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What should I think about when choosing between CSU's and UC's for film major?
Hello! I am an upcoming senior (Class of 2027) and I am deciding between CSU's and UC's for film major. I have heard that CSU's offer more hands-on work which is what I prefer, while UC's are more research based.
However, I do care about prestige as well. What kind of factors should I consider and how can I pin point what is the best?
Some film roles I am curious and interested in are directors and producers because I have creative ideas in mind that I want to bring alive.
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Emily’s Answer
Hi! It sounds like you’ve already done a lot of research, which is a great start. Since you’re interested in directing and producing, I would pay close attention to what each school’s film program actually offers beyond its name or reputation. Look at the types of projects students create, how often they get hands-on experience with equipment and productions, internship opportunities, alumni outcomes, and whether undergraduates have opportunities to direct their own films. Prestige can certainly open some doors, but in the film industry, your portfolio, experience, and network often matter just as much (if not more). If you prefer learning by doing, a program with plenty of production experience may be a better fit for your goals. I also recommend visiting campuses if you can and talking to current film students to get a better sense of what the day-to-day experience is really like. Best of luck with your decision!
Steve Jacobson
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Steve’s Answer
Both universities have good reputations regarding their film programs. Look at the curriculum and compare. Since you are focused on directing and producing, getting your hands on experience is critical. But with today’s technology platforms, start making movies now. Write and produce short films that are produceable and that won’t cost you a lot of money. Get family and friends to participate. Find stories that ignite your interests and passions. Learn from these experiences and repeat.
Ultimately find that school that resonates with you and don’t worry about UC versus CSU. Lots of successful filmmakers have come from both schools.
You got this.
Ultimately find that school that resonates with you and don’t worry about UC versus CSU. Lots of successful filmmakers have come from both schools.
You got this.
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Russell’s Answer
I would strongly recommend looking at Chapman. It has quickly moved to the top of the list with hands on film making and student satisfaction.
Their student films are among the best of all the film schools.
Their student films are among the best of all the film schools.
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Nat’s Answer
Both are good. "Prestige?" don't worry about it. Create. Work. Go with hands on. Create your own prestige.
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Susan’s Answer
Congrats on being a senior!
I think the biggest question to ask yourself is: What do you actually want to do?
What part of film gets you excited? Is it researching films and breaking down why they work? Or is it being on set, working with cameras, lights, and people? There's no right answer, and it's great to have a balance of both. But eventually, you'll spend most of your time doing one more than the other, so it's worth thinking about now.
Here are a few things I'd consider:
1. Hands-On Production vs. Film Theory
Hands-On Production:
You'll spend your time on set. It's a lot of "hurry up and wait," early call times, long days, and learning by doing—operating cameras, setting up lights, recording sound, managing crews, and solving problems in real time.
Film Theory:
Your time is spent analyzing films, writing papers, studying film history, and understanding why movies work. For example, you might research screwball comedies like His Girl Friday and analyze its fast-paced dialogue, unconventional storytelling, and the historical influences behind it.
Both paths are valuable, but they can lead in different directions. Think about what you enjoy doing now—or what you could see yourself enjoying every day.
2. Industry Access
Location:
Schools closer to Los Angeles often make it easier to land internships with studios and production companies during the school year. Those internships are incredibly valuable. Mine helped me mature professionally, understand how the industry actually works, and start building a network. They can also help get your foot on a production set.
If you're more interested in teaching, research, or film scholarship, then being at a university with strong academic resources may be a better fit.
Faculty:
Think about who you want to learn from.
Would you rather have part-time professors who are actively working in the industry as producers, assistant directors, editors, or cinematographers? They'll teach from current, real-world experience.
Or would you rather learn from full-time professors who focus on film history, criticism, and research? Both have value—they just prepare you differently.
3. Equipment & Facility Access
How easy is it to check out equipment?
Some schools let students use cameras and gear almost immediately, while others have more restrictions. The more access you have, the more opportunities you'll get to crew on classmates' projects, gain set experience, and build your portfolio.
4. Cost
Film school is expensive.
