How I got into Film Production at USC
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ส.ค. 2024
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My name is Samantha and I will be joining the USC Class of 2020 as a Film Production Major. As I am writing this it is the day before move-in day and I absolutely cannot wait to get started.
I know this major is one of the most difficult to get into, so I wanted to make a video to give some helpful advice- I know I would have found this beneficial during my application process!
Enjoy and leave me a message below :)
Fight On! - บันเทิง
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JUST GOT INTO SCA'S FILM PRODUCTION PROGRAM FOR 2022! SEE YOU THERE! love your vids
YAY! CONGRATULATIONS! I'll see you next year make sure to say hi :)
That's crazy how you beat 2% odds. So happy for you !
ayyyyy i just got into SCA's writing for screen program!!! will most likely see you there lol
ayyy!! Congrats! I'll see you around SCA! I'm also going to be an Orientation Advisor so if you see me this summer at Orientation come say hi :)
Thank you for this incredible comment!
how is the institution? i want to do my masters there.
Applied for USC last month...... I got accepted for Film production even though I had it as my 2nd choice....... Ig I'm lucky... I'm Irish... So maybe
cool!
Virginia or Michael if anyone had time. Can anyone help me out about this process??
I'll see you next year:) I'm a Film and Television Production major starting in the Spring of 2019! Fight on!
Welcome to the Trojan Family!! I'll see you around :)
When does USC start? Is it not like Highschool. Instead of the fall it starts in the spring?
Great video!! I'm in 10th grade now and have some ways to go till I try to apply. I've doubted myself feeling like I wouldn't get in, but this really motivates me to try to prepare and feel more optimistic : )
That makes me extremely happy to hear! Just have confidence and do your best. Good luck with everything :)
So what happened did u get in
Great job on your video. I'm at USC quite a bit this year. Booked a few films I can't wait to see soon. Good luck!
Is incredible the kind of people that enters to this school.
heyheyhey, recent film school applicant here with a lot of nerves!
Here's what I think I have:
- pretty good letters of rec. AP English teacher, school counselor, and a professional cinematographer I've worked with
- personal statement with some weight. It wasn't written creatively as you suggested, but I think I offered a substantial reason for why I want to tell the stories I want to tell. My friends who read the essay said it was "deep" lol, so there's that.
- I chose to write a dialogue scene, but I basically just pulled one from a script I had written in the past. Don't have much to say here, but I thought it was written pretty well haha
- my academics, I think, make me a really good fit for USC in general. If I were just applying to the English program, I'd say I'm pretty confident that I'll get in. Of course, it's a selective school on its own, so I can't be sure of anything, but I will say I think I've worked hard enough.
Here's what I'm worried about:
- my portfolio wasn't super lengthy. I included a lot of scripts I've written, a couple of shorts I've made, and one or two other projects. It only went on to about two pages. You said yours was 4-5 pages, and that worried me a little, haha!
- I'm not a huge fan of my visual sample. To be honest, I didn't put as much care into it as I needed to. I churned it out in a day. I think it tells a coherent narrative, and the whole point was for it to be kind of tense and suspenseful and I'm pretty sure I did that, but it could have been way better. My portfolio at least has an indication that I write a lot of scripts for fun and that I've worked on other creative projects -- I worry about what my visual sample indicates.
Any advice/input on how hot (or not) my application is looking given those vague details? Sorry for the long comment -- I'm just super nervous!
Congrats! You got the first step of this journey completed. I can totally relate to your anxiety, for a creative mind nothing is ever complete so it can be hard to turn something in for the final time. I actually cried after I submitted mine because I was so ashamed of my visual sample and thought I didn't have a chance.
It sounds like you put a lot of hard work, thought and passion into your application and that will come across.
Your portfolio nor your visual sample make or break your application so all you can do is be confident in what you submitted and be excited you completed one of the most intense college applications (seriously!)
I can't give you a answer as to how I think your submission will perform. However, I can tell that you really want this and were very careful about completing each aspect of the application, and most importantly stayed true to yourself, despite the suggestions I gave here, which is exactly what I was hoping viewers would do! I'm wishing you the best of luck!
This seems like very good, straightforward, advice.
I'm a spring admit at USC and my major is Cinema & Media studies ! My move in date is Jan 5 but good luck with your studies!
Congrats on your acceptance! I'll see you around SCA, you're going to love it :)
I’m so late but I’m in 10th grade right now and trying to get straight a*s so I can get into film production by 2023ish in USC xx
thank you so much I am applying next year for TV production!
