AFI Directing 2020 "A Secret"

Same for me when it comes to the application confidence. But as far as I know, those who have been contacted have applied for screenwriting or cinematography, so I don't think that they have started contacting directors yet.
I don’t think any cinematographer has been contacted yet, the deadline for cinematography was January 15 and for the letters of recommendation they had until January 27. To my understanding that’s when they begin to review the applications. The deadline for directors and screenwriters was December 1st so directors and screenwriters should technically be contacted before anyone else.
 
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I don’t think any cinematographer has been contacted yet, the deadline for cinematography was January 15 and for the letters of recommendation they had until January 27. To my understanding that’s when they begin to review the applications. The deadline for directors and screenwriters was December 1st so directors and screenwriters should technically be contacted before anyone else.
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I don’t think any cinematographer has been contacted yet, the deadline for cinematography was January 15 and for the letters of recommendation they had until January 27. To my understanding that’s when they begin to review the applications. The deadline for directors and screenwriters was December 1st so directors and screenwriters should technically be contacted before anyone else.

Sure, you must be right. I thought I had seen some cinematographers mentioning their interviews in some of the forums, but you are right.
 
Hi everyone, are there any updates? I would like to discuss or talk with anyone who applied for this program or is got an invitation mail. I got my interview invitation around the end of January and just want to look for who is in the same boat with me. When I see the last year's thread they seem quite bustling but not that much in this year's thread. This is probably because it is not the time yet and not a few people seem to be waiting for the mails so far. In the last year, they still give a mail in the first week of February (just as I know, it could be longer.) so don't lose hope and let me know if anything comes up. Fingers crossed!
 
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Hi everyone, are there any updates? I would like to discuss or talk with anyone who applied for this program or is got an invitation mail. I got my interview invitation around the end of January and just want to look for who is in the same boat with me. When I see the last year's thread they seem quite bustling but not that much in this year's thread. This is probably because it is not the time yet and not a few people seem to be waiting for the mails so far. In the last year, they still give a mail in the first week of February (just as I know, it could be longer.) so don't lose hope and let me know if anything comes up. Fingers crossed!

Hey there! Congrats on getting your interview notification. I scheduled my interview for February 13th and I am now just waiting for that to happen!
 
The application tracker is abundantly informative/helpful, but it's just a small window into this process and that's what I keep telling myself in an attempt to remain positive. However, not receiving an interview invitation by now is really starting to bum me out. I truly thought I submitted a strong application. Perhaps they'll send another round of invites. Perhaps not. Regardless, best of luck everybody!
 
The application tracker is abundantly informative/helpful, but it's just a small window into this process and that's what I keep telling myself in an attempt to remain positive. However, not receiving an interview invitation by now is really starting to bum me out. I truly thought I submitted a strong application. Perhaps they'll send another round of invites. Perhaps not. Regardless, best of luck everybody!
Me either.I'm almost sure I've done my best work, and I've barely slept the last few nights. I kept wondering why I hadn't received the interview invitation. What was wrong with my application? I think I'm going crazy. You're not alone in feeling anxious. I searched the records of the last two years, and felt that if I didn't receive the interview invitation by tomorrow at the latest, there would be no more interview invitation from AFI for me. Of course I hope I'm wrong.Find ways to cheer yourself up. No matter what, there are no regrets as long as we are sure that we have shown the best of ourselves. Isn't it? Good luck!
 
Me either.I'm almost sure I've done my best work, and I've barely slept the last few nights. I kept wondering why I hadn't received the interview invitation. What was wrong with my application? I think I'm going crazy. You're not alone in feeling anxious. I searched the records of the last two years, and felt that if I didn't receive the interview invitation by tomorrow at the latest, there would be no more interview invitation from AFI for me. Of course I hope I'm wrong.Find ways to cheer yourself up. No matter what, there are no regrets as long as we are sure that we have shown the best of ourselves. Isn't it? Good luck!
I also didn’t get an invitation, I literally lost hope and started to think about doing something else. I keep telling myself I don’t have nor need to go to AFI in order to be great. There’s so many great cinematographers who didn’t go to AFI and still made it and so many people went to AFI and never made it. It’s all about the importance you give to your art and it’s all about not giving up. With or without AFI, I will make it and I will be great. I keep telling myself that.
 
I also didn’t get an invitation, I literally lost hope and started to think about doing something else. I keep telling myself I don’t have nor need to go to AFI in order to be great. There’s so many great cinematographers who didn’t go to AFI and still made it and so many people went to AFI and never made it. It’s all about the importance you give to your art and it’s all about not giving up. With or without AFI, I will make it and I will be great. I keep telling myself that.

Yes! I totally agree with you. The most important thing is our consistent love for films. Wish you become a successful filmmaker. Thank you so much! Best luck for you!
 
