<p>I want to work in the corporate part of film-making. Which means I am looking into being a studio executive as a future career. I know this is really hard to do, and there are a lot of factors that go into acheiving this career. However, what way should I go in terms of education. I'am considering minoring in film studies, but after college what should I do. Should I get an MFA in producing (Peter Stark program at USC), or start working and then get an MBA. Which is better, something that teaches me fundementals of business in the industry (MFA from USC) or learning the fundamental of business (MBA)?</p>
<p>Two suggestions:</p>
<p>Go to CC’s subforum on “Film Studies and Visual Arts.” CC has an area for specialty majors, such as Music, Acting, Musical Theater… and more. </p>
<p>To find these subfora, go up to top of this page, click “Discussion Home.” Scroll down below all the named colleges/universities until you see “College Majors.” In your case, then look there for “Film Studies and Visual Arts.” </p>
<p>Post over there (in addition to here), to get a student perspective there.</p>
<p>Second suggestion: For undergrad, have you considered a B.A. where you major in film production? Then you could minor in business (or not). It might be a more direct or earlier pathway to your career goal. You could still go for the MBA, but you might get pointed to internships as an undergrad if you major in Film Production.</p>
<p>I just saw Jay Leno with James Cameron (Titanic/Avatar) James Cameron went to college and received a degree in physics! He had a series of blue collar jobs and then got to work with Roger Korman (king of the B movies) through a connection. He made his first movie in his apartment.</p>
<p>I would bet who you know is more important than what.</p>
<p>I’ve worked in television my whole professional life. At one company (a major television content producer) half the top executives were Harvard grads with MBAs – not necessarily Harvard MBAs, but MBAs nontheless. Movies and television are very clubby - people tend to go to similar schools and get their jobs through connections, often through alumni connections. Management in movies and television is that, plus a solid business background.</p>
<p>p3t I already posted in that forum, to no avail. Wilners an mba or an mfa are a great way to make connections and also to learn about stuff. So I would have the who you know and the what you know down pat if I go to film school or business school. Thats a really interesting note about James Cameron, though.</p>
<p>Kmom great advice! So Harvard mba is the way to go (since I’m not an undergrad), now the trouble is getting into Harvard lol…</p>
<p>Harvard does have a great network in Hollywood, but I think USC should stay on your list for sure. It’s got graduates working in every aspect of the industry, and it is rightly famous for its loyal alumni.</p>
<p>What Hannah said. I used Harvard as an example of ‘clubbiness’ but USC, NYU, UCLA Northwestern etc are their own clubs as well. The bottom line is: a good school with good ties to the industry for the connections – an MBA (not necessarily Harvard!) for the necessary resume and money crunching you’ll need to master. </p>
<p>Good luck. And don’t give up on the dream.</p>
<p>[James</a> Cameron - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Cameron]James”>James Cameron - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>Here is what I pulled out from Wikipedia</p>
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<p>USC is a good choice for you if you are the type of person who networks well and will follow up on opportunities. USC has many opportunities available in the film industry if you are a go getter. In business, especially at the top end, a lot depends on who you know. Good luck.</p>