How can I get into the UCLA Film School? (From the UK?)?
Hi, I'm from the UK and my dream in life is to become a film director and to do that, I want to get into a good film school. I think the best country in the world to chase your dream of being a director would be in America. I'm doing my GCSE's at the moment and I want to get into 6th Form college. I want to know how I can get into the Uni from the UK, what sort of financial help I could get (I'm not that rich), and how much you really have to do to get into the school. Outside of School, I go to an Air Cadets Camp which lets you fly a plane, shoot guns, do the Duke of Edinburough (I spelt that wrong), and I don't know if that's enough to make you an "experienced and well rounded human being" or not. I know they don't do scholarships for international students; how and where could I get financial help? Should I live in California for a while before I go to UCLA? Maybe get a job for moneys towards the fees? I'm really serious about going to America to become who I want to be. I'm prepared to work my butt off in a job for money or school for grades to do this or move away from home. What would be the best way for me to go to get into the UCLA Film School? Thanks.
Higher Education (University +) - 2 Answers
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1 :
Four billion people in the world want to be a Hollywood Film Director. You're not going to make it. Among the many practical problems is that you can't afford USA school tuition. You cannot legally work in the USA, and there is effectively no financial aid available. Why don't you get serious about your life's prospects?
2 :
I could not disagree with PE2008 more. I have a MFA from UCLA film school and have been a professional screenwriter for well over a decade, working with every major studio in Hollywood. There were several foreign students in my class and many of them have also made a living in Hollywood after graduation. That said, it is extremely difficult and requires much work. But it is possible. Don't let bitter souls who have let their dreams die discourage you from trying. On a more practical level, the first thing you need to do is apply to the school. I'm pretty sure you can just download an application from the internet nowadays. Frankly, I would suggest finishing your undergraduate in the UK and then going to graduate school in the US. The grad programs run 2-3 years rather than 4-5 (as do undergrads) and will save you money in the long run. Also, it is good to get a well rounded education rather than just concentrating on film. I have a BA in English Lit (also from UCLA) and cannot tell you how helpful that has been to my writing. As far as student visas and tuition, the university will help if and when you get accepted. UCLA is a public institution, so the fees are substantially less than USC or NYU which are private. However, you being foreign, I am not sure you can gain residency by just living here beforehand. That said, there are scholarships that only apply to UK students in the US -- I believe BAFTA has a scholarship specifically for UCLA film students. You could also try to attend a junior college (two year programs which feed into 4 year universities) like Santa Monica City College. That way you can get a student visa (or at least start trying) and maybe take some UCLA Extension classes too. If you want to try and get some crew work first, you can actually get a student work visa. I worked in Scotland between undergrad and grad and got my UK work visa via a group called BUNAC. I don't know if they still do that, but it is a simple way to get a legal work visa. Good luck. It is possible. Just apply, then once you get in, many of the legalistic questions will be answered.
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