Columbia University MFA Film : FALL 2017 (1 Viewer)

[glebski]

Ha! Thank you!!

Nice spreadsheet, thank you for sharing! There are multiple schools listed and abbreviated, which one on the spreadsheet stands for CU, Chris?

 

[glebski]

Nice spreadsheet, thank you for sharing! There are multiple schools listed and abbreviated, which one on the spreadsheet stands for CU, Chris?

Oh, sorry, found the tab for 2017. It is all there!

 

[PrimaNYC]

Random question, where is everyone from? I live in Brooklyn, NY.

 

[glebski]

Random question, where is everyone from? I live in Brooklyn, NY.

I live in Brooklyn as well. We must be neighbors, PrimaNYC!

 

[Patrick Clement]

I'm close to campus, Broadway and 112th.

 

[glebski]

I'm close to campus, Broadway and 112th.

That's fantastic, Patrick. I read your personal essay you posted on 2016 thread. It is alive and fresh, and it feels good. All the information on the previous thread is incredibly helpful. You guys did a fantastic job just chatting about things. I don't even know what questions I might have after your forum party ) How do you find NYC so far? Did you film your short in NYC or you had to go somewhere else? How was your first year at Columbia? Did you enjoy the year as much as you expected it or more or less? What's your impression so far?

 

[Christopher Gooley]

The head of admissions reached out to me to double check to make sure I was interested in creative producing and not screenwriting based on my work that I submitted.... odd... strange... wasn't expecting that at all! Not sure if thats a good sign or not LOL

 

[Chris W]

The head of admissions reached out to me to double check to make sure I was interested in creative producing and not screenwriting based on my work that I submitted.... odd... strange... wasn't expecting that at all! Not sure if thats a good sign or not LOL

Huh... not sure I would read much into that yet. Maybe look on the bright side and hope that they're just trying to make sure that you applied to the program you meant to.

 

[Christopher Gooley]

I was thinking "Oh shit they must really like my writing and want me to apply to screenwriting instead" LOL

 

[Patrick Clement]

I was thinking "Oh shit they must really like my writing and want me to apply to screenwriting instead" LOL

I dont know if Columbia would be as black-or-white about this as other schools. In your first year EVERYONE takes the same classes and does alot of writing. Even producers have to direct two shorts, so they might just have needed clerical confirmation. So i think that they know your name is a plus, but I wouldn't read too much else into it.

 

[Patrick Clement]

That's fantastic, Patrick. I read your personal essay you posted on 2016 thread. It is alive and fresh, and it feels good. All the information on the previous thread is incredibly helpful. You guys did a fantastic job just chatting about things. I don't even know what questions I might have after your forum party ) How do you find NYC so far? Did you film your short in NYC or you had to go somewhere else? How was your first year at Columbia? Did you enjoy the year as much as you expected it or more or less? What's your impression so far?

I am glad you found it helpful.

I'm from Boston and lived in LA for five years, so I've got no problem with city life. My personal tastes run more New England though. I am pretty sure i could live in a cabin and be happy. I might do that. It is one of the biggest cities in the world, so it has everything you can imagine. I'm a home-body and I'm WAY over my "party" phase. So I just stay close to school and work. I think the overwhelming options and experiences of the city can probably get to some people. I just stay focused on why I am here and work really hard. While everyone is at the bar, I'm writing pages.

I filmed by first semester short (the 3-5) in NYC and filmed my end-of-first-year short (the 8-12) in Kansas. Lots of people travel to shoot. Most of us go where we have extra resources/crew/family. Shooting in NYC is always an option though. Although it is really tough shooting here, from my experience. Transportation is a nightmare.

I did ALOT of research before deciding on Columbia. So I really knew what to expect. So I would say it has been pretty much as expected. Lots of writing. Lots of script notes and small group classes. That's nice. Like max 12 people in a room. The faculty is outstanding, but the department itself is underfunded, under-resourced and overcrowded. They admit almost twice as many Dir/Writers as any other MFA so the attention and energy of the faculty and staff can be scarce. The "sound-stage" (really just a med-sized room with black walls) needed repair and it hasn't been opened for months. Not because of the time it took to fix it, but because of politics with the SOA.

