USC Screenwriting for transfer students?

<p>I am planning on going to an early college called Bard College at Simon's Rock for my first two years. I later may want to transfer to USC as a junior, and wanted to know if it would be possible double majoring in print journalism and screenwriting. I looked at the website and it said it is 4 years, so I'm not sure. Should I just go somewhere else like NYU or Northwesten, and just come back and get an MFA. I'm actually a film actor, but USC is more for theater. I even called USC, and they said they only have one course in film acting. I could get an agent, if I went to USC. Also, how does the screen writing industry work? Is it the same as acting? I would like to do some tv show writings. Would it be hard to write my own show and star in it? Thanks!</p>

<p>I’m currently a freshman in the screenwriting program and my class of 25 has 2 transfers, both of whom will be attending USC for more than four years in order to complete the BFA screenwriting degree. The screenwriting BFA is a four year program, meaning that if you transfer in you will be here for at least four years completing it. I wouldn’t advise going to NYU or Northwestern simply on the basis that USC is so amazing - basically if you are able to get in, my advice is GO.</p>

<p>However, it seems like you’re not entirely dedicated to screenwriting, which is fine. Also it means you have a whole lot of other opportunities available. </p>

<p>On a sort of unrelated note: you CANNOT double-major with screenwriting. It is physically impossible to do so because of our course load. I’ve heard it’s the same with production and even critical studies. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met who say they want to transfer into the cinema school and double major. It’s just not feasible.</p>

<p>Thanks so much! So, how is the master program? Would you recommend it? What do you learn different from the BFA? It seems like that would be a better fit. I just do not have much information on how to be a screenwriter, and I don’t know how it goes. Can it be possible if I would transfer and do the BFA in screenwriting, but get a MFA in print journalism? I do know I have lots of idea’s of tv shows and etc. Can you tell me the story’s of those 2 transfer students? Ty</p>

<p>The main difference between the BFA and MFA is the amount of time: two years versus four. Most grad students I’ve met say they’re jealous of us because we get two more years here, whereas they have to cram it all in. I can’t really speak to the graduate degree more than that since I don’t know too much about i. I personally would suggest BFA, but I’m biased of course. :)</p>

<p>As for not having info on how to be a screenwriter - no worries. USC likes raw talent so they can help shape you. And that’s great you have ideas - put them in your application! I did the same for NYU (a film pitch) and they loved it.</p>

<p>The transfers: I can’t say more than they got into USC, worked their asses off, and transferred in.</p>

<p>Thanks so much! Do they like raw talent for their MA program too? Or is that more for experienced people? What do you suggest from hearing my story?</p>

<p>bump…</p>

<p>Given that one will not need an advanced degree to sell scripts in Hollywood, it’s up to each individual to get the training and advice to help them develop their ideas. Some will do this as BFA students, others may decide later in their academic career to focus on screenwriting and go for the MFA. So one degree is not really “better” than the other in terms of what professional advantage they may hold. Although you will get lots of encouragement and networking opportunities through USC’s SCA, the internships you pursue, the scripts you write, and the connections you make have a lot to do with your own tenacity, perseverance and good luck. Since you are starting college at a younger age at Simon’s Rock, you might decide to finish your BA (won’t you be about 20 at that point?) and still have a couple of years to get that masters degree in screenwriting. OTOH, if you are raring to get into the profession, you can move to L.A., get an entry level job in the entertainment biz, and take Writers Studio extension courses at UCLA. I know a great writer who got his M.D. (all those years of school and interning and everything) and then got into USC’s screenwriting MFA program. There are many paths. </p>

<p>Best of luck</p>

<p>Thanks so much! I haven’t been accepted yet to Simon’s Rock, but as I hear it’s not that hard to get into. I think I may want to do Northwestern’s program where you get a BA and MA in print journalism. I will move to LA enventually for my acting career anyway. I think the UCLA thing may be a good idea. :)</p>

<p>Tor_dazzle, what do you think about double majoring and having screenwriting for your minor?</p>

<p>Also, which MFA is better UCLA VS USC for screenwriting?</p>

<p>USC of course! (look at which forum you’re posting to) ;)</p>

<p>i know, but any facts lol</p>