I am curious about people's advice for selecting good recommenders. I got into screenwriting after college and don't have a great academic reference who could talk about me in a writing context that well. For people from non-traditional backgrounds, how did you choose your recommenders? Any advice? Thank you!
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Chris W
We have this interview with an LMU student:
Why can’t I see any Art center students here…? I’d like to get some information about the film MFA program of Art center 
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Chris W
Nice! Please log your application with our database. 
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
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
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Sara Sparkles
Howdy! I am almost finished with UC Berkeley's Film & Media program. This was previously the film major, but was rebranded a short while ago.
UCB prides itself on being the only academic institution that offers film study as its primary area of focus. The program does have a few production classes, but spaces are limited and they are very difficult to get into.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this when I was just starting out, but I definitely do not regret any of my time spent at UCB. My film theory classes at UCB have reshaped how I consume and produce media, and many others aspects of my life as well.
All in all, I think this was a pretty unique opportunity to really dive deeply into film in a way that other programs may not be able to provide while they focus on production.
I do look forward to production opportunities in the future! I'm excited to take everything I've learned about films and filmmaking and put it into practice!
UCB prides itself on being the only academic institution that offers film study as its primary area of focus. The program does have a few production classes, but spaces are limited and they are very difficult to get into.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this when I was just starting out, but I definitely do not regret any of my time spent at UCB. My film theory classes at UCB have reshaped how I consume and produce media, and many others aspects of my life as well.
All in all, I think this was a pretty unique opportunity to really dive deeply into film in a way that other programs may not be able to provide while they focus on production.
I do look forward to production opportunities in the future! I'm excited to take everything I've learned about films and filmmaking and put it into practice!
One member found this helpful.
8ballqueen
I was a Film and Sociology double major. I'd definitely suggest double-majoring if you can. It gets tricky if you try to add on an impacted major as your second major but it's doable, you just may have to apply while you're at Berkeley to get into that major because a lot of those high-demand programs like Business are pretty impacted. Thankfully you can definitely do it, you just need a plan for it and need to start planning early on. If you only do Film you may get a little bored and I think you'll actually get way more out of your time in the program if you double major.
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Chris W
Got this response when I asked them:
"Hi Chris,
It’s okay, but our preference is that all music be cleared.
Best,
Donna
Donna Hull, RTF Administrative Associate
Department of Radio-Television-Film | Moody College of Communication
The University of Texas at Austin "
rtf.utexas.edu
"Hi Chris,
It’s okay, but our preference is that all music be cleared.
Best,
Donna
Donna Hull, RTF Administrative Associate
Department of Radio-Television-Film | Moody College of Communication
The University of Texas at Austin "
rtf.utexas.edu
DJPorras89
Do you know if this is the case for USC as well?
Chris W
Not sure. But I'd ask this question in this forum here:
www.filmschool.org
Portfolio & Essay Feedback and Advice
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www.filmschool.org
mel_val
If you apply for the three-year film production program, you must choose one of four areas of study (directing, cinematography, editing, or sound design). The two-year Producing program goes through how to produce film and television projects by emphasizing both the creative and business elements that it entails. Hope this helps!
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For example:
- AFI Conservatory - American Film Institute
- USC - Film and Television Production (MFA)
- Columbia University - Screenwriting/Directing (M.F.A.)
- NYU - Tisch Film and Television (M.F.A.)