I hope this is a joke. I mean to say, I hope this is a comedy piece, meant to poke fun at critics of the school. How could you be taken seriously? First, your "cinematographer" made a lot of elementary mistakes, such as doing hand-held shots when using a tripod would have looked much more professional, and not bothering to white balance the camera accurately. Second, your argument consists almost entirely of critiques of the EDC and the VMA department, most of which are one-sided and just wrong.
This is SO biased and only based on one program (Film) and your negative attitude toward renting out equipment. Emerson is great in so many ways, and you can make SO many great connections through co-curricular activities and getting involved (instead of sticking around for 4 years complaining and not even trying to get involved).
Don't try to speak for the whole college when you were only involved in one program and just didn't take advantage of your time there.
It's unfortunate and unfair that prospective students might see this and not apply because it's on the Internet and claiming to be more factual than it is. It's just one guy's opinion, and a few of his friends. Yeah, it's hard to get equipment out. But you can plan ahead. And the Will and Grace set used to be a garden before it was donated, so who cares?
Jim, I went to Emerson, with You in fact (Class 0f 2009). The school was awful and so I transferred. I hate Emerson "College" just as much as you do if not more. But even I think that this documentary is just terrible. There are so many problems with the school, but you only present a very shallow, pointless argument. In the end, the irony is that you are the definition of an Emersonian.
I'll be attending Emerson this fall, as a transfer student and entering into the VMA program. There is no doubt in my mind that you are highly biased and that this should not be called a documentary. (Usually they include both same and opposing views) I haven't even had one class at the school yet, but I know that they would have taught you how to light scenes better. Also the use of a tripod is Filmmaking 101. I learned that at community college, with one of the worst professors I've ever had.
I'm doing a precollege program here but I want to go to Vancouver film school for college. I have no idea if what you're saying is really true, but it's not terribly made, like many are saying.
no offense jimmy or whatever your name is, i have no clue if the things you say about emerson are actually true or not since I'm only a junior in high school right now, but this was just a poorly poorly done documentary. i'm going to be applying to emerson next year, and i hope i get in, and i know for a fact i could have done a better job than you making a documentary and im only in high school. If all you you learned at emerson are flaunted in this video, i guess u really did learn nothing.
This so called documentary is an utter disgrace. Not only is it shot poorly but it upsets me that someone who hated the school this much stayed there. It took you 4 years to realize you hated it there? There are tons of students that would have made the best of their time and learned everything they could. What you put in is what you get out of Emerson College. Any prospective student looking at this video should definitely read the comments that have been left here.
Classic Emerson student. Opinionated without real facts to back it up. I went to Emerson & I barely know what ur talking about, never mind peeps that never went there. This is less a documentary and more a 10 minute rant of you whining about how the EDC doesn't have equipment you like.
Emerson is a great college. It may not have been right for this student in the video but that could be true of any school. I graduated class of '00. The best part about Emerson for me was being around a bunch of other artistic people, including the teachers. I would def. recommend it for prospective students.
do you understand that a school is truly what you make it and the things that you say and attempt to prove in this crappy documentary goes to prove your inability and lack of artistic talent at all? Trust me man, emerson was not the problem. You were. and you will probably do terribly at any institution. Good luck selling magazines for the rest of your life!
hey i just got accepted and i need to make my decision by friday. cameras and all aside, would you recommend emerson for me as far as the political communications major? it still sounds pretty fun
I just rewatched this and once again I realized how horribly inaccurate it is. While I was at Emerson I was involved media productions, worked 2 on campus jobs, was involved in greek life and student government. I made connections that enabled me to get a job 2 months after graduation. Hell, I've even changed careers but the skills I learned at emerson are still helping find work. The way to make changes is to get involved, there was plenty I didn't like but I worked to change it. Go to Emerson!
I just rewatched this and once again I realized how horribly inaccurate it is. While I was at Emerson I was involved media productions, worked 2 on campus jobs, was involved in greek life and student government. I made connections that enabled me to get a job 2 months after graduation. Hell, I've even changed careers but the skills I learned at emerson are still helping find work. The way to make changes is to get involved, there was plenty I didn't like but I worked to change it. Go to Emerson!
I have no sympathy for anyone too lazy to transfer if they hated school this bad. I'm sure with the time it took to produce this drivel you could have gotten through the paper work to go elsewhere.
So is any of this true? Available equipment is the ONE thing I ask all these colleges, and Emerson told me otherwise... Do I believe them or you? I need equipment!
this is interesting...but extremely biased. I mean I know there was an agenda, but since both sides aren't thoroughly explored it's hard to trust the information.
An excellent documentary that causes Jim to look like a hypocrite. He clearly learned a lot, considering the quality of the production and his ability to address issues he feels passionate about. That is not to mention the other productions he's clearly done well with.
well done, i really enjoyed it. i am a senior in high school interested in film/cinematography and i was accepted into emerson college. this video hasn't made me change any of my decisions but it has presented an interesting point of view.
This is a great presentation and good points. I'm a senior in high school and also look at a job in Photograph/Film. I do not want to attend this school for the exact reasons.
@AxelFire11 you're going to encounter these problems at any film school you go to. this is terribly made documentary made by a regretful senior. pathetic.
It's true...when you've already made half of your investment, and you learn to late no other school accepts credit for my Listening To Music class....it's financially a bad move to try to transfer. THIS VIDEO WAS AMAZING! It's so true kids - don't go to Emerson. You're wasting your money and time.
@jimmycthatsme Still, I'm almost left wondering why you didn't realize you were disheartened with the system until it was too late. I'm a freshman at Emerson (WLP, mind you, so I know nothing about the EDC), and one of my freshman suitemates is already thinking about transferring because she's already realized Emerson just wasn't right for her.
