Latest Film School Reviews

CFS is an awesome school to attend to really learn practical filmmaking. Their professors are amazing, and have a ton of previous filmmaking experience. The courses are highly informative, and more than that very hands on, which allows you to develop the necessary technical knowledge base for making films (not just the history and theory, though they also teach that of course).

Unfortunately, they don't currently offer a bachelors degree, only certification or an associates. However, that could be seen as a plus, because with its location in Colorado you'll be moving anyway to really pursue a career in film.

At the end of the day, a great basis for anyone wanting to go into the industry. My suggestion - don't pass this program up, because you'll get so much personalized attention from great teachers that will really give you a step up when you transfer to a four-year program. Do your time, listen and learn, and you won't regret spending time here first.

I attended the 2015 summer film making program and came out with a fantastic short film, way better than I ever imagined possible as a complete beginner and after just one month. I credit the wonderful teachers who were super efficient in condensing all the important basics into efficient classes and the founders who were always available and invested in our learning process.

I went into the course only hoping to learn to write better, yet when I came out I found the confidence to pursue film as a career. The course is very intensive but well structured so as long as you work hard and plan well, it is possible to make a really good short film. Film professionals tell me they are really impressed with the quality of what I was able to make in such a short time.

The advantage of this school over the other usually bigger schools is that you get very personal attention and tailored experience. I have been through big universities and felt totally lost. I feel much better guided and supported in this program.

I would recommend students to think of a few short story ideas before the course begins to save time from thinking on the spot. You will need all the time for perfecting your script and planning your shoot.

I came into American University being quite averse to politics and government, and I always wanted to focus entirely on narrative film production. My other choice, NYU, would probably have been a better fit, but AU gave me better financial options and I could knock out a year at AU coming in with AP and community college credits. I finished AU in 3 years with minimal debt.

During my time, I was able to find the resources and crews to make narrative films happen, but it sometimes felt like an uphill battle. By the time I graduated, I warmed to documentary filmmaking and became more politically and socially interested. Most of my classmates, whether in the film department, in SOC or in the whole university seemed extremely passionate about politics, government and social issues. A lot of people in the film department were there because they saw it as a way to make their voice heard within these topics. The doc program, especially the Center for Environmental Filmmaking, is very strong. Combine that with being in the Nation's Capital and you're really in the right place for the right thing. Again, probably not for me. But some folks thrived on it. But you do end up looking for internships and work opportunities in the city that you go to school in, and DC doesn't have a lot going on for your average student.

The film department felt like a carousel at times. The older professors who were tenured seemed out of touch with the current scene; they had been tenured and working for the university for so long that the indie struggle seemed very much lost on them. Younger, adjunct professors were barely graduated from the same classes they were teaching, and could provide even less perspective. The boast of the film department is a two-time Oscar winner in sound; yet his classes are primarily a vehicle for him to talk about his experiences and his awards. He barely taught the class I took with him and though his anecdotes were amusing and at times insightful, it was certainly not worth more than just the check mark I received for the class.

In the end, I'll leave you with this: you get what you put in. I went to school with some amazingly talented people. Some people did great work while at school, some people did great work after school. Some people are still in DC and some are in NY or LA. Some are elsewhere. The most ambitious people have left DC. No school is a guarantee of success or failure, but if you have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, then you can really tailor your school experience to your ambitions. And I think that's true for any (film) school experience. Good luck.

I did the 5 week film intensive offered by the International Film Institute of New York at Sarah Lawrence College in July 2015. It was my first time with, really, doing any formal sort of coursework in film. It was absolutely wonderful! The five weeks are extremely intense and demanding -the work probably averages 7 days a week for 10-11 hours a day. The faculty are incredibly caring and dedicated -they want to see you excel, really appreciate if you show dedication and passion, and are available for help all the time. The program is awesome in putting each student in a container that supports them in creating, from start to finish, a short with the help of the faculty and fellow students.

I would suggest that anyone who has decided to do the program come in with a few ideas and if possible, a first draft of a script. But this may not be necessary. I have difficulty writing outside of a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, and the program is very fast-paced and demanding.

But overall, a really wonderful experience. The courses were great, the access to equipment were great, the teachers were genuinely supportive, real human beings, who work in the industry and appreciate a newcomer's wish to become a filmmaker, and the fellow students were awesome. It was hard work, a lot of learning, and good, good fun!

