Actually, they let in 100, 50 in fall, 50 in spring.

Your first semester you will take 507, where you will write, direct, shoot and edit several films on your own.

Then they randomly assign you a partner from your incoming class, and you will produce your 508s together. Two cycles. The first one, person A directs and does sound, and person B DPs and edits. Then it reverses.

From then on, you sign on to work on more advanced projects in whatever capacity you want/can get...among them, the university funded 546/547, and take more specialized courses. You're eligible to apply for 546/547 as a director during your third semester, usually with your 508. Four are chosen each semester for each course.

As far as I know, you get to explore all positions, and it's up to you to make a name for yourself and get lots of work as an editor/DP, etc, on other people's projects...but do not quote me on this.


There are two narrative theses, the 582 and the 583. The difference is university RESOURCES, not funding. The 582 uses SPO, the USC SAG agreement, the school's equipment, etc...and USC holds the copyright. 583 use none of these resources, and the director retains the copyright. Neither of these thesis films are funded by the university outright, but plenty of grants and finishing funds exist, and there's always the one-time Kodak gift for your film stock.

In my knowledge, 583s tend to be the result when people want to shoot outside of USC's film zone...100 miles??, or have significant financial backing. I worked on a thesis in Ohio in 2006...the director wanted to shoot there, but he couldn't use USC equipment if he went there. A couple screened at First Look this year were of the same circumstance, shot in NYC and South America.

Hope this helps you...I'm a writing MFA student, but I talk to the production cats a lot.


Allen Ho,

VERY FEW students are offered scholarships their first semester. I think a big part of it is the fact that USC doesn't require a film background to gain admission, just an ability to tell stories. Applicant A with his awesome, polished reel/script versus Applicant B with only her life's dream of telling the stories that have kept her from being able to settle into a mundane existence as a butcher baker candlestick maker are not on the same field when competing for merit scholarships in filmmaking/screenwriting...

Second semester, expect a lot of opportunities to DA/SA/TA, and the benefits thereof...an hourly wage and 2-4 credit hours paid.

More become available in the fall, and so on. Also, in April, we all apply for the following year's merit and general scholarships, with reels and scripts. It's my understanding that it's very rare not to get some sort of award. The amount of scholarships available are overwhelming in their quantity...the scholarship guide is over a hundred pages long.

Lezra, the scholarship coordinator, is amazing. She'll help you through it all.

Hey Jayimess,

Thanks for all the info you've been posting. I was just accepted into USC this week and I'm still trying to get my head around it. Your experience is super helpful,

ganz

PS-i'm a long-time reader, first time poster

Jayimess...

When the time comes for you to obtain a cool original music track for a project. Let's talk. I'm no cost for the right project.

Rob

I agree with ganz- Jayimess your posts are super helpful.

I'm also a new convert to the site/first time poster.

I just got the acceptance letter from USC and am pretty floored-- I'm having a hard time making up my mind between FSU and USC. I would love to hear some insight, not only on the program at USC itself, but on personal living experience/general satisfaction or disatisfaction with the school. Does USC live up to its reputation, and are those of you who are students now glad you chose it? Anyone think I'm nuts for considering FSU over USC?

Any and all insights would be greatly appreciated!

Congrats to everyone accepted and don't those rejection letters get you down!

-Pythagoras

Hey I found a helpful blog from a UT film student who wrote on his experiences in deciding on which film school. He chronicles his experience with each of the major film schools, USC, NYU, Columbia, UT, Boston, UCLA and FSU. Here is a link to his blog post on USC:
USC blog post

And here is a link to his experience with FSU
FSU blog post

Just another opinion that might help your decision.

Jayimess,

Can you speak to the point regarding students not getting to direct films and becoming frustrated, or going into obscene debt? Is this a reality or are these reports exaggerated? Thanks again for all of your wonderful responses!

Coming out of school with 200K in debt is a scary prospect unless you have extraordinary talent, a lucrative major, or a rich parent...

That being said, there is no doubt a student who immerses him/herself into the student filmmaking community at USC and simultaneously uses the proximity to its fullest, can add to the very best faculty and curriculum for directors and producers in the world. FSU is barely in its infancy and the faculty are clearly NOT active in Hollywood film. Academics are no substitute for those with both the degrees and the experience/Oscars.