If you need any proof that he's a relatively unreliable source of information. "Jennifer Lee" TELLS him how to spell her name "LEIGH"... er... ok.
Look, I went to Emerson. Like any college it has it's flaws, but it isn't going to baby you. Emerson is for people who know what they are doing and want support in that. You get what you put in.
As for the bolex thing... anyone I've told about using a bolex is impressed if anything.
Changes need to happen at Emerson, but this doc is too slanted.
i don't know WHAT that one kid is talking about-- i'm in the honors program and those classes were some of the most challenging/demanding i've ever taken... i also think something this video leaves out is regardless of equipment (i don't know anything about that, i'm a WLP major) the best thing about emerson is the fact that you can start working on films/ anything basically from your first day here. many other schools you can't even touch a camera until you're a junior... what good is that?
Hi I'm Jim Cummings. I went to a phenomenal school that provides countless opportunities for its students, but because I didn't take advantage of these opportunities, I'm gonna blame it on the administration.
hey Jim, great video man, this needed to be done, people don't seem to understand what a Film school needs to be in order to produce successful students. I'd love to get in touch at some point and see how you're doing now.
Fellow Emerson College, just entering the gauntlet.
What I especially love about this video is that you probably used at least SOME of the skills you learned in classes to make it.
Also, you bring up the point that someone should ask the administration about how they allocate their funds, but you don't actually do it? Why add it to your story if you aren't going to dig deeper? Maybe I shouldn't ask that last, though; you aren't a journalism major.
I learned a lot in the New Media program, and my friends who transferred from NYU to Emerson said they had a much better experience at Emerson.
This documentary is quite opinionated and lacks the other side of the story from people who love the school and their experiences. Jimmy should interview some of the alumni in LA and New York.
The equipment is not what makes the school great. If all you want is the latest equipment, don't go to Emerson, it's more about the experience.
the last bit is very true. i've said in almost the exact same words many times that emerson is more concerned with its image than its students. the real beauty of emerson for me, however, is found in the students themselves. much, maybe even most, of what i have learned about practical filmmaking has come from other students, and emerson offers film students near limitless opportunities to get on set and learn from experience, which is the best way to learn in film
I am a 1999 film graduate of EC and had quite the opposite experience. I made 6 films while working on countless others , and this all done in 3.5 years and all shot on film and edited on film and some basic tape to tape editing. I worked my butt off , gained experience, gained confidence and sometimes had to fight to get the equipment I needed, but i got it done. After Emerson I became successful in my own right as a muti-award winning editor. You get out what you put in.
Thanks for making this video, I completely agree with you. I went to the VMA grad program and aside from 2 grad classes w/ 2 great profs, the whole thing was a joke. The only things that's gonna help get you a job after you graduate is your own tenacity. Also expect to work for free for 6 months as you meet people and gain industry experience.
I just finished my freshman year at Emerson, and I agree with plenty of what you've said, particularly that we have a groundless reputation for great equipment and top of the line facilities that don't really exist. I think it's unfair though, to leave out the fact that Emerson draws in an exceptionally talented and eager student body. Students' willingness to participate in each other's projects and enthusiasm for what they do definitely outweighs the crappy Marantz's handed out at the EDC.
For the record, and on behalf of Emerson grads from OTHER programs, Emerson is not a film school. It HAS a film school. Pull your head out of your a**.
It reflects incredible economic privilege and zero strength of character that you would suffer through four years of this program, with (apparently) nothing to show for it but a "documentary" representing only one side of the argument: yours.
You could probably get a job at Fox News. You've got the blind bias (and the hair) for it.
For the record, and on behalf of Emerson grads from OTHER programs, Emerson is not a film school. It HAS a film school. Pull your head out of your ass.
And if you didn't like it, it reflects incredible economic privilege and zero strength of character that you suffered through four years of it, with (apparently) nothing to show but a documentary which presents only one side of the argument: yours.
I bet you could get a job working for Fox News. You've got the bias for it. (And the hair.)
I'm currently enrolled in Emerson College as a Theatre Education major and so far I've found that at this place, you truly do get back what you put in. Yes, the classes are very easy academically and yes, the "system" is flawed (of telling students the best/only way to gain experience is to get involved with student groups) but if you're motivated and do good work for the orgs, you get GREAT experience and connections.
I can definitely sympathize with you man. I mean, I can't imagine going to a school for four years and then realizing I didn't learn anything.
I got into Emerson as part of the Class of '13, and they just kept bombarding me with newspaper articles detailing how great everything was, thick curriculum packets, throwing a dean scholarship at me, having their alumni track me down by phone. I felt bad about turning them down but this documentary was quite an eyeopener.
Also - maybe you're actually lucky! Cinematography class?? They never had any focus like that and I was in the BFA film program. I suffered through "part time teachers" who didn't know the entire film curriculum. Their official apology to me when I was entering the Thesis project class was, "We're sorry you've never had a full time teacher. You slipped through the cracks." But apart from that - let me be clear - I LOVED Emerson, the students, Boston, the film classes and clubs.
As an Emerson film grad from 2000 I found that my training at Emerson in film production was essentially useless due to the old equipment. I had ASSUMED that the equipment situation had changed (based on reading the Emerson alumni magazine and all of the money being thrown about for the new buildings and theater set ups) - apparently not. Doing the Emerson L.A. program was the only thing that actually helped in my career. I am now attending a second college JUST to learn actual useful equipment.
Let's be honest, film school is a huge money making scheme. At the end of it nothing is guaranteed, especially a job. Tuition could be used to make your own movie. However, being a graduate of Emerson, I loved the experience and the people I met. It's probably the only time in a filmmakers life that they are able to experiment and fail, and do it together with others who are learning right along side you. I know how you feel, but I think you will look back at Emerson with fond memories.
