<p>Right now, I am planning to to double major in film production and film studies when I get to college. Knowing this, I thought I had my choices for what colleges I want to apply to all sorted out. Recently, however, I decided to take a closer look at some of them. I was horribly disappointed to find that most of the safer schools I was considering do not have a film studies program to match their production one (Emerson), do not have a film production program to match their film studies one (UCB), or have a completely overwhelming required portfolio (CalArts). Ideally, I could get into Columbia, USC, or NYU, my first choice colleges. However, in the very likely case that I do not (my grades and test scores are very good, but my ECs and experience are horrible), I am virtually without any other options.</p>
<p>Could anyone point me in the direction of a school that has both film studies and film production while not having a portfolio that requires a submitted film (I don't have any, this was a recent choice for me, and I don't have access to the materials to make one), or even extensive writing materials required? I'm not upset at the fact that I need a 10 page paper to apply to NYU, or even the long list of requirements for Columbia, but I honestly would like to focus on what I give to those schools and not have to do the same amount of work for other ones. Perhaps that is lazy of me, but it's an insane amount of work for colleges that I easily have the grades for and don't really want to go to. Plus, more importantly, it's time that could be spent refining the materials for the ones I DO want to go to.</p>
<p>For the film production program, I'm looking for something more art film-type rather than something along the lines of broadcasting.</p>
<p>I'm really stuck right now. Any help would truly be appreciated.</p>
<p>This may sound cliche, but I honestly just feel it. I'm not one to change my mind, and I'm truly passionate about film as an artistic medium. I may not have made a film directly, but, in my opinion, practical experience with the tools of the trade is secondary to an intense emotional and intellectual affinity to the art. I've put serious thought into this (granted over a limited period of time) and came to the conclusion that I want a career in film. It wasn't just a whim. I'm not one to be passionate about much, and I simply feel something different in regard to film.</p>
<p>This answer won't be good enough for most people, and I understand that. But it's how I feel, and I don't want to waste my time trying to get a degree in something else that I feel nothing for or waiting until I'm "more sure."</p>
<p>I wasn't meaning to suggest that you not follow your passion. </p>
<p>I actually tend to have the non-pre-professional bias generally. I hate to see kids picking colleges based on certain majors (esp in subjects they have not yet even tried...) College environment is sooo much more important than major to your total happiness. Of course getting both is even better.</p>
<p>I worked for many years in film (screenwriter) & I believe that my basic liberal arts education was excellent preparation. (I took a total of 2 film classes as an undergrad, and hated one of them!)</p>
<p>So anyway, my advice would be-- keep an open mind while following your heart in the film direction, and realize you can always go to grad school to get any missing pieces. I was just trying to alert you to the potential pitfall of picking solely for department and then winding up at a school you don't really love.</p>