MA decisions: lfs/ goldsmiths/ AUB

[Taylor W.]

Hey guys, currently I got an offer from LFS, goldsmiths and AUB, but every school has its pros and cons, so I'm having a difficulty in choosing the right one for me.

A few things about my background: I'm a non-EU student. I didn't study filmmaking during my uni years, most of my knowledge and techniques of filmmaking were acquired from internet and my past production experience. And from my experience, I found myself really interesting in cinematography.
So I listed some strengths of each school.

LFS
1. strong alumni network
2. strong industry connection
2. focuses on all disciplines, offering a full understanding and professional techniques of every department in the filmmaking production.
3. great global reputation

goldsmiths
1. strong industry connection
2. innovative and open-minded campus culture
3. having the opportunity to be surrounded by different art forms and creative individuals, not just filmmakers
4. focuses on a specific field (cinematography)

AUB
1. integrates critical and theoretical studies
2. I heard that it tends to emphasize on artistic and humanistic narrative
3. less expensive

lfs is perfect, but it's super expensive. In terms of choosing a program which focuses on all disciplines or a specific field, I really think both options have their own assets. I wonder if I attend goldsmiths, besides specializing in cinematography, will I also acquire a full understanding of different positions during collaborating with people from other pathways?
Also, I noticed that the production costs is included in the tuition fee of lfs, may I ask what about the tuition fee of goldsmiths and AUB? are they also include the production costs?

I would really appreciate any help or advice you can provide, thanks in advance!

 

[Rohithaashv Gugulothu]

Hey Taylor, unfortunately I am just as confused as you are and would not be able to give you any assistance. However, I would like to know from you, as to what you submitted as a part of your portfolio and what the LFS selection process is like. I am applying for the MA in Filmmaking program, actually I am on the verge of sending in my application. My concern is that, I have not made any short films so far. I, however, have finished my degree (under-grad) with Psychology as my minor and Film Studies as my major along with Economics (second minor) in India. As a part of my undergrad dissertation I wrote an 80 page project talking about Martin Scorsese's depiction of mental health issues, in a bid to create an inter-disciplinary product. I secured a decent 154/170 on that. I also have finished a course in fundamentals of screenwriting from filmmaking college.

I am currently working on my SOP and the three minute short film script they have asked for. Would you reckon that my credentials will sail me through? Or do you think visual material is essential, that's one thing keeping me up at night. It's looking a bit tough, especially given the lockdown in India and the whole thing being last minute. Would hugely appreciate your help. Looking forward to your opinion. Thank you.

 

[Taylor W.]

Hi Rohithaashv, sorry for the delayed response.
I strongly recommend you to submit a creative short film, since lfs is a film school which emphasizes on your filmmaking techniques over credentials. I believe what they are looking for is students' potential in practical filmmaking skills and perspectives on how you tell visual stories.
Hope it still helps!
Good luck on your application!

 

[Rohithaashv Gugulothu]

Thank a ton for the reply! Could you kindly share the film you submitted, well, since you got in, I'd just likely to know what works and figure out what kinda might not. Would be a huge help.

 

[MaceWindu1993]

I applied to LFS for this year and got accepted but I deferred for next May so i'll be going! That is, if I don't get into The NFTS but thats super hard to get into.

@Taylor I would say LFS just because of the industry connections and alumni network

 

[MaceWindu1993]

But its a billion dollars so I understand lol. Dont really know how im gonna afford it either

 

[Chris W]

Be sure to add your Applications to the database of you haven't already:

Application Database

A database of thousands of film school applications to calculate acceptance rates to film programs and the minimum GPAs, minimum SAT and GRE scores, experience of accepted applicants, and much more....

www.filmschool.org

 

[Taylor W.]

Thank a ton for the reply! Could you kindly share the film you submitted, well, since you got in, I'd just likely to know what works and figure out what kinda might not. Would be a huge help.

Hey, sorry, I prefer not to share it in public, but I can share some personal advice. In terms of the topic, I suggest you to create a story related to yourself such as a social issue you have been focussing on, a perspective on a specific topic etc. Make sure to convey the core message through your storyline, and interpret your ideas into visual images. It's all about letting this school know you better!

 

[Taylor W.]

But its a billion dollars so I understand lol. Dont really know how im gonna afford it either

Thanks for your reply!
Lfs is actually my first choice, and I'm totally agree with you, but it's super expensive!
So I have decided to go to goldsmiths. Hopefully, we'll collaborate in the future in London

 

[MaceWindu1993]

Goldsmiths is still a great school! Where are you from?

 

[Taylor W.]

Goldsmiths is still a great school! Where are you from?

Yeah, it is. The program seems very intensive and collaboration-oriented, and also I love the creative vibe there! So I'm really looking forward it!
btw, I'm from Taiwan, as a non-EU student, the tuition fee costs a lot more.

 

[Koutai]

I am waiting for response from Goldsmiths now but its not being accredited by ScreenSkills, CILECT or BAFTA gives me questions. Do you know the industry links there?

 

[Taylor W.]

I am waiting for response from Goldsmiths now but its not being accredited by ScreenSkills, CILECT or BAFTA gives me questions. Do you know the industry links there?

sorry, turned out I deferred my offer to 2022, so I'm not familiar with the industry links of Goldsmiths. But I do know that as a cinematography student you get to join the British Society of Cinematographers Club and participate in the Camerimage film festival. Also, I think the huge merit of Goldsmiths is that it's located in London, where filmmaking events and expos often take place in.

 

[Samar W]

Hi Rohithaashv, sorry for the delayed response.
I strongly recommend you to submit a creative short film, since lfs is a film school which emphasizes on your filmmaking techniques over credentials. I believe what they are looking for is students' potential in practical filmmaking skills and perspectives on how you tell visual stories.
Hope it still helps!
Good luck on your application!

Yeah, it is. The program seems very intensive and collaboration-oriented, and also I love the creative vibe there! So I'm really looking forward it!
btw, I'm from Taiwan, as a non-EU student, the tuition fee costs a lot more.

Hello Taylor. Thanks for all the posts in the past. Did you finally attend Goldsmiths? How was it?