Just got my interview notification today and will be interviewing on Tuesday with Stephen Lighthill. To the people who have recently interviewed - did you interview with Stephen as well?
 
Just had my call. 9 mins haha. They asked about my background, my filmmaking interests. I'm in LA and they invited my to sit in on a class. Didn't say anything about my 10/60 or photo portfolio, not sure what to make of that. Oh well, all done now. Crossing my fingers and waiting...

Good luck everybody!
 
Hey just found this thread! Just had my interview today and it lasted for 11 minutes, hope it went well (I feel like a giggled too much.) They asked me if I had any questions for them first before jumping in to why I wanted to pursue cinematography and why I shot my ten-sixty video the way I did/what inspired the technique. They sorta also told me in different words that I had a "director vibe" knowing that I applied to the cinematography course, but I clarified I was truly in it to become a great DP. In addition to that, I felt like they were really looking for someone who had good time management skills and someone dedicated to the program schedule fully. Has anyone else had their interview? How did it go?

Thanks for sharing! What do you feel about your interview? What's your feeling?
You wrote "they", was there one more person together with Lighthill?
 
I also conducted my interview in February 6th. It took just 9 minutes on Skype. I felt that they really emphasize on their intense curriculum. They asked general questions to me, like this.

- How do you know about AFI, I can guess but tell me.
- What are you looking for your education?
- When will you come here?
- Do you have any questions?

they mentioned and asked 1 more question which is related to my photo poltfolio.

Why do you think they asked you "when will you come here"?
 
I had my interview with Lighthill Feb 6th. I got a good impression of him. He seems like a really nice guy! The interview was shorter than expected, since they said to expect 20-40 min. I thought it lasted for 15 min, but I checked my Skype today just for fun, and it was around 11 min. Crossing fingers for me and for all of you!

Did any of you speak with admission before the interview?
 
Thanks for sharing! What do you feel about your interview? What's your feeling?
You wrote "they", was there one more person together with Lighthill?
I felt pretty good about it, said what I needed to say and all that. I was honest. When I said "they" it was Stephen Lighthill and Jill Murrin I think (totally blanking all of a sudden.) I'm just glad they laughed at my jokes tbh.
 
I just finished my interview with Stephen Lighthill and another female interviewer. It was very conversational and lasted for about 14 minutes.

They let me ask questions at first and I asked two questions about the curriculum and thesis films. After that, they just asked me 2 common questions: Why Afi? What do I want to obtain from this program? They didn't mention my statement or portfolios. Mr. Lighthill is easygoing and I have a good impression on him. They whispered and snickered when I was talking and I asked them why. Later I realized that my cat went into the video behind me and went out.😂 It made the interview more relaxing.
 
Why do you think they asked you "when will you come here"?

I guess... probably that's because I have two kids. Therefore, there're many things to prepare before the first semester, looking for a house and day care center like that... However, AFI Conservatory program is busy and condense. I think he worried about this. I just said I can go there in June.

Anyway, how was your interview?

To be honest, I didn't speak well at first... My answers to some questions were too short and abstract. I was nervous at first. And above all, the interview was short (just 8-9min) so I felt a little embarrassing. I expected that it will be conducted at least 20-30 minutes as notified by e-mail. On the other hand, it was a good thing that they asked just general questions and asked about me. Before the interview, I was worried about asking only about 'Parasite' rather than myself. I participated in 'Parasite' as AC, so I thought they could ask about this experience, but they didn't. I felt they just focused on me. I think it's good.
 
I guess... probably that's because I have two kids. Therefore, there're many things to prepare before the first semester, looking for a house and day care center like that... However, AFI Conservatory program is busy and condense. I think he worried about this. I just said I can go there in June.

Anyway, how was your interview?

To be honest, I didn't speak well at first... My answers to some questions were too short and abstract. I was nervous at first. And above all, the interview was short (just 8-9min) so I felt a little embarrassing. I expected that it will be conducted at least 20-30 minutes as notified by e-mail. On the other hand, it was a good thing that they asked just general questions and asked about me. Before the interview, I was worried about asking only about 'Parasite' rather than myself. I participated in 'Parasite' as AC, so I thought they could ask about this experience, but they didn't. I felt they just focused on me. I think it's good.