Columbia runs a little differently than some other universities. The School of the Arts (which the Film/Prod MFA is inside of) operates autonomously from the Columbia University administration. So though it is part of Columbia, the resources are all generated from within the SOA. So even though Columbia has an amazing Gym or Library, that doesn't mean SOA gets a new soundstage. That is why the Law School gives away iPad or some shit and we get t-shirts. Right now the Columbia MFA is running on reputation of alums and its faculty. That's kind of it.

I definitely don't regret my choice and I think I've made alot of progress with my craft. I want to wish you the best of luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

My latest film "Rabbits" is out to festivals, so I can't share it yet, but here is a link to the official teaser and trailer:

Teaser:

Trailer:

 

[PrimaNYC]

I am glad you found it helpful.

I'm from Boston and lived in LA for five years, so I've got no problem with city life. My personal tastes run more New England though. I am pretty sure i could live in a cabin and be happy. I might do that. It is one of the biggest cities in the world, so it has everything you can imagine. I'm a home-body and I'm WAY over my "party" phase. So I just stay close to school and work. I think the overwhelming options and experiences of the city can probably get to some people. I just stay focused on why I am here and work really hard. While everyone is at the bar, I'm writing pages.

I filmed by first semester short (the 3-5) in NYC and filmed my end-of-first-year short (the 8-12) in Kansas. Lots of people travel to shoot. Most of us go where we have extra resources/crew/family. Shooting in NYC is always an option though. Although it is really tough shooting here, from my experience. Transportation is a nightmare.

I did ALOT of research before deciding on Columbia. So I really knew what to expect. So I would say it has been pretty much as expected. Lots of writing. Lots of script notes and small group classes. That's nice. Like max 12 people in a room. The faculty is outstanding, but the department itself is underfunded, under-resourced and overcrowded. They admit almost twice as many Dir/Writers as any other MFA so the attention and energy of the faculty and staff can be scarce. The "sound-stage" (really just a med-sized room with black walls) needed repair and it hasn't been opened for months. Not because of the time it took to fix it, but because of politics with the SOA.

Columbia runs a little differently than some other universities. The School of the Arts (which the Film/Prod MFA is inside of) operates autonomously from the Columbia University administration. So though it is part of Columbia, the resources are all generated from within the SOA. So even though Columbia has an amazing Gym or Library, that doesn't mean SOA gets a new soundstage. That is why the Law School gives away iPad or some shit and we get t-shirts. Right now the Columbia MFA is running on reputation of alums and its faculty. That's kind of it.

I definitely don't regret my choice and I think I've made alot of progress with my craft. I want to wish you the best of luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

My latest film "Rabbits" is out to festivals, so I can't share it yet, but here is a link to the official teaser and trailer:

Teaser:

Trailer:

Apologies if my response has an awkward format, I'm on my phone at the moment and it's acting up.
Does anyone at Columbia utilize the MNN studio on 59th street and 11th Ave? Manhattan Neighborhood Network was recently completely redone because Time Warner Cable got a tax break to provide a public access studio with all new equipment. 3 HD camera set up, green screens, free rentals (to Manhattan residents), sound stages, etc. It's the same place Chris Gethard did his show. I used it briefly a few years ago, I'm sure Columbia would have connections there. Or would it not be necessary based on the exercises for class? Just throwing out ideas.

 

[glebski]

I am glad you found it helpful.

I'm from Boston and lived in LA for five years, so I've got no problem with city life. My personal tastes run more New England though. I am pretty sure i could live in a cabin and be happy. I might do that. It is one of the biggest cities in the world, so it has everything you can imagine. I'm a home-body and I'm WAY over my "party" phase. So I just stay close to school and work. I think the overwhelming options and experiences of the city can probably get to some people. I just stay focused on why I am here and work really hard. While everyone is at the bar, I'm writing pages.

I filmed by first semester short (the 3-5) in NYC and filmed my end-of-first-year short (the 8-12) in Kansas. Lots of people travel to shoot. Most of us go where we have extra resources/crew/family. Shooting in NYC is always an option though. Although it is really tough shooting here, from my experience. Transportation is a nightmare.

