filmschoolnowwhat

Wondering how to meet people who might have similar backgrounds or interests as you? Maybe you were in a group in undergrad and you’re wondering if that exists here?

There are many groups to join at USC SCA. Some are official and some are student based.

There is a page on the USC SCA website that lists the groups: http://cinema.usc.edu/studentgroups/

On this page you’ll learn that SCA is trying to make groups accessible and worth your while. The students are as well.

The groups listed on that page are:

African American Cinema Society (AACS)

AACS was created to provide support and community for the African American film and television students at the University of Southern California. Originally founded by USC Alumni David L. Watts and John Singleton as the African American Film Association, it was reorganized and renamed in 2003. Events include industry panels and mixers. Contact us.

Asian American Cinema Association (AACA)

AACA aims to provide creative and professional opportunities for undergraduate and graduate level students interested in any aspect of the film industry. The organization hopes to prepare students for this career path through collaborative projects, professional networking events, and extensive information databases. Specifically, AACA will focus on highlighting Asian cinema and culture to create awareness and appreciation. Contact us.

Delta Kappa Alpha (DKA)

Recognized by the School of Cinematic Arts as the official professional cinema fraternity at the University of Southern California, DKA engages the community through philanthropic, social, and professional events. The goal of this co-ed fraternity is to establish meaningful relationships and camaraderie between students highly committed and interested in the film industry and in the cinematic arts. Search for us on Facebook. Contact us.

Entertainment Industry Network (EIN)

Founded in 2002 by Ari Sandel, Kim Ray, Melissa Stack, Suzie Gilbert and Sam Yousefian. The mission of EIN is two fold: To promote collaboration among USC film students across the six divisions and to promote and foster relationships between USC film students and industry professionals in Hollywood. Search for us on Facebook. Contact us.

Makers of Entertaining Games Associations (MEGA)

MEGA is a student run organization which strives to promote and facilitate the art of game creation within the University of Southern California. MEGA is a community of students from many disciplines who collaborate in order to cultivate a deeper understanding of interactive development at open weekly meetings, in which members share current projects, discuss relevant news and host guest speakers from all corners of the industry. Contact us.

Persistence of Visionaries (POV)

Persistence of Visionaries (POV) represents the graduate students of the John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts. The goal of the organization is to promote student interaction within the program and industry through special events & initiatives, in addition to facilitating communication with faculty. If you would like to get involved or have issues/events to discuss. Search for us on Facebook.Contact us.

QueerCut

QueerCut is the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Student Association at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. QueerCut is dedicated to building a professional community, promoting the visibility of LGBT themed media, and encouraging a strong network of LGBT students and allies. Contact us.

SCA Ambassadors

The SCA ambassadors are a student run organization which also serves as a liason for the School of Cinematic Arts. Students serve as panelists, tour guides, and help at various functions in addition to group activities and field trips.

SCA Graduate Council

The SCA Graduate Council is a student organization that aids in connecting the USC School of Cinematic Arts community. The council consists of representatives from each of the departments (Animation, Critical Studies, Interactive Media, Production, Peter Stark, and Writing) and three SCA GPSS Senators. The council holds open monthly meetings to discuss and support student issues and initiatives. All are welcome to attend, but please notify us ahead of time in regards to your issues/ideas. For a schedule of meeting times and events, please visit our website or search for us on facebook. Contact us.

SCFX

SCFX is the USC Special Effects Organization. We are dedicated to educating students about special and visual effects through hands on workshops, touring visual effects companies, and listening to guest speakers. Students can learn skills that will be applicable to their own projects as well as meet other students to collaborate with on projects. SCFX also provides the opportunity to network within the entertainment industry through our alumni, as most are now working at well established companies. Search for us on Facebook. Contact us.

Southern California Business Film Festival (SCBFF)

A business themed film festival awarding over $22,000 in cash and prizes to student filmmakers. Past events have included a screening of Entourage with creator Doug Ellin, RED Digital Cinemat “Future of Film” panel, and a VIP Networking Mixer catered by finalist Stefan Richter from Top Chef. Contact us.

Trojan Film Society (TFS)

TFS is divided into three departments: Production, Events, and Networking. The students of TFS work together on creating and making their own film projects, arranging guest speakers and helping connect students with professionals for industry experience. Search for us on Facebook. Contact us.

Women of Cinematic Arts (WCA)

Founded in 2005, the USC Women of Cinematic Arts provides networking and mentoring opportunities for University of Southern California students and alumni, and encourages and supports the presence of women in creative roles in the film, television and digital industries. Contact us.

Zero for Conduct (ZdC)

ZdC is the Critical Studies graduate student organization at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. It is our hope the our presence will facilitate communication not only betwen the organization and students, but amongst students as well. Contact us.

Additional Organizations

There are over 600 student organizations recognized by the university and open to students.

