So here's the deal. I'm a freshmen at Colorado State right now. Last year I was accepted into Chapman, but we couldn't swing it financially. This year I applied as a transfer to Chapman and Emerson, still waiting to hear back from both. However, I'm thinking ahead. If both of those options don't work out this year, I'm looking at possibilities to transfer for my Junior year.

My first obvious choice is UCLA, considering you can't enter their BA program in film until Junior year anyway. I was wondering if there's anymore quality film programs, preferably with an emphasis in screenwriting available, that you could complete in two years, or that don't start until Junior year?

Thanks

Anyone?

whats the point if your going for screen writing?

You can do that anywhere, So transfering to a more expensive school seems kinda out there.

I don't have the answer to your question, Topo, but as a screenwriting student at USC. I must disagree with cschu that there is no point in going to school for screenwriting!

Too often the scripts get tossed to the wayside by film students, and when that happens, it shows.

im nto saying dont go to school for it. Im saying dont transfer to a crazy expensive school for screenwriting. Most colleges offer film as a minor where there are screen writing courses. Hell at ODU, they have a screen writing class. 2 of the students there work at screen gems. They write scripts.

So yes, you can do it anywhere...it doesnt have to be UCLA, USC, Chapman,...etc.

Well the actual screenwriting training itself isn't the only thing a screenwriting program offers. It offers good solid internships and connections. The best of which tend to come from the better schools close to los angeles. Also, a program's reputation can come into play sometimes. Those bigger well known programs usually have the best faculty as well

yes but, non are worth 60,000 to 80,000 grand a year. You could move to LA with a script and get the same experience.

Point and Case. J.J. Abrams.

The training you get at top programs is worth its price. I studied screenwriting at another college, and while it was good enough to get me into USC, etc, it's not enough to get me into the industry...though USC is no guarantee, either.

I've learned more in two years here than I ever could've imagined.

And JJ Abrams' parents were both producers, he started working on Hollywood stuff in high school. He didn't just show up in LA with a script.

Can it be done without film school? Absolutely!

I'm not saying film school is the only, or even the best way to improve screenwriting skills...rather that it shouldn't be dismissed.

I think UCLA might be the only two year program with such a good reputation. Most have four year programs. If I don't get into UCLA then grad school is always an option I guess.

I considered USC, but I read on their website that the screenwriting major is a four year program regardless of when you enter it, and I don't know if I want to be working on my undergraduate degree for 6 years...

I just think to transfer as a junior to an insanley expensive school isn't the best choice.

BUT if you want to then go for it.

I think that if you're set on going to film school, you can try to transfer in for the last two years to UCLA, but to start an entire degree over might not be in your best interest. You might as well finish where you are then get an MFA somewhere if you don't get in/want to be in school for that long.

Yeah, that's why I'm interested in UCLA, since they have a two year film program. They accept 30 students into it, 15 that transfer into the program who are already attending ucla, and 15 that are transferring from other schools, so it's very competitive.

And doing two years here at Colorado State then two years at UCLA would actually be much cheaper then doing four years at colorado state and going for my MFA at a school like USC

I say go for it, and if you don't get in, consider the MFA.

What do you have to lose by applying?

Thanks Jayimess. I'll definitely give it a shot. The advisor I talked to stressed the creative writing samples, which is what has helped me in the past.

I'm also looking into some other programs that may be able to be completed in two years. I was looking into Syracuse, as it is less selective.

Also, cschu011, I see your location is Winston-Salem. Do you go to North Carolina School of the Arts? I was looking into that school as well. If you do go there, is the program one that could be transferred into junior year and completed, or is it a four years or bust kind of thing?

I don't go to NCSA but I do know that you have the ability to transfer there in your second year or third year of college.

http://uncsa.edu/filmmaking/admissions.htm#3year

Topo-

Yes I go to NCSA and they do accept transfers. I am doing a three year type deal. I already had 2 years of college under my belt, so they will take some of the academic courses, so I will mosytly be taking JUST film while I am there.

So it should be about 3 years.

Cool, well I'll definitely look into that as an option as well. Thanks

I just went to NCSA's FAQ section for the filmmaking school, and saw this:

"students with college credits or undergraduate degrees are still able to fully integrate into our programs; however, they must attend all four years of the program. Transfers into the upper level of the program are not accepted"

That makes it seem like I couldn't really transfer my junior year and finish in two years, or even three years for that matter.

I know that FSU's program is three years, and I know it's super selective about slots, is it possible to enter that program as a junior, or is that just a lost cause?

I would call NCSA, because you can transfer in. Unless they changed it back. Alot of things on the site sometimes do not get updated.

Also, you have to enter in tot he 4 year program but you can still graduate in 2-3 years. Depends on how much film classes you want to take and where they think you are at.

Just gotta call.