Question by wozas: Help with film school admissions!?
Okay, so I’m going to be a senior in high school shortly, and I’m beggining to look at colleges. I go to school at two campuses in my district, my home campus is one of the most competitive schools academically, a D is 70-74 and anything below 69 is failing. My GPA is around 3.0(just below) but my class rank is 574 out of 694 I really want to go to a school with a good film program because it is my calling, it is the only thing I have ever done that I know I do well(not to toot my own horn or anything) I’m looking at USC which I know I stand as much chance of getting in as a snow flake’s chance in Hell and I’m also looking at Chapman, I really like the looks of chapman and their program, I haven’t been out to visit the campus yet but I will sometime during the school year. I’m just a little worried about my odds of getting into a school like chapman. I don’t know if I have a chance of getting in, I take a media technology class at my second campus and I excel in that class I’ve won several awards in that class including most outstanding student ( out of 56 students who managed to get into the class[ over 600 students interviewed for the chance to get into the class] it’s the award I’m most proud of) I also recieved a media presenter award because my work was desplayed to the entire district during a technology showcase, I’ve also become certified in Final Cut Pro 6 with a 98.84 in order to pass you have to get an 80 or above, I’m also working on certifications in Apple Color, Motion, DVD Studio Pro, and possibly Shake, and I was also The Post Production Supervisor for a commercial. So does work like mine outside of class and work in my media class kinda counter-balance my not so great grades. I’m trying to get into the film production class so does that stuff help my chances of getting in?
Best answer:
Answer by matt
If film is definitely what you want to do I would look into going to a school exclusively for film. Something like New York Film Academy (has locations in LA). You may not get a Bachelors degree but getting into the film industry is all about who you know and getting your foot in the door. Schools like NYFA give you opportunities to intern, network, and receive a lot of experience on real Hollywood film sets. They allow you to create your own films and make you do the sometimes harsh realities of budgeting, finding actors, setting up filming locations, etc. They also have different programs so you may not have to spend the money you would for a 4 year school. Your work is also then shown to a whole school of strictly film students and proffessionals who
critique your work.
I graduated with a BA in digital filmmaking from Ramapo in New Jersey (granted a smaller school) and my very good friend did a year at NYFA in LA. He received A LOT more hands on experience than I did and with a quarter of the cost. On the other hand I now have a Bachelors degree so if that is something that is important to you then go for it. (Sorry, I don’t know anything about Chapman or USC)
Mainly with film you have to stay passionate, keep working on your own projects (to tone skills and build a portfolio), and do whatever you can to get into the business. Whether that means interning, networking, kissing butt….its all about who you know and who is willing to help you. Then you can let your work do the talking. Hope this helped!
What do you think? Answer below!