Could anyone tell me when people say that the film program in Syracuse is prestigious or renowned, which one do they actually refer to, the one in the VPA or in the New House?

And, is the VPA a good place for one who is seeking education of independent narrative film production?

I am not in the US so I don't know quite much about your schools. I really hope someone could help.

Hey there,

I am currently an international student and a senior at Syracuse's VPA program. Both schools are prestigious and renowned. The difference is that New House's program is actually centered on Television/Radio/Film and is much more focused on producing, although teaches production as well. VPA is centered on Transmedia (Film/Video/Photography/Computer Art). People choose on of those four to focus their studies and have a choice to take courses in all four fields. If you choose film this is how the program works.
Freshman Year:
1st Semester you learn history and theory.
2nd Semester you are asked to produce a short 16mm film on Bolex Non Sync Sound.
Sophmore Year:
Both semesters you learn more theory and asked to produce two short films with a partner or alone if you can argue why working alone is better. You have a choice of shooting 16mm or Digital.
Junior Year:
You can choose to work in several different aspects of filmmaking:
Directing
Sound Design
Documentary Filmmaking
Senior Year:
you are asked to produce a short thesis film
pre-production and production 1st semester
post-production 2nd semester

You will need 129 credits to graduate. Equipment is provided and is not in a terrible condition. but not sublime either. We have several 16mm Cameras two Super 16MM Cameras.

For more questions you can contact me here.

dsusov, thank you for your detailed answer and that sounds great! It seems that you enjoy your life at Syracuse and I hope you come out with great works. I've got what I wanted to know in your description. Thanks again!

The program in Newhouse is TV/Radio/Film, so unless you want to spend 2/3 of your time studying TV and Radio - not to mention that is not a BFA so you won't be doing as much of it anyways - definitely go for the VPA program.

I am a freshman in the VPA program and I love it. Perfect size (about 25 freshman), and I hear it is very selective, as they take admit around 6%. It is very artistically focused, but extremely rewarding, with a perfect balance between studies and production. Highly recommended.