5 answers
Lola
Student
Humble, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What collage would you want to attend for writing movies and shows?
I've been writing movies and shows my whole life. Starting from the age of 5 I've been writing movies and shows dreaming I would share them maybe to the world someday. When I write it all comes from my imagination and sometimes I'm inspired by someone big like Stephen King.
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5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I think the best one, which seems to have a direct link to the the industry, is the University of Southern California (USC).
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1865
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lola !
It is so awesome that you are a writer and interested in pursuing it as a career ! Screenwriting is very special as you tell a story for a wide audience and see your action and characters come to life ! I would definitely recommend getting a focused college experience and a degree and you will have to research many, many colleges that can provide you with what you need.
If I was to go to a college to study Screenwriting, I would go to the top notch school - The American Film Institute in Hollywood, CA. And I would go for a Masters Degree at that ! This is one of the schools that you will receive the best opportunities from. A lot of well known films have come out of the AFI, so in my opinion, this is the best school for screenwriting. Go to their website and read all the information and than return to it once you are preparing to apply for admission.
I would suggest checking out your local colleges if you do not plan to relocate to go to school. I would also suggest that you look at the college's film and theatre departments for screenwriting and playwriting courses. As a theatre major, I took a year of playwriting in college and it was very rewarding. No matter where you take your writing courses, you will need to be among other writers for feedback, networking and creative collaboratives. So definitely go the college route for this.
Start reading Script Magazine. It is full of articles that can help you and guide you as you take steps towards your career. Also read Screenwriting Magazine on line for information you will find valuable. I have left links for them below. There's also a community of your peers at Go Teen Writers and I have provided a link to their website for you below.
Lola, if there's any one piece of advice I can give you that's most important it's to never ever give up this dream. I say this first hand as I had gone to college for a field in the entertainment industry. We are also living in a time right now where you can make your own opportunities happen with video and eventually have a channel on a platform with your scripts coming alive. Ignore any discouraging words you may hear and push forward, know that you have stories, messages and characters that people need to see and hear ! Join a group that will put you in close contact with like minded, creative, driven people or start a screenwriting group at your school and collaborate with the video department/club.
I wish you the very best in your work and studies and hope that this is helpful to you along your journey. Again, never give up !
THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE https://www.afi.com/
SCREENWRITER MAGAZINE ON LINE https://scriptmag.com/magazine
SCREENWRITING MAGAZINE https://screenwritingmagazine.com/
GO TEEN WRITERS https://goteenwriters.com/
It is so awesome that you are a writer and interested in pursuing it as a career ! Screenwriting is very special as you tell a story for a wide audience and see your action and characters come to life ! I would definitely recommend getting a focused college experience and a degree and you will have to research many, many colleges that can provide you with what you need.
If I was to go to a college to study Screenwriting, I would go to the top notch school - The American Film Institute in Hollywood, CA. And I would go for a Masters Degree at that ! This is one of the schools that you will receive the best opportunities from. A lot of well known films have come out of the AFI, so in my opinion, this is the best school for screenwriting. Go to their website and read all the information and than return to it once you are preparing to apply for admission.
I would suggest checking out your local colleges if you do not plan to relocate to go to school. I would also suggest that you look at the college's film and theatre departments for screenwriting and playwriting courses. As a theatre major, I took a year of playwriting in college and it was very rewarding. No matter where you take your writing courses, you will need to be among other writers for feedback, networking and creative collaboratives. So definitely go the college route for this.
Start reading Script Magazine. It is full of articles that can help you and guide you as you take steps towards your career. Also read Screenwriting Magazine on line for information you will find valuable. I have left links for them below. There's also a community of your peers at Go Teen Writers and I have provided a link to their website for you below.
Lola, if there's any one piece of advice I can give you that's most important it's to never ever give up this dream. I say this first hand as I had gone to college for a field in the entertainment industry. We are also living in a time right now where you can make your own opportunities happen with video and eventually have a channel on a platform with your scripts coming alive. Ignore any discouraging words you may hear and push forward, know that you have stories, messages and characters that people need to see and hear ! Join a group that will put you in close contact with like minded, creative, driven people or start a screenwriting group at your school and collaborate with the video department/club.
I wish you the very best in your work and studies and hope that this is helpful to you along your journey. Again, never give up !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Sol MacNamara
Student
2
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Sol’s Answer
I would really recommend Full Sail University. They have online classes if you're unable to attend their location in Winter Park, FL, and their Creative Writing degree has a good range of writing classes for everything from novels to movies to games.
There's other degrees to help work in those fields as well, if you would want to explore more than writing. The student community is great and welcoming to everyone, and any experience is good experience!
I'm currently a student there in their Creative Writing degree and have taken both TV writing courses, as well as the Film writing course, and the teachers are super helpful about their topic. The instructor for TV Writing 2 is especially helpful when it comes to making sure you understand what you're doing.
There's other degrees to help work in those fields as well, if you would want to explore more than writing. The student community is great and welcoming to everyone, and any experience is good experience!
I'm currently a student there in their Creative Writing degree and have taken both TV writing courses, as well as the Film writing course, and the teachers are super helpful about their topic. The instructor for TV Writing 2 is especially helpful when it comes to making sure you understand what you're doing.