Not to slight FSU, but there is no comparison. USC Film is more competitive than Harvard Law (depending on the stats) and just because a student is accepted into general study does not mean he may simply choose the film major. Half of the Freshmen at USC would love to get into the film school, but few do.

As for the product that comes out the other side, that's pure accounting, isn't it?

I graduated in 96 with a Masters, focusing on Producing and Writing. If you just want to shoot, then go to tech school, but if you want to experience the process of transferring ideas to image and sound, then there is no substitute for film school, the best one you can get into. So far, that means USC, NYU, Columbia, UCLA, AFI and it would be fair to consider SCAD and FSU and of course, in some specialties, CalArts and Arts Center, Pasadena.

What ever you do, don't claim to be good just because the school is good. Plenty of terrible filmmakers come out of all these schools.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BHall, UNC, USC,

Hey, guys, let's see if I can reply to these thoughts in one post. Thanks for the love, btw. Honestly, it's my pleasure to help.

Ganz, congratulations and welcome to the TROJAN FAMILY!

Rob Wallace, thanks for the offer. I'm directing a 16mm project outside of school and am going to need a score, feel free to send me a link to any of your work! Music is so important to films. In my first film, my composer recorded his score on piano, which I insisted I wanted, and also on acoustic guitar. He said, "Try 'em both...but I think the guitar is better."

He was right, and the music is what made the film...whenever I screened it during its festival run, that was one of the most oft repeated compliments..."Your score was AMAZING."

So...trust is important, is the point.


Pyth...I think USC lives up to its reputation. I don't have much knowledge of the later years in the program, but we're all loving film school, I can tell you that much.

FSU is elitist, but I'm still uncertain as to how elite it is...the location, in my case, was more of a turn off than anything else, so I chose not to apply there, though it was on my original list of eight schools to apply to (USC, UCLA, AFI -those are the only ones which I eventually applied to, and it was no decision when I got bumped off the USC waitlist to recant my acceptance to UCLA, and I didn't even consider going to AFI when they bumped me, either-, NYU, FSU, UMiami, UT-A, and Columbia) so I don't think you're nuts to be considering the school...it's the best fit for you...in that case, it was USC.


Bsco...I don't know anything about it. People seem pretty satisfied when I see them around, but my circle is exclusively first years in all disciplines, and second year screenwriters...so perhaps it IS exaggerated? I don't know. The kids at First Look were ecstatically happy.


And BHall, that post was great. I have nothing to add to it.

Best to all of you.

J.



PS/Edit...one last thing about FSU...You get the copyright on your films, if that matters to you.

thanks for all the advice--Allen, those blogs were fantastic and Bhall and Jayimess you were also extremely helpful as usual.

Just one more quick question for you Jayimess--I'm curious to know exactly what you mean by FSU being "elitist." It's really interesting that you say that because when I visited there, the students I interviewed with talked about how the people at USC were elitist (which I don't agree with) and how it wasn't like that at Florida State. One of the faculty members who interviewed me also made a comment that went something along the lines of "FSU is where egos come to die."

From my experience thus far, both the students and faculty at USC don't seem to be elitist at all, but incredibly friendly, helpful, and even complementary of other programs. I'm sure there are some egos as there are at any school, but clearly the assertion of some that USC is full film snobs seems misguided if not dead wrong.

Anyway, the "elitist" question is one of my worries with Florida State since they were stiff at my interview. However, I'm pretty sure that was a just a tactic to see how people would react and I've heard a lot of comments from students who rave about the faculty.

Still, it makes me nervous so I was wondering if you could elaborate on what you mean by elitist and where that's coming from......

Jayimess,

Now that I have been accepted I have been thinking about a very practical decision. I am working on a HD video project and in the past have been using Adobe Production Studio 3 on a PC platform for editing. I am in the market for a laptop to edit on the go and in the field. So, I have two decisions to make: First is getting a Mac or a PC- second is going with Avid or Final Cut Pro. Since USC uses Avid I am leaning towards going with it and start learning the software now. Any advice on this from your perspective?

Thanks!

