<p>Ok, I will be graduating this year (from high school) and want to major in cinema. I have found San Francisco State University and saw it is supposed to have a rather "elite" film program. My ultimate goal is to become a director and I just want the best education to get me there. As of now I am really thinking SFSU is where to go. However, I thought I would come here and see if anyone has graduated from SFSU's film program or knows about it or knows of other good colleges.</p>
<p>I know there is UCLA... but you need to send in some type of portfolio for the cinema program and it is really hard to get accepted there and quite expensive. Although I know UCLA probably has one of the best cinema programs out there, it just does not seem like a reality for me to get into right away. So please do not suggest UCLA.</p>
<p>I also kind of wanted to go to school in California. I feel going into film and especially wanting to be a director California is kind of the place to be.</p>
<p>The odds of you and 99% of film students becoming a director is slim to none. Once you get over that ridiculous romantic notion the better off you’ll be. SFSU has a good film program but think their broadcasting degrees are better. Best F/TV Production program in the bay area is De Anza’s then Ohlone’s then DVC’s.</p>
<p>Well…perhaps it is a ridiculous and romantic notion from one person’s perspective while from the other’s it is a personal dream that they want to try to achieve. I think it is both cruel and stupid to discard someone’s dream of becoming a director, or an actress or President of the United States as ridiculous because the chances are “slim to none”. We all have dreams …few of us are inspired by the dream to become an accountant, have 2.5 children and a nice house even if that is where many of us end up and end up happy with this reality. Some follow their dreams and they become reality while most find a different reality along the way that we are satisfied with. What no one wants is to pursue a dream with such unrealistic expectations that we end up on skid row with a drug habit and no family or friends. </p>
<p>It is not bad to follow your dreams as long as you don’t do yourself or your family major financial, physical or psychological harm as you try to make that dream come true…I would not define going to a university with a good program in film a dangerous or ridiculous step for a 17 year old to take. I have a son in art school. He wants to be a sculptor! His chances of making it as a well-known and well-paid sculptor are probably not dissimilar to the chances of being a movie director. </p>
<p>He knows that, yet he is taking the steps to follow his dream BUT at the same time getting a good education and being open to other careers that will still satisfy his creative side. He is spending too much money, eating too little, sleeping too little, stressing too much as he tries all of this but not enough to seriously endanger his future or his family’s finances. If he never tried, he would never know what would have happened. If, after a year, he decides this is not for him or to change his major or even university, he will at least know he gave it a shot and pick up a few skills as he goes along. Even if 8 years from now he decides, nope, he really should have been an engineer well…if it takes 8 years to find himself I hope he has a productive and interesting path during those 8 years. If, however, he does make wonderful art and get to live well while doing what he loves, I will be glad I never called his dream ridiculous. </p>
<p>I don’t know much about film schools. Search some of the older threads. Are you in CA or do you just think this is the best place to be? Will going to CA be very, very expensive for you? What is your academic situation? Have you spoken to your parents about what they can and will support in terms of undergrad expenses? Interests outside of film? All these factors will influence what schools you should consider and which ones may be a fit for you.</p>
<p>famm has given you some very good advice. I would also encourage you to follow your passion – but also be realistic and prepare a Plan B that you would be happy with just in case the directing gig doesn’t happen for you.</p>
<p>If you give more info about your background (academic stats, financial situation, etc.), there are many regular posters here who can give you some direction as to possible target schools for you to consider. I have only limited knowledge of film schools, but I know that USC and UCLA are generally considered to have the very best film schools in CA – and along with NYU, the best in the U.S. If you are really focused on CA schools, you might start by taking a look at Chapman University (Orange Co.) and Loyola Marymount University (in LA) as they both have well regarded film programs; they are not as competitive as UCLA or USC, but you will still need solid academics to get in. They are very expensive because they are private schools but financial aid may be available, depending upon your family circumstances.There are also some good film programs in other CA public schools but it appears, from some of the postings here on CC, that it is very hard for out-of-state students to get into them.</p>