If you are interested in starting your own student organizations or have questions, please contact Marcus Anderson in the Office of Student Services.

Campus Life Resources

OTHER OPTIONS: 

Different classes have also started Facebook and Google groups. Be sure to check with your classmates and schoolmates to see if you can become a part of these communities.

Make friends on FB, sometimes events are posted there, classmates might post calls or request help through status updates… It’s an easy way to stay connected (just try to avoid posting too much personal stuff on there… We don’t need to know you’re every waking thought).

Start your own group if necessary. People like go-getters and this is the industry in which to do it.

Good luck and hopefully you’ll find the group that’s right for you.

Have you been to SPO yet? Have you received a “blast?” Do you know what I’m talking about?

SPO is the Student Production Office. They’re the people with the answers and the witty dry erase board in the Coffee Bean lobby.

SPO is a great place to find answers to questions, talk to fellow students, find talent for your short, check your email or make copies of DVD’s.

The students who run SPO, behind the desk, are experienced in producing projects both in and outside of school. They all have completed a 546/547 in the Producing Dept. or have worked on high level classes in order to obtain the job. They know the school like the back of their hand and will have outside of school options for you as well. They know what is expected of classes, what paper work you’ll need and the occasional way to figure out a major problem.

Be kind to them. They are another form of gatekeeper. They’ll help you 10xs more if you treat them with respect.

If you’re in 508, you should get to know SPO. Hang out in the room, talk to other students there. Even the occasional eves dropping will help you. There are countless times that people have walked into SPO at their wits end and someone overhears their complaints and provides a solution or the beginning of one.

You can make phone calls in SPO, work and shoot the Sh!t.

There are flyers in SPO advertising stunt people, musicians, organizations that can help your production. You can meet writers, Starkies, undergrads, and the occasional rando there.

There are binders with Actors’ headshots in SPO — Most likely people from USC’s Theater Dept. but there are also actors who come in to lend their headshots.

Often, there’s a candy bowl in SPO. Keep your blood sugar regulated (November is Diabetes Month… FYI)

SPO has a blog on SCA Community (a website that you’ll get to know very well when you’re at USC SCA). They provide information about 546/547, contest opportunities and information you’ll need for the full SCA experience.

SPO will also be the place to get your forms for audition rooms, hazardous shooting forms and other forms to get STAMPED. Like I said, respect them. It makes the process easier.

If you have trouble finding SPO, ask someone. It’s in the main lobby, just past the Coffee Bean on the right (if you enter from the main entrance).

Good luck with your production and feel free to ask questions here.

In case you haven’t seen it on the USC SCA website… There is an admissions event for Graduate and Undergraduate Students during November.

Go to the EVENT PAGE for more information.

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Student Aid Presentations

As you are preparing to apply for admission to the USC School of Cinematic Arts, we want to make sure that you are aware of the financial aid process and the various forms of student aid available at USC and the School of Cinematic Arts. While you are just starting to think about next fall, we want to make sure that you are aware of opportunities that you should be looking into now and in the early part of next year, even before you receive your admission decision. It’s never too early to start financially planning for your education!

In the coming weeks, the School of Cinematic Arts will be offering online information sessions to help address your questions regarding scholarships available from USC and the School of Cinematic Arts, as well as to provide you with general information and deadlines for the USC Financial Aid process.

Sessions will be offered for both prospective undergraduate and graduate applicants; please select a date below to register. All session times will be held in Pacific Standard Time (PST).

Student Aid Web Presentation for Prospective Undergraduate Students

• Wednesday, November 9th at 3pm
• Wednesday, November 16th at 3pm
• Friday, November 18th at 3pm

Student Aid Web Presentation for Prospective Graduate Students

• Friday, November 11th at 12pm
• Tuesday, November 22nd at 3pm
• Tuesday, November 29th at 3pm

Please Note: This session is offered by the USC School of Cinematic Arts and is purely informational. Please refer to all communication from the USC Office of Financial Aid to ensure that you meet all university deadlines. Also, Undergraduate Applicants, please view the online webinar below for specifics on the USC Financial Aid process.
Online webinar

School of Cinematic Arts
Fall 2012 Admission Events

Interesting in learning more about the USC School of Cinematic Arts? Then join us at one of our scheduled admission events or online information sessions.

For more information, please feel free to contact the SCA Office of Admissions by email atadmissions@cinema.usc.edu.

*from the event page 

A couple of semesters ago the “Big/Little Sib” mentoring program was started. It’s fantastic when it’s used properly.

There are two major snags that students run into: “My big sib never got back to me” or “My little sib never got back to me.”

People are busy at SCA. Everyone knows this. But it actually doesn’t take more than a 5 minute conversation to get things started. Actually, it doesn’t take more than a response email.

You have to agree to be in the program and Kristen Clark will contact you.

Once you have a sib, talk to them. Find out if they want to or want you to work on projects.

