USC MFA Film & TV Production 2017

[Timothy]

Hey everyone,

Do we know if anyone has been wait-listed aka granted Spring admission? Congrats to everyone who has made it so far!

 

[Nick02]

I was waitlisted for Spring 2017, then USC moved my application for Fall 2017 and it looks like I'm not going to be accepted for Fall 2017. Anybody know if they reject people who were waitlisted the past semester? This is actually leaving a really bad taste in my mouth with the school. They seem to be contradicting everything they have been telling me.

 

[A]

I was waitlisted for Spring 2017, then USC moved my application for Fall 2017 and it looks like I'm not going to be accepted for Fall 2017. Anybody know if they reject people who were waitlisted the past semester? This is actually leaving a really bad taste in my mouth with the school. They seem to be contradicting everything they have been telling me.

Woah that sounds like a really bad experience.. wth happened?? Sorry to hear that.

 

[Nick02]

Woah that sounds like a really bad experience.. wth happened?? Sorry to hear that.

Not sure what happened. I even had two interviews both times. Both professors said they were extremely impressed with my work and that I was extremely knowledgable in the field. Is this an example of being "over qualified"? I really never enjoyed that excuse. If it doesn't look up, I'm just going to have to join the Local 600. If I'm waitlisted twice, it would be good because of the supposed "spring admission". But it would make me question what USC is really looking for in their candidates. I already got union ACs and DPs telling me it's a waste of time before I even applied to the school. I really don't see many guys on union sets working that went to film school in general whether it be Local 600 or DGA. A lot of the really big dogs just mock others who went to film school. So it's really strange. I wanted to learn more on directing and working with actors, working with screenwriters, and have a way to create projects in a community, rather than be on set doing a non-creative task and having to figure out ways and spend years moving up. But IDK, the silence is really baffling.

 

[Nick02]

The silence from SC that is. Even emailed a member.

 

[A]

Not sure what happened. I even had two interviews both times. Both professors said they were extremely impressed with my work and that I was extremely knowledgable in the field. Is this an example of being "over qualified"? I really never enjoyed that excuse. If it doesn't look up, I'm just going to have to join the Local 600. If I'm waitlisted twice, it would be good because of the supposed "spring admission". But it would make me question what USC is really looking for in their candidates. I already got union ACs and DPs telling me it's a waste of time before I even applied to the school. I really don't see many guys on union sets working that went to film school in general whether it be Local 600 or DGA. A lot of the really big dogs just mock others who went to film school. So it's really strange. I wanted to learn more on directing and working with actors, working with screenwriters, and have a way to create projects in a community, rather than be on set doing a non-creative task and having to figure out ways and spend years moving up. But IDK, the silence is really baffling.

I was always under the impression that being waitlisted meant a guarantee for Spring admission? What did USC say about moving your application to Fall?

As far as the over qualified thing.. idk. I had a buddy who had an impressive resume and was still accepted into SC grad (first try).

 

[Nick02]

I was always under the impression that being waitlisted meant a guarantee for Spring admission? What did USC say about moving your application to Fall?

As far as the over qualified thing.. idk. I had a buddy who had an impressive resume and was still accepted into SC grad (first try).

If you are waitlisted from Spring, they don't guarantee you admission for Fall. They just move your application from Spring to Fall, and treat your application like a new application....I was feeling a bit perplexed on that, seeing some of the applicants videos that got accepted. I guess, I don't have a typical "I did my bachelors in film" background. I did my bachelors and my first master's in business. But all of my jobs have always been film related, and they have been extremely high profile jobs. Some jobs I guarantee you've seen on TV and/or theaters. I really don't want this to be a who's "gun" is bigger contest. Just because you have an impressive resume doesn't mean you'll get in. They definitely look at other things. Some things are based off of ethnicity(certain ethnicities, I don't think they really treat all minority groups equal unfortunately), gender, country of origin, what you've done in your life outside of film, any life changing experiences like fighting off sharks or defeating lizard people, etc. hahahaha

 

[ASF]

Sounds like a raw deal all around.