I did ALOT of research before deciding on Columbia. So I really knew what to expect. So I would say it has been pretty much as expected. Lots of writing. Lots of script notes and small group classes. That's nice. Like max 12 people in a room. The faculty is outstanding, but the department itself is underfunded, under-resourced and overcrowded. They admit almost twice as many Dir/Writers as any other MFA so the attention and energy of the faculty and staff can be scarce. The "sound-stage" (really just a med-sized room with black walls) needed repair and it hasn't been opened for months. Not because of the time it took to fix it, but because of politics with the SOA.

Columbia runs a little differently than some other universities. The School of the Arts (which the Film/Prod MFA is inside of) operates autonomously from the Columbia University administration. So though it is part of Columbia, the resources are all generated from within the SOA. So even though Columbia has an amazing Gym or Library, that doesn't mean SOA gets a new soundstage. That is why the Law School gives away iPad or some shit and we get t-shirts. Right now the Columbia MFA is running on reputation of alums and its faculty. That's kind of it.

I definitely don't regret my choice and I think I've made alot of progress with my craft. I want to wish you the best of luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

My latest film "Rabbits" is out to festivals, so I can't share it yet, but here is a link to the official teaser and trailer:

Teaser:

Trailer:

Hey Patrick, thank you for so much for your reply!

This is always great to get an insight from someone who is currently studying at school. Yes, I have seen films from Columbia School MFA in the past, and I loved the emphasis on the story, the depth of the narrative, and usually great acting. All of this makes me feel that directors know what they are doing and generally I have a good feeling about what I have watched, the quality is always commendable. The school is on top of my list. Will see. For now, I have to wait until the notification process will take place.

It is interesting to read that you have technical challenges in the school. I just want to have those things will get better perhaps once students mention these things to the faculty members. Just positive thinking here.

Still, and maybe this is too optimistic, I believe that limitations may boost your creativity but can be a general headache of course, and maybe, just maybe, even without knowing it, you are forced to make a better film at the end... it is how it may turn out

You've got a great teaser! Thank you for sharing. My films are also running through the festival circuit at the moment, so maybe I will get a chance to see your film in its entirety one day. Somehow the name rings the bell.

Stay in touch! Looking forward to hearing more from you and the current students on this thread.

 

[tutenkhamen]

Hi guys,

I'm a first year Scr/Dir concentrate at Columbia, and @Boethius and @Patrick Clement are good friends! (Talented too)

If you people have any questions or concerns about the school, application timeline, the program, or New York, feel free to ask us anything.

I was on this website almost about two years ago, and it became my second home for 6-8 months, so I can totally relate to your stress.

Hope to see some of you walking the hall this Fall! Goodluck, and cheers!

 

[Christopher Gooley]

When did you find out? Interview notification? Kenny Wong has been in touch with me regarding some things on my application (Trying not to read into it but he knows me by my name now so, thats good lol) I live in NYC but its not a make or break for me if I don't get in. This would be my 3rd masters LOL. I have an MA from NYU and currently I'm on a full scholarship for an MFA in acting. I would love to attend! I applied for producing

 

[Boethius]

It is interesting to read that you have technical challenges in the school. I just want to have those things will get better perhaps once students mention these things to the faculty members. Just positive thinking here.

Still, and maybe this is too optimistic, I believe that limitations may boost your creativity but can be a general headache of course, and maybe, just maybe, even without knowing it, you are forced to make a better film at the end... it is how it may turn out

@glebski , good for you to stay positive. It's a great trait in this field.

The professors are usually aware of issues, but the issues are often complicated, as @Patrick Clement mentioned, by bureaucracy because SOA is part of CU. SOA is dependent on itself for funding (as I understand), but still beholden to overall university policies and structure. At times this can be frustrating for SOA students, faculty, and staff. Stuff that needs to change just takes more effort and patience than I imagine it would take in a smaller environment.

Of course, there are undeniably many benefits in studying here if you're looking to and actually take advantage of Ivy League university resources.

For the cost of attendance though, I highly recommend you know what you're getting into and why you want to come. You need to have a game plan for what you want and how you'll stay focused.

