-state for UT Austin, and he’d probably pick UT between the two only because school spirit/sports is important to him. That said…
If working in LA and directing films is the only thing that matters, LMU is the better choice - by far. The industry connections (400+ partner companies?) for SFTV is unmatched, save SCA. Hollywood Masters on Netflix is only possible because of their connectivity. I read that LMU film prod accept rate may be as low as 10% this year (don’t quote me on that). Take LMU film prod 
Other positives for LMU:
- New Playa Vista facility open in June, 50k sqft dedicated to the grad film program, but opens up more industry partnerships for SFTV as a whole. I'd guess the new facility would benefit undergrad film students as well.
- New SFTV dean seems like she has great plans for the film program to be an even bigger influence in the industry.
Agree that location REALLY matters when it comes to the entertainment industry. (That’s why my DD chose LMU for Theater). Think about internships. At our tour our guide was only a sophomore and he had done 2 internships already. Alumni network, too. He can probably get as much outside experience as he has time for in LA.
D19 Just met with LMU Film students (grad and undergrad) who were nice enough to speak with us on an impromptu visit. We left even more impressed with the program. The film school has their own career center for internships/job placement, separate from the main LMU career center.
I’m curious, where did DS decide to attend?