I think we can still all hold out hope for the waitlist - at this point it doesn't appear anybody has been waitlisted yet.

 

[cinebella]

If you are waitlisted from Spring, they don't guarantee you admission for Fall. They just move your application from Spring to Fall, and treat your application like a new application....I was feeling a bit perplexed on that, seeing some of the applicants videos that got accepted. I guess, I don't have a typical "I did my bachelors in film" background. I did my bachelors and my first master's in business. But all of my jobs have always been film related, and they have been extremely high profile jobs. Some jobs I guarantee you've seen on TV and/or theaters. I really don't want this to be a who's "gun" is bigger contest. Just because you have an impressive resume doesn't mean you'll get in. They definitely look at other things. Some things are based off of ethnicity(certain ethnicities, I don't think they really treat all minority groups equal unfortunately), gender, country of origin, what you've done in your life outside of film, any life changing experiences like fighting off sharks or defeating lizard people, etc. hahahaha

I'm going to be bluntly honest and say that youre coming off really entitled. You're coming onto a thread about the film school that you're trying to apply through in an environment where everyone here is supporting one another talking about how "the big dogs on film sets say its a waste."
I mean I hope that you get what you want out of life, I'd just suggest you be a little more positive about yourself and less pompous. Just some food for thought.

 

[Nick02]

I'm going to be bluntly honest and say that youre coming off really entitled. You're coming onto a thread about the film school that you're trying to apply through in an environment where everyone here is supporting one another talking about how "the big dogs on film sets say its a waste."
I mean I hope that you get what you want out of life, I'd just suggest you be a little more positive about yourself and less pompous. Just some food for thought.

Uhhhh, I personally didn't say it was a waste. I literally said what I have been told by union guys on multiple sets. These are the guys that actually get the multi-million dollar jobs and hire the hands on set. Slow your roll. I know it's not pleasant to hear, it sucks. I clearly applied, so I don't personally think it's a waste, because you are given a chance to explore different disciplines further. And I don't personally think anyone is wasting their time.

 

[icygee]

 

[A]

lol

 

[A]

Uhhhh, I personally didn't say it was a waste. I literally said what I have been told by union guys on multiple sets. These are the guys that actually get the multi-million dollar jobs and hire the hands on set. Slow your roll. I know it's not pleasant to hear, it sucks. I clearly applied, so I don't personally think it's a waste, because you are given a chance to explore different disciplines further. And I don't personally think anyone is wasting their time.

Yeah dude I know what you mean. I've worked a few sets too and that's usually the general vibe with union dudes. I mean? You really don't need to do school if you're planning on doing grip, etc. You need to just work the set life.

That's cool dude, what kind of projects have you worked? Did you ever work with Fox? I knew a Nick... 1st AD...

As far as school, I'm on the same boat. Finding what it is I really enjoy (you and I both know working on a paid set isn't the time and place to be experimenting). Grad school is a good and safe environment to find that calling. Good luck man. Hoping for the best!

 

[Nick02]

Yeah dude I know what you mean. I've worked a few sets too and that's usually the general vibe with union dudes. I mean? You really don't need to do school if you're planning on doing grip, etc. You need to just work the set life.

That's cool dude, what kind of projects have you worked? Did you ever work with Fox? I knew a Nick... 1st AD...

As far as school, I'm on the same boat. Finding what it is I really enjoy (you and I both know working on a paid set isn't the time and place to be experimenting). Grad school is a good and safe environment to find that calling. Good luck man. Hoping for the best!

Exactly, unfortunately it's extremely rare to be a director or DP out of film school. So you have to be an AC or AD, or a PA before you can get to those positions. Film school doesn't guarantee you will get to higher positions, SC professors say this all the time. It's the reality of things. Working on lower positions and working your way up on set doesn't guarantee anything either, you can get stuck in a position and be hired only as that position for the rest of your career. It's tough and just straight up the reality. But i guess I'm pompous for just trying to help others know what to expect. It's really about who you know, luck, and wealth. Going to school can only help you learn and open a few more doors, but it can be a burden because of finances.... unless your family is rich. Good luck to you man and every one else!

