At this point in my life I've been to death and back. All I want to do is work towards making films. I've been ill for the past 12 years or so, not even finishing HS (I did get a GED though back in 200), so I can't just go for a Masters. I'm doing well health wise so it's time to get moving.

So to get into undergrad film schools what exactly does it take? Are applicants ever admitted based on writing ability alone? Or does one need actual film making experience?

I just finished 3 courses locally and will be taking another 3 or 4 this fall. My plan would be to apply programs for NEXT fall after having some coursework to show I'm capable of college work. These are general ed type courses (hoping to get them out of the way)

Right now I'm trying to figure out if taking a screenwriters class is worth my time as opposed to buying a bunch of equipment I don't really know how to use. More importantly, where could I learn enough to be able to make a 10 minute film that would be competitive with other students submissions? And how necessary is having "experience" in relation to admissions? Will my age be a deterrent?


So far I really like Emerson, but it's seems quite popular, and I wondering what Emerson looks for in admissions.

Thanks guys

I would not start here, I would start at each school, i.e. Emerson, that interests you, and see what their admission packets require.

Some schools want a ton of writing. Some schools want a reel of your work.

Figure out what you need to teach yourself to do what is required, then teach yourself that and more, and knock their socks off.

Good Luck!

Hey... I'm so glad to hear you're trying to do this after all that trouble. Good luck!

Look into these schools:

NYU
FSU
Emerson
Chapman
U of Texas at Austin

For non-degree technical programs: NYFA

Some schools will accept you based on writing, or even photographs. Check with them. NYU will, for sure.

To make a competitive reel or short isn't as hard as you think. All you need are a borrowed camera, a good idea, an actor friend or two, and a week. Many highschoolers submit terrible stuff, and still get in. A lot of weight is put on your essay, and your SAT scores. In your case, SATs may not be necessary. If you think you can do well on them, you might want to give them a shot anyway.

Experience isn't necessary at all. Many people who get into filmschool have none.

You can teach yourself enough to make a competitive 10 minute short. You will need some kind of cheap camera and basic editing software to use. But I think you can figure out how films work just by watching them and caring enough to think about what you're seeing. Base the story on something from your own life -- you probably have a great wealth of feeling and material just based on your health concerns and sense of being behind. Quite possibly, the very things that have led you to make this post can be an advantage that people who live on easy street don't have.