Hello. Just wanted to set up a place for people to ask questions about the School of Film at Ohio University. I used this site last year when applying and found it very helpful.

I am currently a first year MFA student and am having a blast in Athens, OH. (Please note: I am NOT the official representative of the department, just a current student.)

Write if you have any questions about anything not covered on the department website. I'd be happy to share my experiences so far.

Tim

I've heard Ohio is fully funded. How does this work?

I believe that everyone in our class of twelve first year students is receiving tuition & stipend for at least two out of the three quarters (plus summers). Second and third years receive more funding.

Hey Jackson--

I'm applying this to Ohio U. I guess my main question is, how do you think this program differs from the California/NY schools? I like the idea of a "fully-funded" program, but I don't suppose many of you are going to go on to Hollywood. What are your plans for after school?

And what do you love about the program?

Thanks,
Michael

I figured out pretty early in the application process that I am not a NYC or LA kinda person. The expenses are through the roof and big cities aren't really my style. Also my goals are not the "traditional" movie industry, but rather the new media of internet-based content and eventually teaching down the road.

I really liked the sense of community in the Film Department at Ohio University. The incoming class is small (12) and the crews are assigned on the first couple of projects. That helps a lot in the transition into a new school with new people. I also like the fact that Athens is small enough to walk or bike pretty much everywhere. The people around here a very nice to film students (locations, acting, access) and it's not uncommon to see a film crew out in the neighborhood on the weekends.

In response to your comment of graduates from a smaller school like Ohio Univ. going on to Hollywood, I would hesitate to base the next ten years in the film business to the last 40 years of industry film making. Accessibility to quality equipment and distribution is quickly becoming readily available to anyone. If you have a solid basis in the fundamentals, techniques, theories, networking and work ethic, you can pretty much call anywhere home.

Cool man, thanks. Ohio is definitely a program I've been looking at this past year, and they're the only one I know of that allows for a feature film to be made in the 3rd year. What track are you finding you'll specialize in?

The first year here is a "boot camp" experience, a lot of information and education about all different aspects of film making. I really enjoy that aspect of the program as the entire class is learning and working all of the different phases of filmmaking... writing scripts, pre-production, crewing each other's films, being the Director and the DP on the first film (a popular route, although sometimes not wise), and editing. And add in the Film Studies class and the papers that go along with that. Next quarter we add in sound, lights, another camera system, along with two classes in conjunction with the Theater Department. It's more than enough to keep the plate full.

Picking a specific track is not a big concern of mine right now, as I am trying to be open and absorb all of the information that is being presented. It will help in the long run to know all of the different jobs and responsibilities... and the program is really good at presenting all the different options.

Nontraditional Films Blog

I've started up a video blog to journal my time in Graduate school. I am attending Ohio University in Athens, OH and am having a blast here.

I'm presenting some "behind-the-scenes" videos of the projects we are working on and hope to showcase some of my colleague's work as it gets completed. I'm also writing about the development of my second film, from the first drafts of the script to the shooting in April 2011 to the post production work next summer. In the next few months, I plan to add some short videos featuring the creative work of other students in the Music, Theater, Dance and Art Departments.

Please bookmark my blog, check in every once in a while and leave comments when you can.

Thanks.

Tim Jackson
1st year MFA Candidate
School of Film
Ohio University

Nontraditional Films Blog

New films and a behind-the-scenes look at the first quarter at the School of Film MFA program at Ohio University.

NonTraditional Films

Enjoy!
Write if you have any questions.

Tim Jackson,1st year MFA
School of Film, Ohio University
Nontraditional Films Blog

Reason #38 on attending Ohio University.... Long Winter Break!

That's right! We just finished finals for the Fall Quarter and are now on a SIX WEEK break. For the next couple of years, Ohio University remains on the quarter system. I've got a couple of classmates that are blocking out 10 solid, consecutive days to shoot (try that during classes) and several more that are taking the time to write and develop scripts.

Tim Jackson,1st year MFA
School of Film, Ohio University
Nontraditional Films Blog

Again, if anyone has any questions about the School of Film at Ohio University, please feel free to ask.

(I'm not the official voice of the program, just a student.)

Tim Jackson,1st year MFA
School of Film, Ohio University
Nontraditional Films Blog

quote:

Originally posted by JacksonFilms:
Again, if anyone has any questions about the School of Film at Ohio University, please feel free to ask.

(I'm not the official voice of the program, just a student.)

Tim Jackson,1st year MFA
School of Film, Ohio University
Nontraditional Films Blog

Hi, Jackson
i am just wondering if you know Ohio U makes clear disciplines such as directing, editing, etc.?
also, since studying there, do u feel that the MFA program is more on the theory/literature side or practical training/group working side?

thanks!

The first year of the MFA program at Ohio University is known as "Boot Camp" and all of the first year students are on the same track. The classes are designed to build a solid foundation for the rest of the program. After the first year, you can move into more of a specialization (directing, writing, cinematography, etc.) in classes and through crewing on student films (producing, sound, grip, etc.).

The three year MFA program is mostly production, while the two-year MA program is more academic and theory. The department has solid instruction and guidance in both disciplines.

Hope that helps.

Tim Jackson,1st year MFA
School of Film, Ohio University
Nontraditional Films Blog

thank you jackson, ohio u is on my list now.

One month left before applications for 2011 are due!

Are there any international students? If so, how many? Actually, I am an international applicant from South Korea, for 2011 Fall admission.

Our class has three international students this year representing China, India and South Africa. I believe that the two classes ahead of ours also had about the same number.

Best of luck to everyone that applied for Fall 2011 admission.

Tim Jackson,1st year MFA
School of Film, Ohio University
Nontraditional Films Blog

Thank you so much Jackson, and I've checked your photo works and films from your websites, they're all great works! Way to go man!

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

wow, sounds amazing! I'm attending E.W.Scripps Journalism school this fall, and am an editor working for a movie magazine now. Do you guys have any activities or clubs that students from other schools can attend? Thank you.