 

[Meryam]

I'm going to be bluntly honest and say that youre coming off really entitled. You're coming onto a thread about the film school that you're trying to apply through in an environment where everyone here is supporting one another talking about how "the big dogs on film sets say its a waste."
I mean I hope that you get what you want out of life, I'd just suggest you be a little more positive about yourself and less pompous. Just some food for thought.

Cinebella,

I think your criticism comes off well-tempered and measured. And Nick, if getting into USC is something that is really important to you, (and I say this in care and 100% sincerity), you may really benefit from some introspection as cinebella suggested. (If you could take or leave USC, than by all means, disregard me.)

I, for one, feel incredibly grateful and humbled to have been accepted to USC. I too, have a lot of experience and a strong resume (and a degree in business, not film). However, I never felt entitled to this program. USC is literally the most respected (and competitive) program. in. the. world. Full stop. I knew that despite my experience, I was going to be applying alongside the most talented, well-deserving people. in. the. world. Full stop. And because I realized that, I spent an obscene amount of time on my application. I worked every single weekend for nearly a year to make sure my application (from recommendations to the personal statement) was the best it could be. Had I felt entitled to the program, I wouldn't have worked as hard.
Which is why it puzzles me when people imply that if they weren't personally accepted there must be something wrong with the school. Hopefully you can understand why your comments (whether or not you intended them to come across this way) made it seem that 1. you are more deserving than the people that got accepted and 2. that you felt this was an appropriate forum to minimize the effort and achievement of people that just went through this process with "big dogs just mock others who went to film school." And that just doesn't fit with the tone and spirit of this platform. The practical wisdom here, Nick, (and to others that may apply), is that USC takes their community very. seriously. Which is why it has one of the strongest alumni networks in the world. If your reviewer sensed even a hint of entitlement in your personal statement than that may have colored the rest of the application--and it's something you might want to consider investigating if you decide to apply again.

On a closing, more hopeful note, to those on the waitlist, I'd thought you might like to know that at least one spot has officially opened. I declined my offer in favor of Peter Stark (it was just a better fit for what I want to do personally, but I would have been honored to go to either program). I hope our programs interact so I can meet some of you in person. You are all incredibly well-deserving, thoughtful and kind people and I am so grateful for the opportunity to join you at USC in the Fall.

 

[brandon segelke]

Agreed, this idea of entitlement is disrespectful. I guarantee you are not the only one in here who dreams of this opportunity. Who dreams about telling stories every single night. My undergrad was in filmmaking, and I've spent every waking moment since then making films, and working on professional sets. It looks like Im not going to get in either, and I guarantee there are 100's who are in this same boat. Filmmaking is an art and a lifestyle not some job, if you cant be a filmmaker without these programs, then you wern't one to begin with. Best of luck to all of you, I really admire this community.

 

[Nick02]

Cinebella,

I think your criticism comes off well-tempered and measured. And Nick, if getting into USC is something that is really important to you, (and I say this in care and 100% sincerity), you may really benefit from some introspection as cinebella suggested. (If you could take or leave USC, than by all means, disregard me.)

