Rating:(9/10)

Review:

Basically SJSU is a very indie-focused and honestly a hidden gem of a film school. (Granted the website gives a false impression.) But I've been able to direct and DP when I want and where I want- that seems like a rare commodity in these other schools. If you're a hard worker you can be a big fish in a small pond. The other students aren't just wannabe idiots either, they're talented- and like me, they just don't have any money.

We've been well-represented across the board: SJSU student-produced a film called "Glory Boy Days" got into Slamdance and CINEQUEST this year, we've also had a record number of films going to CINEQUEST (which is like four blocks from my house and is one of the Top 10 film festivals in the world - according to Film Festival Survival Guide writer Chris Gore) and our screenwriters (all friends of mine) got 1st, 2nd and 3rd place out of a number of other film schools for a national script competition. We were also Finalists at Campus Movie Fest's National Finale the last two years and Filmmaker Babak Sarrafan also produces a music video every year, most get on MTV, VH1, and BET and have been nominated for awards.

But in recent and more exciting news, the school is starting to finance and produce student feature screenplays every summer (are you kidding me? talk about a shot). This last one they brought in SAG actors, an ASC cinematographer, and an industry Line Producer to shoot it. They convert the depts two theatres into sound stages with light rigs and a full scene shop. I think the budget was around 300k (I think.)

Personally, my wife, another producer, and myself got 15 people to crew our 10 minute HD short over this last summer - at SJSU everyone is always willing to help. I'm in my senior semester at SJSU and have a decent reel with legit writer/producer/director/DP/editor credits to send to grad schools. The work is something I'm really proud of. I wouldn't have been able to it without the community that's here. I really think it's the most under-the-radar film school in America but it's slowly and steadily garnering some recognition. It should be named after Robert Rodriguez- it compels you not to rely on expensive dollies and jibs and 16 or 35mm cams. At sjsu, you get a dolly shot riding on a bicycle with two grips holding the bike while you go handheld. (Try it, getting that shot is a thrill in itself and if you do it right it looks fantastic.) The focus is solely on content and indie-style filmmaking. But Jeffrey Katzenberg came and spoke last semester and the Art Director of "Children of Men" and "Angeles Ashes" was just in one of my production classes. They really all say the same thing: there's no real way to break into the business, stay true to your art, tell your story and don't give up.

In conclusion, if it sounds like a place you'd like to go just know that they really don't know a heck of a lot about the technical here, you've got to find a lot of that stuff out on your own, but they'll really support you; and that's all you can ever really hope for. Also, use some of the money you've saved on tuition by going to a state school and invest in your own gear. So far I've got a Mac with FCP and a Canon XH A1. It's saved me loads of headaches with the bogus checkout room hours. Be a self starter and put yourself out there- write scripts. Work for people you trust. Good luck and thanks for reading.

SJSU - BA School of Radio - Television - Film (enrolled 2006-2008)