<p>No, a portfolio film isn’t required for all colleges, and it actually isn’t required for NYU. I had some experimental filmmaking things lying around at the time of my application, but I was actually accepted to NYU Tisch’s film program without submitting any film at all. You are allowed to replace it with a short narrative that depicts your storytelling ability, and I had short stories that I knew were stronger than the limited things I had gotten to do with visuals. I think getting into any film school is definitely tangible, you just have to know what they’re looking for because schools vary on what they really want to see. However, almost all schools favor storytelling ability over technical skills or previous experience. </p>
<p>I would DEFINITELY look into USC (they’re #1 in the world and the industry connections are incredible) and LMU (Loyola Marymount University). LMU is somewhere in the 20’s in rankings but I think they are severely underrated. They have a wonderful program and an amazing environment. The professors are also excellent. </p>
<p>I also really want to stress that you don’t need to be some award-winning festival student to get into any of these schools. I got into these schools as well as Emerson and others without really any experience at all. It’s about the storytelling potential.</p>