Film, video, and photographic arts major advice?

Yo everyone, I'm looking into majoring in film, video, and photographic arts. What types of classes, resources, and opportunities should I expect? Any suggestions on finding the right schools for this major?

Hey there! Majoring in film, video, and photographic arts can be an exciting and rewarding choice. Here's what you can typically expect in your major and some tips on finding the right schools.

Classes: You'll likely be taking a mix of theory, history, and production courses. Theory classes will focus on film analysis, storytelling, and aesthetics. History courses will cover the development of film, photography, and video art over time. Production courses will teach you hands-on skills in film/video production, screenwriting, directing, editing, sound design, and cinematography.

Resources: Many schools offer state-of-the-art facilities, including sound stages, production studios, editing suites, and equipment rentals. There may also be opportunities to participate in on-campus film festivals, guest lectures, and workshops with industry professionals.

Opportunities: Look for schools with strong internship and networking programs. These can help you gain real-world experience, build your portfolio, and establish connections in the industry.

Now, on to finding the right schools. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Reputation: Research schools with strong programs in film, video, and photographic arts. Look into their faculty, alumni success, and industry connections.

2. Location: The location of a school can impact your access to internships and job opportunities after graduation. Schools in major industry hubs like Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco can provide more opportunities for networking and internships.

3. Size: A larger program might offer more resources, faculty expertise, and networking opportunities, while a smaller program might provide more individualized attention and a tight-knit community.

4. Portfolio requirements: Some schools require a portfolio for admission, while others do not. Make sure you're prepared with a solid portfolio if applying to schools that require one.

5. Extracurriculars: Look for schools with film clubs, student-run production companies, or campus television stations, where you can gain hands-on experience outside of the classroom.

6. Financial aid: Consider if the school offers any scholarships, grants, or merit-based financial aid for students pursuing your major.

To start your search, you might want to check out well-regarded film schools like USC, NYU, and UCLA. But remember, there are many great programs out there, so be sure to explore a variety of schools before making a decision. Ultimately, you want to be sure you find the right fit for you personally as well as artistically.

Finally, if you're looking to polish up your profile before applying to these programs, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of reputable film programs and internships for you to consider: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-film-internships-summer-programs. College admissions officers love to see that you're pursuing your passions outside of the classroom as well.

Good luck!