Can anyone share their experience and knowledge of UNM’s IFDM program, connections after graduation, and opportunities for graduates? Thanks.
Yes - I’m interested in this as well!
Hello,
My apologies for the delayed response, I just saw this thread today,
I am a prospective IFDM student, I have not graduated but I HAVE talked to various advisers, alumni, and IFDM students so hopefully I can offer some helpful information
First, I am going to assume you have already visited UNMs website. IFDM has 4 different paths, each one with a different experience
BA Media Arts - This is more or less a cross between a film and art history degree. It is not terribly challenging, is enjoyable to most students, but many graduates have difficulty finding work.
BFA IFDM - This is basically a film program. They have more emphasis on fine arts than commercial film, but they are located right next to Albuquerque studios, yielding many internships and opportunities for students. Many students are able to find work, However, most film jobs are low paying unless you want to be an independant filmmaker.
BBA - This is offered in partnership with UNMs Anderson school of management. This is the same as a bachelor of business administration but with some film classes thrown in. Great option if you want a more “fun” business degree. Opportunities are the same as business graduates, but due to funding issues admission can be very competitive. Graduates usually end up being production managers, finance managers, etc. Less emphasis on arts and more on managing the business side of art.
BS Computer Science - This is a computer science degree with some media classes thrown in. The program is very math heavy and is probably the hardest of all. Due to high demand in the tech industry, many graduates here find good work getting out of school, but many often relocate to other cities.
Overall, the IFDM program is great if you can get scholarships or in state tuition, and is on par with most other media programs. However, keep in mind that UNM is facing some serious budget problems as of right now (2017) and the IfDM program will NOT be growing anytime soon. They have a million dollars of equipment but I would not expect them to get anything new anytime soon. Also, some classes are ONLY offered spring or fall so you have to be really proactive about the classes you take. As far as assistance from UNM, to be honest it is somewhat limited. They offer a few internships but due to the local economy many graduates move elsewhere after graduating. There are occasional job fairs but I have not attended them so I cannot speak to how useful they are
Good luck!
Hey, I am a student in the IFDM program-- I get youre probably already decided on schools at this point, but I’d thought I would post here for anyone doing research in the future.
Out-of-state students really should look into UNM, I will be paying in the ball park of 14k with the Amigo Scholarship and my work study job. The State has been hitting in-staters hard, cutting a lot of their lottery scholarship, but the Amigo Out of State is still going strong and the ability to establish residency as a student is also fairly easy and straight forward too for students who don’t get the Amigo.
The Higher Education funding in New Mexico is a little sketchy after the Governor cut most of the budget. However, the only reported tuition rises are for Upper Division students-- so if you take level 300 or 400 courses, you are charged a little more for the courses. No biggy.
Onto IFDM, a lot of whats posted above is true, mainly with the different program descriptions. However, UNM and the IFDM program are constantly evolving. Mesa Del Sol, the production facility UNM owns is absolutely first class, better than most top film schools I visited. First year IFDM students will take Computer Science and Intro to Directing for Film, which is a change up more towards “Commercial Filmmaking.” You also have a killer selection of electives running from Film/TV Producing to Audio Technology all the way to Virtual Reality Cinema Production. It’s pretty badass. Here’s what I had to choose from for the fall: http://cinematicarts.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/IFDM-Fall-2017-2.pdf
The location is unbeatable. At Mesa Del Sol, you are right across the street from ABQ Studios and every year they open up their production facilities to certain film students. Albuquerque as a whole is a huge scene for both commercial and independent cinema. Santa Fe is an artistic enclave. New Mexico is also one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the US. You are a two hour flight/ten hour drive from Los Angeles. You can also live like a king in Albuquerque for a beggars salary (which is great for us creative types). ABQ does about 800 million a year in film production, with most of the talent coming in from LA or NYC. The production crews are mostly New Mexicans and its one of the best trained film forces outside Hollywood. However, you’ll make film connections in a much less saturated environment which is huge.
Also, if you don’t like IFDM-- you’re fine. Change to Media Arts or go to Central New Mexico CC’s Film Technology program.
Thats why I decided on UNM: The options I was offered. Message me if you have any questions!
@kmcgee98 Thanks for the IFDM info. I sent you a PM, but wanted to reply here with more general questions:
- How serious are the IFDM students about a career in the film\TV industry?
- Is there an active filmmaking club and\or festivals that students participate in?
- What kind of equipment is available? Is all the equipment available when you need it?
-What you will experience at any film school is a jarring mix of students. There are some who come in thinking it will be easy, some dedicated to learning film. IFDM and Media Arts students are no different. There’s lot of effort from some, less from others. The group I’ve fallen in with has been nothing but professional. A group of seniors I work with are moving to LA with jobs lined up.
-there’s a general student filmmaking group, a 3D and visual effects group, and a VR group that I know about off the top of my head. There are other opportunities with theater department and the PBS station on campus. One of the professors also does weekly workshops which are awesome. We also have the Cherry Reel festival on campus and we advertise other festivals as well.
-From the start, so long as you are in a production course, you can rent Canon T3i’s through Canon T7i’s abundantly. There are other camera options but most students use Canon their first year. As you progress, students in their second year can use Canon C100’s which I love. Gripping and Gaffing equipment can be rented so long as you show aptitude in using it.