University of North Texas

Jason G. Current Student, 30-Apr-2010
The University of North Texas RTVF (Radio, Television, and Film) program is an EXCELLENT program. The equipment is extremely modern, and very well maintained. The program uses the latest professional level HD digital cameras for shooting as well as high end film based cameras and equipment. The film program is VERY strong offering multiple levels for students to take from beginning level introductory courses to high end advanced film courses which involve working on a film set. Along the way, students can take elective courses to enhance their skills such as Cinematography, Editing, and even Producing. Students have access to many programs such as AVID, Final Cut Pro, and the Adobe Suite of Products. The faculty at UNT's RTVF department are extremely motivated and are always willingly to help you succeed. Their door is always open. BUT make NO mistake. They faculty WILL PUSH you to improve your work. And the expectations for the quality of your work continue to get higher as you advance in the program. If you are willing to work hard, attend class, and are motivated, then you WILL succeed in this program. If not, then this isn't the program for you. Films made at UNT are screened at Film Festivals all over the place. From Los Angeles, to New York Film Festivals, down to local DFW film festivals which compete directly with UT Austin and SMU, and many of the UNT film students have walked away with awards. The program is called RTVF (Radio, Television, and Film) for GOOD reason. Not only will you learn a lot about film, but students learn about many aspects involved in Television and Radio, and even new media . Students have the capacity to be very well rounded graduates with knowledge and experience extending beyond just film. If you want to learn about news reporting, TV studio production, or being a television engineer, then RTVF offers an television production program with hands on experience working at the student run television station. If you want to be an Audio Engineer and be in involved on the audio side of stuff then RTVF offers a strong audio program as well. Students can gain experience working at the student run radio station, or working on a film set. As a student, I am very pleased with my experience with this program, especially the film program. And I have absolutely no regrets attending this school.

henry clerval Current Student, 15-Apr-2010
The UNT RTVF department is a joke that isn't funny. The staff is like a circus trying to juggle between their personal lives and apathy for their students. Overall the RTVF department is a complete failure. I'm struggling to breath in this ocean of regret. First off it takes atleast 2 years to get into the major and then finally when you get there you can't even utilize good equipment. You get equipment from seemingly the 1980's. You won't get to use Avid, or After Effects for another 2 years. You'll be lucky to use any professional software besides adobe premiere. If you are interested in film please heed this warning: research a good film school and shoot for that. If you come to UNT you must settle for mediocracy.

Tex Former Student, 24-Jan-2008
UNT's film program is lacking. Student films from here don't go far, and the faculty is generally disenchanted and unexcited about their students work. The director of the film department has a terrible repertoire of films beneath his belt. He loves to tell you why you won't make it in the industry, instead of encouraging you to do your best. The equipment available is NOT state of the art in anyway. The film cameras available are old Bell and Howells from the 50's and a couple Arri SRI's which are standard 16mm, not Super. They've got a variety of Mini-DV cams, but no HD or DigiCine equipment. A small array of lights are available, in addition to ONE HMI light. The equipment is poorly maintained and infrequently acquired. No cinematography courses are available, which leads to extremely low quality photography. UNT films don't go far beyond their first screening. Google it. This is largely a DIY film school. If access to some meager equipment and a network of fellow hopefuls is all you need to develop your skills, UNT is alright. If you're looking for a school which makes successful films and successful students regularly, avert your eyes. Try UT, FSU, AFI, or Columbia if you want a legitimate program with experienced professors and faculty willing to push you to the next level.

Texas Filmmakers Current Student, 22-Feb-2005
The University of North Texas offers an outstanding Radio, Television, & Film Department. The entire faculty and staff are professionals in their field. The school offers a range of equpiment from professional miniDV to Super 16mm; and the editing lab boast dozens of machines with the latest software. Another great reason to attend North Texas is the city of Denton; a beautiful town just far enough away from the bustling Metroplex of Dallas/Fort Worth. Denton boasts a community dedicated to art in all its forms. For every major type of art in Denton, there is an organization that supports the community. For film, that organization is Texas Filmmakers; a non-profit media center. Texas Filmmakers connects filmmakers with other local filmmakers. We screen films by local artists while providing educational opportunities to the local community, which is the icing on the cake for making the University of North Texas the perfect school to learn about the art of film.

Brown Guy Current Student, 07-Feb-2005
I am a current student at UNT and I must say that its one excellent program. The department of radio/television/film is one of the nations best and its faculty are first rate. Moreover, the faculty comes from a variety of schools such as USC, UCLA, NYU and afcourse home grown UNT graduates. The cirriculum is very tough and challenging but the professors are there to help. Its a very big department with 2000 pre-majors and about 600 majors. Hands on production classes and theory classes are abundant so your emphasis can be on either. In addition to the school, there are several work opportunities available either through the school or somewhere in the DFW area which is a top 5 media market. Whether you are from Texas or anywhere else in the world, you will find UNT to be a first class.

Jason Sellers Former Student, 12-May-2003
This institutes program is still developing though it does provide excellent access to top of the line equipment. The Documentary instruction is astounding and the television program is comparable to UT-Austin.