<p>While I was trying to figure out what to say, famm did it all for me! I remember years ago when I was in the Coast Guard Reserve, a fellow shipmate was moving to Montana. One of the chiefs (an E-7) told her not to bother, she should quit now because there was no Coast Guard units in Montana. I was so angry that he had the gall to tell her to give up. Upperanking personnel are supposed to be mentoring and helping people find ways to achieve thier goals. I told her not to quit, just give it some time. Had she chosen to, she could have done her Reserve duty in California, Washington or Oregon, put in for temporary active duty, there were several options available. A bit of a drive to the coast but no more crazy than me driving an hour each way for a year to do duty at a station in a non-pay status. Yep, worked for a year non-pay, but I got to get in my year for retirement purposes. Who are any of us to tell someone no?</p>
<p>No disrespect but I find it irresponsible and rather rude for a mother to compare and contrast their child to another and peddling false hope with such relativist nonsense. Even though I agree with about following your dreams and got your point early on, I don’t agree with schools, teachers, or parents catering to the naivety of youth that they can some day be President or in this case a Director, if only put their mind to it. </p>
<p>The rest of your diatribe though tends to display you are more vicariously living through your son. I respect that you fully support him and wish him the best and to become a whole person, I truly and sincerely do. I don’t see how that qualifies in regards to film school, film jobs, or California though. The idea of being a director is such typical juvenile petty tyrant nonsense that it really does deserve being mocked whether you agree or not. </p>
<p>You know what happens when you have a room full of fresh film students who all dream of being director some day? Absolutely Nothing! They already feel they are much too talented, often times unwarranted, and above doing any dirty work. You know where many got this attitude from? Oftentimes those same parents and school districts who helped push for the self esteem education movement.</p>
<p>Ha! Ye, my sisters dreamed of being an accountant and are now CPA’s, getting married so they have their 2.5 kids and white picket fence. I found accounting boring and was more into creating stuff so studied and did art while learning and growing and going into debt. It’s not really honestly discussed in America but becoming a legit artist is just as much work as if one choose to study engineering. The modern US is antithetical to the Humanist philosophy of the Renaissance Era when most engineers where also artists and had an extensive 25 year education starting a young age. Hopefully this doesn’t turn into a therapy thread. I fully stand behind my original statement and think it is sound advice if the OP is serious. I’m not here to put people down but nor am I going to resort to Stuart Smalley style feel good flattery here on CC.</p>
<p>You seem to have forgotten, kmazza, that there is such a thing as etiquette and civility in the untamed wilds of cyberspace. There was no reason for you to lash out at the OP the way you did unless you’re eaten up with bitterness for your own failed dreams and have forgotten how to politely express your opinion. While I don’t disagree with the substance of what you are saying, you lose your message and your audience when you are so unnecessarily rude about how you deliver it. I’m sure you could have offered your erudite advice sans flattery in a much less churlish manner. You might have even gotten a thank you out of it.</p>
<p>Sorry about the accountant comment but since I too am now a happy number cruncher – a profession that is miles and miles away from my dreams as a 17 year old I feel I am entitled to say it. I just think wanting to explore film studies with a dream of being a director is no more silly than me wanting to be the first woman of on the Supreme Court or to start a labor union for fast food workers (I am coming clean…I now admit that these two careers held equal fantasy value during high school and through much of my undergraduate studies). </p>
<p>Peddling false hope? really, telling a kid to do some careful analysis of his current situation, consider costs, and involve your family in your decision making doesn’t sound like false hope. I didn’t advise the student that if you work hard enough you will realize your dreams–while hard work matters, success is also a matter of luck, talent, and, in many professions, family connections or money that you can’t get through dedication. </p>
<p>Dreams help us pick a direction when we have a million roads to choose from…expectations grounded in reality keeps us from going over the cliff. </p>
<p>What I do believe is that being inspired by dreams is what makes us human and interesting and motivates us–that does not mean that one should have an unrealistic view of the future or of one’s talent (your comment about the roomful of film majors). Your dreams may be very practical but others’ dreams may seem crazy or infantile. Certainly, my family thought I was nuts–they wanted a medical student–and watched with horror as I traipsed through latin america studying marx and law and labor relations and writing bad poetry, etc… I can’t thank them enough for never despising my choices or belittling my quixotic passions…or even saying “I told you so” when, in desperate poverty, I decided I needed a practical and sellable vocation…and discovered statistics while analyzing income disparity in Latin America. </p>
