A visit to Chapman University — Dodge College of Film and Media Arts and the College of Performing Arts
Chapman University is a compact campus south of Los Angeles in the town of Orange. Access to LA is easy as a train runs regularly next to campus to downtown, it is also close to the amazing network of freeways (and traffic) LA is known for. Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is just two blocks from the main campus and is home to eight majors including a BFA in Screen Acting (jointly run with the College of Performing Arts), and a BFA in Journalism and Documentary, and 10 minors housed in three buildings. They have also initiated a new BA inDodge distinguishes itself by allowing students to own all their Intellectual Property (IP) as well as by providing financial awards and grants to produce final thesis work.
Majors:
Animation and Visual Effects (BFA)
Broadcast Journalism and Documentary (BFA - saw them filming the weekly news in a full newsroom setup
Creative Producing (BFA)
Film and Television Production (BFA) - This program has a “foundation” program where afterwards you declare your specialty after sophomore year: directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, production design, writing and production
Writing for Film and Television (BFA)
Film and Media Studies (BA)
Public Relations, Advertising and Entertainment Marketing (BA) works together with Film and Television Production students as they create their films to also create the marketing collateral necessary to promote their work.
Screen Acting (BFA) in collaboration with College of Performing Arts, because it is closely related to Dodge, students study other aspects of filmmaking which will help them as they pursue acting. The screen acting cohort is about 14 students.
Because Chapman’s campus is relatively compact you see students everywhere and the proximity to a shopping/dining area, with about a dozen antique/thrift stores in a small downtown area is much appreciated and mentioned. Dodge graduates about 300 students per year, spread across the different majors.
Chapman’s College of Performing Arts also has a very highly ranked Dance BFA and BA as well as Theatre performance BFA and BA. The dance studios are airy and filled with lots of natural light with viewing spaces throughout the very modern building.
Application Note: Chapman/Dodge’s application is quite intense and has many components, the Film and TV Production application, with a two minute film response to a prompt (no dialogue or music) is due November 1. Applications to Writing for Film and TV require multiple essays, and priority is given to applications received by November 1. Chapman’s College of Performing Arts also has a very highly ranked Dance BFA and BA. The dance studios are filled with lots of natural light and have viewing spaces throughout the very modern building. Early Decision is offered for all majors.
If you need help with applying to Chapman schedule an appointment today.