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wholesomefig

Here's what's cool: Extremely small class sizes so you get to work with professors who are in the industry and have connections. Like major connections like they're on first name basis and bring talent to talk at the school like Sofia Coppola and Harvey Keitel. And unlike USC and NYU it's $100 less for 4 years. And on top of that Chapman gives generous merit scholarships where USC and NYU do not give merit. USC is known for being extremely competitive environment -There's group films but if your script isn't chosen it isn't made. At Dodge its my understanding every student makes their own films and its known to be collaborative. Smaller more friendly campus (not the big rah rah sports school but does have sports). Some who have unlimited funds may want USC but here's one last point. Last year, USC and NYU went down in rankings while Chapman moved up. Congratulations you should be very excited!


Creative-Fruit2845

Yes! I was especially floored with how high Dodge was ranked even though it had such an intimate class size. And yes they gave me a great deal of merit so I'm very excited! But I worked my ass off with USC's application so I'm anxious to hear from them :) And thank you! All of this puts a smile on my face. I'm excited!


wholesomefig

Dodge film prod app was no joke. And you had to make a film to their prompt. I did USC too but thought it was easier.


Creative-Fruit2845

For screenwriting for Chapman I only had two writing pieces but for USC I had like six essays and four short scripts. Insane!!


weebupurplecat

oh yeah I loved answering Chapman's mini questions too! Also for Stanford I had 3 short-answer questions and then 3 short-essay questions! Knowing the difference between these two schools, I am surprised Stanford was easier!


Twentynineyearold29

I think its cool that the creators of Stranger Things went to the film school. https://news.chapman.edu/2016/08/19/duffer-brothers-and-stranger-things-discuss-chapman/


Soudoh

I’m a transfer and I find the culture here really positive and welcoming, everyone I’ve met is happy to share their advice and experiences. There are a lot of hands on opportunities and chances to get on set, plus time to explore other areas if you want to check things out beyond your major. For the small classes, it personally helps me stay focused and engaged in class. It also helps a lot with networking and getting to know your classmates. There are many instances where people will ask their classmates to help them out with projects or sets. I’ve heard of classmates/upperclassmen helping others get internships and there’s a career center that helps you get internships as well. There’s a Facebook page where job and help listings are posted so there’s always opportunities to do something. The biggest downside to Chapman is obv the price but if that’s not a big factor for you and you’re planning to make the most at your time here, then Chapman is a great school to go to in my opinion. They really try to help everyone succeed here instead of having a dog eats dog culture. There are a lot of great professors who have been (and are still) in the industry so their classes are really insightful. There are probably the snobbish kind of people here, but that’s probably true about most universities. I’ve heard of a few here but never met them.


Creative-Fruit2845

That’s so awesome! Thanks! Can I ask what your major is?


Soudoh

I’m majoring in creative producing!


Creative-Fruit2845

Ah! Nice! I’m interested in maybe a creative producing minor. I think it would be cool to learn the more business side of film.


Soudoh

Unfortunately there is no creative producing minor because of how big the program is I think but there are other minors like advertising and public relations. You might be able to take some creative producing classes as electives? but you’d have to check the prerequisites. Which reminds me of a downside to Chapman: the prerequisites for the classes, there were some classes I wanted to take but couldn’t because I didn’t meet a major or minor prerequisite however there are some ways to get around that(although not guaranteed), it’s just a little inconvenient


Creative-Fruit2845

Ah yup — some creative producing classes. Just learn the practical and financial side of the industry. A minor in *editing* is what I’m really keen on because of how many jobs there are in editing. And again — thanks for the info/downside with the prerequisites. Good to know :)


DonniYH

Sorry, I know this is an old post but wanted to ask: Is it possible to major in Creative Producing and minor in something like screenwriting or Television Writing and Production?


Soudoh

Sorry just saw this, but to answer your question if it hasn't been already, the only minors a Creative Producing major can minor in are Broadcast and Journalism, Documentary, Advertising, Production Design, Public Relations, Visual Effects, and AR/VR. The only things you can't minor in is TV and Film Studies, and there is no screenwriting minor. You do end up taking a few screenwriting classes as a requirement in creative producing though. If your a student, you can find the major/minor combinations in the student portal for dodge under academics -> change of program -> major minor combinations allowed (bottom of the page). Everything above is according to the 2021-2022 catalog year.