Pyth,

The literature I read about FSU seemed to be very "Don't even THINK about applying here...because you'll never get in." That's not a vibe I like to see, certainly not in marketing. It seemed like an attempt to overcome the downfalls of the program. The students do great in awards, but the school takes the credit.

I don't know...the school takes itself so seriously. I guess that's what I meant.

The very small enrollment turns me off as well...6 screenwriters? 24 production students? Not only does that mean students aren't being exposed to many different POVs and styles of other creative people, but networking is limited as well.

Tallahassee is definitely not for me, which leads to my final thought...the faculty may be devoted, but they don't seem to be working...how much insight to the business can I get?

If this makes me USC/Los Angeles area school elitist, so be it, but I personally like that my professors can call me and tell me to watch their episode airing this week, or tell me where their films are screening. Their industry advice is timely, because they're STILL IN IT.

And the faculty is so small...I think a great part of film school is the opportunity to explore different approaches until you find what works best for you. How is that possible with so few instructors?

I've had four writing professors so far, and they all have helped me develop as a writer, shown how varied an audience can be. The remaining curriculum offers many more...though admittedly, I signed up for a repeat next semester.

The program is in its infancy, and what the students there have done in recent years is certainly impressive. However, I've never met a soul who goes or went there, so I'm going on my gut.

The fully financed film thing is awesome, if they actually finance it all. So is the copyright retention.

But "virtually 100% work in the industry" could mean a PA on a reality show, a security guard at CBS.

I don't know. Please don't put so much weight in my words on other schools, as they're usually based on the experiences of people I've met, my own experience or instinct, and research I did in 2006, combined with my experiences at USC this year. So take things with a liberal dash of salt.

What's right for me isn't right for everyone, and vice versa.

And seriously, dude, the USC cats are not elitist at all. There's a pretentious one here and there, but that's the great thing about school here...it'll knock that big fish small pond attitude right out of you.

Not, not, not elitist. Shoot...you don't even get to send a reel to USC!



Ryan...

If I were you, I'd get Avid on your current PC and Final Cut on a new MacBook Pro. I self-taught myself Premiere five years ago, and it made Avid a cakewalk. I've not used Final Cut enough to make a shining recommendation, but I can say that it's way more instinctive.

Stuff that takes five steps on Avid takes two on FCP.

Everyone here has a Mac, it seems...it's almost eerie. Avid is the industry standard, but more and more indies use FCP.

It's worthwhile to be proficient in both, in my opinion.

Sorry I couldn't chat longer today, I was at lunch with a half-dozen classmates...but when I saw it was you, I knew I had to take the call.

Your excitement and glee were so wonderful to hear, Ryan. I'm so proud of you.
I wish you the best.

Man, Jayimess, how much time do you spend helping people on this site? Seriously, you need a title...

Professor Jayimess, Dean of helping people with Grad-School shenanigans.


Yes, you would need to have the word shenanigans in your title.

One, I'm a writer, so the words flow.

Two, I like helping people, so I'd take that honorary title.

Three, Not much time at all...though sometimes it gets hard with the PMs...but I don't mind.

I think it's important to assist when I can. I don't know everything, and I can't be here 24/7, because, you know, I'm busy finishing my first year of graduate school and all...

BUT.

This community saved my mind last year, and I've met some really great folks because of it...it's crazy right now because it's acceptance time...surely you haven't forgotten so soon, Mister Soon to be Sophomore.

;-)

I don't know...it shouldn't be so daunting.

Hey Jayimess,

I just wanted to second that thanks for everything you've done for the forum. You really have proven to be invaluable to all these students trying to get into graduate school, as well as undergraduate programs.

I'm sure everyone appreciates all you've done and continue to do - if you ever come up here to Canada and need help with a project or need some help getting to know some of the better locations to shoot and the people to contact, I'd be happy to help you out.

Take care and keep up the good work!

-Kegan

Jayimess,

I figured most students are using Macs. Macs seem to dominate the creative field. Are the Avid workstations on campus are PC or Macs?

I have already said it, but again, thanks for all your help! I still think its amazing how we met at First Look. How fun was that? I will never forget that weekend. Being there just felt right. The knowledge that I am in the right place at the right time is deeply satisfying.


