Graduate School for Film!!??

Graduate School
1

<p>I am interested in studying film but I found myself in a sticky situation. I wanted NU because I knew they have an excellent program for film. But I didn't get in there :( . I chose to go to UChicago over UMich because finaid reasons and it is a CITY, not a small Michigan town like where I'm from! Anyhoo, UChicago doesn't have the greatest program for film because it is not all-encompassing like I would prefer. I want to study everything about making films, from screenwriting and directing to cinematography and film editing. I am not sure which field I would like to pursue but I want a chance to attempt each of those disciplines to see where talent lies.</p>

<p>My question is, if a student takes a few courses in film, is it necessary to have a degree or can the student find a job at say, a film studio and work his/her way up as a cinematographer, or can the student be an apprentice film editor, or is it necessary to have a degree in film?</p>

<p>Furthermore, is it even more preferable to have a graduate degree in film. Scorcese, Chris Columbus, M. Night Shyamalan, etc. went to NYU. Look where they are. If it is better to go to grad school, aside from NYU, what would be the best grad school to go to for FILM? </p>

<p>Sidenote: I will have student loans from undergraduate school. I don't know how I will manage to pay for grad school, so my question is, how is grad school paid for? It's around the same price tag as undergrad school, but what does a 22yo do when he/she has loans to pay off and no money because they're not rich and don't have rich family?</p>

<p>Thanks!!!</p>

2

<p>
[quote]
Scorcese

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I thought he went to UCLA. My mistake.</p>

<p>I'd imagine many would say USC has a good, near top film school. They might also mention UCLA. Also, Columbia.</p>

<p>I'm not sure how film works, but often graduate programs will tell you the costs and what jobs they can provide you. Many provide you with research positions, teaching assistance positions, and money the department has to help you pay for things. There is also fin aid. Many masters students get little help, many PhD students are fully paid for through the university's various positions and money.</p>

3

<p>The top 3 film schools are usually USC, NYU, and UCLA. </p>

<p>But I've been under the impression for a long time now that MAs aren't always considered worth the investment of time for film.</p>

4

<p>UCLAri - that's what I figured, it seems like a waste of time if you get the proper training in undergrad school. The problem is I didn't get into NU so if I were to stay at UChicago, I'm not going to get a wide training program. They have a Film Society and the members make their own movies and such and members can help, but I want to learn how to do everything, not be tossed on a street to do a hobby. </p>

<p>Maybe I'll think about USC and UCLA -- does anybody know what transfering is like?</p>

5

<p>You might also look at CalArts in Valencia, CA -- also, you're probably better off working for a couple of years in the Industry as a PA or something similar -- hands-on experience & networking may do you better than going to film school.</p>

6

<p>Florida State University has a lauded film school. It is the only film school in the country that funds its student's films.</p>

7

<p>Working as a PA doesn't get you hands-on experience editing films or filming scenes. It gets you a job getting coffee for someone else. I need training at a school before I'm going to go off to California or NY and hope to get work with an editing agency. </p>

<p>CalArts - Valencia would be nice if it didn't come with a price tag that finaid isn't going to meet entirely. I'm trying to find schools that have a 100% need-met reputation. NYU is out as is UCLA and CalArts. I'm hoping for NU and USC now! Transferring to Columbia U would be nuts given the transfer ratio! lol</p>

8

<p>I am a second-year graduate student in the Film Production program at Florida State University. Though my experience is limited, perhaps it can be of some help to you.</p>

<p>When you asked: "is it necessary to have a degree in film?"</p>

<p>The short answer is: No. There are no jobs in the film industry that require a degree in film studies or production. And, there are many, many filmmakers in every discipline who did not attend film school, and more still who attended briefly and then dropped out. (As soon as I've said this, I realize there are a few exceptions; an entertainment lawyer of course needs to have passed the Bar, for example. But it is by-and-large the case.)</p>

<p>"can the student find a job at say, a film studio and work his/her way up as a cinematographer, or can the student be an apprentice film editor?"</p>

<p>I believe the answer to both of these questions is: Yes. To my knowledge, it is possible, and in fact very common, for a production assistant with little or no technical knowledge to get a job as a clapper-loader, say, and then work up to Second Assistant Cameraperson, then First Assistant, then Camera Operator, and finally begin to DP (i.e. be the cinematographer for a movie). Additionally, I think many well-known film editors started as apprentice editors, before becoming assistant editors, and finally, editors.</p>

<p>With all this being said, why would you want to go to film school at all? In my experience, Film School is a great place to explore and make the mistakes that are essential to mastering (or, more aptly, even approaching) a craft as infinitely complex as filmmaking. Los Angeles is a pretty unforgiving city, well-known for pigeonholing young artists as quickly as possible, and it is comforting to take a few years to make bold choices and understand their effects without worrying about their impact on your young career. </p>

<p>Also, any Film School is filled with people who are passionate about making movies. In an art form that is intensely collaborative, it is wonderful to be surrounded by peers who share your passion and enthusiasm for filmmaking; moreover, it is a place to find dedicated people who will master 'below-the-line' technical jobs and work for no pay, in exchange for your hard work on their own films. (The value of this workforce can not be oversold!) When you graduate, these new friends will go out with you into an industry which is known for being unforgiving and ruthless, which is quite comforting indeed.</p>

<p>Also, unlike the more traditional apprenticeship approach, the best film schools will train you in every discipline associated with filmmaking. This knowledge is invaluable, particularly for aspiring directors and producers.</p>

<p>The above were and are my main reasons for attending film school. With that said, I'll hasten to add that film school is not for everyone, and regardless of whether they attend school, great, tenacious filmmakers with interesting, original things to say, will find work and make art regardless of circumstance.</p>

<p>To continue addressing your questions: "If it is better to go to grad school, aside from NYU, what would be the best grad school to go to for FILM?"</p>

<p>This depends on many factors, including what you want to do when you graduate, how much you want to spend, and what kind of environment you work most easily in. To help in your search, I would recommend a book called Film School Confidential, which can be found at Amazon.com with the following link:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Film-School-Confidential-Insiders-Schools/dp/0399523391%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.amazon.com/Film-School-Confidential-Insiders-Schools/dp/0399523391&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>When I decided to go to film school, I found it an invaluable, if slightly out-of-date resource. </p>

<p>Personally, I visited several schools before I made my decision, including NYU, AFI, USC, UCLA and Chapman University. Ultimately, my research left me with no doubt that Florida State University's program was the only school for me. In less modest moments, I've argued that it is the Best Film School In The Whole Wide World; at present, allow me to simply suggest that if you like a collaborative environment that stresses hands-on learning, you want (or don't mind) to learn every below-the-line job inside and out, and you aren't afraid of grueling, physically exhausting schedules for months at a time with no days off, you give our school a look. I hate to admit it, but we're pretty awesome.</p>

<p>If you have any other questions (but how could you, after this book of a reply?) feel free to post back.</p>

<p>-dave metzger
tallahassee, fl</p>