afi

  1. L

    Choosing between NYU Tisch, Columbia, AFI, and USC for MFA Directing — would love input from anyone who's been through these programs

    Hi everyone, I've been lurking on this forum for a while and finally have something worth posting about. I'm based in Athens, finishing up my undergrad, and I've just received acceptances to four MFA Directing programs in the US: NYU Tisch, Columbia, AFI Conservatory, and USC School of...
  2. Sosharp233

    Waitlisted (After Interview) AFI - PRODUCING MFA

    The application is quite short, which made me nervous because I don't have a strong visual portfolio, such as short films outside of school assignments. But I did appreciate the three short questions I had to answer, as other schools didn't ask anything outside of portfolios.
  3. B

    Admitted (After Interview) AFI Screenwriting - 2026

    Application process was pretty chill. I was already applying to other MFA programs and was grateful AFI wanted three pages of personal statement instead of one or two because it was more comfortable to articulate my story, my influences, and what I wanted out of the program. I was lucky enough...
  4. P

    Admitted (After Interview) AFI Cinematography - Fall 2026

    Graduated from Northwestern University last year with a Radio/Television/Film degree and decided to apply to AFI because I don't think I got the technical knowledge or rigorous instruction I need to become the DP/gaffer I dream of being. The interview went well from my perspective; they mostly...
  5. zona

    Applied AFI Directing

    The application itself was fine. I did sort of have a tough time with the 60 second self-intro video--it's hard to say anything meaningful about yourself in 60 seconds! Otherwise very straightforward I think. I haven't heard anything about an interview yet though, so we'll see I guess.
  6. WallyWood

    "Not sure what to do with my hands." -INTRO

    Hello, My name is Walter. Shoutout to Chris. This site is super cool, and I really love the camaraderie, insights, and shared love for cinema. AFI is the only program I have ever wanted to attend. It was not until the past two years that I finally looked in the mirror and told myself I could...
  7. featherless

    Denied (w/o Interview) AFI - Directing (2026)

    Directed a short film last year specifically intended for AFI (and NYU). Shot a lot of extra footage while making my USC short, and cut it together to make my AFI short. Spent most of the time expanding on my personal statement for USC/UCLA. I was able to get feedback on my shorts from friends...
  8. E

    Admitted (After Interview) AFI Screenwriting MFA - 2026

    I really liked the AFI application process. The interface was good, the materials requested were reasonable and I believe they can make a good assessment of each candidate based on what was asked.
  9. Pryde Pierce

    Denied (w/o Interview) AFI MFA - Directing

    So far it has gone on well enough. This is my first time submitting for an MFA program and I specifically decided on AFI, for a number of reasons, after researching different programs. It is the only program I have submitted to. The main things that caused me to submit near the deadline were...
  10. VinnieJacked

    Admitted (After Interview) AFI Cinematography 2026

    The application process takes quite a while, and there's a lot of material to prepare, but it was much easier for me this time since I am reapplying and already familiar with the process.
  11. cinenym

    Preparation for a competitive MA/MFA Directing application (UK)

    I've been looking at both MA and MFA directing courses, with a particular focus on two: the NFTS Directing Fiction MA and the AFI Directing MFA and an aim to start in 2026 or 2027 - by then I'll be in my late 20s. As both courses are highly competitive, I'd really like my application to be as...
  12. A

    Denied (w/o Interview) AFI Directing

    The essays ask a lot of introspective questions that take time to think over and answer thoughtfully. I found that to be the most difficult and intensive part of the application, but other than that very straightforward.
    • aniki.kissa
    • Application
    • 2025 afi afi 2025 afi directing directing masters masters in direction
    • Comments: 1
    • Category: 2025 Fall Entry
  13. Director Liz Hinlein Talks VR in Filmmaking and the No. 1 Skill Filmmakers Need (Part 2)

    Director Liz Hinlein Talks VR in Filmmaking and the No. 1 Skill Filmmakers Need (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of this exclusive interview for FilmSchool.org Supporting Members, Alexa Pellegrini speaks with award-winning filmmaker Liz Hinlein about her current projects, including a prequel and an immersive VR documentary. Hinlein discusses her work as a film coach, sharing how she helps...
  14. Director Liz Hinlein Talks VR in Filmmaking and the No. 1 Skill Filmmakers Need (Part 1)

    Director Liz Hinlein Talks VR in Filmmaking and the No. 1 Skill Filmmakers Need (Part 1)

    Liz Hinlein’s filmmaking career showcases an artist who embraces emerging mediums like virtual reality to connect the past with the present. Before graduating with an MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute Conservatory, Hinlein grew up in Haverford, Pennsylvania, alongside her...
    • Alexa Pellegrini
    • Article
    • 9 min read
    • afi cinematographer director interviews liz hinlein new york film academy nyu tisch ucla usc women in film
    • Category: Professor Interviews
  15. J

    US film school bfa transfer VS US film graduate after finishing bfa in korea

    Hi guys, I'm film major (bfa)student from south korea, and now serving in korea military. (Discharge at 2025 Dec) I've been dreamed about studying film at US, which has hollywood and such a great film industry. So now i'm thinking about transferring to USC, Nyu, ucla film school. But 1. high...
  16. P

    USC vs. AFI Producing MFA for an aspiring showrunner

    Hi, everyone! First off, I want to say that I'm aware that this is a great problem to have, but I still want to ensure that I make the right choice, so any input is appreciated. My ideal career goal would be to be a television showrunner or upper-level television writer/producer. I have a BFA...
  17. Z

    Admitted (After Interview) AFI - Producing

    This year I mastered my essays, improved the resume, recorded a video introduction with a good light and cool background. Tried to be honest as much as possible.
    • Zhani
    • Application
    • accepted afi afi 2025 afi producing producing
    • Comments: 1
    • Category: 2025 Fall Entry
  18. A

    Denied (w/o Interview) AFI Producing - 2025

    Third time applying, denied w/o interview, email notification date: 3/14/2025 @ 1:44P CT Second time applying, denied w/o interview, email notification date: 3/15/2023 11:32A CT First time applying, denied w/o interview, email notification date: 3/14/2022 @ 11:16A CT
  19. coder-writer

    Admitted (After Interview) AFI MFA Screenwriting - Fall 2025

    It was a pretty straightforward application! The whole "record and introduce yourself" thing was something I didn't except (and hadn't seen on any other application). I ended up using a simple green screen in my apartment, a $200 used DSLR, and a lav mic to record it. Curious what other peoples'...
  20. jordanrosephotos

    Attending (Admitted After Interview) AFI Directing Fall 2025

    Application went well - I enjoyed creating my film for the "urgency" prompt. I applied one other time 2 years ago, and I feel like my application was much stronger this time.

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