What would be the best major if someone wants to puruse... [Archive]

odocoileus

09-06-2005, 05:40 AM

English can be good, a lot of people have done this. Tina Fey was an English major at UVA. Conan O'Brien was a Comparative Lit major at Harvard. Other writers have majored in Theater, History, Poli Sci, Psychology, Philosophy.

Studying great literature, history, foreign languages, philosophy, and psychology can be very helpful for your development as a writer. It's also tremendously valuable to get all the work you can in your college theater - acting, writing, directing, lighting, building sets, costumes. The more you know about the process of going from the written word to flesh and blood performance in front of an audience, the better off you'll be.

Standard advice for film school is to study another subject for undergrad, and then do graduate film school, once you've had a good academic grounding, some life experience, and you're sure this is what you want. I'm not saying this advice is good, just standard. Some people will do better going straight to film school. Some people will do better skipping school altogether and getting any job they can in the business. Waiting for grad school isn't a bad idea, but with the premium the business places on youth, it's possible to wait too long.

Joe Calabrese

09-06-2005, 06:09 AM

John Grisham was a Lawyer, Micheal Chriton a doctor, Wes Craven a high school teacher.

Of course the easiest way to get in the industry is to put yourself in situations where you meet and work with those who can further your career, or notice your talent, but that is no guarantee.

To write a screenplay takes some education, but mostly takes talent, practice and insight on what is marketable and entertaining.

zagoraz

09-06-2005, 07:19 AM

"People asked me if I went to film school. I said no, I went to films." - Quentin Tarantino

sspunisher

09-06-2005, 07:35 AM

You GOTTA love Quentin Tarantino

Chesher Cat

09-06-2005, 07:58 AM

I know lots of people that went to film school and end up working in distribution or whatever even though they wanted to write or make films. Also know lots of people who didn't even go to college that are writing and/or making films. And vice versa. Guess it depends on who you are and what innate talents you possess and how dedicated you are.

If you love film, go to film school - you'll enjoy the process and you can major in screenwriting.

Jim Taylor went to NYU (grad school) and his writing partner/director Alexander Payne went to UCLA (grad school).

preyer

09-06-2005, 04:14 PM

just for writing in general, psychology was the best. you don't need a masters degree in it, just some framework. i mean, if you don't understand people, how are you going to write great characters? i've always said that all the education in the world won't make you talented. competent hack, maybe. education certainly doesn't hurt, but there's no way to supplant talent no matter how much a person tries. with a little luck you can fake it, but that's just a house of cards. the great thing about writing is you can pretty much be self-taught if you can manage to live without critical analysis of a professor. to that i say thank gawd shakespeare didn't have a college professor, lol. i think college writing is good basically for the excercises you're forced into doing that you'd otherwise skip. i.e. getting your mistakes out now rather than later.

none of that's a good substitute for life, though, imo. if you want to be a machinist, take shop. if you want to be a souz chef, go to culinary school. if you want to be a writer, go live life and try to be as observant as possible.

pstudios

09-07-2005, 02:07 PM

:Shrug: I don't think there's any one way either. I took one course thru Gothem writers in NYC. It's good, but doesn't give college credits. Someone I knew a few years back, took 6 mos. of NYU film school and had to drop to go into film. I wouldn't mind taking an online UCLA extension course, it's helped someone who's in my workshop class. I heard University of Texas is good(Austin) and USC($$$$) and Berkly(cheaper) have courses. A friend is getting his masters in english,at the local college, but has a hard time with the concept of writing dialogue.

:( :cry: One of the best film schools, I must sadly say UNO was demolished in last week's great tragedy and the local college by me has reopened registration 2 and 1/2 weeks into semster to take some of those students in, though they don't have any film program here.

Being active in boards like this one helps. Thanx U guys!

A local workshop, if it can be found can be good, that is if everyone is willing to be consistant and do the work. I''ve been told it has improved my writing 180%, but I know I have a real long way to go.

