 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Posted: |
May 12, 2015 - 6:58 PM
|
|
|
|
By: |
Alex Klein
(Member)
|
Hello everybody,
I was recently accepted in two master's programs to pursue a postgraduate degree on Film Composition. One program is at the Seattle Film Institute and the other at Pulse College in Dublin, Ireland. I have not made up my mind yet regarding where to go, but I am curious to know if any FSM board members are currently living in any of these two cities? Since I have never visited either one, I could really use some help getting around and, if possible, finding a place to stay for the year long program.
For those who do not know me, I am a young composer and musicologist and I have published many articles in FSM online. I am perhaps better known on this board for my love of John Barry's scores. Any other questions or info about myself, feel free to e-mail me!
I appreciate your help.
Best,
Alex
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, I know Dublin a bit and was a frequent visitor, less so at the moment. It's a fun and fairly cosmopolitan city as a rule.
What I can do is to email a few people who're in the animation/film prod. sector in that area and find out just what Pulse College is about, how its standing goes etc..
There are a coupl'a Dublin posters on here, but I know of at least one who doesn't visit this 'other side' of the message board at all, so, given you're enquiring re the industry, it might be an idea to post over on the film-music related board.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks for your help! Everything seems to indicate I will be going to Seattle instead of Dublin, so any Seattle area posters are definitely welcome to give me some advice regarding the city! I will be settling there next year, september, to pursue a Master's Degree at the Seattle Film Institute.
Alex
Seattle is an awesome city to live in..
You'll have a great time there.
Ford A. Thaxton
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you just want a job in Hollywood, go to Seattle.
Are you based in Bogota, as your profile suggests?
If so, ANY of the two will be a major culture "shock", i.e. a life-changing experience. However, as a European, I can say that Seattle won't offer you the depth of culture and history that Dublin (and its proximity to places like London, Paris or Berlin, all within easy reach) will offer. I've been to Dublin (and Cork, and Galway) several times, and it's a friendly, open and COMPACT city, with all you'll need within walking distance. To me, personally, that means a lot. Europe is just different. You can't make up for all that history (and the stuffiness that comes with it). Any of the countries close by will open your mind to a different set of values, experiences, not just languages. Ireland isn't France, France isn't Holland, Holland isn't Italy, Spain isn't Germany. Being aware of the danger of repetition, Europe is just different. 
But your primary concern should be the quality and reputation of the respective studies course, and the opportunities they offer. If they're on an equal level, go to Dublin. If Seattle offers better job opportunities, go there. You can always take the Grand Tour through Europe once you made your first million bucks from working for Hans Zimmer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you just want a job in Hollywood, go to Seattle.
Are you based in Bogota, as your profile suggests?
If so, ANY of the two will be a major culture "shock", i.e. a life-changing experience. However, as a European, I can say that Seattle won't offer you the depth of culture and history that Dublin (and its proximity to places like London, Paris or Berlin, all within easy reach) will offer. I've been to Dublin (and Cork, and Galway) several times, and it's a friendly, open and COMPACT city, with all you'll need within walking distance. To me, personally, that means a lot. Europe is just different. You can't make up for all that history (and the stuffiness that comes with it). Any of the countries close by will open your mind to a different set of values, experiences, not just languages. Ireland isn't France, France isn't Holland, Holland isn't Italy, Spain isn't Germany. Being aware of the danger of repetition, Europe is just different.
But your primary concern should be the quality and reputation of the respective studies course, and the opportunities they offer. If they're on an equal level, go to Dublin. If Seattle offers better job opportunities, go there. You can always take the Grand Tour through Europe once you made your first million bucks from working for Hans Zimmer.
I would weigh the respective programs' standing, then consider this: Filmmaking is telling stories. If you have not lived and experienced, you will likely have no stories to tell. I submit that living in Dublin will give you the chance to experience many, many things you would never get a chance to experience in Seattle in the US.
I say that as someone who considers Dublin one of the least interesting large cities of the world.
I spent my senior year of high school in Penang, Malaysia and worked a bit in Italy and Finland since. Would not trade that for anything.
I consider a chance to experience international culture a must for any artist-type. Seattle is lovely and a perfectly valid choice, but Ireland has 2000+ years of history unlike any place else in the world (and a distinct music tradition of it's own).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: |
May 29, 2015 - 12:57 AM
|
|
|
|
By: |
Alex Klein
(Member)
|
Wow, thank you everybody for all that great feedback! Where to begin....
1. Regarding the weather, we are quite used to the rain here in Bogota. Colombia has an international reputation of being a tropical country, but people often forget just how COLD the capital city often is. We don't have seasons in Bogota. The temperature here usually does not surpass 20ºC and it can go down to 0ºC, especially in rainy nights. So the cold definitely won't be a drawback for me .
2. Regarding visiting many cultures, I have had great luck because I visited China for one month while on tour with a choir, I live in a VERY exotic country and later this june I will spend a month in Italy while on tour with another choir. So, while I know every country is different, I do feel I have lived many cultural experiences and have greatly enriched my life with them.
