Can anyone recommend a college? - serious answers only?

Question

I am looking to get into a college with a good film program, the end goal being I would like to eventually be a director or producer.

Answer 1

I'm not sure where you live or what your financial situation is, but when you're looking for a school, make sure to get a copy of their course catalog, just to see what kinds of upper-level (the classes you'll take your last two years) they offer and if you'd be interested. A lot of universities don't have a film program, per se, but have a lot of great film courses in their English dept. Some have programs where you can intern in LA or New York for a semester.

I know a bazillion people tell you this, and it's a real downer, but try to find a place where you will learn a skill that you can rely on for a job. I don't mean to tell you to have a backup plan because you'll never make it in the film business, but to have a plan for what you will do for money when you first get out of college. No matter what your degree, if you're planning for a career in talent, you should give it all you have and dedicate yourself to your goal. But, no matter how talented you are, it's unlikely that fresh out of college you'll be able to support yourself on that. Make sure you can do something to get a job that will allow you time to pursue your goals. Like me - I'm a writer. I got my degree in English, and I'd like to make money from my writing. But, in the meantime, I'm using my writing and communication skills as a secretary. Not too glamorous, but it pays the bills.

Answer 2

My advice to people is always the same -- go to the best school you can get into. If you go to Princeton Review's web site, they have a tool that asks you a lot of questions, then suggests apropriate colleges for you. The link is below.

That being said, it is widely known that USC and NUY have the best fil schools. If you can get into one of them -- go there. I'm sure that UCLA is decent (in general, UCLA is better than USC in almost all fields -- but Film is not one).

If you have to step down a notch, there are other decent film programs. Surprisingly, Temple University has a decent program.

Answer 3

I think that a lot of current directors have attended college at UCLA Film School - this seems to be the "breeding ground" for Hollywood directors.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I heard Ball State University in Indiana has a great film program. Good luck!

Answer 5

SCAD, in Savannah, Georgia, is excellent. It is expensive. Of course, you can apply for scholarships, grants, etc. It is possible to live cheaply in Savannah, though you'll have to take a bus in from the less expensive areas of town. I recommend you look at Pooler.

Have you done with your core requirements? It makes so much more sense to get these done at a junior college or vocational and tech school, which are much less expensive. Then transfer over to the college or university of your choice.

Answer 6

I know somebody who went to Northeastern University (Boston) for the music industry. It's an amazing school and if they have a good music program, they may have just as good an arts program.
but if youre still in highschool, ask your guidance counselor or whoever's in charge of college admissions, they'll give you the best advice you can probably get.

Answer 7

i would recommend Ithaca...I think they have a film department area. plus, the surrounding area is beautiful in New York. Good luck finding a good college.

Answer 8

USC or UCLA or the University of Texas

Answer 9

Michigan St. is a good collage for yur line of work.

Answer 10

I have heard good things about USC and NYU
http://www.tisch.nyu.edu/page/home