So I live in Florida, and I'd really like to go to a Florida Film School because of Bright Futures, but the only schools I canf ind that seem decent are FSU, UCF, and Full Sail which I've heard mixed reviews on. I'd really love it if someone could give me their opinion on Full Sail, which is my back up, or any other film schools in Florida. Also maybe an opinion on going out of state for school? Thanks!

You've come to the right place. Search this site, there is a wealth of info that can change your perspective and open your eyes, and lead you on roads of school research that will keep you up until far late at night.

I suggest you do a search about Full Sail, both here, on Facebook, and google. The people who rave about it, and the people who rant...are they doing what you want to do, or are they doing something else?

The University of Miami has, I've heard, a pretty comprehensive film program, but Florida State is definitely known as one of the best east coast schools. I don't know if those rankings are for grad or undergrad, though, might want to investigate that.

Out of state will be more expensive than a state school, but UM is pretty pricey anyway, and Full Sail is outrageously expensive...the LA schools and the NY schools are worth the money, in my opinion as a USC student and friend of folks at the other so-called top schools, but then again, it all depends on what you want to do.

Best of luck.

Thank you so much for your help. A lot of the information I've finding though seems to be dated back a few years, not a lot of recent stuff.

I would stay away from Full Sail University; too much money for a degree that it not very respected. I agree with Jayimess. Try Florida State University they are the best in Florida, I also heard that UCF film department is pretty good but FSU is the best as far as a college degree goes. My undergraduate film instructor holds a PHD from FSU and he was very knowledgeable. The only problem I have with UCF is that they have very poor customer service. My best advice is to talk to alumni of the colleges you are considering. If I find any alumni forums for the colleges you listed I will add another post. I hope this helps.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: FILMTECH,

I'm seriously thinking about going to Florida State. I would appreciate any advice from current or alumni students.

hey filmtech does UCF have a good program though?? im looking for one for the fall semester and even though iwill have already done a short or two and a feature would love to go to film school and have a residence in fl although well i get mail there so i can maintain a residence but was looking at FS and UCF and im gon google this other school u speak of too

Hi AvsB,
I live in Orlando now and I see short from UCF showing on the local TV channel. They look pretty good. If you are concern with price then I would pick UCF over FSU. I've heard more about FSU film program but have no first hand experience there. I think that you are going to do well since you have some experience in filmmaking. UCF is very inexpensive compared to FSU. Give me a few days and I will get some info from UCF for you. Try to get a catalog and look at the courses offered to make sure it's something you want to do. Two years ago I wanted to get a degree in film production but every school I looked at was offering programs in areas I was already good at. I decided to go to grad school and am not working on my PHD. What I am trying to say is pick carefully... and do your research. Don’t settle because you are paying for this education. Also, try to find schools that will help you develop a good film portfolio. This will help you get you foot in the door. I hope I was helpful.

Hi, I am a current graduate film school student at FSU. I did research on all the film schools in Florida and FSU matched what I was looking for better than any others. After doing more digging, I found out that FSU is ranked among the top in the country and often take home more student awards than any other college. The BFA students just won huge at a documentary festival. The faculty is great and they make sure that you learn how to do everything on set. They teach you how to do everything from directing to grip work. The school believes that in order to be a great director, you need to know what everyone working under you is going through and what each of your requests will entail for them. It is also good so when you graduate and are trying to get your foot in the door somewhere, you have experience in every department and can at least get an entry level job if you can't find something in your specialization.
Keep doing your research, but tours are always a huge help and highly reccommended. If you go during the spring or summer, you may be able to arrange a visit to one of the sets to see how we do it here. Good luck and if you have any questions, just let me know.

Thanks for the insight HeatherG. I am interested to find out more about the student awards that FSU won and where can I get some info.

Did you know?
PPA 2011/Term II (April 04 - June 26) tuition is being offered at a discounted rate. Domestic and international students will only pay 5% of the regular tuition which equates to $59.00. The other 95% of the tuition will be absorbed by the academy. Read more at http://ppa-edu.us/index.php?news&nid=5.

Don't forget to try Ringling College of Art and Design in florida. They're known for their animation and cgi departments, mostly in conjunction with Pixar, who hand picks their students from this campus. They do have a film program, which is nearly identical to that of FSU. They also have a RED camera, which i am excited about. I'm applying.