USC or UCLA Summer Program

<p>Hello everyone, it is my first time in this website. I am recent grad with a degree in Business Adm.Despite my business background i am very interested in the entertainment industry, more specifically film and tv. I did an internship last year at a tv station and fell in love with the industry. I am currently looking at summer programs at both USC and UCLA, but i am lost. My goal is to eventually become a producer, but i am not sure what is the best way to start. I came across the"Professional Program in Producing" offered at UCLA UCLA</a> Professional Programs and it does look pretty good. Seems to be a broaden overlook at what it takes to be a producer, which is definitely something i am interested in. But it does not have any hands on, which some claim to be essential. USC offers more hands on programs, like filmmaking classes (Summer</a> Program Classes - USC School of Cinematic Arts)
As i said i have little experience in this field, and would like some insight in which option would be better for my goal. Would it be better to go to USC and do a more hands on program, or UCLA and the its broaden producer's program? Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks for the help. Really helpful forum</p>

<p>are you been sarcastic? no one replied in public.
or
did this good poster named Wheaty PMed you?
If he did, send my regards.
he seems went underground, I am thinking that I must have done hurt his feelings again.
his D is supposedly doing USC film summer course 10K plus and I just could not fathom its value/cost for HS soph who does not know if even wants to do film for real, but your are an adult there, things are different, I bet.</p>

<p>good film parent madbean or madenmd also recommended USC.</p>

<p>Thanks for replying. I wasn’t being sarcastic…I posted this several days ago and not one person responded. I’ve always heard good things about this site, but it was a big let down. You saved it’s reputation lol.
Yeah film schools are expensive, but for me i think it is essential. Some people say: just use the money and make a film…that is easily said than done…Very few, i mean little little bit succeeded doing that. The Connections and training you get from top schools are what matter. I am just undecided btw USC and UCLA…i am not sure if a hands on program wuld be my best bet</p>

<p>You were being sarcastic, I think you meant to say. It would help if you posted this in an area that gets more traffic.</p>

<p>What are you looking for in your program? You’re going to make connections and get training no matter which one you go to. What are some factors you think are important, that would help you decide between the two?</p>

<p>Hi Entertainmentguy,</p>

<p>Well these are two different types of classes. Both are taught by some of the best film professors in the world and both schools are at the absolute top of the film school pyramid. The goal of each of these classes is different: UCLA offers an “intense overview” of producing; and the USC class that you list is Beginning Filmmaking. UCLA’s intent is to offer a post-grad level experience for those not wanting an MFA in film. USC is offering an 8 unit summer class that is offered to mostly undergrads year-round.</p>

<p>The benefits of the UCLA offering: NETWORKING! Along with getting a good understanding of the theory you would get to meet many industry people (professors, guest speakers, etc.) as well as fellow classmates. Some of these classmates will succeed in the business and that might offer you a connection down the line.</p>

<p>USC’s Beginning Filmmaking class is excellent. You would still meet industry people as above but your fellow classmates would mostly be undergrads and so they would be many years from being able to help with connections. </p>

<p>I see your dilemma: hands-on Beginning Film with SC = great instruction and experience VS. Production theory plus connections at UCLA. Both good = tough choice. </p>

<p>USC offers two summer programs in Producing and Directing (one on Warner Bros backlot and one at Universal’s) but both are now closed. Too bad, that might have been the best fit for what you want right now. </p>

<p>I’m thinking UCLA but maybe add a Santa Monica CC class or two in filmmaking. Hmm, but I could also argue in favor of USC summer Beginning Filmmaking. </p>

<p>Ultimately I’d like to see you with some classes in Producing, some in beginning film, and maybe one or two in screenwriting. </p>

<p>Just my 2 cents kid!
Best,
Wheaty</p>

<p>BandD,
No, not your fault! I got a fun assignment and I’ve been really busy. I’ll try to catch up… I know there was a photographer hopeful that posted with some good questions that I have to go find… and maybe one or two others?</p>

<p>Wheaty! dad!!!
You mean you got job of retaking UCSD’s art facility photos?
I can’t wait!!!</p>

<p>Hey Wheaty, thanks for the write up.
The UCLA program seems really tempting, but because of my lack of experience i am not sure attending a program that is lecture based only would be the best idea. I guess if i already had a year or more of real life experience then the UCLA program would be more appealing. I am just a bit afraid of the lecture only based curriculum. I am sure it is going to be great information taught by top faculty, but there is no projects, no real application of the material taught. How am i going to leave that program and work in a studio if i don’t have the hands on experience. It take a lot of work to become a producer and i know that i have to start from the botton, and that;s why i think i need a program that will give me the nuts and bolts of the industry…What do you think?</p>

<p>Entertainmentguy,</p>

<p>In my mind it doesn’t matter which one of these classes this summer because I think you’re going to want to take them both eventually. I might see your path a little differently than you. From what you have written above I see you going forward in a more or less a constant state of taking-classes-networking-finding-work. Rinse and repeat.</p>

<p>I would encourage you to see this path as kind of a life long journey where you cycle through instruction, networking and jobs. Industry jobs often involve a lot of down time. I think a lot of that down time should be filled with instruction. So that’s why I don’t think it matters which one you take first.</p>

<p>Many people have become producers without going to film school but my sense is that’s all changing as more and more talented kids get more and more great instruction. And while its possible that you could become a producer after taking one class, I feel that’s unlikely. Your odds of success will increase with each course that you complete.</p>

<p>I would become familiar with SoCal’s gigantic array of non-degree film school courses. UCLA has at least 4 avenues (Extension, online, summer school, the above professional program), USC summer is vast, Santa Monica CC year round, etc. Use all of this as an ongoing supplement to your biz education.</p>

