Really Need Help (Prospective Film Major)

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

<p>Hi! I'm new here, and after browsing several forums for a few weeks, I decided to make an account and actually post.</p>

<p>Film has been my passion since I was very young, and it has continued in various different forms. I used to just watch movies and appreciate them for their storytelling value (something that is still very prevalent in my life), and then I moved on to writing spec scripts and actually analyzing films, and now, in addition to the aforementioned activities, I now direct my movies and edit them on my MacBook Pro.</p>

<p>So, I have a few questions before I freak out completely...</p>

<p>I'm going to be a junior in high school in a few weeks. My freshman year of high school was awful. I had two D's, but my other grades were good enough to somehow pull off a 90% GPA at the end of the year. I want the schools I apply to to know, however, that this wasn't simply a lack of caring. My grandmother, someone very, very close to me (she shared my love of cinema and basically introduced me to it) passed away and I couldn't cope well with it at all. I dont' want to make it seem like I'm pitying myself, but I DO want any prospective college to know that I was depressed and "took it out", I guess, on my schoolwork (or lack thereof.) My sophomore year improved drastically in all but one area (Biology, in which my overall grade was a low C...). My D in math improved to a B and my overall GPA is a 94 %. I KNOW for a fact that my Junior year will bring me up even further, and hopefully into the top 25 or 20 % of my class (currently in the top 40%).</p>

<p>The rigor of my courses are like so:</p>

<p>Freshman year I took Honors English I (A), Honors Earth Science (D), Algebra 1 (D), Print Journalism (A), Honors World History (A), French 1 (A).
Sophomore year was Honors English II (A), Honors Biology (C), Geometry (B), Honors US History (A), French II (A), Mixed Chorus (A).
The classes I signed up for for Junior year are Honors English III, Anatomy and Physiology, Honors US Government, Honors French III, Psychology, Graphic Communications I, Broadcast Journalism, Modern Algebra II, and a Math Enrichment course that is required. (The Broadcast Journalism course is the closest film-related class in the school.)
In my senior year I plan on taking AP English 4, Speech and Debate, either Probability and Statistics or Business Math, Sociology, Business Law, Graphic Communications II, Honors French IV, AP History, and Broadcast Journalism. I might take out a few electives and replace them with another, but the academic ones will stand. I also got the second highest PSAT results at my school, and plan on taking the SAT in the fall. </p>

<p>I'm in the following clubs at school: Steering Committee of 2013 (9th grade +), Battle of the Books (9th grade +), Select Chorus (9th + 10th grade), and plan on joining Student Council and Ski Club next year. Also, I'm founding the Film Club at the high school, and will be President of that, which I think will look pretty passionate on my application. </p>

<p>Sportswise, I was in Track and Field Sophomore year, and lettered in Varsity, and plan on continuing with that, maybe adding Cross Country too during Senior year.</p>

<p>I've been in five plays/musicals with the drama department, as well.</p>

<p>Outside of school, I earned my black belt in Tong Su Do, I've taken piano lessons for several years and have performed in recitals, I received the Bishop's Youth Award and alter served at my church for several years, and have played in various recreational sports teams. I frequently go to a Retirement Center with my best friend and talk to the patients/sing Christmas Carols around Christmas time (her dad is a doctor.) I've also volunteered at the Humane Society on multiple occasions. </p>

<p>As for employment, I am employed at the local movie theater and the local public library. I've been asked more than once to advise and recommend which movies the theater brings in, which I find quite flattering as no other employee has been asked to do so. I help at their Fall and Spring Film Festival as well. </p>

<p>On my own time I write screenplays and am about to film my first movie (short-horror). I am constantly watching films, and write reviews in a notebook.</p>

<p>I know a lot of that information was probably not necessary, but I tend to ramble on if I'm really concerned about something. Hopefully my passion for filmmaking was made clear... I live for it. If you read through it all, I thank you very much. (it's also 3 AM, if a lot of it makes absolutely no sense...)</p>

<p>So, basically my questions are:</p>

<p>1). Will my freshman year GPA totally deter my chances of getting into my dream schools (USC and NYU)?
2). Is there anything else I can do film-wise to improve my chances of getting into said schools?
3). For the Supplement Application, it says no video more than 10 minutes... does this mean I can cut out a scene(s) from a longer project and submit that? Also, how important is applying early decision if a school offers it?
4). Should I take the ACT in addition to the SAT? What are the major differences/why do they both exist?
5). What is the balance of importance for my academics versus my portfolio?</p>

<p>Again, I'm sorry that this is so incredibly long, but I really want to sort everything out haha.</p>

2

<p>May I ask who will be paying for your education? Is cost an issue? These are very expensive schools.</p>

3

<p>I don’t think they care so much about freshman year as opposed to junior and senior years. In fact I wouldn’t even mention the hard times you had. I have to warn you, those are insanely expensive film schools so I would do research on state/out of state programs too. There is a lot of debate about rather a film school degree is necessary for a career in film. Those programs will most likely leave you with a LOT of debt which is not something in a career that’s crazy hard to break into. </p>