OH! Quentin Tarantino started out in :Ssh: Ssh! A video store.

zeprosnepsid

09-10-2005, 08:48 PM

Well, if you want to be a writer the best thing for you is experience. So anything is better than sitting around your house.

If you want to be a screenwriter and you want to go to college then you may as well major in screenwriting. Why put it off? If you know what you want to do then why go to undergrad for 4 years then grad school for several more years?

But as everyone mentioned, there are different paths for everyone. Do whatever you think is right. If you're thinking about an English program and a fall back plan then you're probably not very secure in your desire to be a screenwriter. So you can major in English and write screenplays on the side. But you won't make the contacts and get the feedback you would in school.

I went to USC and I guess it's expensive. But just about everyone in Undergrad film has scholarships. Because to get into USC, you need the best grades. The screenwriting program at USC is very intensive. They take more classes than other people in the film school. It's a BFA. But at the end of the program, you get to actually pitch your script to a real executive. I believe that's how John Singleton sold Boyz in the Hood. But you are doing all screenwriting all the time -- so you have to make sure that's really what you want to do .

But if you want to make contacts I think only the top film schools are worth it.

Annabanana

09-11-2005, 02:23 AM

English isn't a good back-up major if you're looking for secure and gainful employment. Most English majors have a tough time finding jobs and for the few lucky enough to be scooped up by the publishing houses, it's for near minimum wage salaries. My point of reference is NYU, so it's even worse if you're going to a school w/o the reputation. Either way you're not going to be rolling in the dough unless you go into a lucrative field, so if you're going to major in English you might as well major in screenwriting or film. At least you'll enjoy it more.

If you don't have a good financial situation (i.e. well off parents who will let you meech off them) then major in something that'll make you money like business, computer science, engineering, etc. Education is also good. For the time that they put in, teachers actually get decent pay, and you'll have lots of time to write!

I was a finance major and you definitely start off making more money than other college grads, so it's not a bad thing to study if you can make it through school w/o falling asleep. I wish I had the priviledge of just studying film but alas the rent must be paid and it ain't cheap!

Aldenard

09-13-2005, 07:20 AM

How could I find a college that offers screenwriting/film majors? Are they only in film schools? I live in the southern United States, and my parents would prefer if I woudl at least attend college in this area. My grades are not very good (primarily because of Calculus) so I don't think a scholorship will come my way. We have some money, but I dont think enough that I could go to a high end film school.

Joe Calabrese

09-13-2005, 07:47 AM

These are the top rated screenwriting colleges according to US News and World Report for 2006.

Bennington College
Brigham Young University--Provo
Chapman University
DePaul University
Drexel University
Emory and Henry College
Loyola Marymount University
New York University
Ohio University
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Pepperdine University
SUNY--Purchase College
University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
University of Southern California

odocoileus

09-13-2005, 09:19 AM

The Complete Guide to American Films Schools and Cinema and Television Courses

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0140172262/qid=1126586817/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-6319124-5569641?v=glance&s=books

Film School Confidential: the Insiders Guide to Film Schools

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0140172262/qid=1126586817/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-6319124-5569641?v=glance&s=books

JustinoXXV

09-13-2005, 09:45 PM

In the film industry, University of California at Los Angeles is considered very prestigious. California State (Los Angeles) also has good film major programs.As for English majors finding jobs, it's all up to the individual English major.

I do agree with Anna that you might as well go directly into studying film. But people like English majors and film majors can get other jobs outside publishing and film if they want to. And keep in mind that jobs that require degrees do not necessarily pay more than jobs that don't.

If you're working at a high end restaurant or bar, you could be making hundreds of dollars in tips a night. There are restaurants where dinner costs $300 (or more) and where a drink could cost you $11 or more. The standard tip is 15% (I'm speaking about New York, but I'm sure Los Angeles is similiar). So if you work at one of these places, you'll do quite well, and a lot of writers and actors do because of the flexibility.

