Chapman MFA Filmmaking (1 Viewer)

[WriterGirl33]

Not sure if anyone has noticed but Chapman has posted the available courses for Fall 2019.

 

[yisiling]

Not sure if anyone has noticed but Chapman has posted the available courses for Fall 2019.

oh really? Can you share a link please?

 

[Tugger]

It's in your my chapman, up at the top right you can "search for classes" and then search for graduate classes in film production. Looks like class starts August 26th

 

[alanray]

I read on the Chapman site that Dodge students can't register for classes until they do an academic advising appointment. Does anyone know anything about that?

 

[kid_a2]

I read on the Chapman site that Dodge students can't register for classes until they do an academic advising appointment. Does anyone know anything about that?

I don't know if that's true or not, but during my interview I was told that we have advisors who help craft/plan our schedules. It was never mentioned whether it was mandatory before registering though, but that makes sense since it would be kind of an overly detailed tidbit for an interview.

 

[alanray]

I don't know if that's true or not, but during my interview I was told that we have advisors who help craft/plan our schedules. It was never mentioned whether it was mandatory before registering though, but that makes sense since it would be kind of an overly detailed tidbit for an interview.

The course registration page on the Chapman site says "Graduate students admitted to Dodge College programs must complete their program's academic advising appointments to begin course registration." It sounds like we have to but I don't really know when and where yet. Maybe they'll send us something.

 

[kid_a2]

The course registration page on the Chapman site says "Graduate students admitted to Dodge College programs must complete their program's academic advising appointments to begin course registration." It sounds like we have to but I don't really know when and where yet. Maybe they'll send us something.

Yeah I'm sure you'll receive an email about it at some point. Frankly, at this point I'm just majorly stressed out about whether I'm getting in or not now. I was completely chill about it two weeks ago, but now that it's almost April and it seems so many people have already heard back I'm losing my mind, especially with having to make decisions on other schools.

 

[alanray]

Yeah I'm sure you'll receive an email about it at some point. Frankly, at this point I'm just majorly stressed out about whether I'm getting in or not now. I was completely chill about it two weeks ago, but now that it's almost April and it seems so many people have already heard back I'm losing my mind, especially with having to make decisions on other schools.

Aw I hear ya! I was feeling the exact same way. I hope you get in! I'm rooting for you. I heard Chapman is supposed to keep sending out acceptances in batches till mid April so you still got time

 

[kar031]

First time poster here. I recently accepted my acceptance into Chapman. If you look up more info, it's closer to $50,000 a year. While I'm not too thrilled on shelving out a grand to secure my spot, I get where they're coming from. Every college is a business no matter where you go. I literally had to pay $100 to graduate with my Bachelor's. Bottom line: Chapman is a top 10 film school. I'm just happy I get to go study the field I've loved since I was 15 (screenwriting). It's gonna be pricey, and I already owe for my undergraduate degree, but the outcome is worth it. It's honestly no more expensive than SC or UCLA. Plus, Orange County is cheaper and safer to live in. Hope to see some of you in the Fall! Time to make some movie magic!

Hey! Are you accepting Chapman? I was admitted, but I am currently on the fence. Was not accepted to USC or NYU (my other two schools). Wondering if I should reapply next year, or move forward. Do you think Chapman is competitive / will offer good connections post-grad?

 

[Tugger]

Hey! Are you accepting Chapman? I was admitted, but I am currently on the fence. Was not accepted to USC or NYU (my other two schools). Wondering if I should reapply next year, or move forward. Do you think Chapman is competitive / will offer good connections post-grad?

Yeah I'm curious how their screenwriting stacks up. Because I know for cinematography, some of those other schools like USC you don't really get to be in your emphasis until the second year -- which makes me think Chapman is the school to go to.

Though I would assume with Chapman being as prestigious as it is, it comes down to how much work and the stories you write while you are there.

I have looked extensively into where some of the alumni are that graduated about 6 years ago... @kar031 let me see if I can find the same about the screenwriters.

 

[kar031]

Yeah I'm curious how their screenwriting stacks up. Because I know for cinematography, some of those other schools like USC you don't really get to be in your emphasis until the second year -- which makes me think Chapman is the school to go to.

Though I would assume with Chapman being as prestigious as it is, it comes down to how much work and the stories you write while you are there.

I have looked extensively into where some of the alumni are that graduated about 6 years ago... @kar031 let me see if I can find the same about the screenwriters.

Thank you so much for your response. That's a great point - at the end of the day it is what you make of it! Would love to see what you find on alumni.

