6 answers
Jayden
Student
Fontana, California
5
Questions
Asked
3799 views
What are the best universities in California for degrees in film studies/film history?
In the meantime, what should I do to prepare? I'm currently taking a "Survey of global cinema" class in community college.
6 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Jayden!
Honestly, you're already on the perfect track — watching movies, studying them, and probably having those deep 2AM debates about whether Citizen Kane is really THAT good (spoiler alert: it is, but also... kinda not?).🤔... Anyways Uhum!
Okay, so you're aiming to prep for the big leagues while still at community college. Here's what I can tell you for the.... plan! 👀
1. Become a Walking IMDb
Watch everything. Classic Hollywood, French New Wave, 70s blockbusters, weird indie flicks, silent films, anime, documentaries — the whole buffet. Even if you hate a movie, figure out why you hate it. That's film school mindset unlocked.
2. Write, Write, Write
Reviews, short scripts, weird ideas you get at 3AM — write it all down. Doesn't matter if it's good. Half of filmmaking is just making a bunch of bad stuff until one day you're accidentally a genius.
3. Network Without Realizing You're Networking
Your classmates? They're your future collaborators. That one weird guy who only talks about David Lynch movies? He might be your cinematographer one day. Start building your little film family now.
4. Camera = Your New Best Friend, because wit is man!
You don't need fancy gear. Phone + free editing apps + random ideas = short films. Just start making stuff. If your first few projects are hot garbage, congrats — you're officially a filmmaker!
5. When you're ready to move up, check out UCLA, USC, CalArts, LMU, or Chapman. But don't sleep on UC Santa Cruz or San Francisco State — they've got some solid film programs without the soul-crushing price tags.
The film world needs more voices like yours, Jayden — weird, passionate, slightly sleep-deprived, but ready to change the game. Keep watching, keep making, and don't let anyone convince you that a community college start isn't the perfect origin story.
Lights, camera, future cult classic.
All the beta an good luck mate, you for this better than me in action! 🤗.... Or not I got strong punches! 😎 Cya buddy go rock that dreams!
Honestly, you're already on the perfect track — watching movies, studying them, and probably having those deep 2AM debates about whether Citizen Kane is really THAT good (spoiler alert: it is, but also... kinda not?).🤔... Anyways Uhum!
Okay, so you're aiming to prep for the big leagues while still at community college. Here's what I can tell you for the.... plan! 👀
1. Become a Walking IMDb
Watch everything. Classic Hollywood, French New Wave, 70s blockbusters, weird indie flicks, silent films, anime, documentaries — the whole buffet. Even if you hate a movie, figure out why you hate it. That's film school mindset unlocked.
2. Write, Write, Write
Reviews, short scripts, weird ideas you get at 3AM — write it all down. Doesn't matter if it's good. Half of filmmaking is just making a bunch of bad stuff until one day you're accidentally a genius.
3. Network Without Realizing You're Networking
Your classmates? They're your future collaborators. That one weird guy who only talks about David Lynch movies? He might be your cinematographer one day. Start building your little film family now.
4. Camera = Your New Best Friend, because wit is man!
You don't need fancy gear. Phone + free editing apps + random ideas = short films. Just start making stuff. If your first few projects are hot garbage, congrats — you're officially a filmmaker!
5. When you're ready to move up, check out UCLA, USC, CalArts, LMU, or Chapman. But don't sleep on UC Santa Cruz or San Francisco State — they've got some solid film programs without the soul-crushing price tags.
The film world needs more voices like yours, Jayden — weird, passionate, slightly sleep-deprived, but ready to change the game. Keep watching, keep making, and don't let anyone convince you that a community college start isn't the perfect origin story.
Lights, camera, future cult classic.
All the beta an good luck mate, you for this better than me in action! 🤗.... Or not I got strong punches! 😎 Cya buddy go rock that dreams!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jayden California has a wealth of top-notch film schools in the country:
1️⃣ USC — University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts — USC's film school is renowned for its distinguished faculty and industry connections, offering excellent hands-on experience and resources for aspiring filmmakers.
2️⃣ UCLA — University of California, Los Angeles School of Theater, Film, and Television — Another prestigious film school, UCLA offers a comprehensive program covering various aspects of filmmaking, including directing, screenwriting and producing.