Also, administrative assistants in Los Angeles and New York start make from anywhere between $10 to $25 dollars an hour, depending on experience, typing speed, and the industry they work in. You don't have to have a degree to be an administrative assistant (all it means is that you're a secretary). I've known plenty of writers of all majors who worked as administrative.

So you don't have to get a career job. You can just get a job that pays, and there are plenty out there.

For those who like manual labor and blue collar jobs, well, some of these pay well.

A lot of entertainers also have gigs in hotels, on cruise ships, etc.

I know some people put in the minds of young people that you're supposed to major on X and definitely only work in X, but very often things don't work that way. So if you're really interested in film, major in film, and if you have to get non film work to pay the bills and eat, there are plenty of options.

Aldenard

09-14-2005, 12:54 AM

A really want to major in film and screenwriting, but it seems the only colleges that offer this major are very hard to get into and insanely expensive

odocoileus

09-14-2005, 04:31 AM

You don't say where you are in the South. There are major film programs at state schools in north Florida (Florida State) and central NC (NC School of the Arts). I've worked on hour drama TV crews with grads from both schools, so I can say that grads from these schools can and do get real jobs in the biz. I haven't met any writers from these schools, though I'm sure there are some.

If your main interest is writing, you might try UVA in Charlotsville. It's at or near the top for English, and has a good theatre program as well. Worked for Tina Fey, might work for you.

All these schools will be tough to get into, but long odds and limited openings are something you'll have to get used too if you want to work in the business. Short of these four year programs, a community college with a good working theatre program might be your best bet. Combine English and writing courses with as much theatre and TV production experience as you can get.

Aldenard

09-14-2005, 07:38 AM

Well, I live in Alabama (I assumed most people would see it beneath my name) and really want to major in film. I'm not sure if I would be able to get into any prestigous schools such as those mentioned (my GPA sucks, mainly because of math courses, and my ACT was a horrendous 28), and was wondering what my best option should be.

JustinoXXV

09-14-2005, 08:47 AM

You might try taking some online courses from UCLA extension, or going to Los Angeles and taking them there. The courses are $345 per class if you take them there, and $495 if you take them online. That's the cheapest I've seen.

www.uclaextension.edu (http://www.uclaextension.edu)

Get good grades, and there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to transfer into a degree program (the extension program gives a certificate, not a degree. but the classes are for regular college credit).

odocoileus

09-14-2005, 09:06 AM

D'oh. Alabama. Maybe if you spelled it out in big red letters, I might catch on. Then again, maybe not.:idea:

And I should have said that not all universities determine admission strictly by grades and test scores. For arts programs, like the one in NC, there may be opportunities to audition for admission with one's work. Call around, explore their sites, talk to people who are already students there, and people in your local arts community.

I've heard good things about Valencia Community College, in Orlando. Worth checking out. They may have internships and other opportunities to work with Disney.

http://valenciacc.edu/asdegrees/documents/FilmProductionSequence-05.pdf

Other FL comm colleges:

http://www.fldoe.org/cc/mindstowork/degrees/communications/fpt.asp

There are numerous community colleges in the So Cal area that offer good film programs. Cost of living is quite high here, though, and cheap places to live are usually in dangerous neighborhoods. Depends on what you're looking for.

You can get more info from the guidebooks in my earlier posts. I haven't heard anything about CC film programs in NC or GA, but there are probably some available, especially in Atlanta or the Winston-Durham region.

JustinoXXV

09-14-2005, 02:54 PM

San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley are all nice areas in Los Angeles and are all comparatively cheapand safe. So are the downtown (yes, there are a lot of homeless there but it's no big deal) and Hollywood areas. Los Angeles doesn't get really expensive until you get to the Westside (UCLA is on the Westside). However, you can do what most people do. Get a roommate or roommates and you're set.

