ashymustard-from what I know, yes the single most important thing in the application process is the actual portfolio. Same goes for VCUARTS photo program (which is also very very competitive and highly limited to just a few acceptance each year).
@ashymustard - Obviously disregard the last post. As detailed by @JBStillFlying, UCLA’s undergraduate film program does NOT accept a portfolio. So it simply cannot be the “single most important thing” for UCLA. This is just incorrect information provided by a poster with no firsthand knowledge regarding this school.
@lkhj419 - Despite your focus on California schools which it seems will be most affordable for you (are you in-state?), we find ourselves back at VCU Arts. This is a wholly non-germane, inapplicable segue. First, the school is expensive for out of state students. Second, the school has no substantial recognition for film or animation. Even taking into account the ad nauseam references to the outdated and somewhat suspect USNWR MFA school rankings, film/animation is not one of the criterion for those rankings. The closest category is time-based media for which VCU Arts is not even ranked.
You are both looking for film, animation, media…Stick to the basics. Of course economics play a critical role; one that is also very personal to you. But the top schools in these areas have been doing it for years. They do not really require promotion. You’ve already listed and focused on them. Just ignore the white noise…
i would suspect just like the art portfolio is the single most important component for all the other potential art school majors, so is the film portfolio. Thats’ not to say grades don’t matter, they do . But a outstanding portfolio goes a long way to justify admissions.
@stones3 - I think you are missing the point. Regarding UCLA specifically, what you are posting is just not accurate. UCLA Film BA consists of 2 years of regular undergraduate coursework + 2 years of coursework in the major. No portfolio, including no DVD, CD or film work is accepted. Applicants must gain admission as they would to any mainstream undergraduate school, based on their high school transcript, test scores, personal statement, extracurriculars, et. al.
here are the facts with a simple cut and paste -ABOUT THE PROGRAM
For freshmen, the Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television is a four-year program consisting primarily of two years of general college studies and two years of major coursework. The Department of Film, Television and Digital Media (FTVDM) admits new students only once each year for the Fall Quarter.
ABOUT APPLICATIONS
Together, all of the application materials will provide the admissions committee a clear and compelling picture of who you are. The application materials should include your significant life experiences, your most important personal traits and greatest strengths, your special creative talents, your values and goals in life, and your vision for the kind of work you hope to pursue.
An applicant should demonstrate a strong liberal arts and humanistic education, exceptional literacy, outstanding communication skills and unique creative ability. Prior experience in film and television is not required.-
So while prior experience is not required, I for one maintain it would still be a positive life experience and compliment a application.
Again, @stones3, you are missing the point. The school DOES NOT accept portfolios in the typical way undergraduate Fine Arts programs such as RISD and Pratt do. There is nothing the matter with this and it is by no means a criticism of the school. However, to the extent to which one is giving advice to prospective applicants, one should be accurate in the information conveyed.
see above is simple cut and paste FROM THE SCHOOLS WEBSITE. Always check directly and as is spelled out in plain English for all to read and requires no third party interpretation. Certainly doesn’t need the bloated rhetoric of …