Where should I go for film?

nadanothing
Wed, 19 Mar 2014 20:06:48 +0000

I’m a junior on Long Island and I really, really want to major in film. I think I might eventually settle on screenwriting but I want to explore everything (directing, producing, editing, etc.) and I want to stay close to home while doing it, at least on the east coast. I don’t have a video portfolio but I could put something together for writing. I know a lot of people say that film school/film majors are a waste of time to pursue but I really want to give this a shot and ideally, graduate debt-free so at least nothing was lost money-wise if it doesn’t work out. My GPA is around an 89/90 and I haven’t taken the SAT yet (it’s scheduled for May) but I took the PSAT twice and scored a 1910 and an 1830 respectively. As of right now I’m thinking of applying to Bard, Emerson, Barnard (film studies) and Brooklyn College. I might end up choosing Brooklyn only because of the cost but I’m worried that the program won’t be as good and the students and professors won’t be as enthusiastic and engaged. I’m not sure if that’s naive but if I do end up seriously considering the school I’d like to be reassured. I was looking into Chapman’s screenwriting program too and may end up applying even though it’s expensive and on the other side of the country, just to see if I get in. Does anyone else have any other recommendations? Do you think I should drop film altogether and study something else, or pick up a double major? Input is appreciated. :)