Mentorship is a big deal in the film industry. You’ll have friends and teachers throughout your life and listening to them never hurts. You don’t always have to do exactly what they tell you, but the information can be priceless.

Big sibs can help you figure out the ropes. They can help you not feel so overwhelmed. They might be able to tell you who to take or who they took. They might tell you that it is possible to take 516 during 507. If that doesn’t mean anything to you… Ask a big sib.

Little sibs can be valuable as well. They want to learn so they want to be on your set. They want to play with the equipment and offer ideas. They might have outside world talents that are worth your while.

Be sure to also  make contact with teachers. They might not all be the perfect fit for you, but every once in a while you’ll get one who wants to invest their time in you. This can lead to life long professional connections. Use them. Don’t abuse them.

It’s best if everyone helps one another. It’s a USC SCA ideal to have teamwork create films. Embrace it.

It’s your first semester at USC SCA. This is a fun time. You’ll be meeting a ton of new people and developing relationships that you will have for the rest of your career and life.

507 is your first semester. It’s where you take the first steps in how the SCA system works. It can be overwhelming at first but we’re here to give you some trusty tips on how to

TIPS:

• There will be a number of mixers, parties, get togethers, etc. Go to them. It’s a great way to not only become familiar with your classmates, it’s also an exercise in how things are run in L.A. Now, sometimes that sounds SUPER CHEESY. Let’s just pretend it didn’t right there and act like it’s your first days of elementary schools. You have to make new friends because you’re going to see them everyday and need them on occasion to hold a camera or boom pole. They’ll need you too. Mixers are also a great way to meet people in different programs and people who might be semesters above you. Utilize this. Also, don’t be that guy/gal. You know what I mean.
• YOU HAVE TIME. The last thing someone in 508 (the semester above you) wants to hear is “I don’t have time for anything.” Sometimes this will be true, but there’s no way it’s true all the time. We all know people who have jobs (maybe 2 or 3), kids, families, friends and obligations… You’re one of them… But not the only one. Make time. The best advice anyone gave me was to PA on a 546 during 507. 546 is a class in which most of your schoolmates are aspiring to participate. Be a part of the mix. They need your help and will remember someone who helps them out and is a great teammate. 547 is the documentary side of this. They too need you.
• HELP ON 508′s. This should be a part 2 of that first statement. You will learn tons more from hands on experience on a 508. It will teach you how to get a 507 (5 min) short done and it will get you involved with the class above you. They will want your help. We all want to help one another. You have time and they’ll most likely give you pointers on how to make the best of your semester.
• WRITE, WRITE, Re-WRITE: You’ll be asked to make a number of shorts. You’ll have a ton of ideas, some will work for the format, some won’t. ALL should be written down. It’s always better to have a bunch of things to pull from and to workshop in classes than to have nothing and not meet deadlines. Re-writing is always your friend.
• MAKE FRIENDS WITH HELP DESK WORKERS: All too often, people get frustrated in the editing labs. If you suffer from this, you’re not the first and you won’t be the last. It’s a large network and there are a lot of rules. There are Help Desk workers who are there to try to figure things out with you. Now, “with” is underlined and bold because they’re not there to do it FOR you. You won’t learn the system if that happens. It’s best to remember several things about these Help Desk people: They are students (so they’ve probably been up late, working on set, working in general and might be tired) they’re not just off the street. They want to help you, but if you are mean/aggressive toward them, they’ll probably not take it too well. You’re tired, they’re tired. Just take a breath and describe the problem in as much detail as possible. No question is too dumb. Help Desk workers would rather you let them know as much as you know and then have a conversation than to hear a lot of “I know’s.” There will be more on this in another post.
• SA’s WILL HELP YOU: Your SA is there to help you with your questions. Don’t call them in the middle of the night and don’t ask them to do it for you. They’re students as well. They’re gems. If you respect them and treat them well, they’ll help you with whatever you and your teacher need.
• TRY NOT TO TALK SMACK: Your teachers, your classmates and your fellow workers are your friends and your co-workers. Remember that when you want to slam someone to a group of people. Sometimes it’s better to just exercise or write a screenplay.
• JOE WALLENSTEIN ISN’T AS HARD TO FIND AS YOU THINK: You might run into Hazardous Shooting Material forms in 507. YOU WILL IN 508. Joe is who you’ll need. He’s a busy man. He sees a ton of people in a day. You’re not the first nor the last. Be nice to the worker at the desk, it will get you far. Be genuine though. They know a BS artist when they see one. Joe will be around… But not just for you. Keep this in mind and you’ll be a lot less frustrated. Also, pay attention to things like this… It will make finding him and talking to him in the future easier.
• EVERYONE HAS SEEN “STAR WARS” : This is going to have to be a post on its own but keep it in mind. We go to USC SCA, it might be a requirement to see “Star Wars.”