Big Smiles!

I agree with Cinematical that you deserve a title. Hmmmm...Jayimess, Doctor of Wisdom specializing in the shenanigans of lesser men.

Or just Yoda for short.

Pythagoras,

I am very excited to see you debate FSU and USC.

What Jayimess has said is extremely true of the programs.

I of anyone should know exactly what FSU is like. I spent an entire year of my undergrad trying to understand the program and see what it is all about.

I am a Florida kid, so as a young filmmaker, I wanted to be the first big name to come out of FSU. I thought that their framework was something that I wanted to cater myself around. The fact that it was a small town, cheap school, and let me add "party school" all appealed to me.

I moved to Tallahassee with the sole intention of letting the admissions staff know who I was, what I have done and what I can do. I made friends with what I thought would be my classmates. It turned out that I was never accepted and it breaks my heart because I felt as if I was made for that program.

The key things that I would say about the program is that it is comprised of a limited staff that seems to think they are a huge deal. To give the impression that they are elite and have the best program is what I perceived. The work of the students (in my opinion) seems to be so much like each other rather than their individual visions. From that, I think the films that come out of FSU seem to be products more of their shaping instructors than of the students.

Film school itself is a risk and to put out tons of money to go to school is an additional risk. However, once you are here, you should go all out. Don't let the figures dictate who you will be, but what is good for your career.

In my own unbiased opinion, USC is without a doubt a better program that gives you a huge network and amazing opportunities. On the other hand, FSU has accomplished a lot and their films are being recognized.

I think you are in a great position of choices and ultimately you won't lose either way.

For me, networking is what I want out of film school and USC is the place for that out of your two schools.

Andy

Thanks for all the advice and support guys. I've been a nervous wreck for the past couple days, so it's extremely appreciated.

Andy,

Wow--I'm sorry, that really sucks. I'm no stranger to rejection from something I've had my heart set on, though I've found over the years that it almost always works out in the end--in most cases in a completely unexpected and ultimately more fruitful manner than if the original thing I wanted had come through. You also seem to be handling a really tough and frustrating situation well/can still offer very useful and unbiased information. That's impressive. One day, they may be wishing they had snagged you when they had the chance.

Like you, I'm just in love with the FSU program---in like, an unheatlhy kind of way. I'm also a Bama kid so I feel a weird kind of "proximal" ownership of the state. I also think that if someone had gone inside my head and tried to design a film school based on the way that my mind works and the skills I'm best at, they would have come up with the FSU program.

And yet, there's all those big shining mercedes benz staring at me in the USC garage: networking, location, power/prestige---and clearly some really cool students and faculty members.

It's looking like yet another sleepless night.... I may have to make this decision soon for the sake of my own physical well being.

Guys, stop thanking me, it's my pleasure.

And Kegan, Toronto is my favorite city I've ever visited. I've been there several times, and have done nothing touristy, but just the urban vibe is amazing. Next time I make it up there, I'm definitely giving you a call.

Ryan, USC has scores of PCs running Avid, from the 507 post facilities at Zemeckis, to the advanced ones at Marcia.

I'm glad you're so happy.


Andy...sorry to hear about you and FSU, but you will love Columbia...so maybe it was meant to be, to get you out of Florida, perhaps? I could've gone to OU for free (like anybody who applies, actually) but thought it was time to leave my county for the first time. Anyway, thanks for sharing the pain with us...I hope it made you feel a bit better to write it out.

Pyth,

The sooner you make a decision, the sooner you can start making plans.

A thing that helped me last year when choosing between UCLA and USC, courtesy of my mentor in Cleveland.

Imagine you had been rejected by USC. Would you be excited to attend FSU, or would it have felt like you were just settling for whoever would take you?



Got your answer?



What if it was the other way around?



Got your answer?



Now, what if after that happened, the rejecting university called you, and said, "Whoopsie, there, we made a mistake. You're accepted!"

Would it change anything? Do you feel you'll have any haunting regret if you go one way or another?



I dunno...it helped me.

Hi everyone,
I found this website about a week ago; read all the previous posts and learned a lot. Just wanted to post a note and thank all the contributors, especially Jayimess.
Congratulations everyone and best of luck.
emre