AFI Applicants 2025

[Marimfruy]

Had my interview for producing yesterday and I think it went great! It was a little over 30 minutes and they seemed to really have paid attention to everything I wrote on my application. The questions were very specific, but in a good way! I didn’t have to repeat the things that were on my application, I was just giving them more context and details to everything. I think the only general question they asked me is about the filmmakers I have as reference.

 

[jordanrosephotos]

HOPE IS ALIVE!

I think it's a good sign for everyone! It's a Zoom with Adam Salky and Karen Maruyama.

 

[jordanrosephotos]

Did anyone else get an interview?

 

[pmj]

Did anyone else get an interview?

Not yet, at this point I feel like it would be something completely out of left field if it happens. I've written AFI off unless proven otherwise

 

[jordanrosephotos]

Not yet, at this point I feel like it would be something completely out of left field if it happens. I've written AFI off unless proven otherwise

There's still time!

 

[tylerrjenkins]

Their policy says they request interviews until the end of February. Not trying to give false hope if there is none but still be checking your email the next ~3 weeks.

 

[patty]

I think it's a good sign for everyone! It's a Zoom with Adam Salky and Karen Maruyama.

Could you please share in detail what questions they asked? And any information they might have mentioned?

 

[pmj]

Their policy says they request interviews until the end of February. Not trying to give false hope if there is none but still be checking your email the next ~3 weeks.

For sure, but just looking at the data on this site for Directing, those notifications rarely ever cross into February - so I was basing my comment off of that data

 

[jordanrosephotos]

Could you please share in detail what questions they asked? And any information they might have mentioned?

I definitely will. It's Thursday afternoon so I'll update you guys here after.

 

[danielani]

So… I just had my interview for screenwriting and it was LONG!! Probably about 40 minutes or less but I think it went pretty well. One question however that really through me off but I think I answered to the best of my ability was “So we know you’re applying for other programs (Columbia, USC, etc.), can you tell how each one of them differs and where you see yourself? Cause chances are you’re getting into at least one so we want to make sure you know what’s right for you.” I was like???? but other than that it was a super great conversation.

 

[eepybee]

So… I just had my interview for screenwriting and it was LONG!! Probably about 40 minutes or less but I think it went pretty well. One question however that really through me off but I think I answered to the best of my ability was “So we know you’re applying for other programs (Columbia, USC, etc.), can you tell how each one of them differs and where you see yourself? Cause chances are you’re getting into at least one so we want to make sure you know what’s right for you.” I was like???? but other than that it was a super great conversation.

Wow, that seems like a great sign!! Like "we want to pick you, but how can we know you will pick us?" Is AFI your top choice? Also, how did they know where else you'd applied?

 

[danielani]

Wow, that seems like a great sign!! Like "we want to pick you, but how can we know you will pick us?" Is AFI your top choice? Also, how did they know where else you'd applied?

I actually reused one of the scenes I had came up with for USC in my AFI application but made some slight changes to it. They must’ve picked up on it but thankfully they liked it cause it could’ve easily backfired.

 

[theblueduck]

So… I just had my interview for screenwriting and it was LONG!! Probably about 40 minutes or less but I think it went pretty well. One question however that really through me off but I think I answered to the best of my ability was “So we know you’re applying for other programs (Columbia, USC, etc.), can you tell how each one of them differs and where you see yourself? Cause chances are you’re getting into at least one so we want to make sure you know what’s right for you.” I was like???? but other than that it was a super great conversation.

How did they know you were applying to other schools?

 

[danielani]

How did they know you were applying to other schools?

I actually responded to this in an earlier post

 

[productionapplicant81]

So… I just had my interview for screenwriting and it was LONG!! Probably about 40 minutes or less but I think it went pretty well. One question however that really through me off but I think I answered to the best of my ability was “So we know you’re applying for other programs (Columbia, USC, etc.), can you tell how each one of them differs and where you see yourself? Cause chances are you’re getting into at least one so we want to make sure you know what’s right for you.” I was like???? but other than that it was a super great conversation.

I was SO worried about a question like this, to the point where I left the “where else are you applying” question on the application blank.

 

[jordanrosephotos]

Had my interview - it was 35 minutes.

I think it went well?!? They asked me a lot of in depth questions about my submissions and even critiqued it - their suggestions were super helpful and I hope I get in so I can learn more! They were both super nice, and I was nervous but hopefully they thought I had a unique enough voice/perspective.

 

[Allison]

Had my interview - it was 35 minutes.

I think it went well?!? They asked me a lot of in depth questions about my submissions and even critiqued it - their suggestions were super helpful and I hope I get in so I can learn more! They were both super nice, and I was nervous but hopefully they thought I had a unique enough voice/perspective.

I bet they were curious to see how you too critique. I bet you handled it well since you appreciated the feedback. Is this your number 1 pick?

 

[jordanrosephotos]

I bet they were curious to see how you too critique. I bet you handled it well since you appreciated the feedback. Is this your number 1 pick?

I think you're right! Yes it is. How about you?

 

[Allison]

I think you're right! Yes it is. How about you?

Awww you're a shoo-in! Good luck! I didn't apply to AFI. I've just been watching the thread because I'm becoming more interested in the program.

 

[nikifish]

So… I just had my interview for screenwriting and it was LONG!! Probably about 40 minutes or less but I think it went pretty well. One question however that really through me off but I think I answered to the best of my ability was “So we know you’re applying for other programs (Columbia, USC, etc.), can you tell how each one of them differs and where you see yourself? Cause chances are you’re getting into at least one so we want to make sure you know what’s right for you.” I was like???? but other than that it was a super great conversation.

That sounds like a good sign!! I'm curious about the interview order because I've seen you say your interview email is a few days before mine, but the interview date they gave me is earlier than yours. It seems like they have their own time schedule, and maybe we had different interviewers. I'm just guessing haha.