Please bear in mind this review is specifically for the Professional Producing Program, NOT for a degree-rewarding program.
Professional Programs | UCLA School of TFT

I discovered the PP at UCLA through this forum when I was graduating from undergrad at The University of Michigan. At the time, I was getting my career started in production and Michigan had a tax incentive and I didn't want to miss out on those opportunities while I pursued a full MFA. The PP are only available to students who have completed their undergrad and they are a lecture based, simplified version of their MFA programs. When I attended in 2012, there were three programs; producing, directing, and screenwriting, They have now added others. I attended the Producing Program along with about 25 other students. There is an admissions process which requires transcripts, a statement of purpose and recommendations.

The lecturers were high ranking industry professionals. I cannot go into many details as to who or what was discussed in specifics because they require you not to disseminate the information in the lectures. This is because you are often given information that is proprietary. I can say that their list on their website is truthful and the lecturers were full of information about budgets, pitches, and the whole Hollywood system. You are not allowed to network with the speakers (you cannot ask them for their contact information), but the students often network with each other and many of my class still keep in touch or work together. In 2012, we also had the opportunity to work on a film which was being line produced by the program TA at the time. For some in the class this was their first time on a real film set. It's a great opportunity to learn how a set works from the ground up. The independent film world in particular in LA is very small and this is certainly a way to meet people involved and to gain valuable information.

If you don't get into an MFA program or you simply don't think a master's is for you, this is a great alternative.

From UCLA ...
COURSE TOPICS
The following topics are typically covered in the Professional Program in Producing: Production Preparation, Line Producing, Financing, Development, Story, Pitching, Contracts/Negotiations, Clearance/Copyright, Legal Issues for Independent Projects, Television Development, Feature Film Marketing, Television Marketing, Alternative Programming, Theatrical Distribution (Domestic and International), Budgeting, The Television Executive, Alternative Distribution, Producing/Directing for TV, Documentary, Post-Production, Producing for Video Games, Producing for Digital Media (Studio and Indie), Multiplatform Storytelling, Virtual Reality.

COURSE WORK & MATERIALS
At this time there are no required materials for this course. In the event that course materials are needed, they will be supplied by UCLA.

It's tough to rate the pros and cons, since I'm still early in Writing program.

I will say that the benefits of being in LA, in a prestigious program, with working professionals as professors and mentors far outweigh any anxiety about tuition or eventually making it as a working writer (tongue-in-cheek).

I was personally apprehensive about being at a private school in the land of the "super-fake", where everyone's scheming to exploit you (I'm from the Midwest). I originally favored the NY schools because I wanted to be a "pure writer" and focus on developing my "voice", but USC SCA provides that by vouching for you and your talents.

And luckily, the screen/tv writing program isn't cutthroat... but our guest visitors and lecturers never hesitate to remind us that the industry can be a tough nut to crack. And the cohorts bring a wide array of talent and experience. A lot of lessons that would take years to learn alone in the industry are expedited through the decades worth of experience shared.

Plus, let's be honest: It's USC film school. Even though there are other GREAT programs out there to choose from, The Industry is out here and there's a lot of Trojans making big moves. It's highly encouraging to know that many alumni are finding success in various facets. From being staffed within years of graduation, to linking up with other students to develop pilots, web series, and short films.

Yet, with only one semester to "judge/review", it seems like each program is compartmentalized. We spend a lot of time writing, while the other depts. focus on their projects. The writing program is only 2 years, while the production program is a 3yr MFA and they admit in the spring for their program too. There's probably more chances to collaborate later on, but there's also value in distinguishing yourself first and working on your individual craft.

All in all, I feel like I'm in the best program to help prepare me for a long career in film/tv. Even the cons are valid for specific reasons. There's no perfect program out there, but USC definitely makes sure to challenge you, while also preparing you for a long career. I'm much more confident in this program, LA, and producing good content.

(feel free to ask more specific questions if this is still too vague)

Every so often, you should be able to look back on your past and remember at least a handful of experiences that elicit the thought “that was life-changing.” For me, enrolling in IFI’s One-On-One College Mentorship Filmmaking Program was one of the best decisions I ever made because of everything I learned and accomplished in just a short five-weeks. The course was uniquely geared towards helping me develop a quality, portfolio piece that I could use for my college applications. The program started with a phone call from the program founder and leader, Misael Sanchez, who began by prepping me with the details of what colleges would be looking for in an overall application and especially my art’s portfolio. This alone was such a valuable conversation but the benefits of the course don’t end there!

In addition to discussions about applying to schools, I would meet with my teacher-mentor, Andres Rosende, who was overseeing the success of my short film. He helped finalize my screenplay and provided guidance for how I should proceed with the pre-production and production of my project. Though I had the support of the mentors at IFI, the execution of the project was completely up to me. That aspect of the program is perhaps the most valuable as it taught me to produce my work, and make the transition from script to screen. Now as a sophomore in college, I realize that the ability to produce your own project is almost never developed in high school programs, and rarely at the undergraduate level. I’m so grateful for the rigor of IFI's course as it has more than prepared me for my undergraduate pursuits. They provided me with the opportunity to broaden my understanding of filmmaking and reaffirm my passion for the craft.