Aldenard

09-14-2005, 04:20 PM

do those colleges have dorms that I could live on? if so, I would just do that because they are probably significantly cheaper and safer (plus quicker to get to class)

JustinoXXV

09-14-2005, 09:58 PM

Yes, all the accredited universities in Los Angeles that offer film majors have dorms you can live on. And it would be a lot more convenient for you in terms of getting to class. And you wouldn't have to worry about screening your roommates.

As an added bonus, if you're a student at an school in Los Angeles you'd be able to intern at the studios, production companies, or agencies. That's a great way to get your foot in the door.

Aldenard

09-19-2005, 08:09 AM

WritingFool

09-19-2005, 01:47 PM

UCLA . GO BRUINS!

JustinoXXV

09-19-2005, 07:21 PM

Ok, I'm leaning more towards good colleges that can offer screenwriting/film majors around the LA area, so I could get to know people in the industry more. I'm not very familiar with the geography of California, (as far as which part of LA Hollywood is on, ect.), though. Could anyone recommend me some good schools in and around LA?

First of All, there is NO FILM industry in HOLLYWOOD. PERIOD.

The film industry is concentrated mainly in San Fernando Valley (the Valley you always here them talking about in movies taking place in Los Angeles). You have several studios there (Warner Brothers, Universal, Disney). The Westside of Los Angeles has a lot of production companies, the major agencies, and 3 studios (MGM, Sony Pictures, and Fox). UCLA is on the westside, in Westwood (which is right next to Beverly Hills).

CSU (California State University) has two Los Angeles locations. One is near downtown, and the other is Northride, in a city in San Fernando Valley.

Loyola Marymount University is also on the Westside of Los Angeles.

Back to Hollywood, not only did the film industry basically leave Hollywood along time ago, their last radio station closed. Mainly these days Hollywood is just a tourist attraction because of the Hollywood walk of fame, places to shop, and nightclubs.

Rainy Night

09-19-2005, 11:40 PM

Joe Calabrese

09-19-2005, 11:59 PM

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/majors/brief/major_50-0504_brief.php

Aldenard

09-22-2005, 04:25 PM

Joe Calabrese

09-22-2005, 04:57 PM

Here is a link to LA colleges and some info on each (tuition prices, degree offered, etc...)

The thing you need to decide is whether to go to a school in LA that is well known for film and writing curriculums (like USC, UCLA) and pay a lot
or...

Go to a more affordable school that isn't well known for screenwriting and film but will still teach you what you need to know.

The big difference is not the education but the prestige. A USC grad can open doors a little bit easier than someone from AIU with a media degree. But again, it is more than the education as Hollywood runs on networking and making connections.

I recommend that any school you go to, get yourself out there. Intern for any producer, actor, studio, agency you can get. PA on a film, even student shorts, network your a s s off.

Because in Hollywood it is a three part story-- what you know, who you know, and who knows you.

Rainy Night

09-23-2005, 12:18 AM

Is it necessary to go to school to be a successful writer? I’m just curious what others think.

I have a degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing. Looking back I had a lot of professors that said “this is the way it’s done” or “you can’t do that” or “you need to do this here” and I feel that I spent a number of years limited by what I thought was the correct way to write. There are rules and proper formatting etc, but I think those things you can teach yourself. Creativity I think you learn by practice.

Don’t get me wrong, getting a degree wasn’t a bad choice, but, it has not made me a successful writer, yet.

JustinoXXV

09-23-2005, 12:34 AM

Ive looked up several colleges, such as the LA Film School, but most seem to offer only one year programs. Is there anywhere in California where I could go to a four year college a major in film/screenwriting?

Yes.

www.ucla.edu Also look up California State University Los Angeles, California State University Northride, and Loyola Marymount University.

do a google on the others for their exact websites.

Rainy, while going to school doesn't hurt, in and of itself it doesn't make you a successful writer. You have to be able to write stories that publishers and producers think the public will buy.

