I'm feeling sad for you too!

Oh Lily! Billy & I will miss you there...

Sa,

I am going to go to TriBeca this weekend, most likely. I really want to go to Columbia's but I cant because its on weekdays Have fun!

It's sad to tell a school you don't want to go there, but it's a sweet sadness I guess...

Tribeca has some good stuff this year...Make sure you buy tix in advance, things have been selling out..

Hi aaandcut, have you decided where you will go? I still haven't!

No sa, neither have I! Frankly I am goin' crazy,
my family is sitting quietly watching me, my friends are waiting for the final word so we can pop the champagne once and for all.


No seriously, I was leaning towards USC all last week. Really VISUALISING my path and future at USC, even accepting the fact that directing in the second year is limited to 10 selected students only (4-5 each semester) and that you have to basically 'network' to get other crew positions (editor, prod, cinamtgphty, AD etc).

I also know that USC films do not have strong presence in festivals such as Tribeca and Sundance but get strong industry exposure (1 week of screenings at the DGA - not a joke folks). And I have a hunch that although I am European, very metropolitan, I might really enjoy the palm-lined horizon expanse that is LA.

Then, from late Sunday evening onwards I am leaning back on Columbia again. The program seems more mature, the focus of its student directing/writing seems more serious, and I can really pin down Columbia and know what it is about (like you said abot USC, sa), while I am not sure what USC is 'about'. And if my vision is too 'arty' for USC? And as a result I don't get enough mentorship to develop my voice?
And at Columbia I will have the chance of being taught by 3 faculty members I respect: Mira Nair, James Schamus and Albert Berger.


Sa- if I was accepted at UCLA I would have gone there without a seconds thought. Why? Independent focused yet close to the Studios and Hollywood, only program that combines TV, Film and Theatre, decent facilities (compared to Columbia at least), good documentary faculty (Columbia weak in documentary, USC has Academy Award winner Prof. Mark Harris, UCLA Prof. Marina Goldovskaya), economics, and Francis Ford Coppola alumni (kiddin!).


Sa, did you go to the Columbia Festival screenings? How was it? Did you talk to anybody?
what does your student academy nominated friend advise you?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: aaandcut,

Lily:

quote:

I just sent columbia my decision NOT to go there...

I'm feeling sad.

Nooooo! That is a great decision Lily. I heard UCLA has a great screenwriting program and you will get lots of industry exposure there. Ya can't go wrong.

I would have chosen UCLA for directing had I been accepted but I am very happy with Columbia and USC.

I am looking forward in hearing about your work at their Spotlight festival and who knows, collaboration collaboration if I end up in LA.

Hi aaaandcut, I didn't see your post until now. I decided on Columbia in the end, I think mostly because I am so strongly tied to New York right now that it doesn't seem like a good time for me to move to LA. It's not romantic, familial ties or anything, but I just feel really vibrant and inspired here, and I think I am destined to move to LA, only AFTER school. Pluses and minuses to that, but it's right for me.

Have you decided where to go?

I had a panic attack and flew back out to UCLA this week before my final decision. I set up appointments with three of the faculty who interviewed me and had very candid conversations with them. One thing I have to say about UCLA (which I DO think is a great program) is that the teachers there seem like real teachers - very invested in the students, incredibly kind, and giving. I felt very honored to be chosen to go there.

GREAT sa! Its good to hear you made your choice. Both UCLA and Columbia are great, you can't go wrong.

I have not made my decision yet..I have given myself deadline by 1st week of June.

I see myself living in California and enjoying the lifestyle there, but Columbia's program is so strong and Tima's 1918film link made a good impression on me.

No conclusion for me yet. Wish I could visit the Schools again one more time.

aaandcut, come with us

Columbia is amazing! I guarantee it!

dude, aaandcut, where you goin?

hey aaandcut, have you made your final decision!!!!!!!???

sorry folks for the no response. I am currently sitting in CU library as I write. Yes I have come to New York to hang out for a week and absorb the atmos. Will make my decision defintely by end week. anyone in NYC?

Hey aaandcut,

Im not in NYC. If i were we could def. meet up! Take advantage of the city for the all of us. Hope you join us. I got to meet a bunch of people from our class! AMAZING BUNCH! youll love it

Hey Sa! Are you on the myspace group? Let me know

Go Trojans....come play with us, aaandcut!!

Hey aaandcut, I'm not in NYC for most of the summer, in Chicago. Have fun in New York!

Tima, yup I'm in the myspace group now. Super old pics, have to update...

Sa! Which one are you?

Oh sorry, I'm Samina

First of all, congratulations to all of you.

I´m an advertising undergraduate from Brazil and I´m considering the USC, NYU and Columbia graduate programs.

I was wondering what is your background aaandcut, sa, all of you, really. Things like age, previous experience and how long after graduating from college you applied for the graduate programs.

I just got out of college and I was hired as a director by the largest production company of Brasília, the capital of Brazil. I´ve been working a lot and I was wondering if I should wait and gather some more professional experience before applying. I´m 23, by the way.

Thanks and congratulations again! Hope to join you soon!