BTV's challenges have precedent

In response to your article, "BTV without TV" (News, Oct. 18):

I have a lot more to say about this subject, but I wholeheartedly agree with the comment above that Brandeis needs a studio.

If the administration wants to create filmmakers, which University President Frederick Lawrence's frequent attendance of the Wasserman screenings seem to suggest it does, funds need to be allocated to the Film department, including the employment of full-time professors specializing in production.

The classes currently offered are swell if you wish to be a film critic, but, off the top of my head, I can only think of four or five classes offered in the area of production.

As an aspiring filmmaker, Brandeis has taught me about 10 percent of what I know. I'm a senior, so it would be futile to think anything will change by the time I leave, but hopefully this editorial, along with the article accompanying it, will start a discussion about the education and experience that Film majors receive here at Brandeis.

There are hundreds of Film majors on this campus. Where is their work?

—Paul Gale '12

Don't single out F-board

In response to your article, "F-board allocates fall funds" (News, Oct. 11):

It's hard to place blame solely on the Finance Board. The bigger problem is that F-board is trying to allocate a set budget with a limitless number of chartered clubs.

No matter how large the budget, if the number of clubs continues to increase there will be even worse budgeting problems in the future.

One solution may be to have a cutoff limit for clubs. Alternatively, we can reevaluate current charters, decharter clubs if they don't meet university standards.

We can also create a more rigid, but need-based allocation system for the Finance Board. Ultimately, the problem lies with a set budget to fund an unlimited number of projects. If this doesn't change, things will only get worse.

—David Ferrazzoli '13

Prisoner swap shows maturity

In response to your article, "Shalit deal poses challenging questions" (Forum, Oct. 18):

We are here in the midst of a country celebrating Gilad's release yet concerned about the implications. This is indicative of a mature people who live daily with the idea that Israel is surrounded by enemies who declare her demise, yet live life to the fullest with the firm belief that Israel will triumph and continue to flourish in the Middle East.

—Fay Poliak, M.D.

Hollywood, Fla