LMU or Emerson for Film

<p>I got into LMU-Screenwriting and Emerson-Writing for Film and TV and I can't decide where I want to go. I like that LMU is in L.A and has a ton of connections but I don't know about taking all of the core classes (specifically math, science and theology). And I don't know how well I would fit in with the people, it seems like a lot are religious and blonde (both of which I am not) and like everyone is from Cali. but I might be overgeneralizing. Also, I'm worried about not being focused enough on film because I need to take all these core classes. But I'm worried that if I go to Emerson I wouldn't be as well-connected to the film industry. Can anyone tell me more about LMU's Screenwriting program and the school socially/in general. Any comments and suggestions would really help!!</p>

<p>My daughter is having a similar problem, LMU or Emerson for film production. She loves the urban setting of Emerson and the idea of a real “adventure” away from home. She thinks that experiencing the different weather, people and culture would be exciting. Experience wise we have heard that it is very easy for Emerson students to get work on weekends in a film/tv show filming there. We have also heard that, though it is on the east coast, Emerson has a great reputation in Hollywood. On the other hand, LMU’s campus is beautiful and a more tradition college experience. She loved the students we talked to and was very impressed with the professors. The internship program LMU has sounds fabulous and apparently has led to students getting jobs in the business right out of school. It is still 2 hours away from home so it is “away” just not as far as she wants.
Overall we have heard that Emerson is great for tv and LMU is great for film. (by the way LMU’s Screenwriting program is suppose to be one of the best in the country)
We will be making our decision over the weekend but school wise I think it is a toss up between the two. The deciding factor is probably going to be money. Emerson offered us a very nice package, LMU offered us an unbelievably great package.
Bottom line: Parents want LMU, Daughter still undecided.
Hope this helps and good luck with your decision.</p>

<p>I was struggling with the same decision up until a week ago. I was accepted as a Film Production major at both Emerson and LMU. I made my final decision after going to the accepted student’s day at Emerson. Although the program at Emerson is clearly intensive and I like the urban setting, I felt that LMU was better for me. I’m from Massachusetts and I just needed that change of going away to California. As for your worry that LMU is not very diverse, I would say that it isn’t just full of blonde people. I had the same worry myself, but after visiting I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity of the people that were walking around campus. As far as Emerson goes, I would not worry that being in Boston would hold you back from making connections in the film industry. They have a semester in LA program in which you can do internships and Emerson is supposed to be pretty well-known in Hollywood. I also talked to girl who currently goes to Emerson and she is interning on the Daily Show this summer. Most of the film/tv students that I met had already done about 5 internships each. It was very impressive. It it is any consolation, either school will be a great choice. Good luck with your decision! I know how difficult it is.</p>

<p>SanDiegoParent-</p>

<p>I completely understand your daughter’s difficulty in deciding between both schools. They are both great in their own right. Emerson would be like a roller coaster with very high highs and some low points. Although Emerson is farther away and may be more expensive, I have read and researched about how Emerson is a much better film school. Loyola Marymount has its location going for it but does your daughter really see herself there? Which do you see her at and why? What matters most?</p>

<p>I would also talk to your daughter and see if she really does “love the students” and was “impressed” with the teachers at Loyola Marymount. She might have a different opinion on the matter. She might of liked the tour guide but thought the guy at the film school was a little awkward and trying to hit on her. The professors might have been nice but a little confused during their talk. You never know. I would ask for the real opinion. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Love, your daughter:)</p>

<p>May I ask what your GPAs were? LMU is my number one for film production, but I think my 3.3 might keep them from accepting me.</p>

<p>I have about a 3.74 I think.</p>