Columbia SOA MFA Directing & Screenwriting - Fall 2024

[quincyq9]

I had my interview for Columbia Creative Producing (should probably do a separate thread of it, maybe)

It was nervewracking, honestly think I didn't get in because I felt like I held back a lot. (but tbh I didn't think I'd get an interview????)

I definitely recommend coming in with a list of things you want to say and get across, but the interviewers were very nice. Also, do your research on your interviewers before the interview!!! They are some amazing people.

 

[zorlow]

Amazing job guys! Fingers crossed I hear back from them soon...

 

[greatornothing]

for people who got interviews when did you find out your interviewers? Mine is tomorrow but I haven’t figured out who. If your interview options were 12 or 19 do you know who your interviewers are?

 

[cjf2795]

Just did my interview for Writing for Film and TV - my interviewers were Trey Ellis and David Klass. Both were very approachable and easy to talk to, it was pretty casual and it was clear they had read my pilot and feature film treatment. Questions were straightforward, things like--

Why Columbia
Why an MFA now? What am I looking to gain from it?
Strengths/Weaknesses
What kinds of stories I want to write
Best films/tv I've seen recently

Very casual and friendly! I did not know who the interviewers were going to be ahead of time, but very happy I got paired up with these two. good luck all!

 

[drewkay412]

I had my interview for Columbia Creative Producing (should probably do a separate thread of it, maybe)

It was nervewracking, honestly think I didn't get in because I felt like I held back a lot. (but tbh I didn't think I'd get an interview????)

I definitely recommend coming in with a list of things you want to say and get across, but the interviewers were very nice. Also, do your research on your interviewers before the interview!!! They are some amazing people.

Thanks for noting this! For creative producing interviews, did they focus a lot on application writing materials or was it more conversational get-to-know-you?

Also do they email the zoom links + interviewers a few days before the interview? I'm having mine next week and im nervous/excited!!

 

[quincyq9]

Thanks for noting this! For creative producing interviews, did they focus a lot on application writing materials or was it more conversational get-to-know-you?

Also do they email the zoom links + interviewers a few days before the interview? I'm having mine next week and im nervous/excited!!

They email zoom links and interviewers a few days before the interview! And they don't really focus on your application materials (or rather mines didn't- maybe that reveals my status even more lol), but it was very conversational, getting to know why you want to be apart of the program, your mission, your experience in film or media, and then asking any questions for the interviewers.

 

[drewkay412]

They email zoom links and interviewers a few days before the interview! And they don't really focus on your application materials (or rather mines didn't- maybe that reveals my status even more lol), but it was very conversational, getting to know why you want to be apart of the program, your mission, your experience in film or media, and then asking any questions for the interviewers.

Ooh gotcha - this helps a lot! Thanks!! I bet you did great too - good luck to both of us!

 

[darvadan]

Hey everyone! I had my interview last week with Trey Ellis and Elizabeth Kling.
After reading earlier and more recent posts, I assumed we would only talk about my writing materials.
I was surprised that we actually ONLY spoke about my film. The interview felt more like a good conversation—I feel positive about that! But I was definitely surprised that it was so casual and friendly. I believe I was one of the earlier interviews and I wonder if that contributed to how low key it was. Good luck to everyone!

 

[buffchick]

Hey! On Wednesday I had an interview with Rafael Lessa and one of the Directing professors (his name escapes me, I'm sorry). I applied in as a Writing for Film and TV applicant so I was expecting to talk about my writing samples, but we mostly chatted about the short film I submitted. It was a very laid back and chill interview. More of a conversation than anything. Here were the questions that asked...

Where am I in my life currently? What am I doing professionally and independently to serve my own work?
We then discussed my short film and my directing/writing methods. What were my influences for the film?
What have I watched recently that I enjoyed?
And then they opened the floor to questions I had.

I think it went really well, but who knows! I'll keep you posted!

Good luck everyone!

 

[Kit]

Does everyone send thank you emails or stuff like that after interviews? Where to find the e-mail addresses of the interviewers?

 

[radiogaga]

I

Does everyone send thank you emails or stuff like that after interviews? Where to find the e-mail addresses of the interviewers?

I'm trying to. I have sent an e-mail to the assistant student asking if she can share me with interviewers' email addresses. Still wait to hear back.

 

[quincyq9]

I just got the call today!

 

[HaywireMac]

Just got the call! Accepted to Writing for Film and TV

 

[Interested Party]

Just got the call! Accepted to Writing for Film and TV

We are praying to the phone gods for a call. Congratulations to you!

 

[radiogaga]

Just got the call! Accepted to Writing for Film and TV

OMG!!! Congratulations! So early. I just thought the calls would begin after mid-March...
Now I should pray too. Give me a call pls...

 

[Lfts99]

Anyone who applied to Directing / screenwriting has heard anything?

 

[cjf2795]

Just got the call for Writing for Film and TV!

 

[Interested Party]

I was hopeful that more folks would hear something. Fingers crossed for everyone waiting.

 

[HaywireMac]

Just got the call for Writing for Film and TV!

Congratulations!!

 

[radiogaga]

Don't know if they have sent all of the offers for Writing for Film&TV Soooo nervous.
I heard that this program only admits 12, so it doesn't need 2 or 3 days to give all the calls, right?
keep fingers crossed.