Lastly, everyone involved at IFI has the absolutely best attitude about making films and that outlook is completely infectious. If anything, you’ll definitely learn how to be professional on film sets and how to have fun in the process. I recommend this program to anyone who is serious about pursuing a career in film because you’ll learn all the nuts and bolts of filmmaking, and so much more!

Ohio University has long been one of the best kept secrets in MFA film programs. Located in the foothills of Appalachia, in the small college town of Athens, there are beautiful natural exteriors. The theater program is top notch, producing talented designers, writers and actors who regularly work with the filmmakers to make films that do well on the festival circuit. The program is small and intimate with caring faculty who continue to produce their own diverse body of work. The 40 year old IMBD and Oscar qualifying Athens International Film and Video Festival brings amazing international, independent, experimental, narrative, and documentary film and filmmakers to Athens every year. Students have opportunities to see a range of new work and meet the filmmakers. The first year "Bootcamp" gives students a foundation in screenwriting, camera, production, acting, directing, sound and editing as they make two black and white films, and one HD documentary. The next two years allow more specialization and individualization as students hone in on their career tracks.

Most students receive some funding packages that include some combination of tuition waivers and stipends for Graduate Assistantships. The funding combined with the affordability of living in Athens, the 24 hour access to an Avid editing lab, the access to lighting and camera equipment, and the affordability of shooting films in Athens makes this an affordable place to study and make quality films that will jump start your filmmaking career.

Ohio University has produced many successful independent filmmakers, film professors, experimental filmmakers, documentary filmmakers, and professionals working in editing, producing, screenwriting, casting, and all areas of film and media.

The 5 week International Film Institute of NY program was, without a doubt, the best learning experience and ultimately, the best weeks, of my life so far. While I have been passionate about film for many years and have attended some summer film classes, this program really teaches you what you need to know to create a film. The goal of the 5 weeks is to produce a 5 min short film (particularly great if you need a portfolio to submit for college applications), and you do everything from writing the script, casting the actors, choosing the locations, instructing your crew (of fellow students), directing the shoot, and editing. There's a reason it's called 'intensive' filmmaking program; you are going nonstop for all five weeks. I was thrilled with the quality and accessibility of the professors, including Misael Sanchez and Kyle Wilamowski. I made a ton of friends among my fellow high school students and even some of the adult students. It is wonderful to be part of a community that is so passionate about filmmaking If you think you might want to have a career in filmmaking, I highly suggest you take the course to figure out if it is for you.

Cameron Lee
November 2015

I graduated from Chapman's MFA program back in 2012 and I have to say that my experience was very positive.
I was specialized in Editing and the program was very robust.
Chapman's system is broken into a conservatory model (they kind of treat you as if you've never have any experience with film in general). Your first year is spent on the foundations/basics of film. Shooting, writing, editing, directing, etc. These are then supported by projects that you do that is meant to take you through the steps of an entire short film. You will also be taking your specialization specific courses this year as well, but at the basic level. During the first year, you are also required to assist the 2nd years in their cycle films on set and sometimes even in post. This is to help build your general knowledge of filmmaking so you don't go into the industry looking/sounding like a fool who has no idea how things are done.
your second year is the time in which you really go into the specialization of your choice (that you were accepted into). You will also be working on atleast 2 short films called Cycle Films. This is a collaboration between ALL the students from each department. At this point it really tests your ability to work in a team as well as being able to independently work and make decisions as needed.
Finally your 3rd year is all about your thesis film. All you do at this point is work on your thesis film.

Between all 3 years you have the choice to take as many classes as you want. There is an "Interterm" where you can take additional classes or just take time off, (although I would suggest you try to get into one of the filmmaking classes so you can build more experience. During summer you can also get yourself certified in programs like Avid Media Composer or ProTools.

In regards to professors, you're looking at current working professionals and also those who are very well known in the industry. Everyone that I had the pleasure of studying under have all been extremely helpful and it's entirely up to you to make use of these resources.
Equipment wise, it's very well maintained and you just need to make sure you make a request for specific cameras that might be in demand early.

In general, there is a lot of things you can learn from here, but it's up to you to go for it. I learned sound mixing and foley/adr in my free time and got certified in both Avid and ProTools, so it's just up to you on how pro-active you want to be to make use of the money you spend.