Of course! Best of luck :)
+SadoffStudios thank you !
Did u get in?
Thank you. I’m 13 and I think this video is very helpful.
hey Sami! Applied to USC's film school in December-could you make a video about your experience at the film school so far?
I was actually thinking about doing this and most likely will and the very near future :) Stay tuned to this channel for updates.
Yay, thank you!
Very well said and presented, thank you!
Hi, I'm applying to USC next fall, and I would like to ask how much things you have on you portfolio, as in how much is a good creative portfolio. And also how much experience have you had as a filmmaker before high school that helped the admissions process?
Neil Yang just saw ur acc and congrats!!!
Thanks for sharing, Samantha!!!
thank you! I'm applying for USC soon & I'm super duper nervous. regarding the creative portfolio do you like jus attach and like upload your work on slide room?
Ahh I'm super sorry that I am replying to this unreasonably late! Completely my bad. As for your question, you are correct! Just upload your work right into the slideroom account. Once you register on slideroom it will walk you through the steps of the upload process in a very easy to understand way. If you still have questions, calling the USC SCA Office of Admissions is always a viable option. I called the office at least three times during my application process. Although intimidating, they are there to help!
wow! THIS WAS AMAZING! I am applying to USC film along with many other schools this upcoming fall. Do you have any tips for me or for my film I submit??? Anything is appreciated :)
I am a sophomore in highschool and USC is my first choice school and I was wondering if you have any advice on making myself stand out more or get a head start?
Good job getting such an early start! That will definitely help you in that you will have so much more time to write and edit. As for standing out, just be yourself. I know that is the most superficial thing, but honestly don't be afraid to put on your application what makes you unique. USC specifically has a prompt of short answers that ask about your favorite books, movies, food, etc. Don't make the mistake of putting down "Beowulf" or something of the like to make you appear more scholarly. If you are a huge fan of something like "Cat in the Hat", put that down! USC asks these questions so they can get to know you as a person and this is what the application readers will remember the most. One other piece of advice that I have for the other USC, and common app prompts in general, is to dig beneath the surface for your answers. For example, if they ask about your favorite organization, don't just list everything you did in a club. Of course you should mention your extensive involvement, but you need to pick one exceptional thing you did and go into detail about it. Reach out to the senses, what did you hear and how did you feel? By doing this you exemplify your passion for the organization and it demonstrates that you signed up for this reason, not just to put it on a resume.
I know this is a lot to take it, but I hope it helps! Congrats on getting started early and best of luck in the application process!
Fight On!
SadoffStudios what do you mean by organization should I sign up for one and what organization
For the creative portfolio, do you have to follow a certain format (the example listed on the USC page) or can you just do your own, given that everything they need is listed down?
Nice. Thank you for making this video :)
Thank you so much for your help. I have quite special situation, I'm from Russia and I'd like to apply, but we don't really have any extracurriculars at school as well as creating a portfolio is a really challenging thing. I mean, there aren't classes or competitions that are connected with cinematography. So what do you think, will they even pay attention at the country and consider the differences in educational process?
Hi! Great question! Of course they will still consider your application, and in fact USC, as well as all UC and Private colleges, have representatives whose job it is to research your specific school so they know what opportunities are available to you. In this way, they do not compare you to anyone else outside of your opportunity level. In fact, some people in the 2020 Production class got admitted without every handling a professional camera- the admissions directors know that you are applying to learn because you have a passion. Simply get involved with as much as you can and you will be great.
Thanks again, now I'm a little bit more confident)
Do you know if you're allowed to use music that is copyrighted in the film you make?
Yes, using copyrighted music is perfectly acceptable. However, as with anything that does not belong to you, make sure that you accurately credit the song and composer in your credits. If you do this, you can use any music you like, and because USC has you upload your video straight to Slideroom, instead of TH-cam or Vimeo, there is no risk of having your film removed for copyright reasons.
Yet, keep in mind that if you want to upload your film to TH-cam after you submit it, there may be copyright restrictions.
But with all that being said, I feel that music is the most integral and emotionally expressive part of a film, so spend time choosing your songs and take care in which ones you select.
I hope that helps!
Thank you so much!
thank you so much, incredibly helpful
Glad you enjoyed :)
Hey there!
I have a few questions! I'm a community college student looking to transfer to USC SCA. I still have to fill out the Common App and the SlideRoom app. I'm applying to the Film Production program.