I chose Columbia because of it's dual emphasis on screenwriting and directing--a combination I was surprised to see not readily emphasized at other schools. We have top-notch narrative craft-focused faculty, and the story caliber of the school is unparalleled, but the flip side is that the practical equipment and resources are relatively limited. If you're coming to learn how to do one of the more technical crafts (cinematography, lighting, sound, even editing), you would probably be better served elsewhere. That said, the school has graduated some fine craftspeople in these fields--but they've specialized in addition to the program, not necessarily because of what they were learning in class.

Bottom line: you get out what you put in, just like anywhere. But I have found Columbia's narrative focus and screenwriting/directing overlap what I was hoping for.

 

[Christopher Gooley]

Columbia also looks great on a resume. It's an Ivy League school!

 

[glebski]

@glebski , good for you to stay positive. It's a great trait in this field.

The professors are usually aware of issues, but the issues are often complicated, as @Patrick Clement mentioned, by bureaucracy because SOA is part of CU. SOA is dependent on itself for funding (as I understand), but still beholden to overall university policies and structure. At times this can be frustrating for SOA students, faculty, and staff. Stuff that needs to change just takes more effort and patience than I imagine it would take in a smaller environment.

Of course, there are undeniably many benefits in studying here if you're looking to and actually take advantage of Ivy League university resources.

For the cost of attendance though, I highly recommend you know what you're getting into and why you want to come. You need to have a game plan for what you want and how you'll stay focused.

I chose Columbia because of it's dual emphasis on screenwriting and directing--a combination I was surprised to see not readily emphasized at other schools. We have top-notch narrative craft-focused faculty, and the story caliber of the school is unparalleled, but the flip side is that the practical equipment and resources are relatively limited. If you're coming to learn how to do one of the more technical crafts (cinematography, lighting, sound, even editing), you would probably be better served elsewhere. That said, the school has graduated some fine craftspeople in these fields--but they've specialized in addition to the program, not necessarily because of what they were learning in class.

Bottom line: you get out what you put in, just like anywhere. But I have found Columbia's narrative focus and screenwriting/directing overlap what I was hoping for.

Thank you for your comment, Boethius. yes, and this is what I am aiming for - story. Although you can have a nice equipment if your story doesn't work, you don't have a film, but then, of course, if your acting doesn't work, you don't have a film, and then, if light is bad, sound, editing, you don't have a film... film is really everything in conjunction, if something is missing, your film isn't complete. But the start of it all is the story. If you don't have it, your film, no matter how technical it might be, just won't have it. The story is the soul of the film. It is its origin. So, my goal is dive into a narrative storytelling and pick up the craft. And I do have lots of stories to tell, and I hope that this school will help me to open up and tell them effectively. But being a director to me is being someone who holds it all together, who is a storyteller, but also who is someone who can sacrifice things and somehow pull a baby out, like give someone birth... I know Directing might sound vague and perhaps becoming a film director is something you probably cannot completely learn, but I feel like, if you have people you trust, people who can help you to realize your own voice, people who can enhance your expertise, people you really respect to be doctors to your own child, then their guidance is helping you to find it. I have been trying making my films, of course, and they worked one way or another, but at the end, I would love to find more guidance and see what I can do better and perhaps grow. And of course, the more you make films the better, and it is also a try and error process, but I want to try to abstract myself from thinking what I am doing, I just want to use my intuition and learn in places where I can. I also think that in filmmaking, like in any art, it is important to have confidence and vulnerability together and work on the balance of two. And it is always a compromise. At the end, the technical aspect of the film is important, but if you can create an emotional story with just simple setup that doesn't take away but compliments, you can do more with less. Anyway, long talk. Glad we talking, though )

 

[EclecticMel21]

Hi All,

Great to meet you! Very much looking forward to passing this awful 2016 year, and I hope that 2017 will be a successful year for all of us! Yes, Columbia MFA is my first choice. Directing emphasis is what I hope to get myself into.

Woot Woot!

 

[Chris W]

Columbia also looks great on a resume. It's an Ivy League school!

Good on your resume to whom? Yourself?

Alumni connections aside I don't think anyone in the film business cares if you went to an Ivy League school. They want to know if can tell a good story and if you are a hard worker.