Grad School

C

churchie04

Active member
So, I graduated from a small liberal arts college with a degree in Electronic Media.

I'm thinking I want to attend Grad School and get an M.F.A in Film.

Anyone have experience with Film Masters programs? I've narrowed my choices down to three (in order of preference):

1. Chapman University
2. Florida State University
3. Boston University.

What do you guys & gals think?
 
Unimpressed with Chapman, have worked on a few of their projects. Don't have any experience with the other two. I would suggest AFI, by far the best that I know of.
 
Well yeah, AFI is the best, but i've got to look at my options realistically. According to AFI's site they require a film undergrad degree, which i don't have.

Thanks for the input!
 
Contact AFI- I know a grad from there who had a bachelor's degree unrelated to film. Also USC, UCLA, NYU are top choices. And by top I mean you're more likely to meet and network with fellow students who will go on to work in the industry. That is the real value of film school. The degree itself has little bearing on whether you'll land a career. And I say that as a satisfied USC film school grad.

Noah
 
Sorry, didn't catch the fact that you didn't have a film degree already when I looked at your first post. What caught my eye was the Chapman entry at the top of the list. Have you considered UCLA? While no AFI, they seem to have a better program than Chapman and no where near as expensive as USCs (though on par in terms of what you will learn, but not as much prestige).
 
NoahK said:
And by top I mean you're more likely to meet and network with fellow students who will go on to work in the industry. That is the real value of film school. The degree itself has little bearing on whether you'll land a career. And I say that as a satisfied USC film school grad.

Noah
Click to expand...

Best bit of advice I've seen in ages...It's soooo true...contacts...contacts...contacts...
 
NoahK said:
The degree itself has little bearing on whether you'll land a career. And I say that as a satisfied USC film school grad.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I realized that when getting a job in TV even with a degree and a few connections was near impossible. Thus I'm stuck in IT for now until I find out if I get into any of the programs I apply to.

I hadn't considered UCLA , I will now though, thanks for all the help everyone.
 
A plus for both Chapman and FSU (as well as AFI) is that they are "Conservatory Programs". As such all production costs are paid for by the college. Where as at other programs the student is required to pay for all film and costs incurred in making a film.
 
churchie04 said:
A plus for both Chapman and FSU (as well as AFI) is that they are "Conservatory Programs". As such all production costs are paid for by the college. Where as at other programs the student is required to pay for all film and costs incurred in making a film.
Click to expand...

Can't speak for the other schools but at USC (and also UCLA AFAIK) you are paying for film and things like food and gas but just about everything else is covered either through the school's gear or through in-kind donations already worked out. For example- insurance and permits are covered always- and if you've ever done an indie film on your own you know that alone is huge.

Noah
 
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