American Film Institute (AFI) - Directing Applicants 2021

My interview was with professor Harrison James and fellow Isabella Issa. It was very conversational and most of their questions were based on my application. For example, my sample film was shot and directed by me as a one man band, so they asked me about collaborating with a crew. And it was a doc, so they asked me about working with actors. They also asked me what kind of films I want to make and about my "Confrontation" film.
 
My interview was with professor Harrison James and fellow Isabella Issa. It was very conversational and most of their questions were based on my application. For example, my sample film was shot and directed by me as a one man band, so they asked me about collaborating with a crew. And it was a doc, so they asked me about working with actors. They also asked me what kind of films I want to make and about my "Confrontation" film.
I had them as well! I loved them hahaha
 
Hi all, I just had my interview with Andrew Wagner and Karen Maruyama. They were both really lovely. There were a few technical issues at the start that maybe put me off to a bad start and then at the end I think I may have left the zoom call before the interview was actually over! Whoops! But other than that it was very chilled, easy going, and they seemed to appreciated my honesty when I admitted to just not having an answer to their question etc. They really seemed to have looked at all my submission materials in depth, knowing the names of the actors in my films for example. They asked me about specific directing techniques I had used with actors, but that’s because I had mentioned it in one of my submission essays.
Just wanted to wish everyone else the very best of luck with your interview. Enjoy it! It’s a lot of fun.
And if you haven’t been invited for an interview keep cracking at it! This is my 4th year applying to film schools and the first interview, so don’t get disheartened.
Please feel free to pm me if any of you have any questions about the application/interview process.
 
Hi all, I just had my interview with Andrew Wagner and Karen Maruyama. They were both really lovely. There were a few technical issues at the start that maybe put me off to a bad start and then at the end I think I may have left the zoom call before the interview was actually over! Whoops! But other than that it was very chilled, easy going, and they seemed to appreciated my honesty when I admitted to just not having an answer to their question etc. They really seemed to have looked at all my submission materials in depth, knowing the names of the actors in my films for example. They asked me about specific directing techniques I had used with actors, but that’s because I had mentioned it in one of my submission essays.
Just wanted to wish everyone else the very best of luck with your interview. Enjoy it! It’s a lot of fun.
And if you haven’t been invited for an interview keep cracking at it! This is my 4th year applying to film schools and the first interview, so don’t get disheartened.
Please feel free to pm me if any of you have any questions about the application/interview process.
Hard work and never giving up will not disappoint you! Wish you good luck!
 
Thank you everyone for sharing your interview experiences! It seems many applicants are being interviewed compared to previous years. I'm wondering if this is an especially competitive year. Time goes by sooooo slowly, I want March to come already ^^
 
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Thank you everyone for sharing your interview experiences! It seems many applicants are being interviewed compared to previous years. I'm wondering if this is an especially competitive year. Time goes by sooooo slow, I want March to come already ^^
I wonder that too! :) But also might be slightly different because of COVID? maybe? who knows hahah
 
What did you all wear for your interviews?
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Hey all! I applied to the AFI Directing 2021 program, and haven't been selected yet for an interview. Was wondering, based on past timelines for AFI, whether I should basically throw in the towel and accept that I won't be accepted into the program? Need to let go for my own mental health haha
 
Hey all! I applied to the AFI Directing 2021 program, and haven't been selected yet for an interview. Was wondering, based on past timelines for AFI, whether I should basically throw in the towel and accept that I won't be accepted into the program? Need to let go for my own mental health haha
From what I've been told, they can have interviews up until a few days before the notification date.
 
From what I've been told, they can have interviews up until a few days before the notification date.
I wonder though whether all the interviews have been scheduled already. I noticed most folks who've gotten selected for an interview got notified in January...my hope is slippin'!
 
My interview is tomorrow! Cue all the nerves! Has anyone else had one and want to share their experience?

Also, for all my interviews I'm wearing a work dress (not that they can tell it's a dress). Essentially, profesh work attire
 
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