<p>However, it sounds like you have a lot of ambition and have a lot of experience already. You’re actually doing something with film instead of just thinking of it. A LOT will depend on your portfolio. Do you know how many people out there have a 3.5-4.0 GPA? You have to constantly be thinking of what will make you stand out amongst all of the others. Enter film contests- legit ones. Just do as much directing and filmmaking as you can. Volunteering/academics/after school activities are great but what also is important in talent. </p>

<p>And honestly it’s the same in the real world. A film school degree does not=automatic success in Hollywood. Get your films critiqued by people (other than friends and family). Try to get a judge of how good you really are. </p>

<p>It sounds like you’re really dedicated so definitely go for this dream!</p>

4

<p>Most school counselors will write a letter for you explaining any extenuating circumstances that affected your grades. My first piece of advice: make sure you get to know your counselor and that s/he knows your circumstances. </p>

<p>ACT and SAT’s are both acceptable. If you do well on one, you don’t need to take the other. If you don’t do well, you can either take that one again, or try the other one.</p>

<p>Both USC and NYU do offer scholarships and need based aid. The scholarships are tougher to get if you are not in the top 1-2% or have some unique qualifying trait. But… you may qualify for need based aid.</p>

<p>NYU has BINDING early decision. If you get in, you must go. USC does not offer an ED program. Only apply ED to a place if you are SURE you will attend, and not regret that you didn’t try for other schools.</p>

<p>If film is your passion: go for it. But I agree: don’t mortgage your future to pay for school. Be sure you do your homework and look at MANY film schools. NYU and USC are great, but so are others including: Chapman, LMU, Emerson, CALARTS, UT Austin, to name just a few. Don’t limit your wish list until you’ve really explored the field.</p>

<p>See Digmedias post at the top of the forum. See my post on Film Festivals for high school students. Write a lot, and show your writing to others for criticism as well as praise. Develop a great resume, while doing what you love: making films, and you’ll end up in a good school.</p>

5

<p>Money isn’t so much of an issue at this point. My mom works at a college and there is a list of schools in the US I can go to tuition free. USC is one of these schools (as is Emerson, which would be another possible option.)</p>

<p>Thanks so much for all of your responses! I actually have a few questions regarding some things you mentioned, maddenmnd.</p>

<p>In digimedia’s post, he/she suggests starting a production company. Do I need a license to do this, or do I need a license/permit to offer my services locall?</p>

<p>And as for the film festivals, a lot of them are finished for the year. I’m actually scrambling to finish my current project so I can send it in by October (the Erie Horror one.)</p>

<p>Another issue is the lack of actors. Two of my best friends happen to be in the drama department and can actually act. Obviously, I will cast them. The other actors in the drama department don’t really fit the characters that I have in mind… where can I find actors? Should I even bother auditioning anyone? And should I pay them?</p>

6

<p>As for the production company, just pick a name, research that it’s unique, and just go with it. I really did not have a formal company in mind, but a loose group of people with the same goal in mind. You can get a DBA (“doing business as”) name from the state for a small fee (in Colorado here, it’s $20 initially, then something like $1 a year after that).</p>

<p>As for actors, people will come out of the woodwork if you advertise. And yes, I would audition people. Unless they are union actors (e.g., SAG) you don’t HAVE to pay them (but you should feed them while on set). Even union rules allow the actors to work for just room and board for a small student film. Try any local theater groups or even nearby high schools. One of the biggest issues with high school films is with the acting. Casting some older actors with a little experience can make a HUGE difference.</p>

<p>Also look outside the box in terms of schools. Check out the thread here on the 25 best film schools and see some surprises. Film school can teach you some skills, but it’s going to be up to YOU to make a career.</p>

7

<p>1). Will my freshman year GPA totally deter my chances of getting into my dream schools (USC and NYU)?
No. You still stand a good chance. </p>

<p>2). Is there anything else I can do film-wise to improve my chances of getting into said schools?
Have a dynamite portfolio and write some stellar essays. Your activities are good, so you’re fine in that department. </p>

<p>3). For the Supplement Application, it says no video more than 10 minutes… does this mean I can cut out a scene(s) from a longer project and submit that? Also, how important is applying early decision if a school offers it?</p>

<p>You can cut a scene from a longer film, but I would advise against it. You still have a year and a half. If I were you I would get to work on an exceptional short film. </p>

<p>4). Should I take the ACT in addition to the SAT? What are the major differences/why do they both exist?
Take both at least once. Whichever one you do the best on, keep retaking till you get a score you’re happy with. </p>

<p>5). What is the balance of importance for my academics versus my portfolio?
For undergrad film, academics are going to slightly more important. You have to be smart to be a film maker, and most people haven’t even really begun to develop a voice yet. With that said, you want to have a really strong portfolio.</p>

8

<p>“Money isn’t so much of an issue at this point. My mom works at a college and there is a list of schools in the US I can go to tuition free. USC is one of these schools (as is Emerson, which would be another possible option.)”</p>

<p>Is that a guarantee that you will get a free tuition? Is that with any GPA?</p>

<p>“I KNOW for a fact that my Junior year will bring me up even further, and hopefully into the top 25 or 20 % of my class (currently in the top 40%).”</p>

