<p>...or at least it feels like it. </p>
<p>I only recently (as in, four months ago) began to consider film school as an option after high school (I'm currently a junior). I have great grades and test scores, and I am involved in my school community. </p>
<p>However, I don't have much experience with film. I constantly write screenplays -- it's my passion. I wanted to submit them to contests, but I could not find any reputable contests for teenagers, and I know I stand no chance against trained adults. I participated in two film clubs last year at my school -- one which was a film appreciation club, and the other in which we made short films about our school -- but that one quickly fell apart, because we only had one set of equipment and other club members kept ruining it. I created a film review blog, on the side. I love creative writing -- that's how I segued into film -- and I have received some distinctions in that field, but none that are major.</p>
<p>The real stickler in this situation is that my parents are the exact opposite of supportive. I've begged them for film equipment, but they refuse to get me it (and it's not like it's a money issue). I would pay for it myself, but being a full-time student at a prep school, I have no time to work. To make matters worse: I signed up for the film course at my school, but they had to drop the course because of low enrollment! </p>
<p>I feel so stuck, and I don't want my seeming lack of activity with film to hinder my admission into film school. I'm probably dreaming too high, but I dream of going to USC for film. What can I do?! I'm desperate.</p>
<p>I went to NYU Film and TV quite a few years ago, so understand my advice may be dated. And yes, I did work in the industry for years, originally in production, then mostly as an exec.</p>
<p>You are passionate about something, writing. That is a skill set that few have in Film school. </p>
<p>James Cameron didn’t go to film school, didn’t stop him, did it? Most TV/Film writers didn’t go to USC, UCLA or NYU film schools. </p>
<p>By all means apply to top film schools, maybe you’ll get in and then decide to go. I also suggest you research the top college dramatic writing programs. </p>
<p>As example, lots of TV writers went to Northwestern.</p>
<p>Good luck, you’ll do fine if you stick with your passion.</p>
<p>Check out vcuarts film program. They require writing for the application it’s a short screenplay or something.</p>
<p>Competition…scholastic art and writing awards…the writing part has a lot of flexibility. If they don’t sponsor it in your school or school district…you can enter as an “at large” student. I also second the vcu program. Two grads from our HS have done very well there and are both now working in the industry.</p>
<p>We went on a tour at USCs School of Cinematic Arts, which includes majors such as Film and TV Production and Writing for Screen and TV. In applying, what is more important than your ability to make films, is your ability to tell a story. There are students at USC SCA who got accepted who never made a film but submitted writing samples. The Film and TV Production now requires a submission of either a video or photographs which tell a story so you can still apply with photos. And definitely check out the Writing for Screen and TV major…it may be a better fit for you than production.</p>