3️⃣ CALARTS — California Institute of the Arts School of Film/Video — CalArts provides a unique interdisciplinary environment for students to explore their creativity and offers degrees in experimental animation, film directing and character animation.
4️⃣ LMU — Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television — LMU's program emphasizes storytelling and provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through various productions, fostering a strong foundation in the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking.
5️⃣ Chapman University — Dodge College of Film and Media Arts — Chapman offers a personalized and collaborative approach to filmmaking, with students working closely with faculty and their peers on industry-caliber projects throughout their time at the college.
When considering a film program, keep the following factors in mind:
✅ CURRICULUM AND CONCENTRATIONS: Research the degree offerings and see if they align with your interests and aspirations within the film industry, be it directing, producing, screenwriting or a specific style of filmmaking.
✅ FACULTY: Look for experienced faculty members with industry connections, as they can provide valuable mentorship and guidance throughout your academic journey.
✅ FACILITIES AND RESOURCES: The availability of state-of-the-art equipment, studios, and editing suites may support your growth as a filmmaker and allow you to gain hands-on experience.
✅ STUDENT FILMS AND SHOWCASES: Investigate how the school supports student work, such as through film festivals and showcases, as these can offer exposure and networking opportunities.
✅ ALUMNI SUCCESS: Research the careers of the school's alumni to gauge the program's ability to prepare students for success in the industry.
Jayden take time to research and visit the schools (if possible) to gain insight into their programs, culture and resources. Good luck on your filmmaking history.
1️⃣ USC — University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts — USC's film school is renowned for its distinguished faculty and industry connections, offering excellent hands-on experience and resources for aspiring filmmakers.
2️⃣ UCLA — University of California, Los Angeles School of Theater, Film, and Television — Another prestigious film school, UCLA offers a comprehensive program covering various aspects of filmmaking, including directing, screenwriting and producing.
3️⃣ CALARTS — California Institute of the Arts School of Film/Video — CalArts provides a unique interdisciplinary environment for students to explore their creativity and offers degrees in experimental animation, film directing and character animation.
4️⃣ LMU — Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television — LMU's program emphasizes storytelling and provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through various productions, fostering a strong foundation in the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking.
5️⃣ Chapman University — Dodge College of Film and Media Arts — Chapman offers a personalized and collaborative approach to filmmaking, with students working closely with faculty and their peers on industry-caliber projects throughout their time at the college.
When considering a film program, keep the following factors in mind:
✅ CURRICULUM AND CONCENTRATIONS: Research the degree offerings and see if they align with your interests and aspirations within the film industry, be it directing, producing, screenwriting or a specific style of filmmaking.
✅ FACULTY: Look for experienced faculty members with industry connections, as they can provide valuable mentorship and guidance throughout your academic journey.
✅ FACILITIES AND RESOURCES: The availability of state-of-the-art equipment, studios, and editing suites may support your growth as a filmmaker and allow you to gain hands-on experience.
✅ STUDENT FILMS AND SHOWCASES: Investigate how the school supports student work, such as through film festivals and showcases, as these can offer exposure and networking opportunities.
✅ ALUMNI SUCCESS: Research the careers of the school's alumni to gauge the program's ability to prepare students for success in the industry.
Jayden take time to research and visit the schools (if possible) to gain insight into their programs, culture and resources. Good luck on your filmmaking history.
Patrick Phillips
screenwriter
21
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi, Jayden! Thanks for your question. Here's your answers:
1. UCLA & USC are considered the standard. Both are wonderful, but kind of beyond the means for most of us, academically and financially. However, any type of scholarship or tuition assistance helps if you can find it. Having said that...
2. Just like you're doing, starting to study film or tv at a JC or local school is a great start -- I did exactly that! I lived in Eugene, Ore, took some basics at Lane Community College, but also took some tv & film classes. Next thing: boom, I was hooked. After a year, I transferred to the University of Oregon where I studied Telecommunications & Film, with a minor in Art History. It was local, affordable with financial aid, scholarships, part-time jobs, etc. It was nothing but school, work, and watching movies in-between. Been in The Biz ever since.
3. To prepare; your degree will offer and shape the general classes and courses you need. For me, I was also interested in art history, so I minored in that. My first few professional years working were in the art, props and set departments. So, that's a match. Having said that, I started college wanted to be a radio DJ. Yeah, that changed, didn't it? ;) But I am super grateful that the long-term college experience allowed me to TAKE IN all classes and film study. All the cultures, styles, all the types of storytellers. That is important, and fun. And then I eventually landed in an area in film and tv that I liked, and could have a career in. Same thing could also happen for you.
