hello, i have recently joined the forum, will anybody be able to guide me with the film schools in NY or california. I am keen to pursue a course in film-making/direction. NYU, NYFA, calarts and CCH are the few institutions that i have come across.

thanks and regds
mahesh

First thing to realize is that New York and California are not the only states with film schools.

Yeah, but they do have the best though.

Welcome to the site!

Best film schools based on what?

based on the level of experience and understanding of film the professors have, connections offered, and the number of successful (independent and mainstream) graduates that come out of them.

haha, i dont think the bickering is necessarilly helpful

i don't consider it bickering.

If you were a serious person who wanted to go to filmschool and come out with a reputable degree in film+whatever concentration you chose, would you choose a school like full sail or Emerson over NYU or USC? (assuming money is not a factor)
I'm not trying to undermine those schools, but there are legitimate reasons why the NYU and USC are tied for best film schools in the USA.

yah, all quality schools. this is all been discussed till its dead, but..

http://forums.studentfilms.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5486066451/m/255105989
http://forums.studentfilms.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5486066451/m/719106797

those places were topics started by me, and i still refered to them, or atleast i did alot when i was applying. ive only gotten into scad sofar because it was rolling. goodluck

lol... I'm poor and worked/saved my way through high school and Jr. College. I'm now at Evergreen College because back in 2002 it was rated #1 biggest bang for your buck college for Video Production majors in WA. #5 or so in the Nation. I looked up the previous years sylabus and saw it would get me a kick *** portfolio by the end of the 2nd year. I thought GREAT it's affordable, I get good equipment to work with PLUS I leave with a marketable portfolio. I get here in 2004 and boy have things changed. We dropped from a 2nd tear to a 4th tear college and the Media and Foundations Of Performing Arts class got all new professors and literarly went to hell... I'm kinda stuck here, I have exactly enough money to eat, sleep and buy books/film/tution for the next 2 1/2 years here... But, the programs suck. I wish WA had an alterntive college with BA program with a heavy amount of Vid. Prod... Guess I'm stuck doing private contracts for the next 2 1/2 years. But then again, free equipment and I get credit for making films... If I can do them right I should still have a portfolio... What do you guys think? Oh and to bring my rambleing to an end, in my opinion stay out of WA for Film. California is expensive, but from what I hear it's worth it. I have friends in Art Institute they hate it.

quote:

Originally posted by Trespasser:
i don't consider it bickering.

If you were a serious person who wanted to go to filmschool and come out with a reputable degree in film+whatever concentration you chose, would you choose a school like full sail or Emerson over NYU or USC? (assuming money is not a factor)
I'm not trying to undermine those schools, but there are legitimate reasons why the NYU and USC are tied for best film schools in the USA.

No oneis going to give you job just by getting a degree in film. There are too many students that get degrees for this to happen. You have to make opertunities for yourself and make a movie yourself.

Oh and University of Texas has an EXCELLENT film program. Last time I checked it wasn't in New York or California (although I could be wrong)

quote:

Originally posted by Ryan Gomez:

No oneis going to give you job just by getting a degree in film. There are too many students that get degrees for this to happen. You have to make opertunities for yourself and make a movie yourself.

Actually that is somewhat inaccurate. While experience has a hell of a lot to do with it, you start small and work your way up, or else experience the probable chance of failing (sorry for the dose of reality). Getting those small jobs, like in editing, sound, or other places (it really depends) helps. I agree that some students automatically expect to have a job "handed to them" when they get their precious film (or whatever) degree, but it's because they themselves don't make opportunites for themselves (like rejecting small job opportunities because they want to "follow their dream of being a famous director/producer" --this goes for everyone wanting to pursue a career in film) but if you get into good schools (most of which ARE in California and New York), you can get excellent connections and take advantage of them to get jobs that will build up your experience.
As for the University of Texas, I've read many mixed reviews (when I was applying for film schools), many saying they had an excellent documentary oriented program and some good faculty, but not the best school if you're looking for industry work.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Trespasser,

I agree with trespasser. If you got the money and grades, there is no reason NOT to go to USC, UCLA, NYU, COLUMBIA, AFI, FSU.

but texas does have a good programm, no question.

Anybody know anything about the Boston University film program?

I think Boston is a decent program, but i'm not sure

Also, SVA is a good place to go

I've heard its good. I believe Chris (founder of this site) went there. I've applied, but have not yet toured it. Welcome, btw What part of Boston are you in?

Yeah, BU has a very good film program from what I've heard. It was a tough decision for choosing between Emerson and Boston U.

i hear that boston has had some problems with the quality/access to equipment. i know a kid that studies film there. he also says that bu is more oriented toward writing, rather than filming, but its still a quality school.

id pick emerson tho

Equipment should not be first priority in choosing a film school. As a beginner, any ****ty 16mm camera will do, and later you will probably rent a super 16 camera plus grip stuff anyway.

Teachers and the quality of the student body is of much more importance, also the location.

Boston, NYC, LA...the city itself is a great education

Thanks for the opinions guys! Yeah I am trying to decide on a graduate program (and trying to conjure up ideas for things to sell to earn the money to fund this!) I have a weird background of archaeology and biology actually so I am currently taking some film classes as a guest at BU. The one on documentary film is great so far. I've heard some complaints about old equipment too..tho I hear its gettin better. Also have heard the film department is more advanced than the TV...and yeah journalism's the real baby there. i'm kinda worried about that..but most seem to say of BU if you really put the effort in and are good..you'll get a lot out of it..yet if you don't, well you REALLY won't and the school is too big to bother with you. I am gonna realy look at Emerson too..that's a good call.

oh another one, if you are interested in DOks, I believe STANFORD has the best program...not sure though