I'm currently a senior in high school living in Texas and thinking about a career in the entertainment industry as a television director, but I have very little experience in this field. I've always wanted to direct for television series (specifically sitcoms) because it was something that really interested me. My current picks for film schools are Chapman University (a reach because I have almost no experience in film and also money is an issue), University of Texas at Austin (safety, god bless the top 10% law here), and Emerson College (a reach, but I hear they have a great television program). I've got a great GPA, (3.85 out of 4.0) and an OK SAT score (1780). I'm a little scared of pursuing a career in this field because 1) I'm Asian-American (I hear Hollywood is most nearly all Caucasian) and 2) the low chance of success in this career. But when I think of a career in something secure and great money like pharmacy, scratch that, I can't imagine my life in something so un-rewarding and boring. And I always come back to wanting to major in film. My question to everyone here is, do I have a chance of acceptance in Emerson or Chapman? Also, what other colleges are suitable for me? And last, How are the undergraduate television programs in Chapman, Emerson, and the other colleges you guys find suitable for me?

Maybe some of the others can tell you about the film schools.

You can always double major in something else that you have interest in, or can complement your film degree.

As for you being Asian-American in Hollywood:

Well, I'm African-American, yet even though some blacks have made strides, there are still some stories I want to tell...

As an Asian-American, you'll have the power to tell the stories you want to, and/or break stereotypes...etc...

It's all about what you want to do. If you have the talent, and the intiative, you'll accomplish anything.

The way I see it, it's all about getting all you can out of your degree. For me, I would like to major in a language...and get an MFA and/or Ph.d in film...

So, not only will I have experience in producing films {acting, directing, writing, etc..} but I'll be able to teach, write analysis of films...and depending on what language {Vietnamese, Korean, or Chinese}, maybe I'll deal with communities or a production company that utilizes the language...or maybe I'll work in the country...

It's all about what you want. {The same goes for choosing film schools}.

Yes I totally agree with Joel. I am an African-American Female and growing up there werent many visiable filmmakers to look up to. In recent years things have begun to change. So as a kid I grew listing to people tell me it wasn't something I should do. I even wasted time at a university with a major that I had no intrest in. So I understand when you say you can't see yourself as a pharmaicist. I couldn't see my self as a doctor. You can be the person that changes the lack of Asian filmmakers. Its pretty scary sometimes because we don't know if it's going to work out but I would rather try then always wonder.

As far as film schools your GPA is really good, I dont know about SAT I graduated the year before they started the new SAT system but. I would definatly apply to all the schools your considering and if you dont get in you can always transfer.

Yay another senior! We can struggle in the application process together...

As far as your fears go I completely agree with Joel...

Somewhat unfortunately (depending on how you look at it) I am a female caucasian (so I hope I'm not confirming our stereotype)...but almost all of my really close friends are of a different nationality...I think it's great that you want to go into film. I know I can never truly know what it's like to be you, but sometimes I wish that I was a different race (this happens quite frequently, actually)...My friends have access to scholarships that I will never have...

My applications seem so boring to me:
Race: Caucasian
Language: English

Anyways that's just me ranting...and I'm really sorry if this sounds like a typical ignorant comment that you would expect of white people, because I really was trying not to do that...

But my point is So what if there's not that many of you? That just gives you an even better oppurtunity to be the first and make an impression...

I swear it's not going to be long before the "minorities" become the "majority"

Good luck to you, in whatever you decide...

I appreciate the quick replies. I'm still pretty confused on what I'm wanting to do, but you guys have been so helpful. Should I get a bachelors degree in something else besides film and master in film so that I have something to fall back on in case my film career doesn't work out? Because there are definately other career paths that I know I'll enjoy, but I won't find it as rewarding or exciting as working in Hollywood with film.

Not sure what I want to do, but I've got to choose quickly. College applications are due soon..

quote:

Originally posted by thatsmekevin:
Should I get a bachelors degree in something else besides film and master in film so that I have something to fall back on in case my film career doesn't work out? Because there are definately other career paths that I know I'll enjoy, but I won't find it as rewarding or exciting as working in Hollywood with film.

Not sure what I want to do, but I've got to choose quickly. College applications are due soon..

lol...That's the same question I asked one of my school's counselors. One of the things she brought out was whether or not I was firm in my belief of succeeding in film...if I actually needed something to fall back on. {Not her exact words, but the gist of what she said}.

Basically, if you have another interest, you might want to have it complement your film degree...{For example, you might want to major in sociology and film...which may open doors for you to study people, write about people, make documentaries about people or cultures, whether it be for a company, or in your commerical endeavors...}

Another example: You might want to major in Italian and Film...which may be because you're interested in working in the country, or studying the people in your commercial films...

The possibilities are endless; you shouldn't limit yourself by your degree...

If you choose to double major, or minor in something else...make sure it's something you're interested in....and can help you with your film goals.

quote:

I appreciate the quick replies. I'm still pretty confused on what I'm wanting to do, but you guys have been so helpful. Should I get a bachelors degree in something else besides film and master in film so that I have something to fall back on in case my film career doesn't work out? Because there are definately other career paths that I know I'll enjoy, but I won't find it as rewarding or exciting as working in Hollywood with film.

Not sure what I want to do, but I've got to choose quickly. College applications are due soon..

That's actually what I've decided to do...I'm applying to mainly Communication programs with a few other random ones depending on the school...

Getting a double major is also an option, but (depending on the school) if you're planning on majoring in Production it may be really hard to add another major to your workload because of how intense the Production programs are. They're generally very time consuming, and you can have a shoot that starts at 4pm one day and doesn't end until 8am the next. It's all circumstantial but it's just something you want to ask about when talking to the schools...

I guess the main question you want to ask yourself is can you wait that long? Of course you can always find ways to be involved in film even if you don't major in them, but is there something else you interested in?

Just keep searching through all the Film School forums on this site...they can definately prove to be helpful...

School is shizzy enough without a passionate interest in the subject you're studying.

If you want to make movies, and you feel you must go to school, then get a film degree, don't waste your time planning to fail. And as for falling back on something, that's what your azz is for.

Fears are only moments we pass through, regret is a permanant state. Don't look back when you're 50 wishing you had taken a chance. Cubicles are filled with broken dreams.