<p>Both of these departments offer a film major. What are the major differences? And, which one is easier to get into for a transfer student? </p>
<p>Any information on these programs would be great.</p>
<p>Hey there</p>
<p>I’m a sophomore at the Newhouse school majoring in TRF. The programs are very different. The VPA program is what you would find in your traditional conservatory film school like Tisch where you live and breath film all the time. That’s all you focus on. You have studio classes where you spend hours making films or doing other stuff, not sure what but I know they spend lots of hours inside Shaffer Building (Thats where the program is). While if you were to choose Newhouse, you will have a core of Arts and Sciences which you will have to fulfill.
I feel the main difference thought is the way they teach you film. In VPA, they teach film as an art form. They want you to make beautiful film and you learn to analyze and appreciate it. In Newhouse, the program is more commercial based. They teach you how the film industry works and to succeed in it. You take production and theory classes. For example, next semester I will be taking TRF 205 which is a production class where every week you get assigned a new project as simple as go create an intro sequence to a movie, to the big final project which is to create a 10-20 minute short film with the entire class taking different roles as if you were a production company. At the same time, I will be taking TRF 235 which is a theory class or how I like to call it: “a book class” where you go to lecture, take notes and get tested. In that class, you learn the ins and outs of the entertainment industry. Once you reach junior and senior year, people branch out into specialties, so If I’m interested in editing, I take editing classes. If interested in directing, you take directing classes, etc or you can continue taking an overall approach to film.
You also get the perks of doing the Semester in LA where you intern in Los Angeles. I’m not sure if VPA has a similar program but you should find out. And also, one can’t forget the powerful alumni connection that the Newhouse school has. Its insane how the alumni are so willing to help you and they are everywhere in the industry.
Overall, I feel I’m getting a more well rounded film education as a TRF major than I would be in VPA. Although don’t take my word for it but I suggest you speak to someone who is currently in the VPA program cause I could be wrong in some things.
Now as a transfer student, It will be easier to transfer into VPA because Newhouse only takes 30 external transfer in each year and is the most competitive way to get into the school. Although don’t let that low number stop you from applying into Newhouse if you see its a better fit for you.
Good Luck!</p>
<p>Thank you for your reply. You are really helpful.</p>