Hello All,
This is my first post and more than likely my last.
Look, I am embarrassed at the fact that you all are going to be my peers and potential film partners in years to come. All the arguments and put downs are not enjoyable or helpful to read. I assume the point of this forum is to inform others on the aspects of film schools, and to "help" each other gain an education that is going to enable them to tell stories.
However, all that has been discussed in the past two years on this site is which school is best. WHO GIVES A ****? (Sorry for the caps FLFLMGUY or whatever your name is). The school is not going to make you successful. Neither is putting each other and each other's potential schools down on this site. So, lets stop and concentrate on the positive.
So, in response to the top five, I will list what I know.
First, UCLA. Great Instructors, Worked on Thesis films there. An incredible program. Best in Los Angeles for the money. Had instructors that were graduates of the program. Very impressive and knowledgeable of directing as well as the aesthetics of film production.
AFI, worked on their films as well. Great funding, and great immersion into total hollywood style film making. Bring your check book

.
USC, #1, just had to add that even though I don't believe it to be true. But, USC George Lucas Numero Uno, Yeah Bra!!! Anyways, all grads I know are financially doing well. However, owning rights to your own film, as well as directing it would have been cool.
Cal Arts, Great Instructors. I have had many
Cal Arts instructors. They are very Legit when it comes to production as well as direction. Seen some good student **** from here! Don't underestimate the school next to Six Flags!
Columbia, been here and I dig the intimacy of the department. Super small on the third floor of an IVY league contender. Great faculty, and a huge emphasis on the craft of story telling. Make sure you keep your connections open at NYU in order to get your piece "in the can." The actual production resources are scant. But, who cares?
NYU, Legit. Great location, facilities, equipment, and faculty. The most diverse that I have seen at all the programs. Who knows, maybe you are the next Jarmusch

.
Oh yeah, and Chapman, well this makes 7. Whatever, so...Chapman. Ok, I spent a lot of time in "the OC" as a kid. So, I would never go to the school while living "in" Orange. However, if you lived in San Clemente, O-side, or even in LA it may be bearable. And Chapman is a great film school Bra. The facilities are sick. Also, the equipment is second to none Bra ha ha.
Alright, so all of the schools are good in some ways. And if I forgot to mention a school, it does not mean that "it's not worth mentioning." I would never be a tool bag and say that. Anyhow, all the schools are legit. Some are not that appealing in my eyes. But, that is my narrow mined ass biased opinion. But, If I was forced to go to one of those I would make the best of it knowing that my talent is going getting me places, not a strip of paper from UCLAAFICHAPMANCOLUMBIAUSCNYUCALARTS. Please quit this pointless argument. I think I am going to go send a roll through my bolex. You all should do the same. Or, your Dvx-100b, HVX, arri, cp-16, or whatever it is you use. That's a whole other discussion ha ha.
So, in closing, I will be joining some of you at one of the "top 5" schools this fall. I would say which one, but that would be so unoriginal. I did notice that most of your favorite schools are the ones you got accepted to. That is pretty lame. But, it is human nature to compromise and love only what you are able to achieve.
Well, have a good evening everybody! Oh yeah, I thought the "ASS HAT comment was a bit funny." Lastly, lets "help" each other and get away from the idea of the "top five."
Later Dayz,
Lasserta