O and how about a directed study... not getting what you want? then take a directed study one that concentrates on whatever you aren't learning... actually you can take two of those! I designed two of my own classes for cinematography and learned a bunch. stop whining and get involved, its your own fault you haven't done anything... Join a club, ask a question,
yea the cinematography class there is a bit of a joke but to say we shouldn't buy more bolexs when we only have 60 for a very large amount of people in film 1 alone is ridiculous... I guess you didn't know that EDC also bought HVX200s before most other schools had them... we got an HPX500 before anyone, we also did a Red Camera workshop with the 18th camera ever made...
Oh, and by the way, the reason you shoot on a bolex is that is how you learn the fundamentals of film... you shoot reversal stock with 1 stop of lattitude to learn about exposure, you edit on a flat bed because it teaches you how crucial a single frame can be... Film 1 is integral to understanding how the entire process works and a bolex is a perfect camera to use....
Its funny, I've never heard of you... have you done anything at Emerson? Its not perfect - in fact theres a lot wrong with it but a big reason I have work today is what I learned there... I shot over 30 movies while at Emerson... crewed on over 100. I used every film camera they have there: bolex, SR1 and 2, CP16, Aaton on super 16, BL oh and I shot two 35mm films on an Arri Studio and BL3... Not to mention the Red Camera shoot, the HPX500 shoots, etc.
Just to let everyone know the quality of students that are featured in this film, one of the Emerson graduates interviewed once filmed himself jerking off and pooping and screened it for his whole class. He was laughed out of the room. He also drunkenly wandered into my suite screaming like an idiot at 3am one night. Classy guy.
This is the most moronic, one-sided films I've ever seen. As an 07 alum who double majored in TV and Poli Comm, Emerson alum have helped me greatly in both LA and DC.
A note about the Will & Grace set: When Max Mutchnick donated the set to the school, he specified that it was to be put in the library. As an Emerson student and employee of the library, I do not agree with this decision, but you cannot pin the blame on Emerson.
Every system has its flaws. Why, is you were so dissatisfied with your experience, did you stay here all four years? Have you ever actually discussed any of the problems you were having with professors or administration?
It is just like Emerson to stifle criticism. Looks like you learned at least that much. You might try leaving some of the comments opposing your position.
The epitome of a post-modern piece of shit documentary.Why are you wasting your time and $ there then? Listen, even if you went to NYU or somewhere extra super fancy, you'd be fighting over equipment there too.
And comparing Emerson's film program to MassArt is a joke. MassArt is totally different, and has a MUCH smaller # of students enrolled as film majors.
Best thing about this video is how it is basically you telling everyone your degree is useless. Well done. Thanks for the laughs!
As a former Emerson student who is in fact struggling to get a job, I think you misunderstand why Emerson is a great school.
I was a new media major who worked on film projects whenever I got the chance. I don't have a reel and my portfolio was lost when my hard drive crashed, but my classes, my professors, and my classmates literally shifted the way I see the world and art. No school can accurately prepare you with the skills to be on a major production, you learn those on set.
sure, lot's of stuff. I've had like 4 good teachers that I'll keep in touch with. You should look up the berkeley beacon and read what students are saying about the school.
of all the things to bitch about you perhaps picked the most mundane and inconsequential. you are actually all things i hated about going to emerson. another over priviledged white kid who would prefer to bitch and put it on video than fix anything or better yet go to another school.
Jim's right. I've never seen a video so full of unoriginal, pointless, blithering crap. Seriously, "funkiflava," do us all a favor and die in a fire, you witless hack.
Emerson really should let prospective students know that if they're lazy and just do the minimum required to get by, they'll probably be disappointed at the end of 4 years.
The film program really is about all the work you do outside of class, and outside of school. Classes are where you learn the basics and make connections. You can graduate with a 4.0 and still not have "DONE anything" (to quote the dude in the brown hoody) but I don't really see how that's the college's fault...
It's funny that you say that. I agree that what you just described is not the college's fault because it's not the college's anything. You can get this set experience you're talking about at almost any film school in the world. I agree that the best part about Emerson is not the classes but being part of an artistic community, but most incoming students don't know that that can be found almost anywhere.
Yeah, but that's true of almost any college. If you're willing to work you can get a good, useful education almost anywhere. Of course, no school will ever admit that's true, especially to a tour of HS seniors. It's a shame that schools have to market themselves that way, but I think it's really a symptom of the problems with higher education system in this country.
...wait, seriously? She tells you at 4:07 that her name is spelled "L-E-I-G-H," and you immediately respond by spelling it "Lee" in the subtitle? Nice to know the maturity level we're dealing with here.
a school isn't measured by its program but the willingness of the people in it to make the program great. emerson has a good rep so it should attraact good people with reative ideas. just seems like youre not digging deep enough creatively. youll need when you graduate. godspeed gentlemen.
I am an '08 grad, and did more than my fair share of Emerson bashing - the questions you raise at the beginning are more than valid. That said, your film here is poor in both structure and substance, managing to say nothing and look bad while doing it. This documentary needs to be made, but maybe you should think about asking the right questions and doing research (and use a tripod) instead of shooting your friends bitching in the dark. Also: learn what a Bolex actually IS before ripping on it.
I think Emerson does have a long way to go before it is the educational institution that it claims to be. However, I think part of finding success and rewards from higher education is through putting the effort into finding the teachers that make you work, grade hard, and go out of their way to help you, which is true of every college my friends and family have gone to. As for this video, you seem to focus on the failures of the EDC, but don't interview any people working there.
I was gonna say the same thing... as with any other college, it is what you make of it... if you don't push yourself to do better you won't. additionally jim, you should really think about recategorizing this video as it is only in reference to the film department and has no commentary on any of the other departments of the school... no emerson is not perfect, but if you sit on your ass for 4 years, you will be disappointed...