<p>Years later I did not realize my dreams like I thought I would but I feel I did accomplish my deepest desires to help others…just not in the way that I anticipated. I now have a very practical and well renumerated career…yet I think those dreams I had as a young student lead me to learn things, try things, travel and take risks that I wouldn’t have done if I had just tried to make choices that were practical or had a high probability of success. </p>
<p>My S is at CMU and, although he didn’t see Randy Pausch’s last lecture until he chose to attend, I think my S’s attitude toward art is very much like Mr. Pausch’s childhood dreams. Randy Pausch wanted to do extraordinary things as a child and young man and he even managed to do a few of them but not in the way he would have anticipated. His message is that dreams and fantasies are critical for inspiring us even though they generally remain just that…dreams and fantasies. His book is a lesson that a life worth living is a mixture of chasing dreams, a large portion of monotonous. hard work, luck or happenstance, all held together with a consistent ethical and kind attitude toward your fellow man. It is called “really achieving your childhood dreams”…[YouTube</a> - Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams](<a href=“Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams - YouTube”>Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams - YouTube)</p>
<p>Just for the record, what I said was not proposed with ill intent or bitterness or rudeness. It was sound advice that offered suggestions if the OP is serious whether one liked or disliked the frankness and brevity of it. </p>
<p>What I don’t appreciate is being moralized too by a mob of angry moms using pop psychology who in high probability know very little about film school, film jobs, or California. I’m not some bully nor am I some sadistic person that gets pleasure from pooping on another persons parade.</p>
<pre><code>In fact I agree with many sentiments being shared here as well as William Blake and Einstein in regards to the creative imagination being more important than mere rational knowledge. I’m also a strong believer in inspiration from one’s dreams and living one’s bliss and actually never conformed to other people’s claims/stake in ‘reality’. These type of lectures directed at my character while twisting the intent of my words to fit one’s personal motives are selfish, hypocritical, and irrelevant.
</code></pre>
<p>If the OP is serious about learning Cinema and coming to California then there are options available for him here. If that is the topic of discussion then I can share what I know to better assist the OP with practical advice. If this is going to turn into some therapy thread, I’d rather go watch and listen to Oprah, and I don’t even watch TV!</p>
<p>Speaking of Oprah, if the OP wants to go to attend a quality F/TV Production program and wants to live by the beach then I’d recommend SBCC. He would gain more at less cost their than hanging around the majority of mediocre mollycoddled kids attending Chapman.</p>
<p>You know what Kmazza… I found your comment very rude, disrespectful and rather bitter. It seems like you have to shoot my dreams down because of your failure in your life. Just because you don’t have the determination or perseverance to make your dreams come true does not mean you can come in here and shoot mine down. And did my original post say anything like “by the way, is me wanting to be a director just a stupid pipe dream? Please leave your comments on this.” NO IT DID NOT! I simply said that is my major goal in life. Will I achieve it? who knows. I simply asked for good school suggestions. How dare you come in here and say that to me.</p>
<p>By the way… Lets look at James Cameron’s life. He went to college to major in physics. That did not last very long at all. He went to see the star wars films and immediately went to pursue a dream in film. He had no experience but would teach himself about all the equipment and effects available and landed jobs probably by knowing the right people and look where he is today. He obviously had the attitude of “Hey, I am going to be a film maker and the world is going to like it.”</p>
<p>So Kmazza, think next time before you attack innocent people with your nonsensical babble about your failures. And don’t even try to apologize. They are just empty words meaning absolutely nothing. I hope you read this and then don’t even think of posting on this thread again or there may be a problem.</p>
<p>By the way, thank you all for the actual help and suggestions.</p>
<p>And yes, I know you tried to help by giving me good suggestion as well. But understand that your posts have been highly insulting and offensive to me and I have zero tolerance for this nonsense.</p>
<p>and P.S. I am not some 2nd grader who thinks they will grow up to invent a robot that does everything in the world. I know becoming a director will be hard, extremely competitive, and seems like a crazy dream almost. But at the same time its a lot about what contacts you gather in your life and what you learn to do with a camera. And I enjoy how you instantly shoot me down like the only director there is for film is big time blockbuster directors. There are independant film directors out there as well.</p>
<p>“Once you get over that ridiculous romantic notion the better off you’ll be.