3. Academic-wise, my months-long research definitely demonstrated there are no substantial differences between both programs. What made me decide upon Seattle really came up to practical reasons. I have double citizenship (colombian and american) and this can greatly benefit my stay in the U.S. My father is from New Jersey, I have family in many parts of the country (alas not Seattle!) and they can help me easier if I am fairly nearby. Plus, if I have any work opportunities I won't have to go through tediouls visa or immigration-related applications.
I hope all of the above explains my decision for Seattle!
Now that we're at it though, how bike-friendly is Seattle? If I could avoid tedious traffic or public transportation, the better. I am a very experienced city cyclist, but I am not aware of Seattle's particular transportation rules regarding bikes. Anybody?
Thanks again everyone for the great comments!
Alex
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wow, thank you everybody for all that great feedback! Where to begin....
1. Regarding the weather, we are quite used to the rain here in Bogota. Colombia has an international reputation of being a tropical country, but people often forget just how COLD the capital city often is. We don't have seasons in Bogota. The temperature here usually does not surpass 20ºC and it can go down to 0ºC, especially in rainy nights. So the cold definitely won't be a drawback for me .
2. Regarding visiting many cultures, I have had great luck because I visited China for one month while on tour with a choir, I live in a VERY exotic country and later this june I will spend a month in Italy while on tour with another choir. So, while I know every country is different, I do feel I have lived many cultural experiences and have greatly enriched my life with them.
3. Academic-wise, my months-long research definitely demonstrated there are no substantial differences between both programs. What made me decide upon Seattle really came up to practical reasons. I have double citizenship (colombian and american) and this can greatly benefit my stay in the U.S. My father is from New Jersey, I have family in many parts of the country (alas not Seattle!) and they can help me easier if I am fairly nearby. Plus, if I have any work opportunities I won't have to go through tediouls visa or immigration-related applications.
I hope all of the above explains my decision for Seattle!
Now that we're at it though, how bike-friendly is Seattle? If I could avoid tedious traffic or public transportation, the better. I am a very experienced city cyclist, but I am not aware of Seattle's particular transportation rules regarding bikes. Anybody?
Thanks again everyone for the great comments!
Alex
It's a very BIKE FRIENDLY city...
Also the in city Bus system as I recall is very good.
Ford A. Thaxton
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Posted: |
May 30, 2015 - 9:18 AM
|
|
|
|
By: |
joan hue
(Member)
|
I can’t compare Seattle to Dublin because I’ve not been to the beautiful city of Dublin.
I can, however, say that Seattle is not a cultural wasteland. It has many amazing museums. Live theaters for plays abound. The Fifth Avenue Theater and the Paramount Theater bring in traveling Broadway shows year around. Opera, ballet and other art forms are all housed in various places in Seattle as well as a large symphony and small orchestras. Tons of movie theaters. The Arts & Entertainment sections of the Seattle papers are always thick. Right now at Seattle Center, there is a large Chihuly Glass show, and his work is spotlighted year around in Tacoma, a city about 35 miles away.
Due to heavy traffic, there are lots of bike and walking paths. The Burke-Gilman Trail is full of walkers and bikers.
Seattle is the home of Amazon and Microsoft as well as many other high tech industries. Rents are high but so are salaries.
And of course, there are the Seahawks.  (And baseball, basketball, and soccer, etc.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I'm afraid I haven't been very much use in this, as none of the people I emailed replied ... which is highly unusual!!
It seems to imply they don't know Pulse college really.
Seattle is, after all, the major IT/animation centre for the US in terms of techno development. I will try a few more nudges though to folk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: |
May 31, 2015 - 11:44 PM
|
|
|
|
By: |
Alex Klein
(Member)
|
I can’t compare Seattle to Dublin because I’ve not been to the beautiful city of Dublin.
I can, however, say that Seattle is not a cultural wasteland. It has many amazing museums. Live theaters for plays abound. The Fifth Avenue Theater and the Paramount Theater bring in traveling Broadway shows year around. Opera, ballet and other art forms are all housed in various places in Seattle as well as a large symphony and small orchestras. Tons of movie theaters. The Arts & Entertainment sections of the Seattle papers are always thick. Right now at Seattle Center, there is a large Chihuly Glass show, and his work is spotlighted year around in Tacoma, a city about 35 miles away.
Due to heavy traffic, there are lots of bike and walking paths. The Burke-Gilman Trail is full of walkers and bikers.
Seattle is the home of Amazon and Microsoft as well as many other high tech industries. Rents are high but so are salaries.
And of course, there are the Seahawks. (And baseball, basketball, and soccer, etc.)
That's great information, thank you very much! I don't mind the heavy traffic as long as I can ride my bike . The traffic is awful here in Bogotá....I can't imagine Seattle being much worse.
Alex
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
