Chapman University in Orange, CA is a small private school, but it has recently become prominent. Why do you ask? Well, as of June 2006 it is the first school in the world to have its own studio backlot. Chapman 800 undergraduate and graduate students, part of the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, now in Marion Knott The studios will be a beautiful 76,000 square foot complex.
A system of study lots where students would have more hands-on experience and atmosphere, sometimes worked in the mind of dean Bob Bassett years ago. It took some time and money ($31 million), but his dream is now a reality. With a 4,000-square-foot sound stage and a baby brother, a 2,500-square-foot sound station that students will have access to, they can send film projects, create set-ups in journalism and film special effects at green screen scene.
The facility also houses foley stages for creating sound effects, 36 editing suites, sound booths, motion capture rooms, construction rooms, listening spaces, Dolby the mixed rooms and look at the numerous schools and nursery rooms.
Also impressive is the 500 seat Folino Genus Cinema theater where students will be able to cover their work, 35mm film and film.
Chapman University offers degrees in screenwriting, cinematography, film studies, public relations and advertising, broadcast journalism and production. Emphasis on these is also available. All faculty members and professors are currently involved.
As a recent graduate of Chapman Film School I have to tell you, it’s an amazing film program. I loved every moment of it. From the first orientation with Bob Bassett told us to enjoy the last week of sleep that we are not going to sleep in recent years to the grueling hours of the morning trying to finish the film before the 8 p.m. it is due. It was the best experience I could have had in school.
Classes are usually 10-12 students, except for classes/seminars, which get fewer than 45-50 students. In a university class, that’s still incredibly small. If you are looking for personalized education from a professor who truly cares about you, then Chapman is the place. All of my professors have always been available to help students outside of class and even after graduation. Most students give their cell phone number and private email so they can be reached at any time. Chapman hires professionals who not only know their craft but are able and willing to help the next crop of aspiring filmmakers.
Chapman’s film program also has a few special programs to enhance the career. Among these is the filmmaker-in-residence program, where one filmmaker comes and spends a semester with a select group of students selected through an application process. These students meet weekly to work on their projects. This kind of hands-on teaching makes Chapman special, and will, I believe, propel it to the top of the list as the best film school not only in the nation, but in the world.