I also didn’t get an invitation, I literally lost hope and started to think about doing something else. I keep telling myself I don’t have nor need to go to AFI in order to be great. There’s so many great cinematographers who didn’t go to AFI and still made it and so many people went to AFI and never made it. It’s all about the importance you give to your art and it’s all about not giving up. With or without AFI, I will make it and I will be great. I keep telling myself that.
So true. I empathize with you. I had worked for a company that never related to film but my pursuit of filmmaking has brought me here and will continue to lead me somewhere. Me just a few years ago never imagine myself - shooting a film, leaving my job, going to the US!? What the hell I am doing now? Well, it has been unpredictable and zigzag, but I think I am edging up to my goal to be a filmmaker. As we all know, film school is one of our long journeys, not the conclusion.
 
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Hey there! Congrats on getting your interview notification. I scheduled my interview for February 13th and I am now just waiting for that to happen!
Hi! my interview is scheduled almost a week after yours. I've just watched your portfolio in your application tracker and impressed by the story and production quality. I think our submissions have a common in which reveals a cultural identity. (I don't know where you came from, just guessed it from the Espanol.) Um.. in my case, my spooky film has a Korean female ghost. 😂 and I brought her from one of my prior photography series.

water_01.jpg

This is she. ...yes she usually has a deadpan face but actually she wishes her best luck to all of you.
 
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Hi! my interview is scheduled almost a week after yours. I've just watched your portfolio in your application tracker and impressed by the story and production quality. I think our submissions have a common in which reveals a cultural identity. (I don't know where you came from, just guessed it from the Espanol.) Um.. in my case, my spooky film has a Korean female ghost. 😂 and I brought her from one of my prior photography series.

View attachment 1545
This is she. ...yes she usually has a deadpan face but actually she wishes her best luck to all of you.

I love that! It’s a beautiful concept. I wish you all the best as well.

I was born in Arizona but I am a first generation Mexican American so I speak fluent Spanish. Thanks to my mother. So I wanted to showcase the beautiful language in my two shorts! Thank you for watching them!

If you’re comfortable, please share yours! I would love to see them!
 
[For anyone who is still anxiously waiting for interview requests]
I sent an email asking if all the requests had been sent out. It seems that they are stilling reviewing our applications and the latest date will be the first week of March. Stay tuned!
Here is their reply:
“The only thing I can tell you is, if you are selected for an interview, we will contact you to schedule something. We do still have applications in review. Generally, if you have not heard by the first week of March, I would say you will then be receiving a not select letter on notification day on March 13.“
 
Since I am a fresh graduate from Uni, it seems like it’s very hard for us to get into AFI as they mainly accept students who have years of experiences in the related industries. I’m wondering if this is true?
 
Since I am a fresh graduate from Uni, it seems like it’s very hard for us to get into AFI as they mainly accept students who have years of experiences in the related industries. I’m wondering if this is true?
From what I’ve researched, this is generally true, but I have seen deviations to this rule. I think the biggest qualifications AFI looks for in applicants are passion, good work ethic, and a unique voice — which, of course, is all so very subjective. Regardless, don’t give up hope!
 
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Since I am a fresh graduate from Uni, it seems like it’s very hard for us to get into AFI as they mainly accept students who have years of experiences in the related industries. I’m wondering if this is true?
I graduated in the summer of 2019 and was interviewed this past week. I studied film in undergrad so that must be an advantage of some sorts. But I do know people who wasnt a film major in undergrad and got in with basically the first film they made.
 
I love that! It’s a beautiful concept. I wish you all the best as well.

I was born in Arizona but I am a first generation Mexican American so I speak fluent Spanish. Thanks to my mother. So I wanted to showcase the beautiful language in my two shorts! Thank you for watching them!

If you’re comfortable, please share yours! I would love to see them!

Happy to hear that! Sure, but I am kinda embarrassed to proudly drop my submission here for now because of its shitty production quality - mine is less than two min, no music, no sound effect, no color grading thing, and almost no dialogue. And honestly I wouldn't have written a single line if there were no conditions for a dialogue, because it's about a woman who's being haunted. (Um, but let's exclude a dialogue because it was intended and not a post-production part.)

Do you remember the condition what AFI noticed? - "The project should be no longer than 5 minutes in length and can be shot on your cell phone. Creativity is key here – not production value." - and I was like - Oh, okay. sweet. Let's do this. And I shrewdly made the video all by myself except for acting and submitted. Yes, I am the naive one who firmly believed and kept the guideline. 😇😂 By the way, thanks for asking!

+ Okay guys, one good news: What AFI said that they don't much care about the quality IS TRUE. At least for an invitation.
 
Since I am a fresh graduate from Uni, it seems like it’s very hard for us to get into AFI as they mainly accept students who have years of experiences in the related industries. I’m wondering if this is true?

I don't think so? But recently I have read that someone who ages 22 or 23, interviewed with USC to Fall 2020 and received a question like this: "Most of the applicants have several years of work experience, and is that okay for you?" Look it up this in the USC thread. It's not the case of AFI but might help you.
 
While you wait for more info.... Weigh in on your picks for tonight in this thread:


:)

And get that Oscars bingo card. 🤣
 
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