thanks.

I think he got in because of his writing.

Writing is key in any film school. Doesn't make much sense to me... especially for a directing, editing, and cinematography emphasis.... seems like a film treatment should be enough. I think it's more about having ideas than having to know how to write and I'm not sure why writing would be emphasized so much.

Scripts are always being changed, so how much can an admissions committee really know about us based on a 3 page dramatic scene. Just my opinion though.

what good is a cinematographer, editor, director if they can't tell a story. I don't think that the ability to write is what colleges look at so much as one's ability as a storyteller.

I hope you're right. It's definitely different telling a story visually than with words. Editors have much different skills than writers because they deal with different aspects in the story telling process... same thing with cinematographers. With directing, you may have a point, but even still, I'd say the level of writing skills for a director and screenwriter are different... unless if the program is looking for writer-directors.

Wow this process is so stressful! Thank god I have a pretty demanding job otherwise I would probably spend all day obsessing over it...what am I saying, I spend all day obsessing anyway.

Congrats Winterreverie on getting in to Chapman...You'd prefer UCLA though? Why?

Cost, reputation, and the ability to study cross discipline.

But I asked the head of Dodge if the same are available to me. Cost and access I mean. I haven't heard back yet. We'll see.

Also UCLA has a beautiful campus.

But I still have to visit Chapman.

So its not completely that I prefer one or the other, just that I don't know enough about CHapman to make a decision.

I see. I didn't know about Chapman either until a friend of mine that teaches film went to a conference there over the summer. She couldn't stop talking about how impressed she was with the facilities and students there. Originally I wasn't even going to apply to Chapman, but then I started doing some research and it is quickly becoming my number one.

I started this thread so I could learn more about what people were saying about the program and the school. Hoping to gain insight that will help me choose between the two if I am lucky enough to be accepted to both, or to justify to myself spending that much money to go to school for 2-4 more years. I mean this is such a nerve wracking life changing decision, and having no additional financial support, its one that i cannot make with my eyes closed. I work at a University and can master in something else for free... but I can't imagine being happy that way.

I will probably end up at Chapman, the more I talk about it, the more I like what it has to offer.

I'm in the same boat as you as far as money and the levity of this decision. I need to make sure that I'm making the right choice...I definately understand where you are coming from. My friend that went to the conference was also saying that Chapman seems to offer more money than some of the other top tier programs as well.

I still haven't been accepted yet, but some sort of scholarship would definately make this dream more of a reality.

For now, I wait...

ps...what kind of films does everyone want to make?? Any documentarians here or is everyone more of the narrative type. I love both...just love telling stories.

I do both as well. I'm really interested in psychological drama. Seems most of the shorts I've directed had that twighlight zone-esque flair. But I've done a little of both. However, my dream definatley leans towards the narrative.

On the money issue. I noticed that Chapman has a lot of money for undergrads, but for graduates there are just a few fellowships and loans.

Did you see the Graduate fellowship/loan information on their fin aid website?

Yeah that was basically what was going off of, but I did email the financial counselor for Dodge... I'm just waiting to hear back.

Yeah, the money issue should be interesting. I've been saving for the past few years, but nowhere near the amount of what film school will cost. I guess I'll worry about that more when I actually have that problem to worry about. I totally agree though that I had to make 100% sure that I felt the money would be well spent before I considered applying.

I think I'm going to try contacting someone about my status and see if they need to see some of my work. After a couple months of not hearing anything, I'm having a hard time waiting much longer. Just reconfirming that they've actually seen my materials would basically satisfy me until their final decision.

Does anyone think it would be strange for me to contact Nate out of the blue without having had any previous contact with him? He seems to be the person that everyone has had the most success getting responses from. If nobody objects, would someone mind PMing me his email address? I'd really appreciate it.

P.S. - As far as genres go, I'm with both of you. Whether it's a documentary or an action flick or whatever, as long as it's engaging I'm happy just helping to tell a story. Coming from a cinematography standpoint, I think that every genre allows room for creativity and of course it's always fun diversifying to keep things interesting. I guess that goes for any film-related concentration actually.

I have no clue in what order the admissions commitee is evaluating applications, but it seems like only screenwriters and directors have gotten any updates from Chapman so far concerning their status.

Is there anyone that applied to any other tracks that has heard anything?

If I were you I wouldn't stress out over them not contacting you yet. If you wanted to email someone I would email Joe Slowensky, the dept. head.

Thanks, sitting tight is probably the most sensible thing to do. I blame the fact that any time I talk to my parents or anyone else I know, the the first thing I get asked is "So, did you hear anything yet about film school yet?" As if checking this message board every hour wasn't already making me anxious enough.

Has anyone ever heard back from Joe Slowensky? I emailed him a few days ago and haven't heard back yet.

I heard back from him, but we were in contact in the middle of February...I'm sure he's pretty busy right now-up to his neck in applications-so it might take him a little longer to return emails. He gets back to people though.

Nate was the one who told me that they look for people applying to the directors program to have prior filmmaking experience. I do believe they look for that. The problem is that they don't tell you that beforehand. I believe they want to make as much money as they can from application fees.

So, its about $1000 to just reserve a spot at Chapman... Paying for grad school is ridiculous.

Dang. $1000 to reserve a spot?! Wow..

Winterreverie,

When did they say that you have to decide and give your deposit by?
--how exciting and expensive--


Also, on Chapman's website it states that some people with extensive film experience can move right in to the last two years of the program. Do you guys know anything about this? Any clue what they classify as "extensive film experience" It seems however that even people with lots of film experience go through the entire program...


Also does anyone know if Chapman grants deferments?
Anyone asked this question of the school yet?