The rest of your diatribe though tends to display you are more vicariously living through your son.
You know what happens when you have a room full of fresh film students who all dream of being director some day? Absolutely Nothing! They already feel they are much too talented, often times unwarranted, and above doing any dirty work. You know where many got this attitude from? Oftentimes those same parents and school districts who helped push for the self esteem education movement.
Hopefully this doesn’t turn into a therapy thread.
What I don’t appreciate is being moralized too by a mob of angry moms using pop psychology who in high probability know very little about film school, film jobs, or California.I’m not some bully nor am I some sadistic person that gets pleasure from pooping on another persons parade.
If this is going to turn into some therapy thread, I’d rather go watch and listen to Oprah, and I don’t even watch TV!” kmazza 2010</p>
<p>Yeah, Kmazza is rediculous… anywho… yeah i know as soon as I graduate I am not going to be a director. I plan on working in film in some aspect as I slowly learn the ropes till I gather the skills to direct a movie.</p>
<p>But my average grade point average in HS is about 3.95 and I got a 24 on my ACT.</p>
<p>But another reason I am somewhat drawn to the liberal arts universities that offer bachelor’s or higher degrees in cinema is because of Russian programs. I really love the Russian language and would love to have the chance to study in St. Petersburg and Moscow.</p>
<p>However, I suppose I need to put cinema first.</p>
<p>I tend to think your tirade is due more to meddling moms due to the language and points used against me but I digress. For one, I wasn’t trying to shoot you down and truly believe that the sooner you give up romanticized notions of film making the better off you will be to actualize something substantial. Are you saying that it would be better I lie to you? There is nothing for me to apologize for or feel sorry about. For reals, if you are that sensitive and can not handle feedback or criticism then how do expect to survive in the entertainment industry or here for that matter?!? You seem like a well spoken and sincere person and gave you honest feedback plus suggestions. Your future film instructor(s) will right off the bat tell you the same thing I did. Do you plan on going off on an irrational tangent on them as well? Also who said I was a failure?!? I started working in film and television when I was younger than you so guess never created a fantasy of it and just think all work is dirty no matter how noble it appears. I’ve worked in film and music for years before ever even decided to attend college for it. If your plans are to direct an independent film, go for it, but tend to think you really wouldn’t need college for that if are self motivated and thirsty for the experience.
