<p>My DS has a passion for filmmaking, but doesn't have the amazing grades to get into schools like USC, NYU, or probably Emerson. He is a very hands-on person, and needs a program where he can use the equipment; one that is not so "theory based." Any suggestions? Thanks!</p>
<p>One of my best friends in high school ranked very high in our class but dropped out of college freshman year because he wanted more of a “hands-on” experience. He went to a technical school and thrived, having a great career. So, if you are not especially looking for a more traditional “college experience,” take a look at Colorado Film School. I’ve been impressed by these guys and their reputation is growing. The best part: it’s relatively cheap even for OOS students and you can go for a two year or four year degree.</p>
<p>[Colorado</a> Film School - Study Directing, Writing, Producing, Cinematography, Post Production, Acting for the Screen](<a href=“http://www.coloradofilmschool.net/]Colorado”>http://www.coloradofilmschool.net/)</p>
<p>Ditto on the film school at Boulder, CO.</p>
<p>Also, Temple, in Philadelphia, is more lenient on grades and has good merit aid. The film program also has a situation in which students can spend a semester in L.A. (and once upon a time: London) studying film. It might be intriguing.</p>
<p>[Temple</a> University Undergraduate Bulletin - DTFMA/General](<a href=“http://www.temple.edu/bulletin/academic_programs/schools_colleges/dtfma/intro/generalinfo/dtfma_generalinfo.shtm]Temple”>http://www.temple.edu/bulletin/academic_programs/schools_colleges/dtfma/intro/generalinfo/dtfma_generalinfo.shtm)</p>
<p>I’ve heard good things about SCAD but honestly - once you are in they’re system they hound the students (and sometimes parents) relentlessly to fill out the application - emails, personal phone calls, etc. It’s a for profit, but the film program is very hands on. The recruitment process, however can border on annoying.</p>
<p>Other film schools aren’t necessarily focused on grades. B students can and are accepted by many schools (despite the advertised stats) if they create a compelling case via their essays and answers on their supplemental apps, or have a strong portfolio. </p>
<p>Hence, don’t automatically rule other schools out. I’ve seen parents “overthink” this process and steer their kids in the wrong direction. A “B” student with A’s and B’s and an occasional C is not out of the ballpark. B students with many C’s or D’s among the A’s will likely not be good candidates for the most competitive programs.</p>
<p>UNCSA’s School of Filmmaking in Winston-Salem, NC
<a href=“http://www.uncsa.edu/admissions/admissions_film.htm[/url]”>http://www.uncsa.edu/admissions/admissions_film.htm</a></p>
<p>Depaul in Chicago; Rutgers has a cinema studies minor and Center for Digital Filmmaking - can intern in NYC; we’re also looking into Eugene Lang in NYC and Ithaca.</p>