good schools?

[klausvelka]

before anyone starts with flaming abotu why i didnt use the search function, it just so happens that it doesnt come out on mine (i searched the whole page, i guess its disabled)...

so yeah... my question is which schools are good for film?

 

[Rick Meyer]

before anyone starts with flaming abotu why i didnt use the search function, it just so happens that it doesnt come out on mine (i searched the whole page, i guess its disabled)...

so yeah... my question is which schools are good for film?

Well, that really depends on what you'd like to accomplish; to keep costs low, to learn as much as you can about film, to make good contacts, to have a very good looking resume'...etc.?

There is no question that having your BA in just about anything is a wise move. Even if film doesn't work out, having your BA is just plain smart. It shows your are motivated, willing to start and finish something, and in this day and age, is sometimes required to be considered for advancement. So, in that regard the NAME of the school can matter. If you went to NYU, USC, or UCLA, I think you would be doing yourself a big favor in terms of building a credible resume'. Will you learn more at these schools than another? Probably not. Is it fair? No, but its the breaks.

Going to a more expensive school will also give you some opportunities that some less popular schools can't. Better contacts, working professionals-teachers, strong locations, other highly motivated and smart students, etc.

However, if you want to really learn and keep costs low, you might do well to look hard at some state schools. You are going to get out of it as much as you are willing to put into it. Period. It doesn't matter WHERE you go. The expensive schools do not corner the market on sharing good information. You'll get taught, if you want to be taught. Whereever you are.

I went to CSUN. Cal State Northridge. I made some good friends, felt I learned a lot and have little regrets. I borrowed every penny of my degree and am glad I went that route because I am also borrowing every penny of my NYU masters program and will be broke for YEARS. I'd be even more penniless if I went to a more expensive school to begin with.

Now, I didn't know that I was going to want to go to a graduate school after I got my BA. It just happened. So, always consider that possibility for you. You might want to keep costs low now to raise the steaks later, etc.

I will admit though, there is/was a LOT of Bullsh*t that I had to deal with by going to a state school. NYU is HUGE. But when I call the financial aid department, I get a human being within about 3 minutes. Dealing with the bursars office, fin aid, cash management, graduating on time, advisors, etc...at CSUN was a F*CKING NIGHTMARE!!!

So, keep all this in mind. I know, I'm rambling. The main point is, as long as the school has a dedicated FILM program (that is current...you do NOT need how to edit on a movieola), you will learn as much as you want to learn.

Take care, good luck and let us know what you decide!

Rick
PS To those of you who do not believe in pursuing your BA, please do not take offense. It is NOT for everybody. I believe in it. And based on klausvelka's question, he/she believes in too. So the answer is directed towards klausvelka.