Chapman Fall 2011

[UCFfilmgirl]

Hi everyone.

I did get accepted to Chapman's MFA Film & Television Producing Program, but a few days ago I found out I was accepted to Columbia University's Creative Producing Program in NYC. I am battling with this huge decision about ivy league Columbia in NYC vs. up-and-coming gorgeous Chapman near LA.

I have been actively searching for opinions on the Admitted Columbia blog (if you have some free time & feel interested please go take a look about what some people have been saying in the most recent posts). What I am now going to do is actively search for opinions about Chapman! For what I want to do (work in development as an executive, at an agency, in a studio, etc.), I do feel like an ivy league education will open so many more doors in this area of the film industry that I see myself in, but I am also of the belief that it is not where you go, but what you do with it that matters. Any and all opinions on Columbia vs. Chapman would be greatly appreciated. I am in love with both places, so this is the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life!

 

[KrisKelvin]

This sentence is the most important one in your post:

Originally posted by UCFfilmgirl:
I am also of the belief that it is not where you go, but what you do with it that matters.

Look, I was of the same sentiment as you seem to be up until pretty recently””I thought a big name school (basically UCLA/USC/AFI/NYU/Columbia) would guarantee me a great future. But, having talked to people who went to these schools and/or know people who did, I know that isn't true. The only certainties are death and taxes, not getting a job because you went to film school.

I will say that this statement is false:

Originally posted by UCFfilmgirl:
I do feel like an ivy league education will open so many more doors

I go to a university that isn't an Ivy but is ranked above a few of them, and I also spent a year at probably the most prestigious university in the world, and do you know how much those names have helped me? None. Because it's personal connections that matter, especially in this field. The “great” positions I've had were through connections””I could've gone to a community college and I still would've gotten those gigs.

Now, maybe film school will help you to form those personal connections, but so will going out and working right now. Bottom line: don't go to film school because you think there's some intrinsic value to the name itself. Go because you want to improve your craft and think the instruction within the program can better help you with that than a job or internship. Doors will be opened either way.

I will say that if faced with your decision, I wouldn't think it that difficult because those are radically different programs. If you're big on independent film and NYC, then choose Columbia. If you'd rather strive for Hollywood, Chapman seems more intent on that. There are other factors for sure (cost, duration of program, etc.), but overall you have to consider what kind of films you want to make and which school can best teach you to make those.

 

[wyy123]

Originally posted by UCFfilmgirl:
Hi everyone.

I did get accepted to Chapman's MFA Film & Television Producing Program, but a few days ago I found out I was accepted to Columbia University's Creative Producing Program in NYC. I am battling with this huge decision about ivy league Columbia in NYC vs. up-and-coming gorgeous Chapman near LA.

I have been actively searching for opinions on the Admitted Columbia blog (if you have some free time & feel interested please go take a look about what some people have been saying in the most recent posts). What I am now going to do is actively search for opinions about Chapman! For what I want to do (work in development as an executive, at an agency, in a studio, etc.), I do feel like an ivy league education will open so many more doors in this area of the film industry that I see myself in, but I am also of the belief that it is not where you go, but what you do with it that matters. Any and all opinions on Columbia vs. Chapman would be greatly appreciated. I am in love with both places, so this is the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life!

Well I can't really say much about Columbia since I have no experience or too much knowledge about the program. I can say in terms of what you want to do, I am pretty much in the same place. As a producing student, I immediately had doors open in terms of internships as soon as I got here. I even pitched a television project at Paradigm because one of my professors liked it enough and set up a meeting for me. My current internship is in development, and this summer I am not only continuing the one I have (and have had since October) but I will be starting another in a few weeks, again in development. Both of these internships have come directly from a professor and I'm pretty sure I got in because of who she was. I don't really know what an Ivy league education will do for you once you're out here, I mean there are some people who have one, but at the same time I think there are more people who don't.

It's all about what you make it, in my opinion, but of course, where you decide to go is yours.

 

[Belle]

Hello everyone,

I applied to Chapman's MFA Film & Television Producing Program. I just received word from Alex Rose and will be doing a Skype interview tomorrow with her. I am very excited at the prospect of going to Chapman! For those of you who have been called for interviews, is it likely that those who have been selected for interviews will be accepted? Also what kinds of questions do they ask in the interview? How long does the interview last? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Max Keller]

Belle,
I interviewed with Alex Rose yesterday at Dodge for the producers program. An interview doesn't guarantee admission, but it certainly puts you in a better spot than those who haven't been called for interviews. Mine was very informal, probably only lasting about 20 minutes. Just go in and be yourself. Be honest with your answers. Show them why they should want you as much as you want them.

 

[Gordino]

Just got a call from Alex Rose! She said congratulations, I made it in for directing!

 

[Mike_V]

Congratulations!
I hope to hear more from the rest of you guys soon!

 

[rcross11]

I've been lurking this thread for months and the anxiety is starting to get to me.

I haven't heard from anyone and I can never get anyone on the phone.

With that said, congratulations to those who have already learned of their acceptance.

 

[Mike_V]

has calling the admissions office failed to give you any answers?
what about webadvisor?

 

[rcross11]

Webadvisor still just states, "decision pending."

I've tried calling the admissions office numerous times and have left a message or two and I've been unable to get hold of anyone.

 

[Mike_V]

ah ok. well if it says decision pending, then they're still deciding. when that disappears to a blank, then they have reached a decision. I hope that helps.

 

[rcross11]

I understand, my impatience is getting the better of me. I get the feeling the longer it takes, the less likely that I am of acceptance.

Thanks for the response.

 

[Hokie08]

Hey rcross11. I'm in the same boat. Hang in there!

 

[Turner]

I was notified on April 28th of my acceptance to the screenwriting program with an email from Gianne and my online status changed to "Decision Mailed". I just turned down the offer to attend UCLA. Hopefully that spot goes to someone in the forum!

 

[Aladdin]

Originally posted by Gordino:
Just got a call from Alex Rose! She said congratulations, I made it in for directing!

Congratulations! I'm happy to hear you got in Gordino!

I actually called on Monday and much to my surprise, a graduate assistant answered. I asked about the status of my app and was told that "she" (I'm assuming Alex Rose) wanted to interview me. I was supposed to get a call back but haven't heard anything yet.

 

[Gordino]

Congrats Aladdin, I think that's still good news. From what I've read in past years getting an interview usually bodes well for the future. Hang in there, I'm sure the call will come.

 

[jackflag]

how are you guys logging into webadvisor? my UN and PW that I used for the application doesn't work, and the guest section doesn't have a login.

 

[Aladdin]

Originally posted by jackflag:
how are you guys logging into webadvisor? my UN and PW that I used for the application doesn't work, and the guest section doesn't have a login.

jackflag,

You can call the Service Desk at (714) 997-6600 to activate your WebAdvisor account. They will set you up with a username and temporary password.

@Gordino: Thanks for your words, I really hope to hear something soon. I'll let you guys know if there's any progress. Here's hoping that everyone else waiting hears back also. Goodluck!

 

[rcross11]

I was finally able to get someone on the phone and she said I should hear something in the next two weeks. She also said she'd ask the professor reviewing my application.

Didn't help my anxiety much...hah.

 

[junni731]

Hello,

My name is Jun, and just got accepted to Chapman as Film production with editing emphasis. I graduated from Chapman undergrad in film studies, and worked at several big production companies in last two years...

Applied for USC directing and Chapman editing, but only got into Chapman, so I guess I'm going back to orange!!

Looking forward to working with you!! ^.^

-Jun