CSULB or Emerson?

[kfranzknight]

I was accepted into Emerson, CSULB, CSUN, SCAD, DePaul, Columbia College Chicago, waitlisted at Chapman & LMU all for film production tracks. Varying amounts of money from all. I’m deciding between Emerson & CSULB.

I realize that they could not be more different but those are the top two. I love Long Beach, Boston not so much. I know that the Emerson mafia is useful with internships but I have a couple family friends in the business for whom I could intern if I live closer to LA. Classes at Emerson sound more interesting. No GEs really.

Would LOVE input from anyone who’s gone to either. Thank you!

 

[Chris W]

This reply is probably a little late but our guide to Emerson is up on the site:

Emerson College: How to Apply for 2026, Acceptance Rate, and Life as a School of Film, Television, and Media Arts Student

Emerson College combines a strong liberal arts foundation with hands-on training in visual and media arts, from 16 mm film to emerging technologies. Its alumni, including recent Academy Award winners and members of the long-standing “Emerson Mafia” network, reflect the College's commitment to...

• Alexa P.
• Aug 28, 2023
• Category: Applying to Film School

Where did you end up deciding to go?

 

[kfranzknight]

Decided on CSULB. Waitlisted at LMU, Chapman, NYU, USC. Visited Emerson and while the facilities are top-notch and the internship pipeline seemed solid, it felt like there was very little collaboration amongst students and super outdated curriculum. CSULB has completely re-vamped their narrative production program this year and over half of their professors also teach at Chapman, USC, UCLA, etc. Plus $21,000 out of state (will go down to $9800 once I establish residency) vs. $85,000 made the decision pretty easy. My uncle who’s a production designer said “no one cares where you went to film school as an undergrad. You either go on to a grad program like AFI or USC where you’re trained to be ‘the auteur’ director or you go to a decent undergrad film school where you get to practice all the time and get feedback. Try to get on set, any set, even your own set, and work your ass off, show ‘em what you know. Then you’ll get hired, be able to pay your mortgage and make cool shit with other people making cool shit.” Still wish I’d gotten off one of those waitlists though…

 

[Chris W]

My uncle who’s a production designer said “no one cares where you went to film school as an undergrad.

This is true.

Sounds like you made a good choice. The cost difference for sure makes the choice easier. How are you liking it so far or has it not started yet?

you go to a decent undergrad film school where you get to practice all the time and get feedback. Try to get on set, any set, even your own set, and work your ass off, show ‘em what you know. Then you’ll get hired, be able to pay your mortgage and make cool shit with other people making cool shit.”

This is all very good advice. Always be leaning, work hard and be conscientious. That'll get you VERY far.

 

[kfranzknight]

Love two of my film courses, like so, so good. The third is an orientation to the major class, which I understand the need for, and know it’s new. But it’s not great.

 

[Chris W]

Love two of my film courses, like so, so good.

Awesome. What are they?

 

[kfranzknight]

Film Foundation & History of Animation (I’m not an animation person, but the class slips).

 

[Chris W]

Enjoy! And be sure to report back and review the program later on:

Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) - Film and Electronic Arts

At CSULB, we believe our mission is to educate the next generation of filmmakers and scholars, whose diverse voices tell compelling stories that speak directly to their individual communities, as well as society as a whole. Our department provides the platforms to elevate every student, and...

• 4.00 star(s)
• Views: 24,466
• Reviews: 1
• Category: California