With dual campuses in both Chicago and the heart of Los Angeles, Columbia College Hollywood takes a holistic approach to readying its students for a real career in filmmaking; here two of its leaders, John Otterbacher and Brad Statland, explain how.
What are your respective roles at Columbia College Hollywood?
John Otterbacher: I have been teaching with Flashpoint Chicago, a campus of Columbia College Hollywood, since 2008 and I’ve worn a lot of hats here in terms of what I teach. I have coordinated our cinematography program and classes for most of that time but I also teach and coordinate our business and documentary classes, as well as some of our advanced producing classes. I don’t think of myself as a generalist, [as I] mostly work as a DP or producer. But I’ve done and I teach a little bit of everything. I’m also a working filmmaker in both fictional narrative and documentary spaces, and like many of those instructors, I bring that experience to the classroom with me.
Brad Statland: I am the senior director of community relations.
What makes Columbia College Hollywood unique? What sets it apart from the others?
JO: Having two distinct campuses in very different parts of the country that have a common thread between them is a positive. I think a lot of people see the film industry as only on the coasts but Chicago has a healthy film, television, and commercial industry here with a lot of commonality but also subtle differences from the coasts. As a school with two campuses, we have experts in and from both communities and communication between them, just like the larger industry does.
From Spike Lee to Lulu Wang, Here’s Where Today’s Top Filmmakers Went to School BS: We are a community of artists and storytellers. CCH is solely focused on the success of our students pursuing careers in cinema, graphic design, and interactive media, visual effects, and recording arts. So many schools offer 20–30 different majors; we don’t. This is intentional. We are focused on four areas because in the industry, these four areas collaborate to bring projects to life. We are here to change lives and to prepare the student completely with the technical, academic, and, most importantly, life skills they will need to be successful. We are a unique place for a unique type of person. In any class, you look to your left or to your right, and there will be another artist or filmmaker there.
What can students in the program expect during their time there?
JO: Students will be exposed to both the creative and technical sides of filmmaking, the yin and yang, if you will. After their initial classes across the whole spectrum of disciplines in the first few years, they start to transition towards emphasis or specialty classes in their chosen area of study from screenwriting to post-production, among many others. And they can expect those classes to be taught by working professionals and industry experts with years of experience to bring into the classroom. Some students will lean into technology, some will lean into the art of storytelling, and many will find a balance somewhere in the middle.
How does the CCH support alumni in their filmmaking after graduation?
JO: As faculty, I stay in touch with as many of our alumni as want to and I often bring them back into the classroom to interact with the current students. This helps students to build their networks, celebrates our alumni successes, and potentially develops working relationships and future opportunities from those connections.
Kelley Lewis, senior director of career development & alumni relations: CCH is committed to supporting our students and our alumni in all areas focused on career and professional development. We encourage our alumni to contact our Career Development office for assistance with their job searches and other support as it relates to their professional journeys in the creative industries.
What does CCH look for in prospective students? Who is the “ideal” CCH candidate
JO: We want students from all backgrounds who are excited to create and to tell stories, and particularly those who are looking to collaborate with others. This is a collaborative industry and artform so those candidates who are looking to connect with others have a greater chance at success.
What is the application process like?
BS: Above anything else, we are looking for passion. At CCH we understand that every artist is unique, we don't want to evaluate students solely based on GPA and test scores. We believe that there is far more depth, creativity, passion, and drive to our students than can be reflected in standardized test scores—which is why we have standardized test optional admissions. Each student works with a personal counselor who will work with them to see if their short and long-term goals match what we can offer at CCH. If it is a good fit, a student submits their application, a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and transcripts to be reviewed by an admissions committee.
Does CCH provide any financial assistance to students who need it?
BS: Yes. CCH offers a wide range of talent, merit, and need-based institutional scholarships. Students also have the ability to apply for Federal Financial Aid. Each student, when applying, will work with a personal financial aid advisor who we then work with so they can understand exactly what opportunities are available to them and how they can pay for college.
What is the foremost thing you'd like people to know about CCH?
JO: Be prepared to put in the work. This is a highly competitive industry that we can prepare you for if you are willing to commit. And be open to new experiences.
Anything else?
BS: CCH offers multiple virtual events every month, from open houses to workshops and industry chats. For more information on these events, or to learn how CCH is different from any other college out there, visit https://columbiacollege.edu/.
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