1) Do the letters of recommendation carry over from the Common App to the SlideRoom application automatically? I asked an admission counselor and she said it did.
2) What job opportunities are presented to students at the SCA? How likely will graduates have a job straight out of college? Do USC students truly have an edge on other film school students when it comes to job opportunities in the industry?
3) I really want to apply to USC, but the debt terrifies me. I'm scared of digging myself into a hole that I can't get out of. How do people usually pay for USC? Are there a lot of scholarship opportunities? Do people make enough after film school to pay it off completely and be financially comfortable?
4) How has the film school been?!? You've been there for about a semester right? What is it like? What kind of projects are you working on? What's the atmosphere like?
I'd also like to thank you for posting this video. It's given me ideas on content to add to my SlideRoom Film Portfolio!
thank you so much, beautiful!
Hi! I'm an incoming junior in high school and I was wondering what steps should I take now that could help me get into USC which is my dream school. Thanks!
Johan Casal did you get in?
Your video was so great and informative. I'm from London, and I'm in my first year of sixth form [something you go to after secondary/highschool for two years before uni]. And I would love for you to give me tips of being an international student? Because, there's probably much more competition if you are one? I'm guessing so -- is there anything you could do to help me with tips? Also, I was wondering did you film all of your question three by yourself?
Do you know if your academic reference can be from Drama or media teachers?
Awwww I love this!!!!!❤️❤️❤️
Extremely helpful. Thank you so much. I have a question though, how much do you think your highschool gpa counts towards you being accepted?
This helped so much! Im actually enrolled into spring for english but I'm trying to switch into film do you know if that's possible?
I'm happy to hear that! I am not completely sure, however I do not think it is a possibility to switch majors from Dornsife to SCA, specifically film production. You may be able to switch from an English student to a Critical Media Studies student and these students take quite a few production classes. Also, I am aware that they only take a handful of internal transfers into SCA a year, so make sure to keep your grades up and engage in SCA as much as possible to build up your resume before applying as an internal transfer.
It's also very simple to take up a minor in Film Production! Talk to your advisor once you arrive on campus and they can help you out! :) Fight On!
Hey! What's your advice for applying into the Bryan Singer division of Cinema and media studies? I was just wondering if you had any! Thanks! :)
Hi! My advice for the Bryan Singer Division of Cinema would be to spend a lot of time making an influential writing sample. When I applied the prompt was to make a review or analysis of some aspect of film. I recommend connecting your analysis with some greater world issue or problem, because media is a reflection of society after all. Best of luck :)
Im getting my things ready to apply and I was wondering what Major are you there for? and are you a Grad student or Undergrad?
I’m going for cinematography either in Nevada or California. You look passionate about visual storytelling. Let me know if you want to do like a proyect together. Cheers 🙌🏼
Hi! I really appreciate this video! I have a question and would greatly appreciate it if you could reply!
So, I've heard that film school is different than going to an actual university. And that film school isn't the best choice between the two.
Is majoring in film production at USC the same thing as going to USC's film school?
Hello!
I am actually really, really glad that you asked this question. The answer is no. Studying Film Production at USC is not like studying film at a specialized Film School. USC is a four year private university- this means that you are enrolled as a full time student. Attending USC means that you take GE's and other courses outside of your major. In this way, you will be following Film as your main course of study, but you also get a general education. I find this fantastic when looking at schools as a Film Student because it is important to go into college with an open mind. Say you got into USC as a Film Production major and change your mind about what you want to study, you can choose a different major without having to transfer schools because USC offers 100's of other majors in many different fields to choose from. Another great thing about USC is that the School of Cinematic Arts is just one professional school, and there are many other divisions on campus. In this way, you can meet a greater variety of people and take more diverse classes.
All in all, if you are considering studying film, I recommend applying to a private or public school, like USC, rather then a specialty school.
To find more information about these benefits visit the usc website: usc.edu
I hope that helps!
So if one were to apply to SCA and get rejected, could they still apply to USC and major in Film Production? Or is their Film Production major taught at their film school? Sorry if it's a silly question, I want to become a film editor and I'm in my junior year of high school trying to get it together haha. I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to reply!
The SCA is the film school at USC. USC has lots of professional schools. In other words, if you don't get into USC then you cannot be apart of SCA. However, if you apply to USC with Film Production as your first choice and lets say history as your second and you get admitted as a history major, you can transfer to SCA later
if we were to submit a music video, would that be fine? (Considering that the music is a published song of a band.) I made my own story connecting to the lyrics of the song.
Hi!
