AFI Applicants 2025

[Chris W]

I just received a cinematography interview.

I just received cinematography as well

Awesome! Be sure to log or update that info on your application on this site.

 

[pandaexpresss]

i got an interview for cinematography as well!

 

[pmj]

Looking at the last few years, it seems like directing interview notifications start getting sent out about 3 days after the cinematography ones. So it looks like we could start expecting to hear on Friday if that trend carries into this cycle as well

 

[MaxNoble]

If you applied relatively late, will your interview notification come later than those who submitted early?

Any info on this?

 

[theblueduck]

Just recieved and Interview for Directing. :-D

 

[productionapplicant81]

Just got an invitation for producing as well!

 

[bugzone2019]

Does anyone know if people have gotten in without first getting an interview? I’m anxious about the interviews getting scheduled and wonder if not scheduling an interview is the same as an early rejection

 

[Chih]

Just received for cinematography！

 

[JaredFilms378]

When is everybody's interview scheduled?

 

[Di1122]

Just received directing interview.

 

[pmj]

Does anyone know if people have gotten in without first getting an interview? I’m anxious about the interviews getting scheduled and wonder if not scheduling an interview is the same as an early rejection

They trickle out over a few days, it isn't all just at once (at least it wasn't that way from previous years' threads on here so I assume that will reign true for this year as well)

However, if we don't hear about an interview in a few weeks, it most likely doesn't look good.

 

[kingofsweaters]

I do have a question-- I know the program is totally all-consuming and will take over your entire life, but- and this may seem an odd question- what about pets? Are there students who have pets? I guess what I mean is, can one be in the program and also maintain the life of another being who lives at their home?

What a great question! There are definitely students with pets. I have 2 dogs but also am married so my spouse has definitely picked up the slack there and life generally.

I think it sort of depends on you and also your pets needs. The screenwriting program definitely gives the most room to be home because they have to bake in writing time. Producing on the other hand might be more challenging depending on pet needs.

If you’re only doing school (which I’d highly highly recommend) it’s about equal to a full time job with occasional weekends. So, if you think you could provide adequate pet care with that then it’s doable.

 

[kingofsweaters]

Does anyone know if people have gotten in without first getting an interview? I’m anxious about the interviews getting scheduled and wonder if not scheduling an interview is the same as an early rejection

Unless they switch up for some reason they always send out interview requests to the admitted fellows. It’s usually in 2-3 waves so just because you don’t hear back in the first set doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get one. If you get an interview that basically means they like you enough to admit you and want a better idea of how you are as a person and how you’d fit in the cohort.

If you don’t hear back by early Feb it’s usually a bad sign, but this year they extended the deadline on everything except directing and writing so I don’t know how that will effect that timeline.

 

[MaxNoble]

Unless they switch up for some reason they always send out interview requests to the admitted fellows. It’s usually in 2-3 waves so just because you don’t hear back in the first set doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get one. If you get an interview that basically means they like you enough to admit you and want a better idea of how you are as a person and how you’d fit in the cohort.

If you don’t hear back by early Feb it’s usually a bad sign, but this year they extended the deadline on everything except directing and writing so I don’t know how that will effect that timeline.

Thank you for this!

 

[pandaexpresss]

I applied for cinematography- I got my interview notification yesterday. Is there an advantage to being notified in the first wave?

Unless they switch up for some reason they always send out interview requests to the admitted fellows. It’s usually in 2-3 waves so just because you don’t hear back in the first set doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get one. If you get an interview that basically means they like you enough to admit you and want a better idea of how you are as a person and how you’d fit in the cohort.

If you don’t hear back by early Feb it’s usually a bad sign, but this year they extended the deadline on everything except directing and writing so I don’t know how that will effect that timeline.

 

[kingofsweaters]

I applied for cinematography- I got my interview notification yesterday. Is there an advantage to being notified in the first wave?

No. When I was going through this process last year I was definitely worried about this because I heard back in the second wave for writing, but there were people from the first wave who didn’t get in or were waitlisted and I got in.

It really comes down to the holistic view of applicants. They want diverse and unique fellows who will compliment each other since the first year is spent on cycle and the program is so small.

 

[JaredFilms378]

Does anyone know the number of people they usually interview vs accept for cinematography?

 

[kingofsweaters]

Does anyone know the number of people they usually interview vs accept for cinematography?

Usually they interview ~100 people in each discipline and narrow that down to 24-25 people for admission with a few alternates because usually a few people end up not attending but they try to have the same amount of people in writing, producing, directing, and cinematography because of how teaming works.

 

[JaredFilms378]

Usually they interview ~100 people in each discipline and narrow that down to 24-25 people for admission with a few alternates because usually a few people end up not attending but they try to have the same amount of people in writing, producing, directing, and cinematography because of how teaming works.

Is it confirmed 100 applicants? I heard it was 50/50 chance of getting in if you get an interview

 

[Chris W]

Does anyone know the number of people they usually interview vs accept for cinematography?

That info is on this page here.