Grand Valley State University

I graduated from GVSU in April of 2002. For an undergraduate program, GVSU's film & video program is excellent. I did everything from basic video shooting and editing to a sync-sound color 16-mm film. Students can choose to emphasize within the program in one of 4 areas: Film Production, Video Production, Animation, or Cinema Studies. However, your emphasis does not limit you. I was a film production emphasis and took animation-1, experimental film theory, and others. The equipment is decent, although upper-level stuff (Arri BL, high-end lights, etc.) is often booked way in advance. The classes are very small, allowing a great deal of one-on-one help, and your class schedule is very flexible, as long as you fulfill basic requirements. Senior year calls for either a senior thesis project or an internship experience. A summer film practicum is offered every summer and is very selective. Serving on a real film crew for a couple months really puts you into the thick of things production-wise. Finally, the program gives students a great deal of freedom creatively with their projects. Everything from narrative to experimental to documentary to zany animation is produced at GVSU, and there are a number of local film festivals to show them in. All in all, it is a great school and an excellent value!