Chapman MFA Filmmaking

[kid_a2]

Hey guys, I'm admitted in the 2019 directing MFA program and I'm here to discuss with you about one thing really important to me. Honestly, I have a strong preference to indie films or art films and I'm quite sure that's what I want to focus on in the future. I've heard Chapman has the best equipment and countless chances to improve its students practical experiences. But I'm a little bit worried about the teaching style is so commercial that I cannot adapt to it. What do you think? Is here anyone having the same concern with me?

This viewpoint may not be shared amongst others here, but for me storytelling is storytelling, whether you're working with a $100m budget or a $10k budget. If you can't nail the story you're trying to tell then it doesn't matter whether you think your film is artsy or commercial.

I think the designation of films being considered "indie" or "art" is disingenuous to filmmaking. The terms are generally applied to films giving the implication it's superior somehow. The reality is that it comes down to how it's financed and that's it.

There are plenty of completely terrible movies that would be considered indie or artsy films, just as there are plenty of big-budget films that simultaneously make money and are considered artistic achievements i.e. Dunkirk.

I'd recommend not limiting yourself by worrying about what are ultimately meaningless labels on storytelling/filmmaking.

 

[Laika]

This viewpoint may not be shared amongst others here, but for me storytelling is storytelling, whether you're working with a $100m budget or a $10k budget. If you can't nail the story you're trying to tell then it doesn't matter whether you think your film is artsy or commercial.

I think the designation of films being considered "indie" or "art" is disingenuous to filmmaking. The terms are generally applied to films giving the implication it's superior somehow. The reality is that it comes down to how it's financed and that's it.

There are plenty of completely terrible movies that would be considered indie or artsy films, just as there are plenty of big-budget films that simultaneously make money and are considered artistic achievements i.e. Dunkirk.

I'd recommend not limiting yourself by worrying about what are ultimately meaningless labels on storytelling/filmmaking.

Thanks for your suggestion! It's very insightful. I totally agree with the idea that the story itself is always the most important thing and there're plenty of brilliant works like Dunkirk can make a balance between box office and personal style. But to me, how to narrate is almost as important as what to narrate. In my own view, a film is such a complex art form, including literature, visual art, audio art and so on; and to some degree, many films actually tell the "same" story. (Sry I'm not sure if I make myself clear.) For this reason, how to tell a story in somebody's own way is also crucial. And what I'm exactly wondering is that would we be taught how to tell a good story in our own way or just about those models which are already tested by the audience and the film market?
I'm quite sure that Dodge is one of the most brilliant film school. Just wondering if I can make a fit for this program.
Thank you for your recommendation again. : )

 

[Tugger]

Thanks for your suggestion! It's very insightful. I totally agree with the idea that the story itself is always the most important thing and there're plenty of brilliant works like Dunkirk can make a balance between box office and personal style. But to me, how to narrate is almost as important as what to narrate. In my own view, a film is such a complex art form, including literature, visual art, audio art and so on; and to some degree, many films actually tell the "same" story. (Sry I'm not sure if I make myself clear.) For this reason, how to tell a story in somebody's own way is also crucial. And what I'm exactly wondering is that would we be taught how to tell a good story in our own way or just about those models which are already tested by the audience and the film market?
I'm quite sure that Dodge is one of the most brilliant film school. Just wondering if I can make a fit for this program.
Thank you for your recommendation again. : )

I'm not so sure on how the professors would feel about the indie story, but I think the main thing I would think is if you can find a crew that can also help your vision. But I would maybe email them and ask if there are any restrictions on what stories you tell.

 

[Tugger]

In other news... I found if I spend around 900 in rent, and was able to work part time the total cost of attendance is 150,000... Still trying to decide if that's worth it.

 

[ElleGee]

In other news... I found if I spend around 900 in rent, and was able to work part time the total cost of attendance is 150,000... Still trying to decide if that's worth it.

Yeah. Sounds about right lol. What are you leaning towards?

 

[Tugger]

Yeah. Sounds about right lol. What are you leaning towards?

I'm not sure... lol. I posted to Reddit a while back to see what their advice would be to go into that much debt. Some said their art teachers said "never go to art school unless they are paying your tuition" -- Also thought about deferring and then applying to more next year as I really only applied to 2 this year. I've been in limbo of trying to figure it out for the past 2 months lol

 

[ElleGee]

I'm not sure... lol. I posted to Reddit a while back to see what their advice would be to go into that much debt. Some said their art teachers said "never go to art school unless they are paying your tuition" -- Also thought about deferring and then applying to more next year as I really only applied to 2 this year. I've been in limbo of trying to figure it out for the past 2 months lol

The debt aspect is certainly a lot to consider. If you’re on the fence deferral sounds like a good option. It could buy you time and you’d still have a spot next year?

 

[houwriteston]

not to distract from the ongoing threads about tugger and laika, but I was wondering who on here will be in screenwriting next fall?

 

[alanray]

not to distract from the ongoing threads about tugger and laika, but I was wondering who on here will be in screenwriting next fall?

Me over here lol

 

[jakedubb78]

not to distract from the ongoing threads about tugger and laika, but I was wondering who on here will be in screenwriting next fall?

Right here!

 

[KaturdayNighFever]

not to distract from the ongoing threads about tugger and laika, but I was wondering who on here will be in screenwriting next fall?

I will be

 

[Laika]

I'm not so sure on how the professors would feel about the indie story, but I think the main thing I would think is if you can find a crew that can also help your vision. But I would maybe email them and ask if there are any restrictions on what stories you tell.

Actually I sent an e-mail to a professor of Dodge several days ago and soon got the reply. To be more accurate, here I quote his very words: At Dodge our goal is to teach you the language of film and how to render your vision by telling stories using images. No professor at Dodge will ever tell you what to put in your film or what to take out. That is always your decision. We only give you the skills you need to render your vision using images and dialogue. We are not in any way commercially inclined.
And he also copied some Dodge students who are female Mandarin speakers and let me feel free to communicate with them. It's very considerate.

 

[Tugger]

Everyone who is attending, how ya feeling? 3 months to go.

 

[houwriteston]

very excited

 

[alanray]

My body is ready

 

[ElleGee]

I’m anxious lol

 

[brothap]

I received a fellowship this week, but I'm still looking for ways to fund my first year, I did find a company that does loans for international students that don't have an American cosigner.. but I would only be able "use" it for the second and third year(MPOWER). does anyone here know any other company? I've been searching everywhere with no success so far :/

 

[Isabehl]

Does anybody know the average amount Chapman tends to award for their scholarships or fellowships?

 

[Tugger]

Does anybody know the average amount Chapman tends to award for their scholarships or fellowships?

Pretty sure one of the emails I got said 5-15 thousand a year on average.

 

[Isabehl]

Pretty sure one of the emails I got said 5-15 thousand a year on average.

Thank you!