Aldenard

09-23-2005, 12:56 AM

Hey, Joe, did you mean to post a link?

You said, 'Here is a link to LA colleges and some info on each (tuition prices, degree offered, etc...)'

but i do not see a link. Just curious if my browser is screwed up or what

Nidorina

09-23-2005, 02:21 AM

The University of Utah has a bachelor's in film, which is coming to be pretty highly regarded in indie circles because of its exposure to Sundance. It's cheap to live here, too. Just another option.

Myself, I got my degrees in chemistry, and math/engineering; and did that for a while before starting to write professionally. I agree with what others have said--a writer's best school is life.

Joe Calabrese

09-23-2005, 02:23 AM

Sorry.

http://losangeles.areaconnect.com/city-colleges.htm

Rainy Night

09-23-2005, 02:38 AM

The University of Utah has a bachelor's in film, which is coming to be pretty highly regarded in indie circles because of its exposure to Sundance. It's cheap to live here, too. Just another option.
I knew I went to the wrong school. I got my degree at Utah State. Guess I should have gone a little farther south.

Annabanana

09-23-2005, 03:43 AM

or...take a year off, move to Cali, and UCLA will be cheap...

Joe Calabrese

09-23-2005, 03:56 AM

Or better yet, since you are still in HS.
Get a PO Box in upper state CA now (the kind that looks like a real address) and then when you move out to LA a month before applying to the school, it looks like you've lived there longer (and two times moved within the state).

JustinoXXV

09-23-2005, 04:53 AM

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View Comments (http://www.scriptpimp.com/ratings/view.cfm?action=view&category=Film_Schools&location=show_me/film_schools/&record_id=7&record_id_name=Film_School_ID&name=California%20State%20University,%20Long%20Bea ch&Img_Name=CSULB.gif&record_name=Film_School_Name&table_name=Film_Schools) Location Long Beach, California Address University Telecommunications Center (UTC), Room 104
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Email burman@csulb.edu Website http://www.csulb.edu (http://www.csulb.edu/) Deadlines November 30 Tuition $10,344 Course Length 4 years Undergraduate? Yes
Graduate? No Film School Director Sharyn Blumenthal

Four year film program at UCLA

http://www.tft.ucla.edu/

Film School at California State University-Northride (this is in the Valley area of Los Angeles).

http://www.csun.edu/~ctva/Alumni/AlumniHTML/NetworkingListA.html (http://www.csun.edu/%7Ectva/Alumni/AlumniHTML/NetworkingListA.html)

Loyola Marymount

http://www.lmu.edu/Page590.aspx

University of Southern California Film School

http://www-cntv.usc.edu/

Aldenard

09-23-2005, 08:16 AM

Jamesaritchie

09-23-2005, 08:33 AM

It's never smart to count on earning a living from writing. Whatever you major in, make sure it's something you enjoy doing, AND something that will give you a good job when you graduate.

For every person out there earning a living from writing, there are several thousand who wish they hadn't put all their eggs in that basket.

JustinoXXV

09-24-2005, 09:52 PM

Where was the 4 year program at UCLA? I could only find a 2 year, undergraduate program that said 2 basic years must be completed elsewhere; would it then be good to go to a basic University, complete 2 basic years there, then go to a special film school?

http://www.tft.ucla.edu/ftv_ba/index.cfm?action=major

There you have the full requirements for the 4 year degree program. Any further questions you might want to call or e-mail UCLA's film department. They'll know more than I do. You can apply there directly for the full 4 year degree program. No need to go elsewhere if you get accepted.

James, having lived in Los Angeles, there are also sorts of jobs that a person can with a 4 or any other degree can have and be reasonably paid. Most office jobs pay fairly well and they don't care what your degree is, or even if you have one. All they care about is that you're able to type, answer the phones, open mail, etc. A lot of writers have these jobs.

