Florida State University Film School Review

There are many elite universities in the United States for film editing, but the school that seems to be on the rise is Florida State University. Florida State recently received accolades from the Directors Guild of America and boasts many top industry professionals amongst their alumnae. Their demands upon applicants to their film school are rather rigorous. FSU encourages academic excellence in their student body, thus their minimum expectation is that applicants will possess at least a 3.0 grade point average and a 1200 on their Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

Of the hundreds of applicants they receive each year, only thirty are admitted into their prestigious film school. This enrollment number is significantly lower than most American universities which enhances the competitive nature of the program. One of the bonuses to having such a small student body is that professors can focus on the individual student instead of instructing a large lecture hall. This individual attention also helps to maintain FSU’s expectation of academic excellence.

Florida State is also unique in that it is the only university in the United States which provides students with film stock and covers all student film production costs. This is advantageous to the shallow pockets of the average college student, but the school’s financial assistance does not stop there. Florida State boasts one of the lowest tuitions in the nation and there are a plethora of scholarships for those in need.

Their film program operates similarly to other film programs in the nation with introductory classes to explore the theories involved in the media arts with a gradual progression towards classes which focus on more individual aspects of film making. For those interested in film editing, there are intermediate and advanced courses available. In these classes, students will edit films in a non-linear digital post-production facility and analyze the edits made on completed films.

During their matriculation, students will individually write, produce, and edit three films. In their final year, students work on a thesis film--which can be a highly competitive process. Every student proposes a thesis idea, but only five of these films will be produced. Those students whose ideas were rejected must aid their fellow students on the chosen projects. Those students who must support another’s artistic output are assigned to focus on one aspect of film-making. Those who are interested in film editing could use this opportunity to gain valuable experience.


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American Film Schools

American film schools have a rich history dating back to the 1970s, when there was little chance to get film education. The only option to gain knowledge was to go to Hollywood at a young age and work along with people in the industry. By the 1970s, many major universities began to offer classes in film technology. Over the years, many film schools have opened with numerous educational programs that provide actual industry experience along with education.

American film schools are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). The schools are commonly departments of universities, divisions of colleges or separate schools. There are some privately owned film schools as well that are not connected to American universities. Most of the schools provide undergraduate and graduate degree programs and some have graduate programs only. Various techniques involved in movie making, including film production, film theory and screen writing are taught. Hands-on practical knowledge and intern programs are included as part of studies.

Some schools are considered top in the nation. New York Film Academy, Los Angeles Film School, USA Film School, San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking, and FSU Film School are among them. These schools are located in prime areas of cities including New York and Los Angeles, and provide better education and have good infrastructure. But studying in these schools is quite expensive.

Founded in 1929, The University of Southern California's School of Cinema-Television is the oldest film school in the nation. Some other good schools are the American Film Institute (AFI), California Institute of the Arts, Columbia University School of the Arts, The North Carolina School of the Arts, and the schools at New York University (NYU), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of Texas at Austin.

By: Marcus Peterson
New York Film Schools provides detailed information on Film Schools, New York Film Schools, Top Film Schools, American Film Schools and more.
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