Film Studies Major vs Production

johnwesley
Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:23:06 +0000

Is it better to go to one of these schools (Such as Wesleyan or Vassar) as an undergraduate, then do a graduate production program elsewhere, or is it better to go the straight production route (NYU, USC etc.)?



IMHO, the only reason to pursue a graduate degree in film is to continue working on a project you’ve started as an undergrad and/or you’re not happy with the job offers you’ve received by the time graduation arrives. The industry itself doesn’t require that you have a Masters or Ph.D in anything. So, the question really boils down to what kind of education do you want? Chances are that you will get plenty of experience producing student-run projects no mattrer where you go. And, you’ll probably do plenty of reading and writing even at NYU. Some people would advise choosing a LAC just in case you change your mind about a career in film. But, I’m thinking that’s unlikely to happen if you’re already thinking about graduate school. IMHO, you should really choose on the basis of what kind of college experience you want. I think NYU and Wesleyan are sufficiently different, atmospherically, as to trump everything else.