<p>I know you weren’t looking for this philosophical answer but this is how I see the non-MFA path. </p>

<p>Best of luck,
Wheaty</p>

<p>BandD,
A blind monkey with an entry level Nikon could take better pictures than what is shown on the UCSD website. We’ll just set the monkey’s camera on motor-drive and let him blast away. Yikes that site is bad.
Best,
Wheaty</p>

<p>I see what you are saying and i agree, but one question still remains…i would love to get and internship or a job next semester, and i would love to know which of these two programs would be a better choice…I just feel that for an entry level job in film or tv you need to know the basics. Thats where the hands on USC program is growing on me…Both programs are expensive and i would like to get some work experience before doing any other training. I do intent to maybe do an MFA in production in the near future, but i need a training that will help me get a job in the industry before that</p>

<p>Entertainmentguy,</p>

<p>Hmm, I don’t have the answer to that question but I know who does. Go to the USC summer site, the professors are listed for each summer class now. Google the professor and send him an email with your questions. He will know 1000x more than me and he’ll be able to offer better advice. Ditto for the UCLA professor.</p>

<p>Best,
Wheaty</p>

<p>Thanks Wheaty. Another question: Have you heard anything about UCLA’s Extension programs…I was looking at the producing certificate and it seems pretty good. It is cheap too. Do you know if it is a well regarded program? I am not thinking of taking the filmmaking classes at USC and the going doing the extension</p>

<p>Good post…
I’m also planning to take UCLA or USC summer classes, yet I’m just a rookie in this area, so I think I will start from USC summer program…</p>

<p>My concern with the summer programs is who will be in your classes and will you get what you need? If the classes are mainly high school and undergraduate students, will you get what you need? For younger and less experienced students, the summer version might fit the bill. For someone who has graduated college and is operating at a more sophisticated level, you might want to search for a course geared to someone with extensive “learning” experience. Granted, you never went to film school. But… what are your goals here? Producing involves a lot of business skills which you may already have, with some appreciation for film-making craft. In some of the courses the focus is on MAKING the film, not really on producing it. If you want to learn to make a film before you continue, take any of these classes, they should all be great. In most classes you will not learn to finance, or market a film, to get formal training in hiring the principals: (director, etc…) In most of them you and a few others will write and or film something, then edit and show it. Producing is a very specific niche. I don’t know much about producing in particular: but would urge you to write a list of what you want to learn and be sure the program you are choosing will meet those needs. If you loved your TV internship, how about offering to work for free with the producer this summer? It would cost you nothing, and might provide the education you need in how to “produce”. Or ask that person to set you up with another producer. If it is film producing you want, I would look specifically for a PRODUCING course, not just a film making course, or better yet, offer to work with a producer for free, just for the experience. You never know who might take you up on your offer.</p>

<p>USC has the best grad school for producers that want to work in Hollywood. With that said, I don’t see how their summer program is better than UCLA’s. A producer does not need to know how to make films.</p>

<p>Thanks for the reply~!!!Both of you laid out good points…I guess i feel that it would be odd to want to become a producer without knowing the whole process involved in making a film …Yes i don’t have to be a specialist in camera, lighting, sound to become a produce, but i am pretty sure every producer knows the basic of filmmaking. Suppose i get a job or an internship and have no knowledge on the process of making a film. I find it hard that a studio will take me, knowing that i don’t have experience. Yeah internships are meant to be a learning experience, but from what i have heard and experienced myself, nobody has time to take my hand and show me how everything works. It is a fast paced environment, and i find it hard to believe that anyone would have time and patience to teach. The internship that i did, was at a small tv station and there was not a lot going on, so they had a little time to teach me a bit about most everything. Even the guy i was shadowing said that in a normal environment i would have to know some of the stuff, because nobody has time to stop and explain you everything.
Normally aspiring producers start as a PA and as a PA you do practically everything…My concern with the lecture based UCLA program, is that if i get an internship i will still be very unfamiliar with most of the process.</p>

<p>Maybe you should do the hands on summer camp, but if you’re going to grad school for producing I don’t think it would matter. Most of the film making stuff you would need to know as a producer would be fairly minimal, basic stuff.</p>

<p>Entertainmentguy, You’re right about “I guess i feel that it would be odd to want to become a producer without knowing the whole process involved in making a film …Yes i don’t have to be a specialist in camera, lighting, sound to become a produce, but i am pretty sure every producer knows the basic of filmmaking.”</p>

<p>To be a producer, you do need to learn the business side of the business. It’d be kind of tough to go for a MA degree in the film program if you haven’t taken any courses in the BA or BFA film programs. Perhaps you’d be interested in pursuing an additional bachelor’s degree? Have you considered looking into the Chapman University’s Creative Producing Program? If you get a BFA in Producing, you won’t need a MA. [B.F.A&lt;/a&gt;. Creative Producing - Dodge College of Film and Media Arts](<a href=“http://ftv.chapman.edu/programs/sodaro-pankey_undergraduate_school_of_media_arts/creative_producing/]B.F.A”>http://ftv.chapman.edu/programs/sodaro-pankey_undergraduate_school_of_media_arts/creative_producing/)</p>

<p>I spent almost two hours on the phone with one the guys that i worked with at the tv studio. I will be attending USC’s program. Yes, it is expensive, but i have heard nothing but good things about both the school and the program.Since i have no background in film, i want to experience the whole filmmaking process, even if it is for a short period of time. Learning is never a waste of money in my opinion and i am sure i will leave the program knowing more about the abc of making a film. Network alone was a huge factor on my decision. The Trojan “mafia” is well known, so hopefully this 8 weeks will be enough for me to make some connections and maybe land an internship after the program. Thanks for all the reply guys, and i will be sure to write about my experience there.</p>