what do film schools look for?

Steve Laramie

Steve Laramie

Veteran
I am half way through High school and wanted to get some questions answered about applying to film schools. First of all any recommendations? I live in South jersey right by Philly. However I am not aware of any good film schools. THere are a few but they arent the best out there atleast in my opinion. I would be willing to travel if it was a school like NYU AFI or UCLA.

Also what is more important for applications to major film schools grades or experience?

And what would you recommend doing to increase chances of acceptance?
 
Honestly, the essay is the most important thing. That and grades. Many schools don't care about past work. Since they want to give students and equal chance at succeeding.

I would really look into a liberal arts college that has a good film program. Since you want to learn more than just film stuff.

You need to nail the SAT, and you need to have a good GPA in school. I am talking higher than a 3.2 GPA at the minimum level. But really the SAT is really important.

But if you have a great essay - you are in good shape.
 
I didn't go to film school, but as Matty said, I have heard the essay counts for a lot.

Also, with regards to the SAT, aren't some schools dropping it? Did n't Univ of Calif drop it?
 
yah definitely a creative essay or some schools require a video to be made. I'm a sophomore studying film. I didn't get into my school of choice but I am just happy to be doing this as my choice for education. Also, don't try to transfer into film school.......they accept way less people so it makes it much more difficult
 
lairhair said:
I probably wouldnt study anything but film.
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There I think you are making a mistake. The realistic odds of making a living in film are slim. You will want a degree from an accredited school and a minor in something. You will want to study other things so you have something to fall back on.

And yes - some schools are dropping the SAT's, but many still require them.

You also want to get involved with extra-curricular in Highschool. Colleges want well rounded students.
 
Since you're thinking purely film as opposed to a more rounded education I'd suggest looking into Full Sail in Orlando. Definitely take the tour - went last Spring, the facilities are awesome.

http://www.fullsail.com

and yea, CharlieG's right - they all do want your money, although what you get for it varies tremendously.
 
Mattykins said:
There I think you are making a mistake. The realistic odds of making a living in film are slim. You will want a degree from an accredited school and a minor in something. You will want to study other things so you have something to fall back on.

And yes - some schools are dropping the SAT's, but many still require them.

You also want to get involved with extra-curricular in Highschool. Colleges want well rounded students.
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I actually REALLY agree with this, I could have gone to a specifically film school (actually the film program in an art school) and there are always technical colleges too, but i purposely chose a 4 year liberal arts college that offers film as a major. Because it's a liberal arts college you need to take classes unrelated to your major as well so you get what they consider a "well rounded education" but if all else fails I've got what is considered a communications degree from here, with the knowledge of a film school. Just something to consider......
 
lairhair said:
And what would you recommend doing to increase chances of acceptance?
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Trust me. One of the single most important things they are going to look at is that essay. They actually read those things and what they are looking for is passion. Often times, they will overlook non stellar grades as long as you write a convincing essay displaying your unwavering passion for filmmaking and storytelling and what that art form means to you.
 
Columbia College is open admission here in Chicago and if you show some form of artistry they'll be cool with you. It's a great school and you can get your hands on equipment as soon as you start your Film Tech (Film Production as they're called now) classes. They'll take you through old school and digital production. It's a lot of fun and the teachers are great. If you run across a skinny somewhat whiny artsy teacher with glasses, who sometimes wears a baret learn from her, she's real smart, but otherwise ignore her agenda, other than that you're fine, the teachers are great.

-Nate
 
Well, I guess a lot of it has to do with what you are looking to get. Book knowledge? Hands on experience? College reputation for your eventual resume?

You're gonna have to do a search or google it...there are just SOOO many options out there...so you are going to have to discern which decision is best for you. I know thats cliche' but its true. You need to do some research and find out what has what you are looking for. What is important to you? Tuition cost? Scholarships? Location? Reputation? Equipment? Teachers? Class emphasis? Class size? etc.
 
lairhair said:
so what are the BEST ones?
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Alright thought I'd chip in since I've done heavy researching in film schools.

First off, listen to Rick, you NEED TO DO YOUR RESEARCH, it took me a few days to realize all my options and figure out what exactly I wanted and what I had to do to get it. Research, research, research...

As for the best? Well thats subjective, I'd have to say NYU, UCLA, USC, Loyola Marymount, Chapman, SDSU, Cal State Long Beach (schools that offer degrees) are all definitely up there (probly missing a few)...These schools however are NOT EASY to get into. NOT EASY AT ALL. The film programs (video production in particular) are HIGHLY impacted (meaning a ton of students want to get in them, but not enough seats). The best advice I can give to you is pick AT LEAST 5 schools and apply, dont expect to get into all of them, so have backup non impacted schools too.

I wouldnt recommend going to schools like Fullsail, etc because they dont offer degrees. Apply to colleges, actual universities that will offer degrees in film, this will be better for your future success and better for your general education. Furthermore many of these california schools will offer internships, which will let you get first hand experience on actual sets and you'll learn how the industry is actually run (which is HUGELY imortant), and since many of these schools are in california, close to Los Angeles and Hollywood, finding internships wont be hard.

Here's what I'd do: Apply to a whole bunch of California universities with film departments (here is a good list: http://www.filmmaking.net/directory/filmschools/film_schools_browse.asp?country=United%20States&state=California ) , get your GPA up! You're going to need AT LEAST a 3.0, because you dont live in California, your going to need an even higher GPA because california residents get first dibs at seats in these schools. Work on creative writing, because most of these colleges make you write a few creative essays (why I want to be a director, who is my inspiration, etc...) A few of them also require portfolios of past creative work (short films, scripts, etc.), a few of them also require interviews, SAT scores and extra curricular work too. Oh yeah one more thing. TALK TO A COUNSELOR, they will tell you exactly what you need to do to get into the schools of your choosing, (thats their job).

All in all, this is all I know about getting into a good film school. IT AINT EASY! I messed up with grades and applications and am hoping to get into Cal State Fullerton next year to study there. But if you keep your grades, write a few scripts here and there, and are creative with a camera I'd say you have what it takes to get into a prestigous film school like UCLA or USC.

Good luck! :thumbup:

Oh yeah in case you havent noticed, you're going to have to move to Cali, it is the epicenter for all things film, and if you want to break in, this is the best window.
 
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Just a technical addition to coalclear's post, Full Sail has received accreditation and does actually offer degrees, AA & BA. (New this year).
 
The biggest thing to keep in mind is that no one cares where you went to school or what you did while in school so there's no need, IMO, to stress out too much about where you go to college. This is not law or medicine where degrees actually mean something. IMO find a good state school (stash away the money you save for post graduation living expenses and/or out of state jobs/internships during the summer), spend as much time as you can working/interning (local post/production facilities, TV stations, etc.,) and make sure you study things besides film.


-A
 
Columbia College is best in the midwest, although Flashpoint Academy is trying to blow up right now.

-Nate
 
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