I know this has been debated a bit but after reading all the threads I still feel the need to ask.
I have been accepted into both Columbia and NYU Tish Graduate program and I dont know which one to choose.
I'm looking for a program that will train me best as a writer AND director. Everyone has their own philosophies and approach but for me, I want to direct my own stories. Of course I am interested in directing not just my own scripts but I feel like understanding storytelling through screenwriting is fundamentally important to my work as a director, they are interlinked. But I should say that directing is ultimately where my heart lies, writing is a way to formulate my ideas into something I can direct.
Some people suggest that Columbia has a stronger emphasis on 'storytelling'(this seems ambiguous), where NYU on technical skills. Some people also suggest that Columbia delivers stronger writers and NYU stronger directors...
What about strong emphasis on director/writer?
I am personally drawn to drama and films that dig deep. I'm not so interested in films that are more of a spectacle. I guess one could try to pigeon hole these two sides into 'independent' vs 'blockbuster' but I know that has its own problems. I guess I'm saying all of this to give an idea of where my sensibilities lie. I also applied for the dffb in Berlin if that helps in giving an idea of what I am looking for.
Alumni and connections are of course important to me but come second to the ethos of the program in my mind.
Would love any advice or insight.
Thanks so much.
I have been accepted into both Columbia and NYU Tish Graduate program and I dont know which one to choose.
I'm looking for a program that will train me best as a writer AND director. Everyone has their own philosophies and approach but for me, I want to direct my own stories. Of course I am interested in directing not just my own scripts but I feel like understanding storytelling through screenwriting is fundamentally important to my work as a director, they are interlinked. But I should say that directing is ultimately where my heart lies, writing is a way to formulate my ideas into something I can direct.
Some people suggest that Columbia has a stronger emphasis on 'storytelling'(this seems ambiguous), where NYU on technical skills. Some people also suggest that Columbia delivers stronger writers and NYU stronger directors...
What about strong emphasis on director/writer?
I am personally drawn to drama and films that dig deep. I'm not so interested in films that are more of a spectacle. I guess one could try to pigeon hole these two sides into 'independent' vs 'blockbuster' but I know that has its own problems. I guess I'm saying all of this to give an idea of where my sensibilities lie. I also applied for the dffb in Berlin if that helps in giving an idea of what I am looking for.
Alumni and connections are of course important to me but come second to the ethos of the program in my mind.
Would love any advice or insight.
Thanks so much.