Hey!
I have applied to MFA film programs in New York and Los Angeles, but of recent I’ve been looking into universities in Chicago particularly DePaul University and Columbia College. Upon my research online I found that both schools have great film programs but I want to know more from anyone who has attended both or chose one over the other, or who knows these schools well!
Which film program offers a (more) rigorous, creative, intimate atmosphere, and why?
Please don’t hold back!
My son has been accepted to both schools for his undergrad in film production. He really likes DePaul’s connection to Cinespace. Where did you do your undergrad? Did you major in film? My D is finishing up her Master’s in Digital Storytelling at Ball State Un. It was an impressive program with a tight knit cohort. It has been a very positive experience for her and she is looking into Phd programs so she can teach at a collegiate level.
My son noted the Columbia College program as well as DePaul. Have you made your choices CEO yet? Can you offer thoughts on both? Thanks.
My son and I just returned from visiting both Columbia and DePaul to look at their film programs. We found much to like about both and my son has not made a decision yet. But here are some pros for each: Columbia has its own production facility with state of the art equipment, it offers training on 16mm and 35mm film as well as digital cameras, and it offers a more intensely creative environment due to all students at the college focusing on the arts. DePaul appears to have more cameras overall for cinematography students and more industry standard equipment availability (DePaul students gushed about having access to good equipment for independent projects as opposed to having to be signed up for a class in order to get access as is mostly the case at Columbia), it has a partnership with a professional studio in town–Cinespace–and teaches some classes right there using state of the art equipment, and it has always taught film and TV as a part of one program, which allows students to broaden their skill sets more easily–Columbia is in the process of merging theirs, but it remains to be seen how well it will work.
Hello all - any update to your son’s decision MinnMom2015? My D is considering DePaul for 2018 admission and we have not been to visit the campus yet.
Immq64 = My son is attending UNCSA instead of DePaul. He is loving it there. They have a very strong film program and he loves being surrounded by all the arts. If you haven’t heard of it you might want to take a look at the program. Good luck to your daughter!
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