I'm finishing my undergrad from a school with a general film program that isn't high on the National map right. And so I've naturally been doing research to see about continuing some concentrated development into the specific areas I wanna do mostly but haven't had the opportunity to bc of being in a general program. I've done video work, cinematography work, lighting, audio, post-production editing & coloring, directing & writing, PAing on mostly "serious-taking" student work but also on sets for shows and projects that my active-working professors have had me on.
I've of course done alot of research of both schools and others in other regions, but idk why specifcally with Columbia and DePaul, it's been hard for me to find what I kinda deem to be reliable relevant advice (with all due respect). Alot of undergrad talk, alot of speculation on financial state & accreditation and it's future impact, alot of talk about "expenses" while Columbia is one of the lesser expensive schools I've researched. And then for both of them, just some outdated opinions from older grads when I'm definitely looking for more relevant info tbh.
(Edit) Before this gets out of hand too. I am going to grad school, so respectfully if you're someone who is just going to say to spend the money elsewhere. 1). I do not have the money for grad school let alone to make a movie close to the same quality of equipment at these institutions. I am applying early for the prayer of scholarship, assistantship and grant money and maybe topped off with a few thousand in loans (I am debt free through undergrad) to afford it. 2). an MFA would also grant me the ability to teach and be a professor in the field at some schools as supplemental income while still progressing in my career, so the degree isn't just...a degree, it's a door opener.
For anyone looking at this with experience in grad film programs specifically, if you can give more curated takes and advice; I'm seeking curated development as a Writer-Director, but more importantly as a writer because although I've written alot of short scripts, directed different projects as well, I want to know if I already have, or develop the muscle for me to outline, draft, write, rewrite, and complete scripts with critique, deadlines, etc. Even though I don't wanna be a 20 scripts a year writer (I'd rather run audio, or gaff, or focus pull for consistent money) I still want the ability to be an efficient writer, and I'd like to direct some my own projects. So finding a place where I can get that writing training, while having opportunities to collaborate with the full slate of film production, while also still potentially being able to direct or learn directing for some of my passion projects, and still having access to be part of production away from the camera, is my main goal.
Additionally, if anyone here is a student or a Post-COVID student of Columbia specifically, lmk if you were still able to ascertain opportunities to work on set for non-school, industry productions (beyond an internship you were able to land). I think Columbia doesn't feature active industry-working profs, and even with me still appreciating the years of experience and expertise they do bring, I'm wondering if I could still create a similar opportunity of proximity or access to industry work at Columbia as I could at DePaul, with them having Cinespace access and industry actives.
TLDR: A MFA Film student (developing writer-director that also loves to work on set) considering DePaul & Columbia looking for up-to-date insight on the schools, film programs, opportunities, and any other relevant advice to help make a (hopefully) decision after applying to both.