That's a great question, I myself considered submitting a music video that I made to a band song (If you want to check it out its called 'I Lived' and on this channel). There are no rules against it- the prompt specifically states that it can be of any genre or be an experimental type film. I would say that as long as you tell a clear narrative you should be fine. However, I am not 100% positive about this, so before you submit I would contact and ask the help desk at the School of Cinematic Arts. You can find their number on the SCA website.
Best of luck!
Hey really awesome helpful video, I just wanted to ask if there's no minimum gpa required or a grade average or something of that sorts. Sorry I'm not from the US so I'm not exactly sure how it works but basically are the ones you talked about the only requirements there are?
Hi! I would check the application link on USC's website at USC.edu and this will give you the breakdown of what the average GPA of the current students are. This will give you an idea of where you need to be academically in order to compete.
How were your SAT scores and GPA? I was wondering if there are academic requirements for submission into USC before SCA even reviews your application?
Personally, my SAT score was a straight 1900 and I graduated as Valedictorian of my class with a 4.83 GPA. But please, don't let this scare you! Grades and test scores are one of the last things admissions directors in the School of Cinematic Arts look for. As long as you're competitive and exemplify the ability to succeed in college level courses then you will be fine.
I’m confused , is film and production similar to multimedia programming and design. If it is different how is it different?
I found that the tuition is very high. Can you do a video about this matter? Also, i'm an international student, so it'll be even harder to be accepted right? Thank you.
TRẢ LỜI
Do you know if the ACT has a lot of effect on whether you get into the film school or not? Thanks. :) I am applying to college this year.
YESSS
I need to do a portfolio for the school I want to get in to it involves Film and Media...any ideas???
thanks！ I am a chinese student who eagers to be accepeted in SCA,I am confused whether my TOEFL scores would get in 100,see you in usa!
Glad I could help! For the art schools like SCA the admissions directors only look at the supplementals, not your test scores. If they think you have the talent they will fight to get you in, regardless of your grades and scores. But with that being said, you still have to maintain the grades high enough to be competitive. Best of luck :)
你好！我也是中国人！th-cam.com/video/SrIAhYXPApw/w-d-xo.html
I just created "HOW I GOT INTO USC FILM SCHOOL," where I go over the film production portfolio, extracurriculars, recommendations, essay writing, my stats, and more. Please check it out! 😁
Do you get to use the USC equipment to make your own projects?
Hi! I really want to go to either UCLA or USC (mostly leaning towards USC). I'm from NY, I'm a junior in high school, and I currently have a gpa in the high 80s. I haven't taken my ACTs or SATs yet, but I'm going to take them later this school yr. I am on my 3rd ap class, planning to take 2 more next yr. And I have 10 extracurriculars. I don't know what I want to major in yet. Do I have a chance to get into USC at all?
Hi!
It sounds like you are doing the best you can to stay ahead and prepare for the future! Great job! Being that I don't work in the admission office I am not sure exactly what it takes GPA wise to get into the school. There are statistics that may be helpful to you, which can be found on the USC website (usc.edu). These can tell you the grade demographic of the school's population!
Best of luck!
Thank you for replying. I hope you can see me next year. Lol. :)
do you know what the major is called specifically for video/film editing?
Film and Television Production
Hi,
that was really helpful. thanks for sharing. I am applying this year... boy deadline is approaching..!
I had a few questions..
If I add another SCA program as my second choice, do I have to cover its supplementary application too??
i.e. production and writing.
FOUR PAGES...!!!!!!
I hardly think my portfolio would cross one to two pages...
Should I say goodbye to USC.... :(
PLEASE HELP!!!
Hi! Glad to hear you are so passionate about the USC School of Cinematic Arts!
To answer your first question, yes, you do have to cover all the supplementary materials, even if the other major is your second choice. That is actually what I ended up doing as well. Film Production was my first choice so I had to fill out all the supplements for that, and Critical Studies was my second choice, so I also had to do all the supplementals for that. I know some of the SCA majors, for example Production and Writing, have similar supplements, notably the personal statement. Be sure to write different personal statements for each major instead of just copy and pasting. You want to cater your personal statement to your specific major, because that shows that you put in the time and are really passionate! It is going to be a lot of work (I defiantly spent weeks on USC's application), but trust me, it is so worth it!
For your portfolio, don't worry about how long it is. Quality over quantity is always the way to go. Remember that you can add absolutely ANYTHING creative to your resume. In mine I included school plays, poetry and speech contest I performed in. Your resume does not just have to reflect film production endeavors, but rather anything to show that you are involved in narration and performance building. It can also cover anything over any period in your life, so if you have done things in elementary school and middle school you can add those in too.