A lot of other writers also work as waiters, bartenders, etc. and at the high end places in NY or in LA you could make $1,000 a week doing this kind of work.

So Aldenard, if majoring in film is what you want to do, go straight for it. You'll be able to find work after graduation, in the industry if you apply yourself. It's fairly easy to get an assistant job in the entertainment industry. Even the mailroom jobs in show business pay decent. (if you have to get a job while you're shopping around your screenplays).

The best part about film school is that a lot of successful screenwriters like Simon Kinburg broke into the industry because their professors, who are professional writers themselves, gave them industry referrals to agents.

Aldenard

09-25-2005, 04:34 AM

JustinoXXV

09-25-2005, 09:12 AM

Dang, i dont think there is anyway in the world i could get into UCLA =( my GPA isnt that great, and my ACT wasnt that high; seeing as how they only accept about 300 students out of 3000 every year, i seriously doubt i would even get remotly considered; also, i couldnt find the cost per semester; also, i looked at the application that you must fill out to become accepted, and for some reason they require a college transcript; so, does that mean you have to go to another college before you can go there?

From looking at that application, it looks like you have to take GENERAL classes at UCLA first. Then assuming you do well at those general classes, in your 2nd year they THEN ACCEPT you into the film school. You don't have to go to another college, but if you don't accepted outright, you could go to another college, do well, and transfer to UCLA. Still, I think you should apply and see if you can get it.

For specific info I haven't answered, feel free to call the School. Don't be afraid to ask them questions.

UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
102 East Melnitz Hall
Box 951622
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1622
Phone: 310-825-5761
FAX: 310-825-3383

Admissions Information
info@tft.ucla.edu (info@tft.ucla.edu)
310-825-8787

Student Services
info@tft.ucla.edu (info@tft.ucla.edu)
310-206-8441

Now, all you have to do is call or e-mail them. Speak to them about your concerns.

The other thing that I'm concerned about is why are you so negative? I applied to Cornell. I knew my mother couldn't shell out $30,000 dollars a year for me to go. And she didn't. I got financial aid after I got accepted.

If UCLA or any university accepts you and really wants you to go, then will give you financial aid.

SO APPLY.

You also should be checking out the requirements of the other film schools in Los Angeles, such as California State University-Long Beach and California State University-Northridge. They aren't as famous at UCLA, but the CSU system is a very good state university system.

So anyway, if you really want to go, take things step by step. Stick in your applications. Worry about how you're going to pay for it after you get ACCEPTED. Anyway, it's good you're checking out the schools now.

Aldenard

09-26-2005, 05:44 AM

It's just that...well...i want to do this SO BADLY and im very afraid that i would be accepted and then not be able to pay for it...and that would really suck....; i am gathering info on all of the colleges that offer screenwriting/film majors (mostly in California and LA) and plan to apply to all of them the first week in October (have that week off from school; going to need the time to write the college application essays); any other good recommendations/advice? it would be greatly appreciated

Annabanana

09-26-2005, 06:17 AM

Like someone else said, get in first, worry about the money later. If your family's situation is really such that your parents absolutely cannot afford it, that'll be reflected in your FAFSA and in most schools your need will be met. You can also do work study (mostly easy office jobs around school) while you're in school and if you qualify you can get subsidized loans with no interest until you graduate. You can take your time paying them back. I secured a low interest rate so mine only cost me $100/month. I'll be paying them for a while, but as long as you always pay on time, it's actually good for your credit standing.

Take your time on the essays and writing samples. If your grades suck, this is your chance to redeem yourself.

Joe Calabrese

09-26-2005, 06:39 AM

Another thing to consider when trying to get into a college with not so great grades and scores.

First two years of every school is somewhat generalized and not major specific, so get into your second, third or fourth choice college if and when UCLA turns you down and then...

Really bust your hump for a year, get great grades and then transfer to the UCLA. You got four chances in two years to score. Then you can focus on your film major at the college of your choice.

