Sacred Heart University - School of Communication, Media & the Arts

FTMA was an integral part of my development process as a filmmaker and a human being. Through this program, I learned discipline, follow-through, TRUE teamwork and collaboration, and respect for ALL walks of life. I created life-long relationships with my professors, including Zeke Hawkins, student Oscar winner, Roger S.H. Schulman, screenwriter of Shrek and BAFTA winner, as well as Todd Barnes, multi-time director/producer at Sundance Film Festival. Additionally, I've had the opportunity to travel abroad twice to make films and content, as well as attend Sundance Film Festival as a volunteer. I think the faculty at FTMA really care about learning inside the classroom as much as outside the classroom. There's at least 1 supplemental workshop per month, where professors bring in current industry professionals to shed some light on their careers and make personal connections with students. Through these events, I have been able to network and secure my first on-set, union jobs in NYC. Beyond all of that, I received my MFA which allows me to teach filmmaking at the University level. Here, I found my life's passion and have been teaching in higher ed for the last 5 years. Truth be told, I don't think I would be the same person I am without FTMA and their community.

Some non religious folks like myself find themselves on the fence about attending a religious college. I found one artist in res/teacher to be particularly problematic. She'd present pseudoscience as science fact. I just don't think this is appropriate at a university. You might also have a difficult time if youre more liberal. Try to stay away from controversy in any attempt at making art....at shu. I was impressed how one professor pushed back against the religious themes in our work, explaining that it could alienate those who are not religious. Also, the artist in resident picked her friend and student to help with a project over everyone else. They'd go out to the bar together after every class. She finally asked everyone else out on the last day of class after a complaint was made because of the cost of the class.