I'm an honors student from 2007. Working with Pete Chvany in the DPL and The EVVYs was one of the most educational and career helping aspects of my Emerson College experience.
You complain about access to equipment and not liking student organizations, yet student organizations *do* have the latest and greatest equipment. They also might have taught you how to properly shoot, edit, and mic an interview.
I'm not suggesting that Emerson is perfect, but it's what you made it.
You don't need a BA to work in the entertainment industry. If you came to Emerson thinking otherwise and/or didn't have the courage to leave when you became disenchanted with the education you were receiving, who's fault is it?
I'm not excusing the FEC, which is terribly managed, but I got much more from Emerson than mediocre classes and broken equipment.
If you were having such a problem with Emerson as an institution, did you run for student government, petition, or do anything concrete to fix things? I'm just curious, I don't know you though we're both Emerson '09 folks, I was BFA Theatre Design/Tech
As a grad of the class of '08 I must say that this is one of the finest pieces of work I have seen come out of the college in years. I, like many of my classmates, am bittersweet about my tenure at Emerson. You've done a great service here. I wish you luck in the market.
This is not a good way to judge the quality of a potential education at Emerson. The reason being that I know of several film schools in which a whole class will produce a single film in a semester, sticking to specific roles. When this is the case, yes, the end product looks better, however the amount of experience one of the students on those "superior films" got pales in comparison to what an Emersonian learned, even by failing, on 4 or 5 projects that semester... and that's only for class.
I hope this is a joke. I mean to say, I hope this is a comedy piece, meant to poke fun at critics of the school. How could you be taken seriously? First, your "cinematographer" made a lot of elementary mistakes, such as doing hand-held shots when using a tripod would have looked much more professional, and not bothering to white balance the camera accurately. Second, your argument consists almost entirely of critiques of the EDC and the VMA department, most of which are one-sided and just wrong.
LedHedz11 5 months ago
losers
TRwalnut 1 year ago
Jim, this is still great. Hope all is well.
dellcastello 1 year ago
This is SO biased and only based on one program (Film) and your negative attitude toward renting out equipment. Emerson is great in so many ways, and you can make SO many great connections through co-curricular activities and getting involved (instead of sticking around for 4 years complaining and not even trying to get involved).
Don't try to speak for the whole college when you were only involved in one program and just didn't take advantage of your time there.
EMERSON RULES!
friendlycoffeedoll 1 year ago
It's unfortunate and unfair that prospective students might see this and not apply because it's on the Internet and claiming to be more factual than it is. It's just one guy's opinion, and a few of his friends. Yeah, it's hard to get equipment out. But you can plan ahead. And the Will and Grace set used to be a garden before it was donated, so who cares?
DansonHanson 1 year ago
Jim, I went to Emerson, with You in fact (Class 0f 2009). The school was awful and so I transferred. I hate Emerson "College" just as much as you do if not more. But even I think that this documentary is just terrible. There are so many problems with the school, but you only present a very shallow, pointless argument. In the end, the irony is that you are the definition of an Emersonian.
iheardyouleft 1 year ago
hey im coming in this september as a freshman for political communications, do you kno anyone in the program and if they enjoy it?
xLrelapse112 1 year ago
@xLrelapse112 If you can't capitalize then we don't want you. SMILEY FACE.
Brainstrain 1 year ago
haha im glad you spelled that bitches name wrong
skateAR6 1 year ago
I'll be attending Emerson this fall, as a transfer student and entering into the VMA program. There is no doubt in my mind that you are highly biased and that this should not be called a documentary. (Usually they include both same and opposing views) I haven't even had one class at the school yet, but I know that they would have taught you how to light scenes better. Also the use of a tripod is Filmmaking 101. I learned that at community college, with one of the worst professors I've ever had.
lafrancoPICTURES 1 year ago
the camera work is awful... nobody needs that much headroom in a documentary.
uw89dk 1 year ago
Ah, it's so like an Emerson film student to seemingly forget that film is not the only thing Emerson does.
kateskones 1 year ago
great lighting dipshit.
ILuhTrucks1991 1 year ago
is it really a bad school. because i want to go to a school for video technology because i go to a technical school and im in that kind of shop
Snodgers3rdclass 1 year ago
I'm doing a precollege program here but I want to go to Vancouver film school for college. I have no idea if what you're saying is really true, but it's not terribly made, like many are saying.
JRTET21 1 year ago
you refer to Will and Grace as a "terrible TV show". It was nominated for 83 Emmys. So how is it terrible? Because YOU dont like it?
graypantsrodeo12 1 year ago
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graypantsrodeo12 1 year ago
no offense jimmy or whatever your name is, i have no clue if the things you say about emerson are actually true or not since I'm only a junior in high school right now, but this was just a poorly poorly done documentary. i'm going to be applying to emerson next year, and i hope i get in, and i know for a fact i could have done a better job than you making a documentary and im only in high school. If all you you learned at emerson are flaunted in this video, i guess u really did learn nothing.
