AFI vs. Chapman for MFA Producing?

[seventhshade]

Good info. My tastes are definitely for that of the creative producer rather than the line producer, which is definitely part of the job but it should never end there. I'm hoping Chapman will be collaborative and that everyone will be open to learning from one another. It does seem to be a plus that Chapman is only taking around 14 producers. I also agree that everyone seems to want to go to USC Stark and UCLA. If you look at the facilities at Chapman, they are unmatched. I've toured Chapman and AFI and the differences are astronomical in terms of facilities and equipment. Still, it is hard to judge the talent pool, which is a large determining factor for me.

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

I applied to NYU and AFI, and was admitted to both programs. I'm probably going to be attending AFI for Directing.

There's absolutely no point in arguing which program is better. If you're happy at Chapman, than cudos for you.

G'luck with your decision guys!

 

[redpokiepenguin]

if anyone uses the book film school confidential as a loose guide it does say that the producing program at afi is more like line producing. Also when I had my interview they said to me, "the producer needs to understand that he/she holds the money and says yes/no to certain requests."

 

[BrunoDP]

I don't understand why certain individuals post their arguments on this page, when they're not even interested in Producing programs. I made it to top 50 at AFI, and then got rejected after the interview. Today I'm a "producer" at Chapman. My mentor is Prof. Alex Rose, who tought for years at AFI. Besides Rose, there are several other individuals who left AFI, to drive 45 miles, and teach at Chapman. Industry people? Rob Reiner was here and said that "Chapman is by far the best film learning facility he visited in a long time". Yes, Chapman doesn't have Oscars and fame, but IT IS the best film studio at the universuty level, and it's open 24/7. Plus, as a producer, I gotta save some money, and I'd rather pay 50,000 (instead of 90,000) for a 2 year program. Peace out!

BrunoDP, MFA in Producing
Chapman U.
tatalovic@gmail.com

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

I guess I made a mistake -- I didn't know just how unbelievably awesome Chapman is!

thanks for opening my eyes guys...

 

[Cine]

Originally posted by redpokiepenguin:
if anyone uses the book film school confidential as a loose guide it does say that the producing program at afi is more like line producing. Also when I had my interview they said to me, "the producer needs to understand that he/she holds the money and says yes/no to certain requests."

I was thinking about buyin this book, could you tell me more about it?

 

[redpokiepenguin]

Hey Cine,

I wish I could sell you mine. I really don't need it anymore.

In regards to the book, I find it a really nice overview of all the schools out there. For me when I started the process I didn't know schools, or anything, so it was nice to just get it broken down. The problem with the book, however, is that it usually doesn't go into specific disciplines. It tends to focus quite heavily on directing. In certain cases the book goes into specific disciplines but only if the school is known to have a really good one. i.e. it went into usc's and ucla's producing programs.

Another nice overview is the quick breakdown of costs. Tuition, additional film costs, car stuff, and housing costs (on campus or off.) I'd say get it if you need to know things as a general overview. It's not really shallow but if you know a lot about a program then your knowledge may be greater. I suggest going to barnes and noble or borders and just reading it to see how useful you find it. Hope that helps. This forum is pretty informative also.

 

[seventhshade]

I thought I would try to close out the forum by informing everyone of my decision. I finally decided on AFI after a very long research process. Both schools have great benefits but AFI had a program better suited for me. Thanks for everyone's comments along the way.

 

[mckinnod]

SS,
I hope we can stay in touch in some way or another, I will be regularly visiting your campus and making as many friends up there as possible, but I am heaaded to Chapman. I will be volunteering at the Mole Richardson Studio on my off days to get better aquainted with your team of fellows and to get more experience in general. Mr. Parker invited me to volunteer at his Studio when I interviewed at AFI and I am only to willing to take him up on his offer. I look forward to making your acquaintance,
Sincerely,
Donald Mckinnon

 

[Bandar Albuliwi]

Welcome to the team Paul!

Donald, let me know when you get to LA. Would love to meet up! I'm sure I'll see you on the AFI campus sooner or later.