Also consider whether you'll have money left over to make your own films. Many student directors pay for a large portion of their thesis projects themselves, so budgeting for that is important.
5. Alumni Network
This becomes really important after graduation.
Some schools have alumni networks made up of working crew members, camera operators, editors, line producers, and production managers who can help you land your first production jobs.
Other schools have networks that include studio executives, showrunners, screenwriters, and festival filmmakers. Having a shared alma mater can open doors when you're pitching projects or applying for competitive fellowships.
6. Have a Backup Plan
This is just my practical side talking.
What if you discover you don't enjoy the program as much as you expected? How easy is it to switch majors or transfer schools? Will your credits transfer, or would you have to start over?
A lot of people change majors.
I actually started as a graphic design major and realized I hated it. I switched to film, and now I use both skill sets every day as a producer and editor. Looking back, that change worked out really well for me.
I hope this helps! No matter which school you choose, take advantage of every opportunity you can. Volunteer on classmates' projects, build relationships with your professors and classmates, and create as much work as possible. The degree is important, but the experience, portfolio, and connections you build along the way are what will really help launch your career.
I think the biggest question to ask yourself is: What do you actually want to do?
What part of film gets you excited? Is it researching films and breaking down why they work? Or is it being on set, working with cameras, lights, and people? There's no right answer, and it's great to have a balance of both. But eventually, you'll spend most of your time doing one more than the other, so it's worth thinking about now.
Here are a few things I'd consider:
1. Hands-On Production vs. Film Theory
Hands-On Production:
You'll spend your time on set. It's a lot of "hurry up and wait," early call times, long days, and learning by doing—operating cameras, setting up lights, recording sound, managing crews, and solving problems in real time.
Film Theory:
Your time is spent analyzing films, writing papers, studying film history, and understanding why movies work. For example, you might research screwball comedies like His Girl Friday and analyze its fast-paced dialogue, unconventional storytelling, and the historical influences behind it.
Both paths are valuable, but they can lead in different directions. Think about what you enjoy doing now—or what you could see yourself enjoying every day.
2. Industry Access
Location:
Schools closer to Los Angeles often make it easier to land internships with studios and production companies during the school year. Those internships are incredibly valuable. Mine helped me mature professionally, understand how the industry actually works, and start building a network. They can also help get your foot on a production set.
If you're more interested in teaching, research, or film scholarship, then being at a university with strong academic resources may be a better fit.
Faculty:
Think about who you want to learn from.
Would you rather have part-time professors who are actively working in the industry as producers, assistant directors, editors, or cinematographers? They'll teach from current, real-world experience.
Or would you rather learn from full-time professors who focus on film history, criticism, and research? Both have value—they just prepare you differently.
3. Equipment & Facility Access
How easy is it to check out equipment?
Some schools let students use cameras and gear almost immediately, while others have more restrictions. The more access you have, the more opportunities you'll get to crew on classmates' projects, gain set experience, and build your portfolio.
4. Cost
Film school is expensive.
Also consider whether you'll have money left over to make your own films. Many student directors pay for a large portion of their thesis projects themselves, so budgeting for that is important.
5. Alumni Network
This becomes really important after graduation.
Some schools have alumni networks made up of working crew members, camera operators, editors, line producers, and production managers who can help you land your first production jobs.
Other schools have networks that include studio executives, showrunners, screenwriters, and festival filmmakers. Having a shared alma mater can open doors when you're pitching projects or applying for competitive fellowships.
6. Have a Backup Plan
This is just my practical side talking.
What if you discover you don't enjoy the program as much as you expected? How easy is it to switch majors or transfer schools? Will your credits transfer, or would you have to start over?
A lot of people change majors.
I actually started as a graphic design major and realized I hated it. I switched to film, and now I use both skill sets every day as a producer and editor. Looking back, that change worked out really well for me.
I hope this helps! No matter which school you choose, take advantage of every opportunity you can. Volunteer on classmates' projects, build relationships with your professors and classmates, and create as much work as possible. The degree is important, but the experience, portfolio, and connections you build along the way are what will really help launch your career.