They will be more apt to accept a transfer with a current 4.0 than an incoming freshman with low scores and mediocre grades.

A thought.

Aldenard

09-26-2005, 06:51 AM

Thanks for your advice everyone. Im most leaning towards what Mr. Calabrese said, going to a regular major university for the first year, working my butt off, and then trying to get into UCLA. While I will still apply now, and to several other colleges around there with good film majors, i believe taking my first year somewhere else may be good. I could get adjusted to college life, work out ideas for screenplays and practice myself, plus it would be one year that would be significantly cheaper than ones at a college such as UCLA. Im not certain on this, but thats what im leaning towards the most.

Rainy Night

09-26-2005, 06:57 AM

It's just that...well...i want to do this SO BADLY and im very afraid that i would be accepted and then not be able to pay for it...and that would really suck...
Let me tell you what really sucks.

In 1981 I was in high school and had 3 really close friends. We all worked in the AV dept at the high school, we had a cable access show, we lived for movies, even writing and making our own home movies

One of my friends said, hey when I graduate I'm going to USC film school. Why don't we all go? I thought a long time about it. I was really poor, dirt poor. My family lived in a trailer house and my 2 sisters shared a bedroom. My little brother slept in my parents room and I slept on the couch. That's how poor we were. I thought how can I afford USC, how could my parents afford even a small portion of USC? I choose not to go. I decided to go to a junior college as it was less expensive. My other two friends also choose not to go.

My friend who chose to go to USC graduated from USC film school. I don't know how he paid for it. His parents were divorced and his economic suituation was worse then mine.

Long story short he has two emmy awards, is and indie producer and does special effect on the side. You may have seen the last film he worked on, SIN CITY.

Here's my point - don't worry about the money. If you can get in go. The school's financial aid department will help you find the money.

Twenty years later, I have kids, a mortgage a full time job. It's hard to find time to devote to my writing.

If it's your passion do it, do it now and don't let anything stop you.

Aldenard

09-26-2005, 07:14 AM

Rainy Night

09-26-2005, 08:08 PM

Wow, that's an awsome story; sorry about your predicament though. Mind if I ask the name of this person? (if its Robert Rodriguiz I will flip; if its QT I would flip until I die; i realize its prolly not them...but what they hey)
No, not Robert Rodriguez. Sin City was the second RR film he worked on. My friend also did SKY KIDS: 3D. He's an effects guy. If you're interested in looking up his bio on the IMDB let me know and I'll PM you his name and you can look him up.

I kick myself in the A** everyday for not going to film school.

Aldenard

09-29-2005, 03:27 AM

I researched the University of Southern California, but I couldn't find any undergraduate or even graduate degrees offered in screenwriting or filmmaking; i heard this school was legendary for its film making program, but i cant find the major at all

Rainy Night

09-29-2005, 03:31 AM

Aldenard

09-29-2005, 03:48 AM

thanks; i dont know why i couldn't find that beforre. ok, so any other big school i should apply to? (one having a good program in screenwriting/film) I am already going to apply to UCLA and USC, what else?

Annabanana

09-29-2005, 06:07 AM

NYU *woot* *woot*

Aldenard

09-29-2005, 06:40 AM

*is scared of NYC*

and I would really prefer a college that is within driving distance of the bulk of the film industry, so I could intern as well

Joe Calabrese

09-29-2005, 03:21 PM

If you went the NYC route, you could intern at any of the three television networks and/or Viacom which has MTV and Nick shot there.

and there are dozens of films shot in NYC on any given week.
If LA is out of reach, NYC is the only other choice.

