Heisenberg91
Well-Known Member
Thought it would be a good to have a separate thread for this.
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I'm definitely committing! it was far and away my first choice but yes, id be happy to share
Hey @turburr what made UCLA your first choice? Obviously it's an exceptional program, but is there something specific that you're especially excited about? I'm still deciding
Basically, I visited UCLA and USC and had the privilege of sitting in on a class at UCLA. I was so impressed with how fun it was and how generally welcoming and enthusiastic the screenwriters were about their stories and helping their classmates. The class sizes are really small, there's a lot of individualized attention, and the professors I met were super personable and really knew what they were talking about. It's obviously one of the most reputable programs in the country, but when I was there I got the sense that it was different you know? Unlike most schools, you own the rights to everything you write, and instead of (like USC) perfecting two screenplays, you leave with a portfolio of 7 or 8. The guy who gave me the tour showed me all these big sound stages and was telling me how easy it is for students to get funding and essentially create any vision they have so long as they communicate with actors, set designers, filmmakers, etc. They're really well connected and generally fantastic at getting their screenwriters out in the world and emphasize collaboration over competition. It also helps that they're RIGHT in the middle of West Hollywood and that the campus is pretty damn beautiful.
Basically, I visited UCLA and USC and had the privilege of sitting in on a class at UCLA. I was so impressed with how fun it was and how generally welcoming and enthusiastic the screenwriters were about their stories and helping their classmates. The class sizes are really small, there's a lot of individualized attention, and the professors I met were super personable and really knew what they were talking about. It's obviously one of the most reputable programs in the country, but when I was there I got the sense that it was different you know? Unlike most schools, you own the rights to everything you write, and instead of (like USC) perfecting two screenplays, you leave with a portfolio of 7 or 8. The guy who gave me the tour showed me all these big sound stages and was telling me how easy it is for students to get funding and essentially create any vision they have so long as they communicate with actors, set designers, filmmakers, etc. They're really well connected and generally fantastic at getting their screenwriters out in the world and emphasize collaboration over competition. It also helps that they're RIGHT in the middle of West Hollywood and that the campus is pretty damn beautiful.
@Comedynerd, I noticed you've interviewed with AFI too. Admissions said we get the decision on the 4th of April.
I'm leaning towards AFI because of the production oriented approach. What about you?
It's a tough choice but right now I'm leaning towards USC or UCLA. AFI definitely has the best production integration but I'm more interested in focusing on writing. I also didn't love that the cycle films belonged to the school and couldn't be submitted to festivals in the first year.
I will say that the professors I spoke to at AFI were by far the most welcoming and seemed to share my sense of humor which is actually a pretty huge deal for me. All around, it's a tough decision!
Cool. You want to write for TV comedies?
Also, if you don't mind my asking, did you apply straight outta undergrad? Or are you a working writer already?
Hey @Heisenberg91 I don't mind sharing at all! I do want to write TV comedies and I've been out of college for four years. I write musicals, plays and short films in Chicago that have been produced with various theaters and smaller production companies. I also have a strong background in improvisational comedy (Second City, iO Theater, etc.). Despite my amount of work, I still wait tables to stay afloat financially which means my life is pretty hectic. I'm looking forward to having two years to focus on what I love.
This is so, so helpful!
How small is small? Like 3-4?
&do you know what is part of the portfolio?
Thanks for the info, @turburr! It's incredibly helpful. Did you get the sense that the program was geared more towards feature writing rather than television?
Yes! Received it earlier this morning. It was pretty standard ("Welcome to UCLA!" etc) but also said:Anyone receive a separate notification from the graduate division yet?
Yes! Received it earlier this morning. It was pretty standard ("Welcome to UCLA!" etc) but also said:
If you applied or are being considered for a fellowship, teaching assistantship or research assistantship, your graduate program will inform you of the status of any award or appointment. If you applied for need-based financial assistance, you will hear from the Financial Aid Office.It didn't mention when we'd hear back, but I guess eventually
Yep! Got it this morning. Like @Kira said, not a ton of information. Just more waiting!Anyone receive a separate notification from the graduate division yet?