The percentage of international students in the undergraduate population at Brandeis (20%) is double the percentage at Wake (10%). Assuming that you’re not needing or expecting need-based financial aid, I would venture that your chances of getting in EDII are better at Brandeis, because their budget depends on allocating so many seats in their entering class to full-pay international students. In addition, you may enjoy having a larger cohort of international students (although that’s entirely a matter of preference, and 10% is still plenty of representation). Econ is one of the strongest and most popular majors at Brandeis, and as you say their film program may be more to your liking than Wake’s. Plus, your EDI choice implies that access to a major city is important to you. Of course, neither Brandeis nor Wake has an urban campus like NYU’s, but it’s at least easy to get into Boston from Brandeis.
Wake is a great school, for sure. It has a very different vibe from Brandeis. If you would enjoy Greek life and enthusiasm for sports teams, you won’t find those aspects at Brandeis the way you will at Wake. And yes, its USNWR ranking is higher. As for the major, you should really look at the actual course offerings, not just the name of the degree - what’s important is whether the course offerings provide the kind of training you want, not whether your degree is Communications w/film minor, or Film/Media.
But honestly, if you see a better fit at Brandeis, I don’t think the difference between #27 and #40 should sway you toward Wake. Play the EDII card at the school that seems like the best fit, in terms of programs, location, and campus culture. From what you’ve said so far, that sounds like Brandeis; and the fact that your odds at Brandeis are likely a bit better is another point in its favor. I mean, the whole point of EDII is to maximize your odds at a good-fit school, right? In your case it seems as if Brandeis hits that sweet spot, and I don’t hear you expressing any criteria that point to Wake except for the difference in rank. They’re both T50 and will be regarded similarly in terms of reputation, so choose by where you think you can best shine once you’re there.
I agree with the above that BU is more NYU-like than Brandeis is, so that would be one to look at. Also Emerson if you’re sure about film, but if you think you might switch to econ, it’s probably not a good choice.
And for sure, it’s worth considering that both Toronto and Vancouver are great film-industry cities, and you might get equal or better opportunities there for a lot less money. They’re both near the US border; you could spend the money saved visiting the US on your breaks!