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  1. panda

    Corporate Law vs MFA/SCA

    I received an MFA from USC's screenwriting program. One of my classmates previously received a law degree through Yale and had been working as a lawyer in New York before moving to LA. If you're trying to become a writer/producer, you have to at some point choose to pursue writing/treat that...
  2. USC School of Cinematic Arts

    Reply to review by 'panda' on the film school 'USC School of Cinematic Arts'

    Thank you! Working in TV is grad school 2.0 for me. Just always keep up the pursuit.
    • panda
    • Review reply
  3. USC School of Cinematic Arts

    Review by 'panda' on item 'USC School of Cinematic Arts'

    I completed USC's MFA screenwriting program in 2018. I'm beyond happy with the education and mentorship I received. Within two months of graduating, I landed my first industry job as a showrunner's assistant on a Netflix drama series. Most of my peers (a total of 32 in my year) are currently...
    • panda
    • Review
  4. panda

    Attending (Admitted w/o Interview) USC - Writing for Screen and TV 2016

  5. panda

    USC MFA in Screenwriting Applicants 2018

    (Pointing out that this is for the Production Division, not for Screenwriting.)
  6. panda

    USC MFA in Screenwriting Applicants 2018

    Another current student dropping in. Soon after my acceptance email, I received a call from the professor who advocated for me. Many people receive this call, but many people don’t - it depends on the professor.
  7. panda

    How to Get a Female Size 9 Foot in the Door?

    Do you live in a large Canadian city? Does that city have film festivals or film nonprofits? Are you interested in independent filmmaking, mainstream feature films, or television? Regardless, keep a writing habit. Write, and write, and write. Attend gatherings of local filmmakers. Or apply...
  8. panda

    UCLA Screenwriting - Housing, transport, visa etc.

    Just correcting some misinformation! Writers at USC can graduate with up to 7ish scripts, too -- and we also own the rights to everything!
  9. panda

    Screenwriting MFA Fall 2017

    Above all else, Final Draft (I believe they have a student discount if you're accepted into a program). A few pairs I know use WriterDuet.
  10. panda

    Hello! Current USC Film School Writing for Screen and Television (MFA) student here. AMA!

    Nope, I haven't taken any animation writing courses. The animation division does offer a writing course, though, that you'd likely be able to get clearance for. The things you learn in your TV and film courses are valuable for any type of storytelling, though, and I did have a classmate write an...
  11. panda

    Any MFA writers with a different degree and job experience not in the industry get accepted?

    Like Chris said, don't worry about it. If anything, it might give you a small advantage. Varied experience is sought after in many programs.
  12. panda

    Hello! Current USC Film School Writing for Screen and Television (MFA) student here. AMA!

    Hey! I've only spoken with my feature script professor about favorite scripts, but a few of hers are Fargo (tight structure), Juno (character), and Drive (building character through action). I also really like the script for Up in the Air. As far as books go, these are the ones that have been...
  13. panda

    Hello! Current USC Film School Writing for Screen and Television (MFA) student here. AMA!

    Just curious, did you apply anywhere else in addition to USC? I found out March 4th after applying in November, but your timeline will be different if it's for the Spring 2017 program. My favorite part of the program is the people you meet (both faculty and students). Everyone here is...
  14. panda

    Hello! Current USC Film School Writing for Screen and Television (MFA) student here. AMA!

    @moni4liberty Yes, still willing! That's a good question. It's also one that's pretty difficult to answer. Your hope, ultimately, is that the person reading your statements remembers you. Being completely open and honest about yourself is probably the most important thing. You're the only you...
  15. panda

    Hello! Current USC Film School Writing for Screen and Television (MFA) student here. AMA!

    Hey! Last year, this forum helped me survive the waiting period (soon-to-come for all of you, it's as horrendous as it sounds) and the stress that comes with sending your writing off to people you've never met. I thought I'd come back and host an AMA-style thread if you have any questions...
  16. panda

    USC admits fall 16 stats

    Don't get hung up on GPA. Writing samples, life experiences, recommendations, etc. are all infinitely more telling of a person. GPA tells a committee whether you can reasonably keep up with the demanding workload of a program. I'm certain you weren't rejected from schools last year because of...
  17. panda

    USC MFA Fall 2016 Applicants

    Hmm, that's strange. It's semi-active. Try PM-ing Katie or Marcus, the other two admin? The admin haven't posted in a while, though...
  18. panda

    USC MFA Fall 2016 Applicants

    @Paul J. yep, pretty much radio silence on their end so far. It's been posted in the FB group that people will be hearing from their division about registering for classes and other general info in June or July. I'm unable to accept you to the group, I think only the admin (aka USC staff who...
  19. panda

    Help me decide! NYU or USC for sitcom writer (Columbia pending)

    It's a closed group! Not quite sure what the difference is, there are so many types of groups. :confused:
  20. panda

    Help me decide! NYU or USC for sitcom writer (Columbia pending)

    Welcome to USC. :) You should join our graduate student Facebook group and introduce yourself. You should've received a link to join a few weeks back.

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