<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>Umm... I'm also looking at film schools, just not studies. I'm just going to throw out a few of the schools that I have crossed off my list (for having a more studies vs. production oriented program, which it sounds like what youre looking for)</p>
<p>UC santa barbara
Wesleyan
SUNY Purchase
Williams College
Boston College
Vassar
Dartmouth
American U</p>
<p>I would say look for the newer LAC with production programs</p>
<p>But then again, I really have no right to an opinion, as I am pretty much one of your competitors :p</p>
<p>UNO ( University of New Orleans) has a GREAT film school. And many of the major production companies in "Southern Hollywood" are housed in the Mims Center. With the tax break, it is taking off and it is easier to break into the industry.</p>
<p>This is of course assuming all returns to normal pretty soon. UNO wasn't THAT waterlogged...just a little bit...</p>
<p>At USC you have to state which major you are applying for: Production; Critical Studies; or the writing program. You can major in only one. However, you will be required to take courses in the other areas so you will get experience in the majors you are not taking.</p>
<p>Columbia's program I think it's only for graduate students. Also, I thought its strength was writing not production or film studies. You might want to check that.</p>
<p>And btw, FSU is one of the hardest film schools in the country to get into because of its small size. When my son was applying for admission for Fall 2003 they were taking 15 enetering first year students (from 250 applicants) and 15 transfer students (from 250 applicants).</p>
<p>Does anyone know the acceptance rates of NYU/Tisch/Kanbar, FSU, USC, and Northwestern's film programs? Does the average applicant have a long list of completed projects? Test scores? GPA? What do they look for in an applicant?</p>
<p>I think it depends on the school, but good grades never hurt. Then again, you're going to get in if you are a prodigy or accomplished person, too. I'm sure most get in with some combination of promise and decent if not very good to incredible grades. Just blow em away with both your samples and your transcript. :)</p>
<p>Well, I was accepted to Tisch screenwriting last year (didn't go) but an admissions rep last year said that the Kanbar Institute Film/tv at Tisch had an acceptance rate around 5%. I believe Kanbar is the most difficult out of all the divisions within Tisch, so make sure you have a strong portfolio - it need not be an extensive list; I don't feel this is necessary - they want quality not quantity. They realize you are a student seeking to LEARN the craft, so they are not looking for gazillions of fantastic accomplishments - they are looking for the artistic vision and creative potential in you. After all, if you were already a film extraordinaire you wouldn't need Tisch right! Gpa and test scores are also important, but I believe the ad rep said that Tisch had a lower SAT score average than the other schools within NYU. In any case, it is a combination of grades/test scores/portfolio that go into the admissions decision, with an emphasis of course placed on your portfolio strength. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Heh...i'm in kinda the same boat, though my grades and test scores are a bit lacking, and I feel my EC's are strong...but like you, I have little experience.</p>
<p>I'm definitely more interested in production than film studies, but I'll offer one more name: Boston University. I'm not so sure about their film studies program, but they have an internship program that looks pretty good.</p>
<p>Maybe Drexel University?
I know they are not prestigious or anything but they have a major in film studies(sorry no production-but they do offer some classes on the subject-I think)
Also they have a CO-OP program which will allow you to work a little bit in the film industry-so you can get yout foot through the door
I hope this helps at all</p>
<p>For anyone still looking,
I was having problem finding the perfect film school (film studies/production)...But I think Columbia College Hollywood might be it. You should check it out. Their admission process seems drama free so far, a demo reel or portfolio is not a requirement as a matter of fact they encourage you and help you develop your portfolio as well as to intern while at school so you're ready to go out in the world of filmmaking after graduation. They seem to have good ties in the entertainment industry. They've been highly recommended to me.</p>
<p>Have you looked at Wesleyan? Univ of Miami? Just to add to the names you already have.</p>
<p>And while I have the attention of some film students/going to be film students: could anyone recommend any good film magazines? Just some extra reading for my son would be great. Thanks! :)</p>
<p>If you don't think you can get into the big schools in New York you can always come to the state schools in Ohio that accept anyone as long as they can maintain a 2.0. </p>
<p>I am at the Univ. of Toledo and can recommend it. University of Akron also has a decent film program (some tell me better than mine, but I do not know). I think Ohio University has a graduate film production program, and they may have an undergraduate program now (they didn't when I first applied - that's why I went to Toledo instead. But someone told me they got one this year.)</p>