Don't give up on USC! Fight On! :)
SadoffStudios thank you sooo much...
Yup, I definitely will work it out.
SadoffStudios
Hi,
two more questions.... i guess you will respond much early than the admission office.. :)
Does the three Letter of Recommendation required by SCA include the counselor letter..?
I have my counselor, a teacher and a guy who hired me for an internship writing letters for me. Do i need more??
Secondly, my counselor was asking me how to upload my transcripts (I live in India, so she doesn't know...)
Should I tell her to just scan the original transcript and upload it or to photocopy the transcript and have the school stamp and a sign on it before uploading...
thank you
and sorry about asking soo many questions..
Don't worry about all the questions!
For the letter of rec, all I know is that one of the three must include an academic source, and the other two are up to you. So if your counselor wrote an exceptional letter, then by all means use that one as your third letter.
As for transcripts, I am unsure. I think you scan them in and upload them to the common application portal, but I honestly have no idea. I would wait to hear back from the actual Admission Office to be sure you receive the correct information.
we have the same camera!! 😂😂
hello,
what i wonder is that, i have 5 letters of recommendation 3 of them are uploaded on slideroom which are from directors and actors i know and 2 of them are uploaded on common application and those recommenders are my counsler and my english teacher is that okey?
ya
Hi!
Just remember that the letters on the Common App are seen by the University itself, not the film school, and the ones on Slideroom are seen by the Film School, not the University. Therefore, you are correct in having your more academic letters go to common app and your creative based letters going to Slideroom. However, I believe one of the requirements on Slideroom was that one of your letters HAD to be from an academic source, so make sure you follow these guidelines or your application may be disregarded. This may have changed since I applied. I strongly urge you to call the School of Cinematic Arts Office of Admissions to get their feedback.
I'm getting in this school
Did you receive any scholarships or awards from the usc and/or the school of cinematic arts?
I didnt recieve any... :/
...whatcha’ ya, know about producing film ?
Can you include photographs in your portfolio?
Yes you can, however, that would mean giving up the 5 min film option. id recommend you take the film option instead.
Virginia Loves Filmmaking so i can’t select the film option and provide pictures with the rest of my portfolio? like if i did a mural or something along those lines could i include a photo?
U look like the little sister of Tia and Tamera
OMG Goals! Thank you for making my Wednesday :)
SadoffStudios lol np
I have a brilliant portfolio, brilliant film which is going to be sent on film festivals (Sundance, Cannes, Berlin and etc), i have 3 letters of recommendation from directors. 1 of them is an academy award&golden globes nominee and another is a jury on cannes film festival and a winner on cannes; Berlin; Sundance; Karlovy vary film festivals and etc. I also have very strong writing supplements. my problem is my GPA which maybe about 3.2 and Toefel exam score which is 75. (It was my first attempt) (i also submitted my written materials in english, i mean short stories and etc). It is... i don't know my main goal right now to get into USC. I already submitted my portfolio. Please somebody with an experience tell me what are my chances of getting in. Sadoff please reply.
Thank you in advance!!!
Hi!
Sounds like you have a great background in film. USC is careful in choosing strong candidates for their programs, no matter their GPAs. Of course you have to show potential and an ability to thrive in college setting, but many of the creative program look at your creative abilities before your test scores.
Hope for the best, and no matter what happens continue in film- it sounds like something you are very passionate and successful at!
Best of luck!
SadoffStudios
Thankyou very much you are very kind!!
One more question what do you think if they will like me as a filmmaker and they will see some potential in me will i be accepted with this scores and gpa? Will university let that happen? ( are they really that bad? I mean scores)
Hmmm... i would say that grades do matter for admission, but if your film is truly spectacular you have nothing to worry about George :)
Too bad she only got in cause shes black. I mean come on, who else is applying to the film school that isn't a minority?
Bro did you really write that? Do you see how intelligent that girl is? Can you honestly say the only reason she got into USC Film school was because she's black? That's ridiculous to assume considering only 3 black kids got into the film school. So you tell me.. Was USC trying to meet their "black quota" for diversity reasons? Cuz that sure doesn't seem like the case. Don't ever believe for a second that black people need some kind of advantage because this girl proves being smart and talented isn't limited to white people.
Uc Riverside 5 months in signed to Disneys ESPN. Full time beat that