<p>My son is a freshman in the film production program. A few thoughts: After visiting many schools (over 20) we found USC to have top notch academics, equipment, facilities and contacts. We also found it to be one of the more competitive atmospheres all along the way. Not everyone directs a film in the upper years, and not everyone gets every opportunity. This was one of the things that concerned me. But at my son pointed out: that is the film world. You constantly need to show your work and prove yourself to advance. </p>
<p>I think you also need the right personality. I totally agree with Madbean about what is needed for success. I too have posted about what I think it takes: drive, ambition and being a NICE person. The drive and ambition will take you so far, but if people don’t like you they won’t want to work with you. That means being humble, paying your dues, working for and with others before you ask them to help you. And whatever position you do: do it to the best of your ability, and do more than asked. Get the coffee, offer to help. That will be noticed.</p>
<p>Note: the first 3 semesters of USC for undergrads are pretty much about fulfilling the general education requirements. There is little “film” involved in those years. By joining the alumni association group at SCA my son gets free tickets to many films that are being released shortly or have just been released. Some showings have the director or others at the showing. He goes to as many as he can and talks to everyone he can. He also has made contacts at several places off campus and visited with people in the industry. He does this by asking everyone if they know someone. A cousin knew someone at this studio, a doctor I see knew someone at at network, etc… He takes every lead and contacts them and then goes to meet them. But that is HIS personality: a very sweet, nice, but determined kid. He knows one of these people might give him an internship or employ him someday. And if not he not has met some very interesting people, seen the inside of several studios and TV networks and sets and now has the most amazing list of contacts who he keeps up with regularly. </p>
<p>So to woodwinds: I’m not surprised your daughter left with no contacts. It seems there is little opportunity in the first two years unless you MAKE opportunity.
But for those considering USC: if you are determined, driven and have the personality to put yourself out there and make the contacts yourself initially, I believe the doors will open for you. And being in LA to find those doors seems to be the right place to be for this industry.</p>
<p>As a wise person said to him: “You will get a lot of nos along the way in this business, but if you never ask, you won’t get the YES.”</p>