NGMmedia 1 year ago
whoa all those kendall square cinema kids. hi kendall square cinema kids!
petelee 1 year ago
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getreeling 1 year ago
This so called documentary is an utter disgrace. Not only is it shot poorly but it upsets me that someone who hated the school this much stayed there. It took you 4 years to realize you hated it there? There are tons of students that would have made the best of their time and learned everything they could. What you put in is what you get out of Emerson College. Any prospective student looking at this video should definitely read the comments that have been left here.
dancinpj 1 year ago
Classic Emerson student. Opinionated without real facts to back it up. I went to Emerson & I barely know what ur talking about, never mind peeps that never went there. This is less a documentary and more a 10 minute rant of you whining about how the EDC doesn't have equipment you like.
itsalexclark 1 year ago
Emerson is a great college. It may not have been right for this student in the video but that could be true of any school. I graduated class of '00. The best part about Emerson for me was being around a bunch of other artistic people, including the teachers. I would def. recommend it for prospective students.
bottleofreds 1 year ago
do you understand that a school is truly what you make it and the things that you say and attempt to prove in this crappy documentary goes to prove your inability and lack of artistic talent at all? Trust me man, emerson was not the problem. You were. and you will probably do terribly at any institution. Good luck selling magazines for the rest of your life!
yofunky1 1 year ago
so so you want to be more famous than your school.. hahaha
boumiz 1 year ago
why don't you just buy the cameras for them?
listerfiend510 1 year ago
hey i just got accepted and i need to make my decision by friday. cameras and all aside, would you recommend emerson for me as far as the political communications major? it still sounds pretty fun
xLrelapse112 1 year ago
I just rewatched this and once again I realized how horribly inaccurate it is. While I was at Emerson I was involved media productions, worked 2 on campus jobs, was involved in greek life and student government. I made connections that enabled me to get a job 2 months after graduation. Hell, I've even changed careers but the skills I learned at emerson are still helping find work. The way to make changes is to get involved, there was plenty I didn't like but I worked to change it. Go to Emerson!
DrDoomDDS 1 year ago
I just rewatched this and once again I realized how horribly inaccurate it is. While I was at Emerson I was involved media productions, worked 2 on campus jobs, was involved in greek life and student government. I made connections that enabled me to get a job 2 months after graduation. Hell, I've even changed careers but the skills I learned at emerson are still helping find work. The way to make changes is to get involved, there was plenty I didn't like but I worked to change it. Go to Emerson!
DrDoomDDS 1 year ago
is this a superfluously prolonged 11 minute satire?
because i mean, hey i thought the picture was clear and the videography interesting. ironic?
perkinsmarisa 1 year ago
I have no sympathy for anyone too lazy to transfer if they hated school this bad. I'm sure with the time it took to produce this drivel you could have gotten through the paper work to go elsewhere.
Jlynnefrank 1 year ago
Wait, which part is "fake or wildly exaggerated"? The problems you refer to in this documentary or the "Emerson Mafia"?
Veggieman87 1 year ago
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Veggieman87 1 year ago
wait wait... WHAT??
So is any of this true? Available equipment is the ONE thing I ask all these colleges, and Emerson told me otherwise... Do I believe them or you? I need equipment!
SuperCameraman 1 year ago
this is interesting...but extremely biased. I mean I know there was an agenda, but since both sides aren't thoroughly explored it's hard to trust the information.
Jadesabre2001 1 year ago
Is this serious or not. I got into Emerson and I really need to decide weather to go there or not.
lkajdshuha 2 years ago
This is an awful documentary.
nickybcobz 2 years ago
thanks
jimmycthatsme 2 years ago
I'm sorry, but this is really stupid; especially the library argument. Library seating availability doesn't make or break an educational institution.
nycboi847 2 years ago
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MsMeli92 2 years ago
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MsMeli92 2 years ago
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MsMeli92 2 years ago
An excellent documentary that causes Jim to look like a hypocrite. He clearly learned a lot, considering the quality of the production and his ability to address issues he feels passionate about. That is not to mention the other productions he's clearly done well with.
Way to prove yourself wrong, Jimmy :)
iateaseagull 2 years ago
@iateaseagull my thoughts exactly
LuigiWolf 1 year ago
well done, i really enjoyed it. i am a senior in high school interested in film/cinematography and i was accepted into emerson college. this video hasn't made me change any of my decisions but it has presented an interesting point of view.
MrGabrillz 2 years ago
college is a joke, in an age where all information is at your fingertips... your paying 36grand each year for four years. for a piece of paper.
satadaes 2 years ago
if you've got all the information you need at your fingertips then why don't you use the correct forms of your/you're?
evansmorgan 2 years ago
"Jennifer Lee"
haha.
Yeah, I have nothing else to say on this video, as I live in Scotland and I'm 16.
ixICocoIxi 2 years ago
hahahahhahah!
JakeA1027 2 years ago
This is a great presentation and good points. I'm a senior in high school and also look at a job in Photograph/Film. I do not want to attend this school for the exact reasons.
AxelFire11 2 years ago
@AxelFire11 you're going to encounter these problems at any film school you go to. this is terribly made documentary made by a regretful senior. pathetic.
ejc8790 2 years ago
this is the most pointless shit i've ever seen.
madelinesf 2 years ago
The only thing fake and wildly exaggerated is this documentary.
jamiewhitstud 2 years ago
Why didn't you TRANSFER SCHOOLS BEFORE YOU GRADUATED?!?!?! WHY?! If you stayed at this apparently HORRIBLE school, why the fuck didn't you LEAVE?
Auggey 2 years ago
because my credits wouldn't transfer. As a senior at emerson, I would have had to start as a sophomore at nyu.
jimmycthatsme 2 years ago
Then why didn't you? Also, have you seen Max Goldberg's response to this? Thoughts? Reactions? I'm curious.
Auggey 2 years ago
It's true...when you've already made half of your investment, and you learn to late no other school accepts credit for my Listening To Music class....it's financially a bad move to try to transfer. THIS VIDEO WAS AMAZING! It's so true kids - don't go to Emerson. You're wasting your money and time.
jjred86 2 years ago
@jimmycthatsme Still, I'm almost left wondering why you didn't realize you were disheartened with the system until it was too late. I'm a freshman at Emerson (WLP, mind you, so I know nothing about the EDC), and one of my freshman suitemates is already thinking about transferring because she's already realized Emerson just wasn't right for her.
xotuesbellexo 1 year ago
your documentary only applies to the film department.
yet you say "emerson college" as a whole. There are other majors. People have lots of success in those majors too.
