I know everybody asks for top 5 lists of film schools and that it's virtually impossible to do that, but I was wondering if anybody had some good insight into what graduate schools are best for screenwriting.
I feel like the top 5 in film grad school are USC, UCLA, AFI, NYU, and Columbia (with Chapman, Loyola Marymount, Emerson, and a few others thrown in there), but since screenwriting is usually it's own thing, I was wondering if there are schools I'm missing. I know Northwestern, for example, has a good writing program (at least creative writing and journalism) and wondered if that carried over into film, as far as being a top notch grad screenwriting program goes.
Posts: 14 | Location: New York, NY | Registered: April 06, 2006
Dude... screenwriting is even less degree-dependent than directing. No one will care if you have a master's in 'screenwriting' (not even sure such a thing is possible). Studios want to acquire scripts that they think will turn a profit. Simple. Your chances of coming up with something like that are not going to improve from handing a school $80,000.
He didn't ask for your input, guys. And last time I checked, very few people on this site were seasoned professionals who have anywhere near enough knowledge or experience to claim to know what the "industry" wants. Let people do what they feel is right for themselves.
Shawn, the schools you mentioned are very good. Emerson recently added a screenwriting major as well, so I'd recommend looking into that.
Originally posted by ShawnW: I know everybody asks for top 5 lists of film schools and that it's virtually impossible to do that, but I was wondering if anybody had some good insight into what graduate schools are best for screenwriting.
I feel like the top 5 in film grad school are USC, UCLA, AFI, NYU, and Columbia (with Chapman, Loyola Marymount, Emerson, and a few others thrown in there), but since screenwriting is usually it's own thing, I was wondering if there are schools I'm missing. I know Northwestern, for example, has a good writing program (at least creative writing and journalism) and wondered if that carried over into film, as far as being a top notch grad screenwriting program goes.
ShawnW, i've been making a lot of research for filmschools since i'm looking for an undergrad program but i've heard a lot that columbia is the best place to go if what you want to do is write. their program focuses a lot in writting rather than producing. nyu is kinda more visual and gives more importance to visual rather than wrinting. hope this is helpful!
Posts: 32 | Location: Lima, Peru / New York City, NY | Registered: September 09, 2006
Unless you haven't written a screenplay, or need help making a good one, then I'd just apply to a Film program.
I originally considered applying to undergrad screenwriting, but, at the time, I had already written two screenplays (plus a pro screenwriting friend told me the MFA (and BFA)in screenwriting are not worth it, and I'd be better off in the film program), so i decided I'd switch over to applying to Film and TV Production.
I figure they have screenwriting classes in the production program, plus I can learn all other aspects of filmmaking.
Just my thought.
Posts: 91 | Location: Long Island, NY | Registered: September 30, 2006
I'm currently in the undergraduate screenwriting program at NYU Tisch called "Dramatic Writing." There's a grad program too. It's definitely been a huge help in understanding what makes a story "work." It's true that you're not going to become "creative" by getting a degree in screenwriting, but they give you the tools, the craft techniques, that will help you understand what your ideas and screenplays lack and need.
Evan is correct in saying that your screenplay is more important than the school you went to, but you can't always expect to write a screenplay worthy of being sold without the skills that the profs will help you develop.
Posts: 25 | Location: NYU Tisch | Registered: March 09, 2006
But you know those people who write really good movies, and don't direct them? They're called... oh wait... what was it... screenwriters! I suggest you look into it. You'd be surprised at how many of them there are. I'm told it's a booming business.
I mean, c'mon. Is there something wrong with wanting to write films?
| PerryKroll.com | TRC | "If not actually disgruntled, he was far from being gruntled." Wodehouse
Posts: 5197 | Location: Tisch at New York University | Registered: June 03, 2003
Look at that biting sarcasm! I think they've finally pushed TD over the edge! Quick lock the thread!
Screenwriting is the single most important element of filmmaking. I don't think they were putting that down, just the need for filmschool or training, of course they are wrong, as usual.
When HDK and Kablume said gems of wisdom like, "How many of your top 5 screenplays ever were written by people who went to these schools" and "No one will care if you have a master's in 'screenwriting'" they again show their need to mentor from the absolute depths of their ignorance.
There is no set path, therefore if this kid has a chance to go to college for screenwriting and this is his interest then college is his path. The person who will ultimately "care" if he has a masters will be him.
If you guys are advising him to buy screenwriting for dummies and "just write" then I assume you don't write, because it dosn't work that way.
Screenwriting is a craft that demands constant training and growth, school is a great way to get started.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: REDking,
Posts: 661 | Location: Killafornia | Registered: July 02, 2004
its ok im here to represent all your repressed insanities.
if youre using a screenwriter i would work with that person constantly, always throwing ideas back and forth. Filmmaking isnt something you assign people roles to, everyone should always be working creatively and with everyone else.
Ive failed to have accomplished this is any way but it seems like itd work.
Posts: 3927 | Location: Sacramento, CA | Registered: July 21, 2003
adsactly. nothing like mixing things up to add to the chaotic mess that art is and always will be. All these kids making their stuff pretty, boys with makeup...its understandable. I do all the time, BUT NOT in films. degradation is the tits
Posts: 3927 | Location: Sacramento, CA | Registered: July 21, 2003
But you know those people who write really good movies, and don't direct them? They're called... oh wait... what was it... screenwriters!
I didn't know there were any of those left any more. Seriously, virtually all of my favorite directors currently living write their own screenplays, or at least collaborate. Name a few notable screenwriters now who don't direct and never have... it seems like they always get the itch to (Paul Haggis... bleh).
The problem with screenwriting as a singular discipline is that it requires you to:
a) care enough about your writing to do a good job b) relinquish control completely to someone else
Meeting those two criteria is not easy, which is why I suggested fiction writing
And no school is going to be able to teach you how to write. Of course you can learn formatting, etc. but that's not any help at all when you actually sit down to write your screenplay.
I see your point, but it's really not addressing the big picture. There exist (gasp!) a number of people who care passionately about their screenplays, and either don't need to, can't, or don't want to, direct them. While there may not be many writers who write good stuff over and over again and stay out of directing, many terrific films are written by non-directors. Take The Departed. The writer adapted that from another film, and his other credits are dubious, but this one's a gem. Brilliant to the point of genius, and know it wasn't all lifted from Infernal Affairs.
On the issue of being taught how to write. It's not really possible. What I find writing professors do is make you think. Once you start thinking, they help you collect the thoughts. They just sort of guide you to the door.
| PerryKroll.com | TRC | "If not actually disgruntled, he was far from being gruntled." Wodehouse
Posts: 5197 | Location: Tisch at New York University | Registered: June 03, 2003
Seriously, virtually all of my favorite directors currently living write their own screenplays
And none of them went to school? Listen I get your point! Art comes from the soul, whoopty doo, what film school does (screenwriting included in most cirriculums) is forces you to produce. Film school is clearly not the answer for everyone but for alot of people it gets them off their a$$.
Posts: 661 | Location: Killafornia | Registered: July 02, 2004
Studentfilms.com Filmmaking Forums 
I think they've finally pushed TD over the edge! Quick lock the thread!