Everyone tweaks or adjusts their overall film or tv path in college according to their wants and needs at the time, including juggling work and finances through all of it. Just stay teachable, adaptive, and brave. Thanks again for your question. Jayden, I wish you all success and look forward to your work!
Best,
Patrick Phillips
1. UCLA & USC are considered the standard. Both are wonderful, but kind of beyond the means for most of us, academically and financially. However, any type of scholarship or tuition assistance helps if you can find it. Having said that...
2. Just like you're doing, starting to study film or tv at a JC or local school is a great start -- I did exactly that! I lived in Eugene, Ore, took some basics at Lane Community College, but also took some tv & film classes. Next thing: boom, I was hooked. After a year, I transferred to the University of Oregon where I studied Telecommunications & Film, with a minor in Art History. It was local, affordable with financial aid, scholarships, part-time jobs, etc. It was nothing but school, work, and watching movies in-between. Been in The Biz ever since.
3. To prepare; your degree will offer and shape the general classes and courses you need. For me, I was also interested in art history, so I minored in that. My first few professional years working were in the art, props and set departments. So, that's a match. Having said that, I started college wanted to be a radio DJ. Yeah, that changed, didn't it? ;) But I am super grateful that the long-term college experience allowed me to TAKE IN all classes and film study. All the cultures, styles, all the types of storytellers. That is important, and fun. And then I eventually landed in an area in film and tv that I liked, and could have a career in. Same thing could also happen for you.
Everyone tweaks or adjusts their overall film or tv path in college according to their wants and needs at the time, including juggling work and finances through all of it. Just stay teachable, adaptive, and brave. Thanks again for your question. Jayden, I wish you all success and look forward to your work!
Best,
Patrick Phillips
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jayden !
Film History is more of a course rather than a Major and film studies is a very broad term. The best film school, without a doubt, would be The American Film Institute in Hollywood, CA. They provide the students with the best professional opportunities right there in the heart of the film community.
The popular majors that students go to film school for or for a major in Film are Cinematography, Screenwriting, Acting, or Directing. You'll have to know which career you'd want if you go to film school. As for the history of film, you can learn it online or through reading books and watching documentaries about all the genre histories and the history of the Hollywood business moguls. There is no specific career for film history unless you once in a while write film reviews or become an author that writes books on film history. It is good to get the history part down, however, and can be useful in a specific film career as well as inspiring.
Since you do not know what facet of film you want the career in, it's hard to say how to prepare for whatever college or film school you attend. I would say to read up and watch documentaries about your interest online and once you know what college or film school you want to go to for which career, you can read that school's admission requirements to know what would be expected. If you intend to focus on the history of film, figure out if you want to teach or write as a career.
Best wishes in all you do !
Film History is more of a course rather than a Major and film studies is a very broad term. The best film school, without a doubt, would be The American Film Institute in Hollywood, CA. They provide the students with the best professional opportunities right there in the heart of the film community.
The popular majors that students go to film school for or for a major in Film are Cinematography, Screenwriting, Acting, or Directing. You'll have to know which career you'd want if you go to film school. As for the history of film, you can learn it online or through reading books and watching documentaries about all the genre histories and the history of the Hollywood business moguls. There is no specific career for film history unless you once in a while write film reviews or become an author that writes books on film history. It is good to get the history part down, however, and can be useful in a specific film career as well as inspiring.
Since you do not know what facet of film you want the career in, it's hard to say how to prepare for whatever college or film school you attend. I would say to read up and watch documentaries about your interest online and once you know what college or film school you want to go to for which career, you can read that school's admission requirements to know what would be expected. If you intend to focus on the history of film, figure out if you want to teach or write as a career.
Best wishes in all you do !
Victoria Miller
Producer
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hi Jayden!
As everyone has outlined, you’re absolutely on the right track by taking film courses at your local community college. Great job taking that initiative!
Here’s a bit of a personal story that might help you prepare:
After I graduated college, I went to The New School (a university on the East Coast) to study film theory and film criticism. When I joined the program, I remember feeling nervous and self-conscious because I was the youngest student. Even though I thought I knew a lot about film, I quickly realized that my older classmates had much more knowledge and experience.
