AFI Directing 2020 "A Secret"

[filmmakerZA]

H

Very nice. I wonder why they didn’t like it. It was smart and suspenseful.

I am certain it’s not a case of not liking it specifically - although maybe it is. But they also had 100s or so other people submit stuff that might have just grabbed their attention more. And then there is also the cover letter and all the other added stuff that needed to be submitted. This is constantly ranked as one of the best film graduate programs in the world - so the people applying are likely of a very high standard - from all over the world. I didn’t apply for the directing discipline - but from what I am told it is tremendously competitive. And that doesn’t mean what you submitted wasn’t good or whatever - it just means there were 24 or so other candidates that has managed to grab their attention in a unique or interesting way.
I watched both your videos and I liked them. They were fun, and both had very unique approaches and a lot working in them. Keep on creating stuff - and keep on developing your skill sets. That’s all we can do in this industry if we don’t have an uncle who is a famous director or a family friend producer well done on both your video submissions

 

[ptanderson]

I am certain it’s not a case of not liking it specifically - although maybe it is. But they also had 100s or so other people submit stuff that might have just grabbed their attention more. And then there is also the cover letter and all the other added stuff that needed to be submitted. This is constantly ranked as one of the best film graduate programs in the world - so the people applying are likely of a very high standard - from all over the world. I didn’t apply for the directing discipline - but from what I am told it is tremendously competitive. And that doesn’t mean what you submitted wasn’t good or whatever - it just means there were 24 or so other candidates that has managed to grab their attention in a unique or interesting way.
I watched both your videos and I liked them. They were fun, and both had very unique approaches and a lot working in them. Keep on creating stuff - and keep on developing your skill sets. That’s all we can do in this industry if we don’t have an uncle who is a famous director or a family friend producer well done on both your video submissions

They also wrote that it was one of the strongest fields of applications in AFI Conservatory history. It looks like a great 'A secret' short film could have just not been enough. Anyway, congratulations on all the people who got waitlisted!

 

[ptanderson]

Seems my first post on this forum has been completely ignored. I was rejected, so was the guy above you and now the guy below you. But what really counts is our “A Secret” 5 minute films. Post them here or be marked a coward for life!

I had a blast watching your short film, great great work. Great characters. Was that shot on video tape? Still have to catch up with Crispy Merola's work, gonna watch it today. When this is gonna be all over I will be more than happy to post mine!

 

[Blainefuller]

I had a blast watching your short film, great great work. Great characters. Was that shot on video tape? Still have to catch up with Crispy Merola's work, gonna watch it today. When this is gonna be all over I will be more than happy to post mine!

Yes I shot mine on VHS. Thank you for watching. I look forward to seeing yours.

 

[CrispyMerola]

I am certain it’s not a case of not liking it specifically - although maybe it is. But they also had 100s or so other people submit stuff that might have just grabbed their attention more. And then there is also the cover letter and all the other added stuff that needed to be submitted. This is constantly ranked as one of the best film graduate programs in the world - so the people applying are likely of a very high standard - from all over the world. I didn’t apply for the directing discipline - but from what I am told it is tremendously competitive. And that doesn’t mean what you submitted wasn’t good or whatever - it just means there were 24 or so other candidates that has managed to grab their attention in a unique or interesting way.
I watched both your videos and I liked them. They were fun, and both had very unique approaches and a lot working in them. Keep on creating stuff - and keep on developing your skill sets. That’s all we can do in this industry if we don’t have an uncle who is a famous director or a family friend producer well done on both your video submissions

This is how I feel about the whole process. Thank you Blainefuller for watching and enjoying the short, I was digging yours as well - the VHS aesthetic and the production design were fun as hell.

I feel no resentment towards the admissions committee. There is no way for me to crawl inside their heads and understand why or how or what or who, and so I can't say for sure that they liked or didn't like anything in my application - they simply identified other applications that they found most promising. All that matters is I'm going to one of the film schools I applied to, where I can collaborate with lovely people over the next few years.

 

[Chris W]

H

Very nice. I wonder why they didn’t like it. It was smart and suspenseful.

They may have liked it but got so many applications that it's hard to choose. Who knows.

 

[ptanderson]

So apparently 4 days later still no trace of anyone who have been admitted into the program?

 

[tennisbarbeque]

Just received an email from admission, I got in!
Actually I heard the news yesterday when someone that works with international students jumped the gun a bit and sent me an email lol. Anyway, glad to receive the official admission letter just now.

 

[ptanderson]

Congratulations! Was it off the waitlist?

 

[tennisbarbeque]

Congratulations! Was it off the waitlist?

Yes, I was interviewed at the beginning of February, got waitlisted the same day as everyone here. Hope you too can hear from them soon!