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Hi! I'm interested in filmmaking, but mainly I enjoy editing and visual effects. What colleges that mainly focuses on film making and film production that's affordable and easy to transfer too after a 2-year school.

I am also open to other options like audio production or anything that relates to film making. I just want to find a school that's affordable, has great programs, and to easily find a job after college.

spring26 help film filmmaking collegetransfer
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Patrick’s Answer

Hi, Kai. Sounds like you got a plan for yourself in this industry. Keep in mind that editing and VFX software is changing so quickly so it's best to get a grounded understanding, but always be ready for new processes, tech, and requests. Here's what I would do:

1. Get into whatever local community college serves you financially and location-wise. Get your general requirements done for 2 years for an associate's degree with an emphasis in audio, editing and VFX. Then, take that 2yr degree and...
2. Apply to in-state New York colleges only; you'll pay out of state tuition your first year if you go out of state. Consider Syracuse's media programs, also the esteemed NYU for filmmaking.

Continue to edit and experiment with storytelling and VFX with the consumer-level products that are available and affordable to you. Know the basic capabilities of Premiere, Da Vinci, Canva and whatever latest AI-based products are out there and also be ready to use something brand. And watch and study good editing in action, drama, sports and comedy. You're off to a good start already with a plan and reaching out with questions. Good luck, Kai!
Best,
Patrick
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Kelly’s Answer

Hi Kai,

You’re already in a great position because you know you’re interested in editing and visual effects—that’s a big advantage.

SMART + AFFORDABLE PATH (especially in New York)
Start at a SUNY community college & transfer to a 4-year program

Why this works:
- Much more affordable
- Designed for easier transfer
- Lets you build skills before committing to a 4-year school

Good place to start near Syracuse:
Onondaga Community College

STRONG 4-YEAR OPTIONS (after transfer)
SUNY Purchase College
The strongest SUNY film program (conservatory-style, very hands-on)

SUNY New Paltz
Digital media + storytelling (good for editing/post-production)

SUNY Fredonia
A solid film production program (farther west)

CUNY (NYC public schools):
City College of New York
Brooklyn College
Hunter College

Private (strong but more expensive):
Rochester Institute of Technology (VFX)
Syracuse University

YOU’RE NOT LIMITED BY LOCATION
You can also learn from anywhere.

Some schools offer online film/VFX programs, but credits may not transfer easily

Smart approach:
Use SUNY/CUNY for your degree and use online learning to build extra skills

START LEARNING SOFTWARE NOW (this matters most)
In this industry, people don’t ask:
“What was your GPA?”
They ask:
“What can you do?” / “Can I see your work?”

Start with:
Editing + color (DaVinci Resolve — free)
VFX + compositing
3D tools (Blender, Maya, Unreal Engine)

EXTRA LEARNING (huge advantage)
Use LinkedIn Learning:
- Step-by-step tutorials
- Taught by industry professionals
- Great way to get comfortable with software quickly

WHAT TO PRACTICE
Don’t just watch—make things:
- Edit scenes
- Add effects
- Color grade
- Build small projects

BONUS PATH: AUDIO / SOUND (HIGH DEMAND)
This is something a lot of students overlook:

Good audio is HARD, and very few people do it well. Production sound recordists (boom operators, location sound) are always in demand! PLUS, there are MORE jobs in post-production sound than in picture editing

If you learn:
- How to record clean audio on set
- How to use a boom properly
- Post-production sound (editing, mixing, design)

You will make yourself extremely valuable and employable!

REAL TALK ABOUT JOBS
Your portfolio/reel matters more than your degree.

When I graduated, no one asked about my GPA.
They wanted to see what I could do.

IF I WERE YOU
1. Start at a SUNY community college
2. Learn software on your own at the same time
3. Build a portfolio early
4. Transfer to a strong 4-year program
5. Learn production/location sound recording/boom operating

You’re on the right track. Focus on building your skills and your reel, and you’ll be in a strong position!

Kelly recommends the following next steps:

LinkedIn Learning: Online Training Courses & Skill Building https://share.google/A80xOzKDISQ5WmIaW
Blender - The Free and Open Source 3D Creation Software — blender.org https://share.google/HNV94GKF39JUoW41e
DaVinci Resolve | Blackmagic Design https://share.google/PmgLMwdFi5jl4iybh
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