Columbia University School of the Arts Film Division
Reviewer's Name:
graduate09
Review Date
March 17, 2009
Year of Graduation:
2009
Review Title:
storytelling focus, high price tag.
Full Review of the Program:
Currently considered one of the best programs in the world. Films that come out tend to be more personal.
Big focus on storytelling, narrative structure. You have lots of room to switch between director/writer/producer. You don't have to specialize. A lot of people shoot a first features by the end. Also you can take advantage of classes at the Columbia MBA program, Visual Arts, or any other subject across the campus. Weakness in technical/cinematography + editing.
Advice to Prospective Students:
Hit the ground running. Find students who have been in the program recently and get their notes on funding sources, ins and outs of the red tape. They don't tell you that it's actually 2-5 years, with lower tuition later on. Beware of inordinate debt. You may come out unemployed in this market. The first year program is 11 masters levels classes per semester! Very heavy workload. Sign up for therapy for the emotional excavation you will do in the creative process, and push yourself.
Overall Rating
Reputation Rating
had 12 films at sundance in 07, many student academy award winners, generally respected in the industry.
Location
new york!
Quality of Faculty
depends on your concentration. many oscar winners. an array of new york independent filmmakers. hit or miss quality, each student has different needs. adjuncts have no idea what they are doing.
Student Competitiveness
(5=most competitive)
extremely competitive.
Campus Facilities
now they have hd cameras, but only 2 film 16mm cameras. not enough editing facilities for the large class.
Financial Assistance
it's a very expensive school. some fellowships 2nd year.
Making Contacts
Diversity
depends on your year. some classes have a couple of people of color (out of 60). other classes are extremely diverse.
Career Services/Development
you're joking, right? no career services. some writers get meetings in LA but not much comes of it.
Dating Scene
first year there is no time for anything besides work!
LGBT Friendly
Social Scene in General
Family Friendly
Cost of Living (5=most affordable)
new york is very expensive, but we live with roommates and get by. Most people continue their pre-film school careers in order to pay for projects and make contacts.
Dining Options
Admissions
Full-time: Yes
Part-time: No
Student Body
Concentrations
General Filmmaking