I, for one, feel incredibly grateful and humbled to have been accepted to USC. I too, have a lot of experience and a strong resume (and a degree in business, not film). However, I never felt entitled to this program. USC is literally the most respected (and competitive) program. in. the. world. Full stop. I knew that despite my experience, I was going to be applying alongside the most talented, well-deserving people. in. the. world. Full stop. And because I realized that, I spent an obscene amount of time on my application. I worked every single weekend for nearly a year to make sure my application (from recommendations to the personal statement) was the best it could be. Had I felt entitled to the program, I wouldn't have worked as hard.
Which is why it puzzles me when people imply that if they weren't personally accepted there must be something wrong with the school. Hopefully you can understand why your comments (whether or not you intended them to come across this way) made it seem that 1. you are more deserving than the people that got accepted and 2. that you felt this was an appropriate forum to minimize the effort and achievement of people that just went through this process with "big dogs just mock others who went to film school." And that just doesn't fit with the tone and spirit of this platform. The practical wisdom here, Nick, (and to others that may apply), is that USC takes their community very. seriously. Which is why it has one of the strongest alumni networks in the world. If your reviewer sensed even a hint of entitlement in your personal statement than that may have colored the rest of the application--and it's something you might want to consider investigating if you decide to apply again.

On a closing, more hopeful note, to those on the waitlist, I'd thought you might like to know that at least one spot has officially opened. I declined my offer in favor of Peter Stark (it was just a better fit for what I want to do personally, but I would have been honored to go to either program). I hope our programs interact so I can meet some of you in person. You are all incredibly well-deserving, thoughtful and kind people and I am so grateful for the opportunity to join you at USC in the Fall.

Going to be make things very simple:

1. You're taking things personal.
2. You don't know me at all.
3. I didn't say it was waste, union folks on set did.
4. USC isn't the all or nothing answer, to some folks who believe so. They should not feel so limited.
5. You're ignoring the prestige, network, and power of other applicants' film schools, AFI, NYU, etc.
6. Sometimes you're going to hear things you don't want to hear, be ready. There's a great deal of criticism in film school.

 

[ASF]

Cinebella,

I think your criticism comes off well-tempered and measured. And Nick, if getting into USC is something that is really important to you, (and I say this in care and 100% sincerity), you may really benefit from some introspection as cinebella suggested. (If you could take or leave USC, than by all means, disregard me.)

I, for one, feel incredibly grateful and humbled to have been accepted to USC. I too, have a lot of experience and a strong resume (and a degree in business, not film). However, I never felt entitled to this program. USC is literally the most respected (and competitive) program. in. the. world. Full stop. I knew that despite my experience, I was going to be applying alongside the most talented, well-deserving people. in. the. world. Full stop. And because I realized that, I spent an obscene amount of time on my application. I worked every single weekend for nearly a year to make sure my application (from recommendations to the personal statement) was the best it could be. Had I felt entitled to the program, I wouldn't have worked as hard.
Which is why it puzzles me when people imply that if they weren't personally accepted there must be something wrong with the school. Hopefully you can understand why your comments (whether or not you intended them to come across this way) made it seem that 1. you are more deserving than the people that got accepted and 2. that you felt this was an appropriate forum to minimize the effort and achievement of people that just went through this process with "big dogs just mock others who went to film school." And that just doesn't fit with the tone and spirit of this platform. The practical wisdom here, Nick, (and to others that may apply), is that USC takes their community very. seriously. Which is why it has one of the strongest alumni networks in the world. If your reviewer sensed even a hint of entitlement in your personal statement than that may have colored the rest of the application--and it's something you might want to consider investigating if you decide to apply again.

On a closing, more hopeful note, to those on the waitlist, I'd thought you might like to know that at least one spot has officially opened. I declined my offer in favor of Peter Stark (it was just a better fit for what I want to do personally, but I would have been honored to go to either program). I hope our programs interact so I can meet some of you in person. You are all incredibly well-deserving, thoughtful and kind people and I am so grateful for the opportunity to join you at USC in the Fall.

Do you know if people were waitlisted already?

 

[Meryam]

Do you know if people were waitlisted already?

I'm sorry, but I don't know. Maybe check past threads? I thought I heard that those notifications went out, but do not take my word for it!

 

[ASF]

I'm sorry, but I don't know. Maybe check past threads? I thought I heard that those notifications went out, but do not take my word for it!

Hope not haha. Based on this thread and the Google tracking sheet, it doesn't look like anybody has been waitlisted. Maybe you heard from someone else?