Admissions and Film Schools : Counseling the Film/Media Student

1. Admissions and Film Schools:Counseling the Film/Media Student Lauren Kacura Assistant Director of Admissions Dodge College of Film and Media Arts Chapman University

2. Session Overview • BA vs. BFA degree • Art School vs. Liberal Arts School • Choosing a Major • Differences in film programs • Doing a campus visit • Required supplemental materials • What makes for a strong candidate • Questions

3. B.A. vs. B.F.A. degree • B.A. degree: • Fewer major credits required • Liberal arts education with emphasis on film • Meant for students who aren’t sure of interest and will go on to grad school to study specific area • B.F.A. degree: • More major credits required • More “practical classes” in film or related areas • Expectation that students know what they want and will go out in the workforces upon graduation

4. Art School vs. Liberal Arts School • Art Schools: CalArts, Rhode Island School of Design, Savannah College of Art and Design • Limited/No GE credits. • Best for students who want to focus just on their major or academics are a concern • Liberal Arts Schools: Chapman University, LMU, USC, NYU, UCLA, • Full liberal arts program-must take major courses and GE courses • For students who want traditional college education with arts program

5. Choosing a Major • What area is the student most interested in? • ie. Directing, producing, TV, animation etc. • Where is that area of study in the school? • Are all film/media majors together or in separate schools? • How is the program organized? • Is there one big film major or is everything broken up?

6. Differences in film programs • Collaborative vs. Competitive environment • Size of program • Location • When students start film classes • Amount of “production” a student does

7. Campus Visit • Always ask if there is a separate tour/session for the film program • Try to stop students and ask them about the program • Do interview if possible • Come prepared with questions and let the students ask them!

8. Questions to ask on tour/visit • How is the student access to equipment? • Do students own the rights to the their films? • How is the collaboration among majors? • What sort of internships do your students do and are they required? • How well are you connected to the industry? • Do you have any international travel programs specially for film students? • What is the budget for student films/projects • Are there any extra fees associated with the program? • Can a student double major/minor with a film major?

9. Supplemental Requirements • Every school will ask for something different, and will most likely want to see more than just the regular school application. • Examples of supplemental materials: • Portfolio pieces of work • Films/Visuals created just for application • Resume • Additional letter(s) of recommendation • Written essays

10. Supplemental Requirements:Examples from schools • Chapman University-Dodge College of Film and Media Arts • One written essay, one “major specific” essay, creative resume and letter of recommendation • University of Southern California-School for Cinematic Arts • Personal statement, writing sample, visual sample, creative resume, 3 letters of recommendation • New York University-Tisch School of the Arts • Leadership essay, creative resume, personal story, creative submission.

11. Tips for Applying to Film School • Follow all directions carefully • Look at deadlines closely • Look at academic requirements • Don’t just talk about your major interests • Students should do the communication with the schools • Encourage students to find what is unique about themselves and showcase that-we are looking for unique and creative storytellers

12. A few last thoughts…. • Students should be true to themselves and represent themselves how they want. • Campus tours are informative and can help a student shape their application. • They are applying to a talent program, so they most likely will get into some but not all.

13. Questions?