<p>Hi. This question is for another of my kid's classmates & good friend who is being enticed to attend Full Sail U in Florida. I mentioned in the other post that I am concerned about these kids (& families) falling for FSU marketing over substance. This kid specially is so sweet and hardworking; hate to see her taken advantage of.</p>
<p>She's interested in Film Production and she's always making videos for extra credit at school. I think she's an above average student, not in the top of her class. I don't know her stats but I would say she's a B+ student.</p>
<p>I saw the THR list of top 25 Film Schools, but I was wondering about other good film schools within a reasonable distance that might make her reconsider FSU. (We are in PA; I'm guessing anywhere that is on Eastern Time would be ok.)
Thanks!</p>
<p>Well, Drexel has a decent film program and it’s in PA. Hofstra has a Radio/Film/Television program, and SUNY Purchase has a decent BFA Film program (maybe the best option). The better ones (Emerson, NYU, Syracuse, BU, Ithaca maybe) are all on the list, though, and are viable options for a B+ student. I don’t know if she’s considering art schools but SVA has a good Film and Video program.</p>
<p>Thanks @Layra. I think one of the draws that Full Sail has for them is that they claim to be able to offer exposure & networking opportunities in the industry; and that they are very hands on.
(The Drexel program is attractive with the co-op but seems hard to get into - only take 64 students)</p>
<p>I just read the thread above and just want to point out (in a nice way) that you shouldn’t use the initials FSU when talking about film schools because Florida State University is a VERY well thought of film school, and also hard to get into. They wouldn’t want to get confused with Full Sail University which is a FOR PROFIT not regionally accredited technical school. If you want to learn about the mechanics of film, I understand it’s fine, but you will not get any sort of a liberal arts education. My understanding is that their credits will not transfer to a more traditional college. I would consider Full Sail a technical school in the same league with New York Film Academy.
I agree with LayraSparks’ recommendations listed above. I also understand that some NJ State colleges have film programs, such as Rowan University and Montclair State. Although coming from PA you would pay the out-of-state rate, this would still be significantly less than the top private schools. My D also had a friend who went to one of the California state schools for film production. Don’t know much about them, but worth checking out.
FYI - to the best of my knowledge, Drexel’s program as well as the NJ state schools don’t require a film portfolio to get into.
As far as exposure and networking is concerned, this is mostly a function of the student’s effort, wherever they go. They have to put themselves out there (films on youtube or vimeo), enter films in competitions, look for industry summer internships and network with everyone they know. Good luck!</p>
<p>Many people think of networking as finding connections with people in the industry. In fact, the most important networking you will do is with your fellow students, including upper-classmen. If you make yourself valuable to as many of your fellow students as possible on lots of films, those who end up in the film industry will know you and reach out to you or recommend you for work. My advice: Surround yourself in school with the best (you’ll know who they are).</p>
<p>I’ve got three for you that are east coast and not on the THR list: American University, University of Miami and Ohio University. Miami would seem to be the best combination amongst these three of accreditation and sun. However, a B+ is at best a push to get in. I think American’s got a nice program, they parlay Washington DC and public television being in their backyard to their advantage. I’ve heard consistently good things about Ohio U, but unless you live in Ohio it might be hard to get excited about going there.</p>
<p>Savannah College of Art and Design also has a strong film program. I have a friend whose son is a sophomore film major there and is already working on a high-profile documentary about ALS. Much cheaper than NYU! </p>
<p>Temple also has a film program, but I have not heard anything about it. Might be a good spot for your friend because it is very affordable for in-state students and perhaps she could either transfer later or do a one-year master’s at a more prestigious film school. </p>
<p>I had friends that visited and considered Full Sail a few years ago for music production, but ultimately were turned off by its lack of accreditation. </p>