Laura Doreson
Coordinator
5
Answers
Rolling Meadows, Illinois
Updated
Laura’s Answer
You may want to locate a school where their major courses are in screenwriting movies and other shows. As mentioned by Paul, USC is a great school. NYU also has a famous film department where many famous directors studied, like Martin Scorcese.
However, another option you may want to look into is interning programs at companies who are looking to hire young talent. This looks like a good place to start:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/internships-for-screenwriters.
Good luck to you!
However, another option you may want to look into is interning programs at companies who are looking to hire young talent. This looks like a good place to start:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/internships-for-screenwriters.
Good luck to you!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
725
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Lola, first off, I want to express my appreciation for your initiative in seeking advice about the best college for film writers. I trust that the details I've compiled for you will offer some valuable guidance.
As someone who's always had a burning passion for crafting movie and TV scripts, choosing a college to nurture and elevate your talent is a crucial step. Thankfully, there are numerous prestigious colleges across the US celebrated for their film, TV, and screenwriting programs. One such standout is the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts, nestled in Los Angeles, California. USC provides an all-encompassing program in film and TV production, with specialized paths in screenwriting. The school is proud of its cutting-edge facilities, distinguished faculty who are active industry professionals, and a wide network of alumni thriving in the entertainment industry.
In the same vein, New York University's Tisch School of the Arts offers a highly respected program in film and TV, with a spotlight on screenwriting. Situated in the vibrant heart of New York City, Tisch equips students like you with access to industry professionals, internships, and networking opportunities in the global entertainment hub. The school's esteemed faculty comprises accomplished writers, directors, and producers who can offer priceless mentorship and guidance as you refine your craft.
Another worthy consideration is the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film, and Television. UCLA's screenwriting program presents a challenging curriculum that underscores both the art and business of screenwriting. Given its close proximity to the entertainment industry's heartland of Los Angeles, UCLA offers students abundant opportunities for internships, networking, and interaction with industry professionals.
Additionally, you might want to look into programs at specialized film schools like the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory or the Columbia University School of the Arts. These institutions present immersive, hands-on programs tailored for budding filmmakers and screenwriters. For instance, AFI's screenwriting program emphasizes honing storytelling skills and equipping students for successful careers in film and TV.
Beyond traditional four-year universities, you might also want to explore conservatories or specialized writing programs that offer concentrated training in screenwriting. For example, the University of Texas at Austin's Michener Center for Writers offers a highly selective MFA program in screenwriting, providing students with mentorship from celebrated writers and a nurturing environment to grow their craft.
In the end, the ideal college for you to study film and TV writing will hinge on your personal goals, preferences, and ambitions. You should meticulously research each program, considering aspects like faculty expertise, industry connections, curriculum design, and location, and perhaps even tour campuses or attend virtual info sessions to grasp the culture and atmosphere. With commitment, persistence, and the right educational groundwork, you can keep chasing your dream of sharing your stories with the world, drawing inspiration from legends like Stephen King and fueled by your limitless imagination.
As someone who's always had a burning passion for crafting movie and TV scripts, choosing a college to nurture and elevate your talent is a crucial step. Thankfully, there are numerous prestigious colleges across the US celebrated for their film, TV, and screenwriting programs. One such standout is the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts, nestled in Los Angeles, California. USC provides an all-encompassing program in film and TV production, with specialized paths in screenwriting. The school is proud of its cutting-edge facilities, distinguished faculty who are active industry professionals, and a wide network of alumni thriving in the entertainment industry.
In the same vein, New York University's Tisch School of the Arts offers a highly respected program in film and TV, with a spotlight on screenwriting. Situated in the vibrant heart of New York City, Tisch equips students like you with access to industry professionals, internships, and networking opportunities in the global entertainment hub. The school's esteemed faculty comprises accomplished writers, directors, and producers who can offer priceless mentorship and guidance as you refine your craft.
Another worthy consideration is the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film, and Television. UCLA's screenwriting program presents a challenging curriculum that underscores both the art and business of screenwriting. Given its close proximity to the entertainment industry's heartland of Los Angeles, UCLA offers students abundant opportunities for internships, networking, and interaction with industry professionals.
Additionally, you might want to look into programs at specialized film schools like the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory or the Columbia University School of the Arts. These institutions present immersive, hands-on programs tailored for budding filmmakers and screenwriters. For instance, AFI's screenwriting program emphasizes honing storytelling skills and equipping students for successful careers in film and TV.
Beyond traditional four-year universities, you might also want to explore conservatories or specialized writing programs that offer concentrated training in screenwriting. For example, the University of Texas at Austin's Michener Center for Writers offers a highly selective MFA program in screenwriting, providing students with mentorship from celebrated writers and a nurturing environment to grow their craft.
In the end, the ideal college for you to study film and TV writing will hinge on your personal goals, preferences, and ambitions. You should meticulously research each program, considering aspects like faculty expertise, industry connections, curriculum design, and location, and perhaps even tour campuses or attend virtual info sessions to grasp the culture and atmosphere. With commitment, persistence, and the right educational groundwork, you can keep chasing your dream of sharing your stories with the world, drawing inspiration from legends like Stephen King and fueled by your limitless imagination.