The School of the Arts Film Program stresses collaboration at every level. Rather than foster an atmosphere of intense competition, the program supports filmmaking itself as the best model for collaboration, collegiality and a supportive artistic environment. Built into the program in the first year is a collaborative effort, "The 8-12"-a filmic collaboration of writer, director and producer.
The success of the program in this regard is a proven fact: The creators of Monsoon Wedding, American Splendor, Boys Don't Cry, and Dare are only a few of the writer/director teams that have risen from our ranks, and the makers of Padre Nuestro, Messengers, Dear Lemon Lima and Kettle of Fish are examples of Columbia alumni director/producer teams.