College Applications

[jon_smith]

So I'm what one might call an "aspiring cinematographer". I've been taking photos and making movies since an early age, and now that I am a senior in high school, I need some suggestions. Soon, I will be applying to many colleges, and I hope to major in film. I of course am applying to USC, but I thought about it and realized that there are probably 100 colleges in the world that are just as good, or close to USC's supposed greatness. So, if you majored in film, or know of some great schools where I can hone my skills, I would be very happy to hear about them.

Edited August 31, 2005 by jon_smith

[John Pytlak RIP]

So I'm what one might call an "aspiring cinematographer". I've been taking photos and making movies since an early age, and now that I am a senior in high school, I need some suggestions. Soon, I will be applying to many colleges, and I hope to major in film. I of course am applying to USC, but I thought about it and realized that there are probably 100 colleges in the world that are just as good, or close to USC's supposed greatness. So, if you majored in film, or know of some great schools where I can hone my skills, I would be very happy to hear about them.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

The Kodak Student Filmmakers website may be of help:

 

http://www.kodak.com/go/student

 

Check out the "Campus Beat" section to get a flavor of what different schools offer:

 

http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/students...d=0.1.4.5&lc=en

 

And the University Film and Video Association:

 

http://www.ufva.org/

[Louis]

I am currently a student at Cal State Northridge, and it's program is smaller than USCs but building very slowly in reputation and quality of equipment. We get gigantic donations from the HFPA and other organizations every year, and we just got a brand new state-of-the-art AVID system to go along with our 20 or so other AVIDs. I really like the program here because it's much more hands-on than the programs at the bigger schools (from what I hear and read), and the teachers are very dedicated. Just my two cents.

[Rik Andino]

Well I figure I'll chip in for my Alma Mater... :)

 

I went to Brooklyn College part of CUNY (City University of New York)

And while City College's Film program gets all the press for CUNY's film schools

I feel Brooklyn College has a very good undergraduate program.

 

For one thing

It's a nationally acredited university & they've been teaching film for 20+ years.

 

They still teach students on Film (16mm & S16mm) and not DV

Although they do have DV equipment for students to use.

 

They've just built a brand new facility for the film school

With a modern editing suites (featuring FCP-HD)

Of course you'll probably still have to learn how to splice film

before they let you work on the non-linear editing station

(the curriculm is still based on old school filmmaking :) )

 

They also have a very qualified staff who make time for their students

It's a small film community under 1000 film students

But it's a very diverse crowd

There people from all over the world all passionate about film.

And if you're considering becoming a cinematographer

Well I feel it's a great place for you to cut your teeth.

 

Many of BC's graduates have gone on to very good graduate programs

Such as AFI, NYU, or USC.

 

Brooklyn College has one of the best undergraduate film programs in NYC

And it's also very affordable costing less than 25%

The tution money you would spend at Columbia University or NYU.

 

And probably one of the most important reasons why it's a choice

It's located in NYC one of the best places for filmmakers to be around.

 

Anyways you should check it out.

http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/film/

http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/

 

 

 

Good Luck

[anamexis]

Well I figure I'll chip in for my Alma Mater... :)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Thanks, Rik!

I'm applying to NYU, but am probably going to run into difficulties paying for it. That looks like a great, cheaper alternative.

[Michael Louis Hill]

i would think about studying something other than film production as an undergrad. i have heard from many different DPs and Directors in the industry that an undergraduate education in something other than film (english, history, philosophy..etc..) is a very useful and important part of any artists life. but if you know what you want to do then go for it. i had a friend who went ot Ball State and they he said they fund all of your FILM projects. look into if you can.

[Johnny Derango]

Jon,

 

I can't speak highly enough of Columbia College in Chicago. It has one of the best cinematography programs in the United States if not the world. It has turned out several of today's top cinematographers including: Janusz Kaminski, Mauro Fiore, Jeffery Jur and Michael Goi amongst others. Columbia College Chicago has all of the things necessary to get you started on the right path. Ultimately though, no school will provide you more than the effort you are willing to put forth. Anyway, check out their website http://www.colum.edu/