Hello, I am looking for a good film school in Toronto, Ontario. Anyone have any suggestions? I've looked into both Toronto Film College and Toronto Film School. Does anyone have any information about either? TIA
Posts: 1 | Location: Toronto | Registered: May 11, 2006
Don't make the mistake I did. I applied to the Toronto Film School and was granted immediate acceptance...but now, I'm rethinking my strategy. It kind of sucks. I love film and always have. I really know this is what I want to do, but I just can't see how far a diploma in film will get me. I'm in grade 12 and graduating this year and only have acceptance to the TFS. I didn't apply anywhere else, other than the LA Film School (which I got into, but decided not to go to) and now I regret it.
I was looking into Sheridan Institute before and think that I will attempt to contact them now to see if there is anything that can be done to get me into the fall semester. I highly doubt it, but it is a media arts program which lasts 3 years whereas the TFS program is 15 months straight.
Whatever you do, don't put yourself in the position I've put myself into. You probably love film, but consider this...how far is a diploma in film going to get you? It's a huge risk, and a costly one at that. Just some advice due to my recent epiphany.
One thing you may want to consider when thinking about a film degree is that if you don't go to film school and you want to get real world filmmaking experience, is how will you go about getting experience. I attempted to not go to school and get my real world experience, and ended up wasting two years of my life before I went to school.
I am not saying that making films on your own without school is bad, it's just that you need to have other people who are willing to help you make your films or you won't get very far. It's not a decision to be taken lightly either way.
Posts: 292 | Location: State College, PA | Registered: April 13, 2004
Have you considered York or Ryerson's film production programs? I am in grade 12 and applied to both. I tried really hard to get into York, but I was rejected with my 94 average (only 48 spots). I will hear from Ryerson in a few days.
These programs appeal to me because you are given a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, so even if you decide not to pursue film after for whatever reason or just simply aren't too successful, you can still rely on the degree, whereas in college, you prretty well just have your skills in film.
Just a thought.
Posts: 29 | Location: Ontario | Registered: July 10, 2005
Originally posted by Steph: Have you considered York or Ryerson's film production programs? I am in grade 12 and applied to both. I tried really hard to get into York, but I was rejected with my 94 average (only 48 spots)
Rejected with a 94 average?!?! I don't stand half a chance (79.5 average). I'm sorry they rejected you, can you not like call them back and explain/fight back if that's the University you want into?
DIRECTOR. EDITOR. WRITER. kingstonfilms
"My world succeeds this one..." - the instant the lightning strikes the tower... everything will be fine.
If you're a girl, don't go to York. Haven't you heard of all the rape tunnels? Have you been to York? Haha, it's really not the nicest campus at all. Pretty horrible actually and an unsafe living environment for girls. Just some experiences that I've heard. Besides, with a 94 average trying to get into a FILM program and being rejected? Come on, there's some mistake there. See if you can get that rectified.
-Kegan
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kegan,
Haha, ya, York is pretty bad. The film building is really nice, but I don't really like the Jane/Finch idea, no matter how much safety measures York offers.
If I don't get into Ryerson (will hear by May 17), I might look into the York decision. I like the downtown location of Ryerson (although there isn't much of a campus).
Posts: 29 | Location: Ontario | Registered: July 10, 2005
I did my undergrad at York, and honestly there is nothing to worry about. All of the 'Jane/Finch' nonsense and 'rape tunnels' talk is just urban myths. I supported myself during those years working with student security, so I had a pretty good knowledge of what went on at campus. Not to say that no rapes or other stuff didn't happen, but it's definitely one of the safer campuses in Canada.
York is perhaps the most renown film school in Canada, with the best faculty. To not go there because of heresay or what you've seen on the news would just be ignorant and your loss.
quote:
Originally posted by Steph: Haha, ya, York is pretty bad. The film building is really nice, but I don't really like the Jane/Finch idea, no matter how much safety measures York offers.
No I didn't do film at York. I actually got rejected (so don't feel too bad) when I applied. I got a scholarship to do sciences there, so that's what I did.
I know quite a few people that did their program, and all seem to know what they are doing. I was going to apply to their MFA program, but they wanted an undergrad degree in film. I ended up applying to NYU and got in, so it all works out in the end.
I applied to The University of Western Ontario recently actually, because they have a great program. I'm hoping to get in (their final round of offers goes out TONIGHT and I only applied yesterday, but after calling admissions they said they received everything) and I do have the grades. Maybe I'll get lucky. It's a joint program with Fanshawe College and a 4 year course. In the end you come out with a degree and diploma. All the media theory is done at Western, whereas all the practical aspects are done at Fanshawe.
I think that this is a great way to get experience and knowledge at the same time, coming out with a pretty sweet degree/diploma. Sorry for the York bashing, just thought I'd pass on what I had heard. Can't listen to everything you hear, but it's what you do with what you hear that's important.
Is that the MTP program, Kegan? I got accepted to Western, for the Media, Information & Technoculture program. I don't really know much about it, though ...
You applied yesterday, for September 2006 entrance? I thought one HAD to apply by the deadline back in January?
Posts: 29 | Location: Ontario | Registered: July 10, 2005
Yes, that is the MTP program. I don't know much about the program that you got accepted to though..
And yes, I did apply yesterday for a September 06 entrance. There are usually three rounds of admission offers. This is the last round, and it's for those who they didn't consider because someone had better marks or someone decided to reject their proposal, etc. Now, I have the marks that would have gotten me into the program the first time around and all my grades and requirements are up to par.
It's all up to lady luck now I guess. I've done all I can. Initially I wanted to go to the TFS and didn't consider university which was a huge mistake on my behalf.
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