Aldenard

10-10-2005, 07:52 AM

Ok, are there any other good colleges in the LA area that offer screenwriting majors (or simply film majors in general)? I looked up other colleges there, but do not know which offer that major or not.

zeprosnepsid

10-11-2005, 07:10 AM

I went to USC and as I said before, you're not going to find a more intensive screenwriting program anywhere. But the school is very hard to get into. The screenwriting program is 4 years no matter what. I agree with whoever told you to go to a community college and raise your grades. It will open doors for you. But if you do that then apply to USC it'll still be 4 years. Note also that USC is very mainstream. If you don't want to be mainstream, it's not the place for you. They only take 25 people. And grades are a big deal. But it doesn't mean it's not worth trying.

As noted, UCLA is only a 2 year program and you have to apply in your Junior year. You don't get any special treatment for having gone to UCLA before so I wouldn't worry about going there. If you don't get into other film schools then go somewhere, get good grades, and try UCLA for your Junior year. It's worth noting in all the places I've worked in the film industry, I haven't met any one who went to UCLA film school. But I don't meet a lot of screenwriters and in the 70s they put out some good screenwriters.

I said this before too, but money is really not a big deal. Financial Aid will cover everything at most schools (not NYU tho, they suck about aid). If your grades are good you'll get scholarships. And if you have to take out loans, whatever, do it. You'll pay them off eventually.

I've met some cool people who went to a little college 'round here that starts with a C -- Chapman? Maybe Chapman. They were very knowledgeable. And there's always Cal Arts.

Aldenard

10-15-2005, 11:22 PM

Thanks for all the advice everyone. Are there any other colleges besides USC that offer four year screenwriting programs?

Also, have yall heard anything about Chapman Univesity and its film school?

Aldenard

10-20-2005, 03:54 AM

I'm sorry for bumping this 'dead' topic, but I am really nervous about this. Are there any good film schools I'm missing?

NikeeGoddess

10-22-2005, 06:04 PM

sorry, i'm not reading 3 pages of posts so i might be saying something redundant but anyways....

film schools are for wannabe filmmakers. if you want to make films then they are great learning tools for that. but, i doubt many screenwriters who really learned the craft of screenwriting from college. if you want to be a writer then you should study writing and such related courses.

great storytelling is great storytelling no matter what the medium. you'll need to understand how to tell a great story. and you'll need to learn how the craft of screenwriting is different for other styles and forms writing. it's just a different as news reporting and just as different as poetry.

i suggest you read, read, and read lots of scripts. can you imagine someone trying to write a novel without ever having read a novel or even reading one or two? that sounds ridiculous. the same goes for scriptwriting. it's a great learning tool. and you can understand the formatting better by doing so. also invest in David Trottier's book, The Screenwriter's Bible. it's a must for newbies.
i also suggest you invest in Robert McKee's book, Story for the understanding the complexity of great storytelling.

college - honestly that's just a portal for teenagers to grow up and have life experiences. if you use college properly then what matters most is what you'll take away from it and utilize in your adult life and of course, storytelling.

ok, that's my 2 pence of babbling. now, i'm broke!

NikeeGoddess

10-22-2005, 06:07 PM

go rent Orange County and pretend you're that Hanks kid ;)

the best reasons for going to school in southern california is location, meaning access to internships. go rent Swimming with Sharks and don't cry after.

Annabanana

10-22-2005, 08:36 PM

If someone is serious about delving into a career in screenwriting or filmmaking, the chance to learn from the best, forge connections, practice the craft, intern at a company where people actually make movies rather than talk about it, definitely make pursuing a degree from the top programs in the field worthwhile. Look at the roster of Academy Award winning writers and directors...you'll see USC and NYU pop up A LOT.That being said, it is certainly not a fast track for everyone. From what I heard when I was at NYU, about 90% of Tisch students do not find jobs in the industry right away. If money is a big issue, then a film degree may really not be right for you at this time. There are still ways around this though, you can still major in screenwriting, take math/business/computer science classes on the side, read the Wall Street Journal on the weekends, intern at financial services firms and make a very nice living in either NY or LA. I've met people in my industry who have degrees in everything under the sun.