Hello,
My name is Moses and I have recently found what I believe I truly would like to go into; film. I am currently enrolled at El Paso Community College, with intent to finish my Associates in Communications (Radio/Film) by the end of '08. I would like to transfer to another school to get my bachelor's degree, but I am very mixed on where I should go. Since I am in Texas, most of my credits and degree should transfer to UT Austin, which has a program called "Semester in LA" (http://utla.utexas.edu/). At first, I had wanted to take this route, but have heard from friends in NM and several others that New Mexico is on the rise when it comes to film, supposedly the "next Hollywood" thanks in part to Bill Richardson.

Prior to all of this, I had wanted to go to the L.A. Film School, which is rich with connections and is in the middle of Hollywood, yet offers no formal degree for the 1 year you attend, and is $40,000 (not including living costs). I guess I am looking for a place that offers good hands on experience, some theory (though I'm put off by places that only cover theory), a degree program, and possible internships if available.

I asked the same question to the head of the film dept. at NMSU in Las Cruces, NM and he said I had to be more specific on what I was looking for in the film industry. "Do you want to make films, or work on films?". That wasn't a very helpful answer seeing as I wouldn't know until I've tried it. I honestly don't know if I would like to be a director, cinematographer, film editor, sound designer, (hell, even an actor?) etc.

It's hard to say what I'm looking for really. I do want to be a part of great films but don't want to be stuck as a starving artist doing only indie film work/documentaries all the time and not getting paid for it. I realize there are many sacrifices for something you love, but I would like a nice income and to be able to do what I love for a living (wouldn't we all?).

Which comes down to this question, is the New Mexico film hype just hype, or is it the real deal? I'm sorry for the bombardment of questions, I just feel very lost right now and need all the advice I can get.

Thanks!