My name is Nerses, I am from Moscow, Russian Federation. I have two questions and I hope you will find time to answer on some of them.
I am 16 and next fall I’m going to apply to US universities as an international applicant. But before getting into film school (like USC or UCLA), I want to receive my bachelor in something not connected with filmmaking. That’s one of my problems, as I haven’t yet decided what other specialization I can be good at. Right now I am thinking about undergraduate Advertising and Public Relations in Chapman University (by the way, it also has very good film programs). But my question is, can I get into Screenwriting or Producing program of graduate film school, if I already have BFA in Film Studies (a.k.a. Critical Studies) or Television & Broadcast Journalism?
And, my second question is, did any of your friends from USC get into Hollywood film industry and become successful filmmakers being international alumni? I am asking this question, because I didn’t hear much about famous people, who had similar situation to mine (kid from another country trying to find his way to get noticed)?
— Nerses
Advertising is a great and relevant degree to choose for undergraduate studies. You’ll learn a little bit of production (probably shooting some commercials on video), but most of your time will be spent writing and pitching, which are skills you’ll be using a lot of in the film industry. Having some marketing classes under your belt will also be a help.
I speak with first-hand experience: I was an undergrad Advertising major, with a minor in English.
However, if you find an undergraduate film program that appeals to you, don’t dismiss it out of hand. I strongly believe you should pursue what fascinates you at every stage in your education (and life). I don’t think it would affect your chances of getting into a film graduate program regardless.
As for your second question, yes, we had several international students in my film school class who went on to be quite successful. For instance, [Miles Millar](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0587692/), the executive producer of Smallville, hails from England. In my class of 25 students, four were international students, and three of them are still working in the industry.