Hi, I'm from Seoul and glad to see one of the Parasite crew here! I applied to Directing discipline this year and had done with my interview on last Thursday. I've just looked at the credit and found your name on the grip part. Probably that might be you! I think 9 mins of the interview is both good and bad, but considering the fact you have had an amazing experience as such, they might think you're already guaranteed enough, so I hope it is a good sign. Have you applied to the other schools too? If you want to have a little chit-chat, both Korean/English message is welcomed.
 
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Hi, I'm from Seoul and glad to see one of the Parasite crew here! I applied to Directing discipline this year and had done with my interview on last Thursday. I've just looked at the credit and found your name on the grip part. Probably that might be you! I think 9 mins of the interview is both good or bad, but considering the fact you have had an amazing experience as such, they might think you're already guaranteed enough, so I hope it is a good sign. Have you applied to the other schools too? If you want to have a little chit-chat, both Korean/English message is welcomed.

I just only applied to the AFI Conservatory because other schools' programs are too long to me and I think AFI's program is more condense and good to have team-oriented work with other parts. Actually, you found the other name (he and I have the same last name :) ), I was in charge of 4th camera assistant. Nowadays I worked at Korean-Japanese film as 2nd AC, and crank-up date is late-March. I think we can meet by then. I thought it would be good to meet each other before going to US, I'll contact you !
 
I just only applied to the AFI Conservatory because other schools' programs are too long to me and I think AFI's program is more condense and good to have team-oriented work with other parts. Actually, you found the other name (he and I have the same last name :) ), I was in charge of 4th camera assistant. Nowadays I worked at Korean-Japanese film as 2nd AC, and crank-up date is late-March. I think we can meet by then. I thought it would be good to meet each other before going to US, I'll contact you !

Oh then I think I got your name. SH, right? There is a spacing mistype on your name in English credit, yet it is obviously recognizable when Korean see it. Great to know you again. For cinematographers AFI is one of the best schools in the world for sure! And it is a great idea to see you before flying to the US unless the result goes wrong on March 14 😅(Guys, the final batch will come on Mar 13 in the US time.) As a directing applicant, I have applied here and there and am still waiting for the upcoming news. But needless to say AFI is one of the top-notch for me, I hope it all goes well.
 
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I really hope that the whole corona virus situation will solve, at least calm down, before school starts.
As of now, I'm not allowed to fly to the US the next month. If the situation escalates more, those rules may be stretched for a longer period. I really hope the situation cools down.
In addition to that, the economy is going straight to hell in our country at the moment, so our currency is extremely weak right now, which means that the dollar is suddenly very expensive. The price for the school will cost me around 30.000 $ more in Norwegian kroner.

If corona wasn't enough to make one afraid these days; tomorrow we will get our final answer. I'm definitely feeling the nerves right now. Any one else being a nerve wrack at the moment?
I will share if I'm in or not, once I have received the announcement.
 
I really hope that the whole corona virus situation will solve, at least calm down, before school starts.
As of now, I'm not allowed to fly to the US the next month. If the situation escalates more, those rules may be stretched for a longer period. I really hope the situation cools down.
In addition to that, the economy is going straight to hell in our country at the moment, so our currency is extremely weak right now, which means that the dollar is suddenly very expensive. The price for the school will cost me around 30.000 $ more in Norwegian kroner.

If corona wasn't enough to make one afraid these days; tomorrow we will get our final answer. I'm definitely feeling the nerves right now. Any one else being a nerve wrack at the moment?
I will share if I'm in or not, once I have received the announcement.
I've been thinking a lot about the current state of the world as well with the virus. I'm currently on OPT in nyc, was planning on coming back to Manila soon but that doesn't seem to be looking too good right now. If things look good for me school wise, I might just be able to extend my current student visa without having to actually return to my own country but we'll see. This is all very stressful and I just hope everyone is safe.
 
I'm in!

Who else got good news?
Congrats wrongmatt!!! I'M IN too!!!! We're gone be classmates 🥳
I'm so happy right now!! Words can't describe!!!
I'm in! Beyond thrilled!!!!
Just got the news that I've been waitlisted! Anyone else on the waiting list? Congrats to everyone
Woohoo! I'm so happy for everyone. :)

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