I decided that while I was in the program, I would teach myself a few things. You don’t have to do any of these things! In fact, I don’t think you need to prepare at all. Part of the educational experience is stepping into courses with an open mind, and sometimes the unknown is part of the learning process. But here are some things I did as a student that helped me—and I had a lot of fun doing them!
THE CRITERION CHANNEL
-If you can, get a subscription to the Criterion Channel: https://www.criterionchannel.com. They also offer a free 7-day trial.
-When I was in my program, I made it a habit (and this was a little excessive) to watch one film a day. Every day, for almost two years, I watched one film. Honestly, this was the greatest teacher in terms of understanding storytelling.
-Watching films from different cultures and perspectives helped me understand various narrative structures and film language. It also helped me recognize the unique styles of specific filmmakers (this is called auteurism).
-In my opinion, this was the best thing I ever did to develop my understanding of film.
WATCH EVERYTHING
Beyond the Criterion Channel, I encourage you to watch everything—literally everything, including mainstream films.
READ EVERYTHING
Here are a few books that I found helpful. Some of these are classics in film theory and history, and you may encounter them in your program. (I also found it helpful to watch some of the films discussed in these books before reading them.)
-Walter Murch: In the Blink of an Eye
-Richard Brody: Everything Is Cinema: The Working Life of Jean-Luc Godard (This book is fantastic!)
-Peter Wollen: Signs and Meaning in the Cinema
-Walter Benjamin: The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
-Gilles Deleuze: Cinema 1: The Movement Image
-Rudolf Arnheim: Film as Art
-Doug Aitken: Broken Screen: Conversations with Doug Aitken—Expanding the Image, Breaking the Narrative
-Jim Hiller: Cahiers du Cinéma
-Roland Barthes: Camera Lucida
-Elena Oumano: Cinema Today: A Conversation with Thirty-Nine Filmmakers from Around the World
-Vivian Sobchack: The Persistence of History: Cinema, Television, and the Modern Event
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
I subscribed to several magazines that helped me stay informed about independent films and filmmakers. More importantly, I began recognizing the names of influential contemporary film critics:
-Film Comment Magazine – This is the most comprehensive magazine I found. You can subscribe here: https://www.filmcomment.com/subscribe-to-film-comment-magazine/
-Sight & Sound Magazine – They offer a digital subscription.
-Filmmaker Magazine
FIND YOUR VOICE
This is so important. Try writing short articles about why you liked or didn’t like a particular film. I started a blog to keep track of my thoughts, writing a paragraph or two about films that resonated with me.
You don’t have to do any of these things—these are just some ways I expanded my knowledge of film. I hope you find some of these tips helpful, and most importantly, fun! If there’s one takeaway from this list, it’s this: watch everything and find your voice.
I’m so excited about your film journey, and I can’t wait to read your work in the future. You’re going to be great!!!
PUBLICATIONS TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK
BRIGHT LIGHTS FILM JOURNAL
-You can find their submission guidelines and email address here:
https://brightlightsfilm.com/about/submission-guidelines/
THE GOODS FILM REVIEWS
-This is a personal blog, but the author may be open to submissions and collaborations:
https://thegoodsreviews.com/about/
CINEASTE
Submission guidelines can be found here:
https://www.cineaste.com/writers-guidelines
As everyone has outlined, you’re absolutely on the right track by taking film courses at your local community college. Great job taking that initiative!
Here’s a bit of a personal story that might help you prepare:
After I graduated college, I went to The New School (a university on the East Coast) to study film theory and film criticism. When I joined the program, I remember feeling nervous and self-conscious because I was the youngest student. Even though I thought I knew a lot about film, I quickly realized that my older classmates had much more knowledge and experience.
I decided that while I was in the program, I would teach myself a few things. You don’t have to do any of these things! In fact, I don’t think you need to prepare at all. Part of the educational experience is stepping into courses with an open mind, and sometimes the unknown is part of the learning process. But here are some things I did as a student that helped me—and I had a lot of fun doing them!
THE CRITERION CHANNEL
-If you can, get a subscription to the Criterion Channel: https://www.criterionchannel.com. They also offer a free 7-day trial.
-When I was in my program, I made it a habit (and this was a little excessive) to watch one film a day. Every day, for almost two years, I watched one film. Honestly, this was the greatest teacher in terms of understanding storytelling.
