<p>Waiting for decisions from USC, American University, Syracuse,and U of Miami. Been accepted to Emerson, Ithaca, and Hofstra. Undecided as to whether I want to go into documentaries, indie or Hollywood cinematography/directing. Any thoughts about these programs? In particular, any details about USC, American University, Emerson, and/or Ithaca would be appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>I know two kids at Emerson who love it, and it sounds like a strong program, and in a great city. Syracuse is undeniably top-notch, esp. for TV. You should tour Ithaca … if you like small-town upstate NY, I hear it’s a great program with lots of individual attention.
However, if you’re serious about a movie career, and you can swing the $$$, and you aren’t afraid of a big city on the Left Coast, and you get in, it’s hard to say no to USC. My son is a freshman there and is having the time of his life. They’ve just opened the new Lucas complex, which is jaw-dropping.
Good luck!</p>
<p>What filmschool is best for YOU depends entirely on what it is you want for a career. Every school is different AND more importantly, no school or degree will actually “get” you a job in the professional film industry.</p>
<p>Filmschool CAN teach you some of the logistics and some skills, but mostly, you’d be meeting others and MAYBE you would make a short film that COULD be good enough to attract attention from an Agent or Producer. IF that happened, then you could be represented and offered commercial or feature work to direct. </p>
<p>OR none of that could happen. You could drop a lot of money into a filmschool and wallow around in random below-the-line jobs always wishing that you would have made it as you watch other younger people doing the job YOU want who DIDN’T go to filmschool.</p>
<p>So, the first step for YOU is to determine what job it is you’d really like to do for a living. (the book below should help you figure that out). Then, investigate the schools that have the curriculum that support that goal… OR, as the book describes, just set out to do what is necessary to accomplish what it is you’re after without school.</p>
<p>There is no one “right” answer, but the “best” answer for YOU depends entirely on what it is you truly want to do. Start there.</p>
<p>Thanks, bjdzyak, for your response…and thanks daaad, too. What book are you referring to in your email, bjdzyak? Looks like it got edited out cuz it was a promotional one. </p>
<p>Also, I just got accepted to Syracuse today in their Visual and Performing Arts School. Waiting on American University and USC to round things out. Probably not going to U of Miami if I get accepted. Appreciate your thoughts and ideas.</p>
<p>Have you had the opportunity to tour the SC campus and see the new SCA complex? Film studies is not only an incredible building but also a top notch faculty, creative classmates, industry connections, supportive alumni and opportunity for hands on experience. Another plus is the collaboration among the excellent SC schools of music, theatre, cinema and Annenberg School of Communication.
In my opinion the SCA has all those and more. Not often mentioned is the fantastic library of films, documents and scripts which have been donated to the university.<br>
If you have not taken the time to study the cinema website I urge you to do so. The list of alumni and their accomplishments is impressive.<br>
Best wishes as you begin your college experience.</p>