I'm looking into either USC or AFI for an MFA in Film Production. What are the benefits/downsides of either program, and what do you think is better?

Hey John,

I just got accepted to USC for Spring and am still waiting to hear back on AFI. I was just wondering if you had been accepted to either recently, since I know AFI is making their decisions known this week. I would say at this point AFI is my first choice solely because I feel that it is less beuaracratic than USC. Also, I like that it is specialized. I already studied film as an undergrad and want to focus on directing so AFI seems like a better suit for me. However, if you want a broader production experience USC may be better. My assumption is that both are probably equitable in terms of equipment, faculty and industry connections.

I'm currently a Junior at NYU Tisch, for Film/Television Production. As much as I love this program, I feel the need to get to LA, the home of the film industry. So I'm already beginning to look into programs, and these two attract me the most. Industry connections is a BIG thing to me; USC has the "Trojan Network," and AFI has the "Bridge to the Profession." AFI seems more selective, but USC is ranked higher and has more prestige (or so I believe). AFI's two year program is a boost over USC's three year. USC seems to have better equipment/resources, but I'm not really sure.

I'm just looking for some info on these two.

From what I understand AFI's grad program is extremely competitive (amongst current students). Darren Aronofsky (who went to AFI) was at Tisch a couple of months ago, and mentioned that after the first year, they kick out some students who don't measure up.

With that being said, AFI seems to be a more conservatory type school.

Heya, I just graduated from Tisch. Are you in color sync right now?

I applied to AFI only because for me it was the only school that made sense. USC will be a repetition of what you have learned at tisch to a big extend (first two years).

AFI seems more intense, almost like a boot camp. It is also pure Hollywood system (which I like). That means, you will direct, someone from the DP department will shoot, someone from the editing department will edit and so on. Both AFI and USC are extremely competitive. If I get in (I know tomorrow....at this point, I doubt it), I will let you know more

Unfortunately, I was busy with my other major (Philosophy) and can't take Color Sync Workshop until next year (I heard the work level was very high and didn't really want to put myself through that and all the philosophy at the same time). As a result, I can't take Advanced Production Workships 1 and 2, but I'll take expiremental workshop instead.

How is it?