Academy of Art University Reviews of Master's in Film Production

"AAU gets a bad rep because a lot of students aren't working, but it's art school, so I sort of understand it. Art isn't like other majors and I think it's a little harder to "make it"... some people are happy being local but some want to be big stars. I guess it just depends on what you label "success" as. I believe that my education at AAU was great. I had awesome teachers that I still keep in touch with and I learned things that I wouldn't have learned on my own. I had an opportunity to learn and make mistakes and work with a lot of people who weren't like me. The housing is good. The good is good. Everything is expensive and you will be in debt after, but I guess you have to soul search and see if it's worth it to you. My favorite part of attending AAU was meeting people with other art majors and learning how difficult their jobs are. My roommates were fashion majors and illustration majors and I have such a deeper respect for their field as I'm sure they have for mine (Motion Pictures and Television). One thing I wish that there was more of was career advancement. It was rare that we had someone come in looking for interns for MPT, whereas other majors such as illustration and visual effects always had people coming in. I think they were trying to make it better when I left, though."

"Instructors are hit or miss but in general the curriculum and school are a joke, even within the faculty. Most offensive is the jet-setting owner with her luxury car collection, massive property holdings and enormous wealth earned on the debt of hopeful students who end up with laughable degrees in an over saturated art market."

"The MFA Film program at AAU is fantastic. There are amazing networking opportunities and classes that actually help hone your skills. The advisors are very involved and prompt with their responses. It takes a bit of effort to correspond with the department director and I have never seen him in person, which is strange. Financial Aid is a bit lacking and San Francisco is absurdly expensive to live in, but the school is worth it."

"This is a great university with high quality Equipment and education but as an open campus spread in the whole city social life a little of a struggle. No Financial aid is provided"

"It's a very expensive school. But the teachers are masters at their art and have worked in the industry a long time. I am learning from the best. I also love the networking and the support I get from my teachers and directors."

"It is very expensive but I love the teachers and enjoy the experience."