-Watching films from different cultures and perspectives helped me understand various narrative structures and film language. It also helped me recognize the unique styles of specific filmmakers (this is called auteurism).
-In my opinion, this was the best thing I ever did to develop my understanding of film.
WATCH EVERYTHING
Beyond the Criterion Channel, I encourage you to watch everything—literally everything, including mainstream films.
READ EVERYTHING
Here are a few books that I found helpful. Some of these are classics in film theory and history, and you may encounter them in your program. (I also found it helpful to watch some of the films discussed in these books before reading them.)
-Walter Murch: In the Blink of an Eye
-Richard Brody: Everything Is Cinema: The Working Life of Jean-Luc Godard (This book is fantastic!)
-Peter Wollen: Signs and Meaning in the Cinema
-Walter Benjamin: The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
-Gilles Deleuze: Cinema 1: The Movement Image
-Rudolf Arnheim: Film as Art
-Doug Aitken: Broken Screen: Conversations with Doug Aitken—Expanding the Image, Breaking the Narrative
-Jim Hiller: Cahiers du Cinéma
-Roland Barthes: Camera Lucida
-Elena Oumano: Cinema Today: A Conversation with Thirty-Nine Filmmakers from Around the World
-Vivian Sobchack: The Persistence of History: Cinema, Television, and the Modern Event
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
I subscribed to several magazines that helped me stay informed about independent films and filmmakers. More importantly, I began recognizing the names of influential contemporary film critics:
-Film Comment Magazine – This is the most comprehensive magazine I found. You can subscribe here: https://www.filmcomment.com/subscribe-to-film-comment-magazine/
-Sight & Sound Magazine – They offer a digital subscription.
-Filmmaker Magazine
FIND YOUR VOICE
This is so important. Try writing short articles about why you liked or didn’t like a particular film. I started a blog to keep track of my thoughts, writing a paragraph or two about films that resonated with me.
You don’t have to do any of these things—these are just some ways I expanded my knowledge of film. I hope you find some of these tips helpful, and most importantly, fun! If there’s one takeaway from this list, it’s this: watch everything and find your voice.
I’m so excited about your film journey, and I can’t wait to read your work in the future. You’re going to be great!!!
PUBLICATIONS TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK
BRIGHT LIGHTS FILM JOURNAL
-You can find their submission guidelines and email address here:
https://brightlightsfilm.com/about/submission-guidelines/
THE GOODS FILM REVIEWS
-This is a personal blog, but the author may be open to submissions and collaborations:
https://thegoodsreviews.com/about/
CINEASTE
Submission guidelines can be found here:
https://www.cineaste.com/writers-guidelines
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
95
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
It's awesome that you got so many suggestions guiding you into this field. There are lots of top-notch universities and schools with great reputations for helping students succeed in their film careers. California has plenty of them, of course. I have a soft spot for my alma mater, the University of Southern California.
When I graduated, I wanted to jump straight into the film and TV industry. Three friends and I made a 40-minute short film, and it won a bunch of festivals and awards. It even got picked up by big services like HBO. After Disney screened it, we got a development deal there. We made a feature film, which wasn't great, but the experience was incredible. It also taught me that I didn’t really enjoy that part of the industry. So, I switched to TV on-air promotion, doing writing, editing, directing, and producing promos, and I loved it. I spent years at NBC, then led the department at CBS, and eventually worked at FOX as well as had many cable networks as clients.
The key takeaway is to figure out what you enjoy in this business. Stay open-minded and keep learning as much as you can. With Generative AI now making waves in production, there are lots of new opportunities to explore. Good luck on your journey!
When I graduated, I wanted to jump straight into the film and TV industry. Three friends and I made a 40-minute short film, and it won a bunch of festivals and awards. It even got picked up by big services like HBO. After Disney screened it, we got a development deal there. We made a feature film, which wasn't great, but the experience was incredible. It also taught me that I didn’t really enjoy that part of the industry. So, I switched to TV on-air promotion, doing writing, editing, directing, and producing promos, and I loved it. I spent years at NBC, then led the department at CBS, and eventually worked at FOX as well as had many cable networks as clients.
The key takeaway is to figure out what you enjoy in this business. Stay open-minded and keep learning as much as you can. With Generative AI now making waves in production, there are lots of new opportunities to explore. Good luck on your journey!
Delete Comment
Flag Comment