Funny how you completely skip the LA Campus program as well.
And your interviews are COMPLETELY biased. You provide no statistical information about other film schools for proper perspective.
graypantsrodeo12 2 years ago
If you need any proof that he's a relatively unreliable source of information. "Jennifer Lee" TELLS him how to spell her name "LEIGH"... er... ok.
Look, I went to Emerson. Like any college it has it's flaws, but it isn't going to baby you. Emerson is for people who know what they are doing and want support in that. You get what you put in.
As for the bolex thing... anyone I've told about using a bolex is impressed if anything.
Changes need to happen at Emerson, but this doc is too slanted.
ladylilalouise 2 years ago
Emerson needs to lose it's accreditation.
jjred86 2 years ago
i don't know WHAT that one kid is talking about-- i'm in the honors program and those classes were some of the most challenging/demanding i've ever taken... i also think something this video leaves out is regardless of equipment (i don't know anything about that, i'm a WLP major) the best thing about emerson is the fact that you can start working on films/ anything basically from your first day here. many other schools you can't even touch a camera until you're a junior... what good is that?
alecialynn 2 years ago
Hi I'm Jim Cummings. I went to a phenomenal school that provides countless opportunities for its students, but because I didn't take advantage of these opportunities, I'm gonna blame it on the administration.
SKATECOOLRUNNINGS 2 years ago
hey Jim, great video man, this needed to be done, people don't seem to understand what a Film school needs to be in order to produce successful students. I'd love to get in touch at some point and see how you're doing now.
Fellow Emerson College, just entering the gauntlet.
TheOysterCompany 2 years ago
hi. stop bitching and transfer.
Chaia17 2 years ago
What I especially love about this video is that you probably used at least SOME of the skills you learned in classes to make it.
Also, you bring up the point that someone should ask the administration about how they allocate their funds, but you don't actually do it? Why add it to your story if you aren't going to dig deeper? Maybe I shouldn't ask that last, though; you aren't a journalism major.
ViaAriel 2 years ago
This documentary made 2 negative points about Emerson. 1) Lame equipment. 2) The Will and Grace set.
TheLlamaLady 2 years ago
hehe cummings...more like bummings!
ndfightingirish830 2 years ago
I learned a lot in the New Media program, and my friends who transferred from NYU to Emerson said they had a much better experience at Emerson.
This documentary is quite opinionated and lacks the other side of the story from people who love the school and their experiences. Jimmy should interview some of the alumni in LA and New York.
The equipment is not what makes the school great. If all you want is the latest equipment, don't go to Emerson, it's more about the experience.
iateaseagull 2 years ago
hmm, Emerson was my number one choice for college-- I don't know anymore though
quietnotquite 2 years ago
the last bit is very true. i've said in almost the exact same words many times that emerson is more concerned with its image than its students. the real beauty of emerson for me, however, is found in the students themselves. much, maybe even most, of what i have learned about practical filmmaking has come from other students, and emerson offers film students near limitless opportunities to get on set and learn from experience, which is the best way to learn in film
jakesnider 2 years ago
i was thinking about applying to emerson.
KuroiBLK 2 years ago
Great Jim! You always deliver.
dellcastello 2 years ago
I am a 1999 film graduate of EC and had quite the opposite experience. I made 6 films while working on countless others , and this all done in 3.5 years and all shot on film and edited on film and some basic tape to tape editing. I worked my butt off , gained experience, gained confidence and sometimes had to fight to get the equipment I needed, but i got it done. After Emerson I became successful in my own right as a muti-award winning editor. You get out what you put in.
editorfree 2 years ago
well said, i made the films i am most proud of OUTSIDE of class, using their equipment, you get what you put into emerson
editorfree 2 years ago
Thanks for making this video, I completely agree with you. I went to the VMA grad program and aside from 2 grad classes w/ 2 great profs, the whole thing was a joke. The only things that's gonna help get you a job after you graduate is your own tenacity. Also expect to work for free for 6 months as you meet people and gain industry experience.
xxxzoso 2 years ago
I just finished my freshman year at Emerson, and I agree with plenty of what you've said, particularly that we have a groundless reputation for great equipment and top of the line facilities that don't really exist. I think it's unfair though, to leave out the fact that Emerson draws in an exceptionally talented and eager student body. Students' willingness to participate in each other's projects and enthusiasm for what they do definitely outweighs the crappy Marantz's handed out at the EDC.
jspetner 2 years ago
For the record, and on behalf of Emerson grads from OTHER programs, Emerson is not a film school. It HAS a film school. Pull your head out of your a**.
It reflects incredible economic privilege and zero strength of character that you would suffer through four years of this program, with (apparently) nothing to show for it but a "documentary" representing only one side of the argument: yours.
You could probably get a job at Fox News. You've got the blind bias (and the hair) for it.
ritadavis33 2 years ago
For the record, and on behalf of Emerson grads from OTHER programs, Emerson is not a film school. It HAS a film school. Pull your head out of your ass.
And if you didn't like it, it reflects incredible economic privilege and zero strength of character that you suffered through four years of it, with (apparently) nothing to show but a documentary which presents only one side of the argument: yours.
I bet you could get a job working for Fox News. You've got the bias for it. (And the hair.)
ritadavis33 2 years ago
I'm currently enrolled in Emerson College as a Theatre Education major and so far I've found that at this place, you truly do get back what you put in. Yes, the classes are very easy academically and yes, the "system" is flawed (of telling students the best/only way to gain experience is to get involved with student groups) but if you're motivated and do good work for the orgs, you get GREAT experience and connections.
SmashThSilence 2 years ago
I can definitely sympathize with you man. I mean, I can't imagine going to a school for four years and then realizing I didn't learn anything.