 

[jakedubb78]

Hey! Are you accepting Chapman? I was admitted, but I am currently on the fence. Was not accepted to USC or NYU (my other two schools). Wondering if I should reapply next year, or move forward. Do you think Chapman is competitive / will offer good connections post-grad?

Yeah, I'm accepting Chapman. Of course USC and NYU are more established programs, but I also think that has to do with the fact they're much older. Dodge has only been around for about 20 years, so the connections and alumni are far newer.

To me, film school is a means to an end. You can get a degree anywhere, but what somebody does with that degree depends on the individual. No matter where you go to school, hard work triumphs. Getting into the film industry (The Bigs) isn't easy whether your degree is from UCLA, AFI, or NYU. But if you're talented, driven, enthusiast, and easy to collaborate with, I feel you'll get your chance regardless of where your degree came from.

USC was my dream school, but the more I looked into Chapman, the more it seemed like the right fit for me. From what I've heard, some of their professors actually have degrees from USC. Bottom line: do what feels right for you. There is no "golden ticket" in the industry. Hopefully this helps, and maybe I'll see ya in the Fall!

Good luck!

 

[jakedubb78]

Also, a Chapman alum was on the 2017 Hit List with his script VESSEL.

 

[BuddernScotch]

Thank you so much for your response. That's a great point - at the end of the day it is what you make of it! Would love to see what you find on alumni.

Chapman is VERY well connected with Netflix. A lot of their screenwriting alumn work on Netflix shows or have created some. However, it is farther from Hollywood so it may be a commute to internships.

 

[Tugger]

From what I found, multiple directors seem to write their own script for their thesis. I wonder if MFA scripts can be used by undergrad students, or how all of that works.

 

[alanray]

From what I gathered through asking questions on my Chapman tour, there's not a requirement for Directors to use scripts from the screenwriters like some other schools, but there is very much an environment that encourages collaboration. Screenwriters can put their scripts on a website where any Chapman producing or directing student can log onto and read scripts. If they find a script they want to produce, they can get in contact and work with the screenwriter. So screenwriters definitely can have scripts made into films.

 

[WriterGirl33]

From what I gathered through asking questions on my Chapman tour, there's not a requirement for Directors to use scripts from the screenwriters like some other schools, but there is very much an environment that encourages collaboration. Screenwriters can put their scripts on a website where any Chapman producing or directing student can log onto and read scripts. If they find a script they want to produce, they can get in contact and work with the screenwriter. So screenwriters definitely can have scripts made into films.

Any idea if non-screenwriting program people can also submit scripts?

My dilemma is I was admitted to the production program but I also have a real passion for writing. I'm struggling because I'm not sure how accommodating Chapman will be for someone who has two interests given the way the program is run.

 

[alanray]

Any idea if non-screenwriting program people can also submit scripts?

My dilemma is I was admitted to the production program but I also have a real passion for writing. I'm struggling because I'm not sure how accommodating Chapman will be for someone who has two interests given the way the program is run.

Oh that's an interesting question. Sorry, I don't know how the whole system works well enough to answer that. Hopefully we can find out soon. That's funny because I've been admitted to the writing program but I also have a passion for production. I know Chapman tries to gives it students a well-rounded filmic education in the first year. If your program structure allows electives you can possibly take some screenwriting classes for electives, as well as having the opportunity to audit classes. I know I would like an opportunity to work on sets myself.

 

[WriterGirl33]

Oh that's an interesting question. Sorry, I don't know how the whole system works well enough to answer that. Hopefully we can find out soon. That's funny because I've been admitted to the writing program but I also have a passion for production. I know Chapman tries to gives it students a well-rounded filmic education in the first year. If your program structure allows electives you can possibly take some screenwriting classes for electives, as well as having the opportunity to audit classes. I know I would like an opportunity to work on sets myself.

It's funny because I was drawn to how Chapman is more of a conservatory but then I started realizing/panicking that it can be constraining for people like me who don't have one set thing they want to do. We'll just have to see!

 

[yisiling]

Any idea if non-screenwriting program people can also submit scripts?

My dilemma is I was admitted to the production program but I also have a real passion for writing. I'm struggling because I'm not sure how accommodating Chapman will be for someone who has two interests given the way the program is run.

yes I believe so.. you pay a flat tuition and if there is room you can audit any class you want. I think Chapman is a very student orientated school. They like the student tell them if things is not really working and they will make changes the semester after. When I was doing the tour, I believe the tour guide told me that anyone can submit a script even if you are not in that major. But you can definitely talk to one of the currently attending student or email the program and ask them about it.