<p>Just to warn you, there are so many people in the top 10% of their HS class couldn’t get into these schools, so you may need to add a few more safeties just in case.</p>

9

<p>Thank you so much digimedia and destinyhelp!</p>

<p>And OCELITE, Just as long as I have a 3.0 GPA, which I do, it applies to me. Only one person a year can do it, but as my mom has been working at said college for twenty years (and no other faculty member has a child my age), I would be the one lucky enough to get it.</p>

10

<p>Some specific replies to your specific questions:</p>

<p>In digimedia’s post, he/she suggests starting a production company. Do I need a license to do this, or do I need a license/permit to offer my services locall?</p>

<p>NO: you just need a name! If you eventually want to copyright or trademark your name, that costs money. But to just make up a name an use it, you can do that anytime.</p>

<p>And as for the film festivals, a lot of them are finished for the year. I’m actually scrambling to finish my current project so I can send it in by October (the Erie Horror one.)</p>

<p>The cycle of getting films accepted is months long. Keep checking with withoutabox,they post new listing almost daily. You can also note dates for next year and submit when they open up for the year. Early submissions sometimes get viewed and accepted earlier.</p>

<p>Another issue is the lack of actors. Two of my best friends happen to be in the drama department and can actually act. Obviously, I will cast them. The other actors in the drama department don’t really fit the characters that I have in mind… where can I find actors? Should I even bother auditioning anyone? And should I pay them?</p>

<p>My son found actors for his first film by advertising on Craigs list! He did audition about 15 to find the three he needed. And he did pay them, a small amount: $50 day, plus food. After the fact he discovered that SAG allows its actors to work for free on very low budget student films. To get that approved however, you need to submit your project months in advance of your filming date. Check out their website for info: [Student</a> Film Signatory Instructions | Screen Actors Guild](<a href=“SAG-AFTRA |”>SAG-AFTRA |). If you choose this option, allow enough time to get it all done. Even if you don’t use SAG actors, it is worth following their rules: you will learn how to do it, and eventually (I hope!) you will be in the industry and will need to abide by them.</p>

11

<p>Thank you so much maddenmnd! I will search Craigs list and definitely take a look at that link. Just wondering, is your son in college yet? If not, Which does he have his sights set on?</p>

12

<p>For the acting situation, most cities have an audition site where you can post a notice. For example, Los Angeles has LAauditions.com</p>

13

<p>Good luck clemxens! Let us know how it turned out.</p>

14

<p>Clemxens: My son will be a senior in high school this school year. He is applying to 5 schools: USC, NYU, LMU-LA, Chapman and Emerson. Please feel free to ask more questions or PM me if you want to ask some things off the forum.</p>

15

<p>USC and NYU are my dream schools, are mentioned previously, but I’m also looking at Emerson and Wesleyan. Did your son go to any summer camps? I’m debating going to one… do you think that would be a substantial difference on a college application?</p>

16

<p>Film schools are looking for three main things from their applicants: smarts, passion, and storytelling ability.</p>

<p>Smarts: The higher the GPA, the better.</p>

<p>Passion: This is shown in lots of ways. Making films is one, of course, but we outlined some other things you can do in high school to demonstrate to them that you have that passion.</p>

<p>Storytelling capability: This is something you can do with your creative portfolio submission AND with your supplemental essay. The supplemental essay is ESPECIALLY important for film schools.</p>

<p>As an example of portfolio requirements (from Tisch):

Please note the key sentence in all this: Ultimately we are looking for evidence of your potential as a visual storyteller.</p>

17

<p>He went to American University for a 16 mm film program, and this summer is a camera intern on a major motion picture to be released March 2012. Last summer he spent the summer making a 10 minute film that has been accepted at 12 film festivals so far. </p>

<p>There are lots of ways to do what you love: make films, attend camps or schools, make your own movies, join a film festival as a volunteer, submit a film to a festival, get a group of friends together to make a movie. Use your imagination: what would you like to accomplish? Then figure out how to do it. You don’t need a camp or program, just the desire to do it. You can even make a great film on a cell phone! </p>

<p>I’m not sure where my son will end up, but I do know he has a passion for what he does, and we support him 100 per cent.</p>

18

<p>Don’t cut scenes from a larger project- you lose coherence. Focus on a tightly edited short piece that tells a story. I know you want to direct live action but documentary might be a better choice given your time limits. Make a good film and do well your junior and senior years and the freshman grades won’t matter.</p>

19

<p>Thanks so much maddenmnd, for all your help! Good luck to your son!</p>

<p>And doonerak, I was actually thinking of doing a short documentary!</p>

20

<p>If you want to get into NYU, go to a summer program. They say on their website that they pay attention to participation in programs as admission criteria. Also, I went to their Dublin summer program last month, it was life-changing. I grew tremendously as an artist and learned more than I possibly could about the industry (how it is in film school at the very least) on my own. I made valuable connections and was taught exactly what they mean on that requirements sheet (applies for any film school app). </p>

<p>If given the option, go. It’s seriously the best thing you could do with your summer.</p>