I got into Emerson as part of the Class of '13, and they just kept bombarding me with newspaper articles detailing how great everything was, thick curriculum packets, throwing a dean scholarship at me, having their alumni track me down by phone. I felt bad about turning them down but this documentary was quite an eyeopener.
salazarnicka 2 years ago
Also - maybe you're actually lucky! Cinematography class?? They never had any focus like that and I was in the BFA film program. I suffered through "part time teachers" who didn't know the entire film curriculum. Their official apology to me when I was entering the Thesis project class was, "We're sorry you've never had a full time teacher. You slipped through the cracks." But apart from that - let me be clear - I LOVED Emerson, the students, Boston, the film classes and clubs.
Ravie13 2 years ago
As an Emerson film grad from 2000 I found that my training at Emerson in film production was essentially useless due to the old equipment. I had ASSUMED that the equipment situation had changed (based on reading the Emerson alumni magazine and all of the money being thrown about for the new buildings and theater set ups) - apparently not. Doing the Emerson L.A. program was the only thing that actually helped in my career. I am now attending a second college JUST to learn actual useful equipment.
Ravie13 2 years ago
Let's be honest, film school is a huge money making scheme. At the end of it nothing is guaranteed, especially a job. Tuition could be used to make your own movie. However, being a graduate of Emerson, I loved the experience and the people I met. It's probably the only time in a filmmakers life that they are able to experiment and fail, and do it together with others who are learning right along side you. I know how you feel, but I think you will look back at Emerson with fond memories.
smashing13kanes 2 years ago
O and how about a directed study... not getting what you want? then take a directed study one that concentrates on whatever you aren't learning... actually you can take two of those! I designed two of my own classes for cinematography and learned a bunch. stop whining and get involved, its your own fault you haven't done anything... Join a club, ask a question,
eliejsmolkin 2 years ago
yea the cinematography class there is a bit of a joke but to say we shouldn't buy more bolexs when we only have 60 for a very large amount of people in film 1 alone is ridiculous... I guess you didn't know that EDC also bought HVX200s before most other schools had them... we got an HPX500 before anyone, we also did a Red Camera workshop with the 18th camera ever made...
eliejsmolkin 2 years ago
Oh, and by the way, the reason you shoot on a bolex is that is how you learn the fundamentals of film... you shoot reversal stock with 1 stop of lattitude to learn about exposure, you edit on a flat bed because it teaches you how crucial a single frame can be... Film 1 is integral to understanding how the entire process works and a bolex is a perfect camera to use....
eliejsmolkin 2 years ago
Its funny, I've never heard of you... have you done anything at Emerson? Its not perfect - in fact theres a lot wrong with it but a big reason I have work today is what I learned there... I shot over 30 movies while at Emerson... crewed on over 100. I used every film camera they have there: bolex, SR1 and 2, CP16, Aaton on super 16, BL oh and I shot two 35mm films on an Arri Studio and BL3... Not to mention the Red Camera shoot, the HPX500 shoots, etc.
eliejsmolkin 2 years ago
Just to let everyone know the quality of students that are featured in this film, one of the Emerson graduates interviewed once filmed himself jerking off and pooping and screened it for his whole class. He was laughed out of the room. He also drunkenly wandered into my suite screaming like an idiot at 3am one night. Classy guy.
This is the most moronic, one-sided films I've ever seen. As an 07 alum who double majored in TV and Poli Comm, Emerson alum have helped me greatly in both LA and DC.
DrDoomDDS 2 years ago
Great job misspelling Jennifer Leigh's name after she spelled it for you on camera. While you're at it, cry me a river.
DrDoomDDS 2 years ago
I like to touch my neck
neilganon 2 years ago
ur a doosh
Mibabalou 2 years ago
A note about the Will & Grace set: When Max Mutchnick donated the set to the school, he specified that it was to be put in the library. As an Emerson student and employee of the library, I do not agree with this decision, but you cannot pin the blame on Emerson.
Every system has its flaws. Why, is you were so dissatisfied with your experience, did you stay here all four years? Have you ever actually discussed any of the problems you were having with professors or administration?
classicaltorture 2 years ago
oh poor you, boo-hoo
supimAndriy 2 years ago
It is just like Emerson to stifle criticism. Looks like you learned at least that much. You might try leaving some of the comments opposing your position.
alist8383 2 years ago
So now we're deleting comments?
jaycoh 2 years ago
The epitome of a post-modern piece of shit documentary.Why are you wasting your time and $ there then? Listen, even if you went to NYU or somewhere extra super fancy, you'd be fighting over equipment there too.
And comparing Emerson's film program to MassArt is a joke. MassArt is totally different, and has a MUCH smaller # of students enrolled as film majors.
Best thing about this video is how it is basically you telling everyone your degree is useless. Well done. Thanks for the laughs!
Backstgartist 2 years ago
As a former Emerson student who is in fact struggling to get a job, I think you misunderstand why Emerson is a great school.
I was a new media major who worked on film projects whenever I got the chance. I don't have a reel and my portfolio was lost when my hard drive crashed, but my classes, my professors, and my classmates literally shifted the way I see the world and art. No school can accurately prepare you with the skills to be on a major production, you learn those on set.
topheronehalf 2 years ago 4
hey im going to be touring emerson over april vacation, anything positive about it?
floorpuddle 2 years ago
sure, lot's of stuff. I've had like 4 good teachers that I'll keep in touch with. You should look up the berkeley beacon and read what students are saying about the school.
jimmycthatsme 2 years ago
Emerson is a great school. It was the right choice for me and many others.
jaycoh 2 years ago
of all the things to bitch about you perhaps picked the most mundane and inconsequential. you are actually all things i hated about going to emerson. another over priviledged white kid who would prefer to bitch and put it on video than fix anything or better yet go to another school.
funkiflava 2 years ago 3
Jim's right. I've never seen a video so full of unoriginal, pointless, blithering crap. Seriously, "funkiflava," do us all a favor and die in a fire, you witless hack.
