<p>I was accepted for screenwriting and heres my dilemma. I know I love film however I don't have any experience other than film camp. Though I really like dodge, my fear is getting into the screenwriting classes, realizing I like the production side of things more, and not getting the production experience that I need. </p>
<p>I'm also looking at Azusa Pacific and even though they are nowhere near prestigious for film, I would be able to do film production classes where they learn everything from writing, editing, producing, marketing, etc. and then choose a more focused emphasis their sophomore or junior year. </p>
<p>Any thoughts? I know at the end, film is a rapidly changing ART so theres no recipe for success. Still, its a tough decision...</p>
<p>How about minoring in television? That should get you opportunities in hands-on production. I believe the TV minor is open to Screenwriting Majors. When we visited, the television prof we met was fantastic. Son is considering a TV minor for similar reasons to compliment his Digital Arts/Animation major. He hasn’t sorted out the practicalities, but the TV coursework was suggested as a good way to gain skills that can crossover. We are also hearing that jobs are more plentiful in TV than in film these days, due to many shows with rich, episodic storytelling arcs. You’d need to check out the specific coursework and requirements to see if it worked for you. Maybe current students (who know more!) can guide you. </p>
<p>Also, check out this week’s discussion in the Visual Arts and Film majors forum here on
CC. There was a thread about the rich dramatic work being done in TV.<br>
It’s a thought, anyway. Good luck. :)</p>
<p>Regardless of the film major at Dodge, each student will have opportunities to acquire a hands-on introduction to production. Meaning you’ll have the opportunities to develop your skills in writing, shooting, and editing your own short films, working with other students in group setting and contributing to the works of your fellow students. According to their course catalog for screenwriting, you’ll have 3 elective courses (Electives include all courses offered by the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts). So you’ll have the opportunity to choose the courses you want to explore whether it’s in the area of production, producing, etc. You can also do a minor in another area such as in Advertising, PR, TV, Broadcast Journalism, etc. Opportunities are endless.</p>
<p>[Chapman</a> University Catalog 2011-2012 - Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts - Sodaro-Pankey Undergraduate School of Media Arts](<a href=“Chapman University - Acalog ACMS™”>Chapman University - Acalog ACMS™)</p>
<p>Thanks for your help everyone! And I definitely am considering a minor in television! (which is a little frustrating because I was really looking forward to a minor in psychology but still think that production experience is more necessary!)</p>
<p>Just to be clear though, Dodge is growing in numbers at a rapid pace. I was told by multiple admissions people that unless you are strictly a production major, Directing classes are completely off limits even as electives. So the fear is, if its already that way with directing (understandable since many people initially think they want to direct) I’m wondering how soon they will have to close off other popular classes such as cinematography or editing. </p>
<p>Actually on that note! (Sorry, I’m jumping all over the place!!) I know that all freshmen take an into to editing ‘boot camp’ to learn basics but I’ve heard from many film studios that they expect all interns to have a good knowledge of avid. So I would infer that the boot camp does not suffice…</p>
<p>You’re welcome, HeyitsLC! Congrats on your acceptance to screenwriting! Another option would be to transfer to production after you’ve been in screenwriting for a year. Although I’ve heard it’s difficult to transfer to production, but you never know, if a spot becomes available, you might still have a chance. Try building a good relationship with the Chair of your department, that maybe the key. From what I hear, some students even tried a few times before they get into their minors. So anything is possible. Keep in mind that there are a lot of areas to cover in film. Anytime you make a plan, chances are that’s not where you’re going to end up in the end. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Hi @HeyitsLC!</p>
<p>I’m a freshman screenwriting student right now and just happened to come across this… (college confidential was practically my life last year, so I thought I’d come on the boards and help anyone out because I know I appreciated hearing from current chapman students back then). </p>
<p>Basically, I had literally the EXACT same fear coming into the screenwriting program last fall. Unfortunately, you actually cannot minor in TV as a screenwriting major (that was my original plan as well) but I can tell you that you definitely will NOT be limited to just screenwriting, if that’s your worry. You just have to put yourself out there and not just stick to your screenwriting classes. The best part about the film school is working on student film sets… I can’t even tell you how much I’ve learned about film production from these sets. They’ve been my entire life this whole year. It’s very hands on and you learn quickly. You also befriend so many awesome upperclassmen as well who are always willing to teach you anything you’d like about film… This semester alone, I’ve worked on a set every weekend since February (I might’ve gone a little overboard haha) but you’ll soon realize how great they are… and you’ll realize what you’re good at and what you actually want to pursue. </p>
<p>As a freshman screenwriting major, I’ve literally done everything from Production design, makeup/wardrobe, gripping, 2nd AC, etc. I know plenty of screenwriting majors who have never even step foot on a film set… so it’s really up to you how you want your experience to be.</p>
<p>As for classes, you literally can take whatever you want no matter what your major is. This coming fall, I will be in a Sound Design class, Cinematography I, and I’m in a television class right now (and I have a lot of friends in the Editing classes as well). So don’t worry!</p>
<p>Thirdly, if you really find screenwriting is not for you, the process to switch majors isn’t as hard for people already in dodge (unless you’re applying to be a film prod. major). </p>
<p>But seriously, let me know if you have any other questions! Or feel free to message me. Sorry for the super long response, but I’d like to be as helpful as some students were to me last year! :)</p>
<p>Thanks for posting, KK. Son will be a digital arts/animation major in fall and one of the reasons he chose Chapman was the unparalleled opportunity for collaboration, hands-on set work, and exploration across areas that you describe.</p>