DePaul vs Brooklyn College (Feirstein) for screenwriting

[Dan]

Not sure which would be the better choice, can anyone shed some light? DePaul is a little more established and seems to be gaining traction, New York seems like a better hub for opportunities post grad...anybody have experience or inside knowledge here? Thank you all

 

[popsicles]

I interviewed at Feirstein in-person. The facilities are very impressive, two floors in the "Steiner Studios" building. There's literally TV and films shooting on the other floors, and you pass tons of production people in the coffee shop across the street, in the elevator, etc. It's a very new program (founded in 2015 I think? they had their first graduating class in 2018.)

Tuition is about 20k a year, for 3 years, in-state, more if you're not a NYS resident. So not radically cheaper compared to private schools with a good merit scholarship, especially 2yr programs. But if being in NY is important it could be worth it.

For screenwriting, having access to really good equipment, sound stages, etc. might not matter as much... I'd definitely look at the faculty and see if you think it's a good fit. I know one of their featured alumni did major in screenwriting and landed a professorship at NYU.

Overall I was really impressed by the physical school, it's just a very new program... But it's promising and a great asset for film in NY.

 

[Dan]

Thank you so much for the reply, this is a really tough decision for me and its really helpful to have as much info as possible. This is prob one of the best posts regarding feirstein on this whole website, tbqh.

 

[Dan]

@Chris W can you please tell me how to live my life sir it would be greatly appreciated

 

[Operator]

I interviewed at Feirstein in-person. The facilities are very impressive, two floors in the "Steiner Studios" building. There's literally TV and films shooting on the other floors, and you pass tons of production people in the coffee shop across the street, in the elevator, etc. It's a very new program (founded in 2015 I think? they had their first graduating class in 2018.)

Tuition is about 20k a year, for 3 years, in-state, more if you're not a NYS resident. So not radically cheaper compared to private schools with a good merit scholarship, especially 2yr programs. But if being in NY is important it could be worth it.

For screenwriting, having access to really good equipment, sound stages, etc. might not matter as much... I'd definitely look at the faculty and see if you think it's a good fit. I know one of their featured alumni did major in screenwriting and landed a professorship at NYU.

Overall I was really impressed by the physical school, it's just a very new program... But it's promising and a great asset for film in NY.

Keep in mind if you are a US military veteran, New York state law dictates that all public universities/colleges must charge you in-state tuition rates.

 

[Dan]

Yeah, my major dilemma here is that in NYC the GI Bill pays out like 3400 per month whereas in Chicago it’s only 2k. I know the cost of living is higher in NYC, but just renting a decent quality room somewhere (with roommates) at like ~1k will leave me more than enough to be comfortable with...however, DePaul’s program is only 2 years whereas Feirsteins is 3...so theoretically, I could pursue a secondary masters if I went to DePaul...I’m also not sure how disparate these two programs are in quality and reputation...I literally just need someone to say “school ____ is the better decision.”

 

[Operator]

If you get into DePaul and apply for housing before May 1st, you can get a guaranteed spot in campus housing. At least that's what they told me. Also keep in mind most places in NYC require you to pay a brokers fee which is almost equal to first months rent along with your first months and security deposit just to move in.

 

[Operator]

But there are some really nice places in Uptown in Chicago that would be easily affordable with your BAH.

 

[Chris W]

@Chris W can you please tell me how to live my life sir it would be greatly appreciated

Be conscientious and hard-working and all will follow.

As to which school to go to? I have no idea.

How long do you have to decide?

 

[Dan]

Be conscientious and hard-working and all will follow.

As to which school to go to? I have no idea.

How long do you have to decide?

Lol thanks for the response...mid april

 

[Chris W]

Not sure which would be the better choice, can anyone shed some light? DePaul is a little more established and seems to be gaining traction, New York seems like a better hub for opportunities post grad...anybody have experience or inside knowledge here? Thank you all

Tagging other DePaul and Feirstein applicants - maybe they can help you. @moni4liberty @mr.wanderer @Cd23 @Tina Berardi @micjagguar @DylanR @ttague @EdgeWit

 

[popsicles]

Here is BC's screenwriting faculty:

Feirstein Faculty

The current list of full-time faculty and adjuncts at the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema at Brooklyn College.

www.brooklyn.cuny.edu

I would compare it to DePaul's faculty for the most rational decision... Screenwriting is obviously less dependent on equipment, IMO, so academics/the people you're studying under should be pretty relevant toward your choice.

 

[Cd23]

I was straight up told in a video call with a DePaul professor that the tv writing jobs are not in chicago, and its not the place for it ... so if that's what you ultimately want then don't go to chicago if you can help it I guess

 

[Cd23]

I was straight up told in a video call with a DePaul professor that the tv writing jobs are not in chicago, and its not the place for it ... so if that's what you ultimately want then don't go to chicago if you can help it I guess

Which like yes is fairly obvious but like you are choosing a place you could potentially be living in for the next 3-4 years

 

[Operator]

I was straight up told in a video call with a DePaul professor that the tv writing jobs are not in chicago, and its not the place for it ... so if that's what you ultimately want then don't go to chicago if you can help it I guess

true, but if you're doing the comedy concentration being in Chicago is actually great due to the fact SNL recruits from The Second City which is where half the classes are held. They also have an optional final quarter in Los Angeles.

 

[Chris W]

@Chris W can you please tell me how to live my life sir it would be greatly appreciated

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