Gnarkill726 2 years ago
aside from all of the information u have provided in the video. u are VERY attractive
just sayin
branflakes0909 2 years ago
oh thanks man that's actually very nice of you.
jimmycthatsme 2 years ago
Emerson really should let prospective students know that if they're lazy and just do the minimum required to get by, they'll probably be disappointed at the end of 4 years.
The film program really is about all the work you do outside of class, and outside of school. Classes are where you learn the basics and make connections. You can graduate with a 4.0 and still not have "DONE anything" (to quote the dude in the brown hoody) but I don't really see how that's the college's fault...
psonder 2 years ago 4
It's funny that you say that. I agree that what you just described is not the college's fault because it's not the college's anything. You can get this set experience you're talking about at almost any film school in the world. I agree that the best part about Emerson is not the classes but being part of an artistic community, but most incoming students don't know that that can be found almost anywhere.
jimmycthatsme 2 years ago
Yeah, but that's true of almost any college. If you're willing to work you can get a good, useful education almost anywhere. Of course, no school will ever admit that's true, especially to a tour of HS seniors. It's a shame that schools have to market themselves that way, but I think it's really a symptom of the problems with higher education system in this country.
It would be interesting to see a doc about that.
psonder 2 years ago
I agree. you're alright psonder.
jimmycthatsme 2 years ago
ahh disenchanted youth.. this documentary is funny because the fact that you put the effort in to make it proves just how "Emerson" you are.. sucka!
joek0101 2 years ago 3
uhhhhhhh then why didn't you transfer out, douche? i stayed for four years and i thoroughly enjoyed it. if i hadn't, I WOULD HAVE LEFT!
ousouaiua 2 years ago 4
i completely agree with you
smrtboy123 2 years ago
...wait, seriously? She tells you at 4:07 that her name is spelled "L-E-I-G-H," and you immediately respond by spelling it "Lee" in the subtitle? Nice to know the maturity level we're dealing with here.
durlan 2 years ago 3
a school isn't measured by its program but the willingness of the people in it to make the program great. emerson has a good rep so it should attraact good people with reative ideas. just seems like youre not digging deep enough creatively. youll need when you graduate. godspeed gentlemen.
hollywoodbernardi 2 years ago 3
I am an '08 grad, and did more than my fair share of Emerson bashing - the questions you raise at the beginning are more than valid. That said, your film here is poor in both structure and substance, managing to say nothing and look bad while doing it. This documentary needs to be made, but maybe you should think about asking the right questions and doing research (and use a tripod) instead of shooting your friends bitching in the dark. Also: learn what a Bolex actually IS before ripping on it.
DrMoonCactus 2 years ago 12
I think Emerson does have a long way to go before it is the educational institution that it claims to be. However, I think part of finding success and rewards from higher education is through putting the effort into finding the teachers that make you work, grade hard, and go out of their way to help you, which is true of every college my friends and family have gone to. As for this video, you seem to focus on the failures of the EDC, but don't interview any people working there.
RubyWish 2 years ago 8
I was gonna say the same thing... as with any other college, it is what you make of it... if you don't push yourself to do better you won't. additionally jim, you should really think about recategorizing this video as it is only in reference to the film department and has no commentary on any of the other departments of the school... no emerson is not perfect, but if you sit on your ass for 4 years, you will be disappointed...
jesserinh 2 years ago 3
I'm an honors student from 2007. Working with Pete Chvany in the DPL and The EVVYs was one of the most educational and career helping aspects of my Emerson College experience.
You complain about access to equipment and not liking student organizations, yet student organizations *do* have the latest and greatest equipment. They also might have taught you how to properly shoot, edit, and mic an interview.
I'm not suggesting that Emerson is perfect, but it's what you made it.
jaycoh 2 years ago 7
I love hearing that last line; Students that say Emerson is what you make of it. What isn't what you make of it?
Along the same lines a rubber dildo is what you make of it. You know?
It's such an apologist's response. It's like saying "Well, there were problems but I don't want to seem like I wasted my four years being here."
jimmycthatsme 2 years ago
You don't need a BA to work in the entertainment industry. If you came to Emerson thinking otherwise and/or didn't have the courage to leave when you became disenchanted with the education you were receiving, who's fault is it?
I'm not excusing the FEC, which is terribly managed, but I got much more from Emerson than mediocre classes and broken equipment.
jaycoh 2 years ago 5
If you were having such a problem with Emerson as an institution, did you run for student government, petition, or do anything concrete to fix things? I'm just curious, I don't know you though we're both Emerson '09 folks, I was BFA Theatre Design/Tech
makingelectricity 2 years ago
@jimmycthatsme similarly you wasted your time going to Emerson when you could have manned up and transferred elsewhere.
Jlynnefrank 1 year ago
As a grad of the class of '08 I must say that this is one of the finest pieces of work I have seen come out of the college in years. I, like many of my classmates, am bittersweet about my tenure at Emerson. You've done a great service here. I wish you luck in the market.
EvilHidden 2 years ago
You should watch student films from Emerson if you are interested in enrolling in the Visual and Media Arts department, that alone might deter you.
jimmycthatsme 2 years ago
This is not a good way to judge the quality of a potential education at Emerson. The reason being that I know of several film schools in which a whole class will produce a single film in a semester, sticking to specific roles. When this is the case, yes, the end product looks better, however the amount of experience one of the students on those "superior films" got pales in comparison to what an Emersonian learned, even by failing, on 4 or 5 projects that semester... and that's only for class.
topheronehalf 2 years ago