AFI Conservatory

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.

That info is on the acceptance data page for AFI cinematography.

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.

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.

Very helpful! Thank you!!

@kingofsweaters

@kingofsweaters Do you have a sample of what a weekly schedule looks like for a producing student?

Hello all! I had my interview for the AFI directing program last week. I was notified on January 17th and the interview was conducted on the 25th. To prepare, I met with a directing fellow the weekend before to get a sense of what I would be asked, and she framed it as a "chill conversation". I can't say that was my experience (lol) so if you have any questions regarding any part of the interview process, please send them my way.

Curious if anyone who got an AFI interview also got interview requests from USC and UCLA. So far I've only been interviewed by AFI, but it's my top school so I'm happy

Hello, I am preparing my application for the production design program and I want to ask if anyone can share any examples for the portfolios they used for their application.
I am an architect, should I show my work with plans, elevations and sections or do I focus mainly on 3d models and visualizations

Hi! I've been following along some applications on the page and I've seen that USC and AFI have already started interviewing. I applied to those two and I haven't been reached out to for an interview yet, should I be worried?
I'm not sure if they notify everyone they want to interview at the same time or does this happen along a period of time in a more gradual form? Please let me know if you know about this! Thank you!!!

Hi! I've been following along some applications on the page and I've seen that USC and AFI have already started interviewing. I applied to those two and I haven't been reached out to for an interview yet, should I be worried?
I'm not sure if they notify everyone they want to interview at the same time or does this happen along a period of time in a more gradual form? Please let me know if you know about this! Thank you!!!

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