Since you brought up James Cameron, there are some facts you should know. For one, the 1970’s was the period of the American Renaissance in film. There were many censorship issues up until about 1973 that were lifted that gave rise too all sorts of creativity. What happened in that era with the movie brats was a much different world than today with albeit much more freedom and experimentation. At that time people like Roger Corman existed who helped Cameron. Plus it’s not only who you know but that they got to like you too!</p>
<p>“But another reason I am somewhat drawn to the liberal arts universities that offer bachelor’s or higher degrees in cinema is because of Russian programs. I really love the Russian language and would love to have the chance to study in St. Petersburg and Moscow.”</p>
<p>I know a young man who studied at Wesleyan (sounds like you have the stats) whose specialty was Russian Cinema. He was able to spend a semester (or more?) in Russia and Georgia and has been back since. He ended up working for a major film festival in their international section and now runs a film festival in the middle east.</p>
<p>So, no director, but very successful and has made tons of connections. If he wants to make a film someday I have a feeling he can find a way. Interesting huh?</p>
<p>Bawnawgwa, PM me if you would like his contact info to be able to ask some questions.</p>
<p>OK Kmazza… Here is the thing. This is a simple post to help find a college. It is not a story or film I submitted to be criticized. That is why I am upset with the garbage you are writing. It appears to me that you are some middle aged man/woman who has had nothing but failures in your life because you simply suck at everything you try and you are out to ensure everyone gives up on their goals so you don’t feel quite so sorry for yourself. </p>
<p>Not to mention you are simply being a childish brat. I specifically told you to stop posting on this thread because all you do is take up space and waste people’s time because what you say is useless. You apparently are so childish that you have to come back and continue to be disrespectful by posting trying to defend yourself and yet again mention how I would ultimately fail and this is just a waste of my time.</p>
<p>Now stop posting on this thread because no one cares to hear your attempts to depress everyone because you are such a failure. Just take your miserable excuse for a life and go for everyone’s sake.</p>
<p>Never have I made any statement or claims that you were destined to fail and if anything encourage you to at least try film school. You are probably a cool kid and fascinated with your overall interests and potential so can really only laugh at your attempts to pigeonhole me. I have never been the type of person that had ill will or envy of other people’s successes so it’s not really in my character to hope someone fails or gives up what makes them happy or inspires creativity. I may not be rich or famous but am a happy person overall and met a lot of rich and famous people along the way so had my fun in the sun while discovering more about myself and life before started getting serious. Although people are attending college earlier in life more now than before, I can’t really say I’d do it all over again differently. Even if it was stubborn and maybe even a tad selfish of me I’m glad I got to experience meeting so many different people traveling all over the US for a few years before attended college. To be honest I really didn’t know what I wanted to be in ‘title’ but knew what I wanted to do and made a lifelong dedication to be true to myself and my craft. I think if you choose film you really are making a commitment to a lifelong pursuit as learning any craft doesn’t just end after 4 years of college, it’s practically the beginning, so you may want to keep that in mind.</p>
<pre><code> Personally I just studied film so could create my own experimental film for visual enhancement synched up to music which is my true passion. I still think the odds of you becoming a famous music star are greater than becoming a big time director but that is more statistically speaking and not taking into consideration the human spirit and creative imagination. There is a lack of information and the senses are limited for me to ever intuitively judge what goes on inside a person to reduce an individual to some subhuman status.
</code></pre>
<p>I really just live my life to what brings me the greatest amount of happiness and keeps me curious and inspired. I’m sure my leisurely lifestyle choices like surfing, snowboarding, sailing, dancing, dating, reading, or spending time creating art, photography and music could constitute as a failure or loser in some people’s perceptions and am really okay with that since the human lifespan is too short I think. I just don’t think I’d be as happy if ever gave up on the wanting to incorporate beauty and wonder into my life. Much of what they teach you in school is not necessarily as technical as much as relishing such fleeting moments and discovering new ways of expressing one’s vision to others in both a larger social and personal context. I don’t really consider that one needs to be the best or superior to another to create something that moves and/or entertains others. </p>
<p>If you are interested in film and Russian studies, you should research and watch early Russian cinema say from 1896- 1926 if get a chance too. They prolly will make you watch Battleship Potemkin and the Odessa steps sequence and stuff like that to better understand what montage is and a bit where it came from. You can be sore at me all you want but I respect that you stood up for what you believe in even though still think you were put in such a position/disposition due to meddling moms and having to save face over further rational inquiry into film schools. Their hearts are in the right place though concerning that you and your family are financially able to support or help you in case of emergency shall you decide to move to California. A F/TV Production program at a CCC cost about 2 grand a year for out of state but not sure of the exact amount since I pay like $200 a year plus fees and materials. Cost of living throughout much of California can be on average about a grand a month including rent, utilities, phone, cable, internet etc. and that doesn’t include the high price of food, gas, and taxes here.</p>