Hi,I'm a high school senior and I'm currently doing research to try and find a college or school that provides a good film program, one that best prepares their students to be successful in the industry. It seems like almost all the research I've done points to NYU,USC, or UCLA being amongst the top film schools in the country.Unfortunately, these schools and a few other big name schools often require a portfolio of your work (which I definitely don't have)and really good grades and test scores(but my academic record is less than perfect).I know that there are other small name schools that can still provide a good education in film but I'm not really sure which ones are good to go to. I've narrowed my choices down to California State Universities in LA,Fullerton,and Northridge, and maybe Full Sail film school in Florida.The problem is that I can't find strong enough information on whether the film programs at these schools are respected in the industry or on how successful their students are.Does anybody have any information on these schools or the students that graduated from there? How good are their film programs?
Help please!!! any answers to these questions would be greatly appreciated.
Hey!
College is what you make of it, I graduated from DeSales University (a nice little school near Allentown, PA) with a BA in TV/Film. The school really focused on the overall aspect of production and didn't have the "every one of our students is going to be Spielberg!" attitude. What they really gave you there is a chance - if you want to do it you can! And just like any other school you can do the bare minimum and graduate with the same degree not knowing a thing.
You mention being "respected in the industry" . . . There really aren't schools that are respected in the industry; there are schools that have successful almni willing to give a graduate a PA job - but the school doesn't have the respect from the industry they have the respect from alumni.
I was on set for a feature in NJ about 2 years ago and over the radio I heard "you have an NYU kid on set today - don't give him anything important to do, hes bound to screw it up!" . . . The reason I share that with you is going to a big name school may also play against you people may have a bad experience with someone who is trying to get by on the name of the school they went to and not take you seriously.
In the end find a school where you feel comfortable and at home - you will be spending the next 4 years of your life there. As long as they have the major you want and give you the opportunity to hone your craft, its what you make of it.
Good Luck!
-Joe
PS: Smaller schools that I know are good in the north east are:
DeSales University, Temple Universty, LaSalle University
