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My Son is a budding filmmaker, and would like to study for a BA (Hons) degree in Film & Television Production. We have now visited four universities across the UK, all of which have a different view on filmmaking.
For example, Leeds Met & Westminster University, use traditional 16mm film cameras and HD video acquisition for filmmaking, using Avid and FCP to edit, with Westminster still using a number of Steenbeck 16mm editing machines together with an in house telecine machine to transfer to digital. On the other hand Hatfield University only shoots 100% HD and will only use FCP to edit, while Bournemouth shoot in 16mm & HD but only edit with Avid.
All schools have great facilities, but should he go the traditional route of filmmaking using 16mm & HD or should he go 100% HD?
Your thoughts please and any recommendations of film schools.

innerscape,

I went to film school in the mid-1980's and had to choose to work with video or film. I chose film and have always been glad to have this as part of my experience.

We shot with Arriflex BLs and Eclair NPRs, cut using pic sync editors and Steenbecks. If I had to choose again I would choose film.

Of course HD is so wonderful and is the force that will shape the industry for the foreseeable future so this cannot be ignored.

I would therefore go for a mixture of the two - film and HD. The best of both worlds.

Hope this helps.

Rick

innerscape,

Having gotten my degree in Film & TV Production from Bournemouth, I'm inclined to agree 100% with Rick.

I would add that if he goes to Bournemouth and they exclusively use Avid, then get an iMac with Final Cut on it and learn that while he's at Uni in his spare time, then when he finishes in three years, he'll be versed in both and will have a leg up over others who will know one or the other. Final Cut is looking like it's taking over, but he'll be able to get editing and assistant editing jobs with editors who won't change from Avid to FCP, there are lots of them out there.

Hope that helps.

chrisburton,

Thanks Chris & Rick for your comments.
As a result my son has applied to them all, due to the fact it's not as easy as you may think to get in. Each uni gets between 750 and 1000 applicants for just 55 to 60 places, so it is very competitive from the start. He has sent the his personal profile and is now working on his showreel, should he get selected for an interview.

Will keep you posted on his progress.

innerscape,
After getting the A level results he needed, my son will be joining the Northern Film School, in Leeds.

The Northern Film School BA (Hons) is a three year course which aims to provide students with the complete production experience. In the first year students are introduced to all major aspects of film production including narrative fiction, documentary and animation. Over the next two years students are able to explore in detail the specialist crafts that contribute to the collaborative creative process including production design, cinematography, directing, screenwriting, sound, editing and post production. In their final year students focus upon their major creative project. These can include narrative fiction, documentary, music video or experimental film. Our aim is to provide each student with the opportunity to work as a Head of Department in their chosen specialism.
In providing students with the full hands-on practical experience of production students will also explore the full process of developing a creative project, from initial concept through to screen and audience. Students will be working in an educational environment in which they will be expected to develop their intellectual, critical, creative and practical skills at all levels of moving image production.

I wish him well