<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I am a rising senior looking to pursue film in college. I have heard great things about Wesleyan's film studies program, but I am wondering how it compares to the "big name" film schools-- USC, UCLA, and NYU especially-- in terms of the actual program and in the ability to make connections. Also, I am confused about how it is a film "studies" program. Do students actually learn filmmaking/make films? How much? </p>
<p>Any insight would be very much appreciated!</p>
<p>Wesleyan compares very favorably to the “big name” schools - there’s a reason the alumni network is called the Wesleyan Film Mafia. </p>
<p>[THR’s</a> Top 25 Film Schools List Revealed Gallery - The Hollywood Reporter](<a href=“THR’s Top 25 Film Schools List Revealed – The Hollywood Reporter”>THR’s Top 25 Film Schools List Revealed – The Hollywood Reporter)</p>
<p>This ranking has USC #1, UCLA #4, NYU #5, and Wesleyan #7. Right up there with the “big boys.”</p>
<p>The program is not a pure technical major - a lot is theory based, but there is also physical hands on work - the new film studies building has a production wing - [About</a> the Building, Center for Film Studies, Film Studies - Wesleyan University](<a href=“http://www.wesleyan.edu/filmstudies/centerforfilmstudies/index.html]About”>http://www.wesleyan.edu/filmstudies/centerforfilmstudies/index.html)</p>
<p>The various rooms are named by the donations from the famous alumni (Michael Bay, Joss Whedon, etc.)</p>
<p>In other words, it’s a comprehensive film major where you learn how to make films, how to tell a story, and all the little things that make a good film great. The number of famous alumni from Wes is pretty indicative of the strength of the program.</p>
<p>The website [About</a> the Major, Film Studies - Wesleyan University](<a href=“http://www.wesleyan.edu/filmstudies/major.html]About”>http://www.wesleyan.edu/filmstudies/major.html) has a pretty good description of what it’s all about.</p>
<p>The accompanying Cinema Archives have the papers of big names, including Clint Eastwood and Martin Scorsese - both of whom have visited campus and are good friends with the department Chairwoman and Film Goddess Jeanine Basinger.</p>
<p>Just came back from Wes graduation…S is double major film and music…Joss Whedon gave commencement address, Basinger has created a renowned film program that is just amazing…please check out great post above and definitely check it out!!!</p>
<p>BTW…son did work on many/most of the senior films done this year…both 16MM and digital…he did video production (shot the winning film) and did alot of the music production and original music…lots of talent abound at Wes…</p>