2007 Accepted? Rejected?

[sa]

Hi guys,

I got a call from Rory Kelly today, I was accepted to the Directing program at UCLA! Apparently 18 directors were chosen. Dahinducow, actually it's not, I'm leaning toward staying in New York.

Fyi, Winter, I checked the status page and they did not update it.

 

[Jayimess]

The "decision status" updates several days after the department notifies you...or at least it did for me when I was accepted.

Congrats again, Sa.

 

[rockstar]

I wonder how the PRoducer's Program will be notifying people...

 

[cinema]

I interviewed for UCLA's directing program on Saturday. They told me they were going to notify everyone by e-mail this week. This should include those who haven't got accepted, I guess. But it looks like they will call some people too...

 

[dahinducow]

Did you make the waitlist cinema?

 

[Ilis]

hey everyone!! i just got a call today from rory kelly today and i got into the directing program at ucla! anyone else got a call/e-mail?

 

[cinema]

Dahinducow,

No, I didn't make the waitlist. No UCLA for me. Good luck.

 

[Warren Tessler]

Just got the call from John Tintori at NYU--I'm in at Singapore! Wow! I'm so pleased. He told me their finished with their initial decisions and people who got in are being notified by phone and everyone will receive something in the mail next week.

 

[Ilis]

also got into nyu's singapore program...but alas i'm set on ucla..so anyone whose on the waitlist can count on my spot!

 

[Tima]

hey i got an email from Joe Slowensky at Chapman. Im gonna do a phone interview soon cuz i cant fly to Cali. I applied for directing. Anyone have an interview, specifically a phone interview with them? Let me know please

(I already confirmed at Columbia and am very happy about it, but who knows Ill still give Chapman a hit).

 

[jeremy227]

woo hoo! Got into UCLA's Directing Program! Things are looking up.

 

[LisheeBee]

whoa!!!

I just got an acceptance letter for Chapman's screenwriting program! I had assumed that I was rejected because I was never interviewed or contacted. This is completeley out of the blue and I already sent my deposit to UT- Austin....

Is Chapman that much better that I should consider this offer???


Lisheebee

 

[Xmizer]

I think it's hard to tell if Chapman is worth it. People just see it as a school whos reputation is improving but I believe they have yet to show real impressive results that demonstrates that they are that good.

The choice is up to you but if money is a factor, I definitely wouldn't even think about Chapman and just go to Austin.

 

[Philly]

Tima-

I had a telephone interview with Joe Slowensky for the Directing program. It was more of a "You got in let me tell you how much we like you and talk about the program", than an interview. I'm confident that if he's calling you, you probably got in. If you want to pm me I ca answer any specific questions if you'd like.

LisheeBee-

UTAustin is a great program, but have you spoken to any of their MFA garduates? Their chief complaint is that they are in Texas so far from NY or LA. Success in this business is largely based on connections and it's definately easier to make those if you are going to school close or in NY or LA. As far as the program at Chapman goes, read the new film school confidential. Also Chapman guarantees that all MFA screenwriting students will have one of their scripts produced before they graduate...can any other school promise this? Furthermore, UTAustin may be cheaper, but the program is longer so you need to take that in to consideration as well.

 

[Xmizer]

I have the book. Where does it say that CHapman guarantees one of their scripts will be produced before they graduate.

Besides, how much is the deposit for UT anyways?

 

[Winterreverie]

Xmizer, I don't know if that's mentioned in film school confidential, but it's mentioned when you talk to the faculty and in Chapman's application materials. (the promotional ones-- it also says you are practically guaranteed representation when you finish as well)

I think you are underestimating the school. From what I saw of the the facilities, they are top notch. In a walk through of UCLA (When I had my interview there) and a walk through of Champman-- Chapman's film school floored me.

The quality of the projects I saw coming out were very high (and I just randomly popped in on a weekend) and a little intimidating.

THe students there are taking a lot of awards at festivals. But yes it IS a new program-- so there hasn't been a copola or a Scorsese.

That means they still have to "work" for thier students in order to establish a reputation. They plan on being a top school and have done very well to accomplish that goal. Their entire faculty consists of working professionals-- Many of whom taught at the more "reputable" of the big 5.

I know nothing about UT. Never bothered looking in to it so I can't say Lisheebee if it would be a better or worse choice. The best I can say is have you visited both schools? The feeling you get when you see the department says a lot about where you should be.

As for me-- thanks to these forums I am a huge fan of many of the people accepted to Chapman this year. That lets me know it'll be a good fit. ANd the faculty was really great.

 

[Jayimess]

Congrats to everyone getting their new acceptances!!!

Looks like I have some updating to do...but I just got back after being stranded in OHare so forgive me if I take a minute to catch up.

Lishee, UTA is almost as exclusive as Florida State...they take seven writers a year. If you want to be in LA, go to Chapman, but UTA is nothing to sniff at.

 

[LisheeBee]

I would be wandering in circles if it wasn't for this forum. I love having an entire group of people dealing/obsessing with the exact same life choices as me.

Thanks everyone for weighing in on my decision. Basically, what I'm worried about, is that all that Chapman tuition is going to help pay for the amazing facilities but as a screenwriter (and no interest in directing, etc.) all I really need is a computer and a desk. Okay, that's obviously oversimplifying it, but my point is, if it were any other discipline (editing, producing,directing) I would do Chapman in a heartbeat. But, are the amazing facilities that much of a plus if you are going there as a writer? Basically, should I pay $22,000/yr for industry contacts?

Winterreverie, I wasn't sent any promotional stuff on Chapman-- what did it say about representation? Any other "writing" pluses?

Thanks,
Lisheebee

 

[Winterreverie]

Mainly they just said the representation stuff and the screenplay produced that Philly mentioned earlier. I don't know much about the writing program by itself-- since I intend to study both directing and writing while I have the chance.

You may want to contact the head of the screenwriting program-- once you do let me know if they say anything interesting.

=)

 

[Philly]

The prodeuction of the screenplay is in the write-up on Chapman in "Film School Confidential" as well. I didn't even know this information until I stopped by Barnes and Noble a few days ago and read about it. I'm entering the MFA Production-Directing so I knew my work was going to be produced, but thought it was pretty cool what they were promising writers. Do a search online for student filmmaking awards and see what schools pop up...guarantee you'll see Chapman more than just a few times.

I understand what you're saying about not needing the facilities, but who is going to produce you script? Are you going produce them yourself or have a director at UT do it. Does UT even offer writer/director pair up situations where you get to see a project come to fruition? Are you not planning on having a completed film by the time you graduate? Just things to consider..

Also I emailed a few of the past graduates from the program at UT...while I stand behind the belief that it's a strong program, not many of the grads are working in the film industry...In fact, none of the ones that I corresponded with were active filmmakers.