<p>Yeah, technically they listed USC as #2 but they even said that it was a very close call between USC and AFI. The two are very different since AFI is more of a vocational school/conservatory than USC, and it doesn’t have an undergraduate program. If I were doing a list like this I wouldn’t include AFI just because you can’t really go there straight out of high school like you can with all of the others. But that’s just my opinion, which is very biased. :)</p>
<p>Anyway, I thought this list was pretty interesting since a lot of the ones they name are ones I hadn’t really heard anything about (most people usually only know of USC, NYU, UCLA, FSU, and NU) like Milwaukee and Ringling. Just something to think about if those five aren’t an option due to cost!</p>
<p>You can actually apply to American Film Institute without having a bachelor’s degree and go straight for your MFA, so while you might not meet the age requirement to enter straight from high school, you can indeed be a part of their program as an “undergrad”(a person who does not posses a BA) and receive your MFA after completion of the program. </p>
<p>For the record a lot of “film people” (ie those in the industry) really, really loathe AFI students. I think it’s because a lot of AFI students leave the program with this extreme sense of entitlement/snobbery and don’t really graduate with many “people” or “team” skills that are vital to being successful in the entertainment business. </p>
<p>I will admit USC production students are forced to work together a lot, which ends up being beneficial for them in the long run. For 310 (important production class for CTPR majors), you’re usually paired with your polar opposite in an attempt to make you work with someone 100% different than you; they help you on your film, and you on theirs – so there’s a lot of motivating factors for both students to work together and not slack off.</p>
<p>If you don’t want to believe me that’s fine. I’ve already been through USC film school, and from what I understand, you’ve just started.</p>
<p>Ask some of your professors who still work professionally in the industry what they think of AFI students, ask people who work on sets when you’re a PA, ask MFA students at USC (because they run into AFI students a lot on the festival circuit and often have to work with them on sets) – it’s always the same thing. AFI might produce the occasional success story, but they are notorious for being boorish and difficult to work with. I wasn’t putting down USC – I mainly said that USC students often graduate with the advantage of being exposed to the concept of film as a “Team effort” that places like AFI don’t emphasize. </p>
<p>The real “film world” is 99.99% teamwork. You’re always going to have to work with someone.</p>
<p>Yeah, AFI has the age requirement - I think it’s to keep young, hyperactive kids from the local High Schools out. I almost applied (but then again, I screwed up in HS and I was old then and am old now) </p>
<p>Personally, I wouldn’t consider AFI until I was very-much established in my career and wanted to go “back to school” when I became middle-aged and bored. Haha.</p>
<p>The moral of this post - the two schools are apples and oranges, and USC is the best.</p>
<p>^^^floridadad55–it’s tough to make it in the film industry. Period. </p>
<p>But it is a mistake to infer that it is somehow <em>tougher</em> for those who graduate from good film programs. The contacts made (professors, internships, networking presentations, etc) at USC, NYU and other well-regarded film programs can make a difference in getting that first job. </p>
<p>OTOH, things like talent, ambition, work ethic, social skills, health, family support, insider connections, and having a relative running a studio are also extremely valuable when starting in the business, and these cannot be guaranteed by graduating film school. </p>
<p>Still, a superior education is as necessary to great film artists as to any other individuals who seek creative success. The stories, voice, and pov come from within. USC provides an excellent education, both well-rounded and technical, that lays a strong foundation for the future artist–plus give a lot of real world advice on how to get started in the film and tv world.</p>
<p>If you are a young adult looking towards a career in film or a parent who has a talented offspring who wants this for their future, there are no guarantees. Most people know that, but I suppose it is good to repeat. However, getting a degree in any major from a good school will be enormously helpful. But the very top film programs like USC’s SCA will be of particular benefit. 1) It will situate the student in L.A., the heart of production 2) It will provide theory, critical and historical context to films as well as hands-on production experience 3) USC has an enormous network of alumni already in the industry who provide mentoring, internships and employment 4) Students with the qualities that allow them to be admitted to these highly selective programs end up working with other similar students who end up… running Hollywood</p>