Expert: Barry Pearson - 8/9/2006

Question
Hello,

I've written to you before asking for advice concerning how what direction I should take as far as just moving to LA or going to school, etc.

I have decided my best course of action is to get my BA, because I like the idea of having a back-up and I want to learn. I spent a lot of time on wordplayer.com getting advice from screenwriters and their general consensus has been move to cali and get a job start writing. Financially I am not ready to do that, which is one of the reasons I am going back to school.

I digress. Anyway, quick version, being a transfer student, and because of the g/e requirements, I wont' get into, UCLA, or USC. I am applying to UCR, CSUN and Columbia College Chicago.

Now UCR and CSUN, are in California, which I figured is a great start. I was planning on taking UCLA extension classes in the summer, and I assumed being in California is where to go. But, although I've been assured UCR and CSUN have great film programs, they have very little screenwriting. You basic Screenwriting I, II and III. CCC has a ton of classes, and the reviews say they are instensive and worthwhile. They also have a semester in LA thing where they have a building on the CBS lot in Studio City.

I guess my main question is, can I go to a film school in Chicago and still manage to succeed once I get to Hollywood? (Leaving out talent for now).

I know a lot of filmakers/screenwriters went to school other places (Joss Whedon/Weselyn) I guess I figured already having been to college once, I should go to where it happens.

The plan, if I go to Chicago, would be to study there, spend my last semester in LA, and then relocate to LA perm.

Any advice?

Answer
Hi Kelly,

Scrub Chicago.  Great University, but too GU (Geographically Undesirable), not cheap to live in, and the weather absolutely sucks.  In transit one time, I actually had to sleep on the floor overnight in O'Hare with my spouse and ten-year-old, because we were snowed in and there were no hotels available.

On top of that, you can't network from there, can't attend industry gatherings (Like AFM and Expo, etc. etc. etc.), and if you submit a script anywhere, and get interest, you can't tend to it in person.  Bad, bad, for a screenwriting career.

FOR-get it!

The best LOCATION is CSUN, because it's close enough for you to drive into L.A. for classes, seminars, meetings etc.  Riverdale is quite a hike so you'd have to have compelling curricular reasons to go there.

Study those two, and weigh your options.  

I don't recommend you make any rash moves, but within your comfort zone, you should get to L.A. or environs as soon as practicable.  

If you're still feeling nervous about the leap, why don't you grab yourself a cheap flight, and go check these campuses out in person?  Most heads of departments will give you a few minutes of their time if you're flying in, especially if you set  up the visit up by telephone.  Since you're very serious, and you're making a life-altering decision, this would be worth the investment.

Best of luck in your career,

Barry