2nd Year USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA Student, AMA

[Avec Love]

I heard that not everyone gets a chance to direct there own film. I wanted to know how true that is and how much you have to push to get your own film made.

The short answer to this is: Yes you will have the opportunity to direct your own work. Almost the entire first year is devoted to directing your own shorts.

There are only a few "limited access" classes where you essentially have to apply. One example is CTPR 546 where you make an advanced narrative short with a whole crew. Essentially you have to submit a reel in order to be chosen as a director (the caveat here is that you cannot direct your own script). There is also an independent project ("Thesis") class, CTPR 581/582. You act as the Director/Producer and potentially writer (if you like) in an indie process whereby you submit your script and a semblance of a "package" to the class in order to get selected.

However, I'm going to read in to your question a bit and clarify that almost all films at USC are self-funded (either out of pocket or through student debt) and all of the films that you direct in your first year have pretty restrictive budget caps on them (which I think is a good thing).

There are a few opportunities at the school where almost nothing comes out of pocket. The best example is the aforementioned advanced productions like CTPR 546 has a budget cap but that budget is provided by the school (for the most part).

So yes you will get to direct your own stuff before you are done. You could probably make up to 20 some odd films by the time that you are done if you wanted to. However, unless you are rich or a fantastic producer, they probably won't all be shot on an Alexa Mini.

 

[afilmcionado]

The short answer to this is: Yes you will have the opportunity to direct your own work. Almost the entire first year is devoted to directing your own shorts.

There are only a few "limited access" classes where you essentially have to apply. One example is CTPR 546 where you make an advanced narrative short with a whole crew. Essentially you have to submit a reel in order to be chosen as a director (the caveat here is that you cannot direct your own script). There is also an independent project ("Thesis") class, CTPR 581/582. You act as the Director/Producer and potentially writer (if you like) in an indie process whereby you submit your script and a semblance of a "package" to the class in order to get selected.

However, I'm going to read in to your question a bit and clarify that almost all films at USC are self-funded (either out of pocket or through student debt) and all of the films that you direct in your first year have pretty restrictive budget caps on them (which I think is a good thing).

There are a few opportunities at the school where almost nothing comes out of pocket. The best example is the aforementioned advanced productions like CTPR 546 has a budget cap but that budget is provided by the school (for the most part).

So yes you will get to direct your own stuff before you are done. You could probably make up to 20 some odd films by the time that you are done if you wanted to. However, unless you are rich or a fantastic producer, they probably won't all be shot on an Alexa Mini.

How many people get chosen for the CTPR 546 and 581 classes and is the application competitive? Based on your note about Alexa Mini, are those shorts shot on Alexa Mini?

 

[Avec Love]

How many people get chosen for the CTPR 546 and 581 classes and is the application competitive? Based on your note about Alexa Mini, are those shorts shot on Alexa Mini?

It depends on what you mean by chosen. There are about three scripts chosen for each semester. The script selection process can be pretty competitive. The same committee selects a producer and a director. From there, each above the line position (dp, sound, pd, etc) will get selected by the producers and director. All above the line positions (including AD) take the class.

For the Thesis films I believe it's 12 projects that get chosen per semester. A director and producer is chosen and then that team is responsible for crewing up. Nobody else but the original filmmaker takes the class.

I don't think USC has any Alexa Mini's but they do have a few high end cameras that you are allowed to use for specific classes. I believe the CTPR 546 shoots with an F5 and the 581's have access to RED cameras (I don't remember what kind). However, the producers are in control of the budget, if they want to spend their money renting an Alexa Mini they can do that. On occasion, you will see a thesis (581) shoot on film.

 

[crashpad311]

I'll fill in for sharkb8 on this one (Sounds like I'm a semester ahead of him). There's a lot of stress on the website and in the onboarding documents about getting the laptop and getting the right configurations for the laptop but I have yet to hear about or encounter a class that requires it. I believe the increased price at the USC store is due to the added Applecare warranty but I could be wrong. The main purpose of the laptop beyond normal word processing and access to the internet is going to be for the editing software (more on that later). If you think you're 100% positive that you'll do most of your editing off campus then you can go ahead and get that exact laptop. Otherwise, the requirements aren't so stringent as they make it seem. With that said, if you go through the bookstore you can probably very easily appeal financial aid for an increase in aid to match the cost of the laptop.

Hey @Avec Love -- first of all thank you, these are *extremely* helpful answers. You mention appealing to financial aid for an increase -- does this mean an increase in loans or do they actually give you the money to get whatever laptop/software you need for a class? What types of things do students typically appeal for?

 

[Avec Love]

Hey @Avec Love -- first of all thank you, these are *extremely* helpful answers. You mention appealing to financial aid for an increase -- does this mean an increase in loans or do they actually give you the money to get whatever laptop/software you need for a class? What types of things do students typically appeal for?

It is an increase in the amount of loans you can take out, it is not a grant. Really any increase to the cost of your education not accounted for by financial aid can be cause for appeal. Anywhere from your parking pass to the cost of making a film (there are upper limits to these, the details of which I'm not sure about). Obviously borrowing more money has its drawbacks and that's a decision everyone has to make on their own.

 

[opqwhj]

Do it. Ask me things. And I will tell you answers. Yup.

Hello. I wonder if cinematography students would have some required or selected courses to learn the real film, the celluloid?

 

[Sisyphus]

And I'll do a separate comment tomorrow or Saturday about tips I have for applicants. I actually do think there's a formula to getting in, certainly at USC, and probably at all film schools.

Hi. First of all, thank you for doing this, it is really helpful. You were mentioned about some tips and also you've said that there is a formula to getting in but after that you go silent . I was wondering, are you still here and would you please share these tips?

 

[Chris W]

Do it. Ask me things. And I will tell you answers. Yup.

@sharkb8 I'm thinking of putting together an article on the site on something like "Film School in the time of COVID" to help current applicants and people who may be attending schools in the fall. I'd love to be able to interview you (or one of the site's writers will) about how the pandemic is currently affecting you at the school and what the school's plans are for the fall if any. Would this be something that you're interested in?

Thanks! I think it'd be a great help for the people on the site.

 

[Chris W]

Have any answers for these two new questions on the USC page:

USC School of Cinematic Arts - Questions

www.filmschool.org

 

[sharkb8]

@sharkb8 I'm thinking of putting together an article on the site on something like "Film School in the time of COVID" to help current applicants and people who may be attending schools in the fall. I'd love to be able to interview you (or one of the site's writers will) about how the pandemic is currently affecting you at the school and what the school's plans are for the fall if any. Would this be something that you're interested in?

Thanks! I think it'd be a great help for the people on the site.

Sure I'm down! We just picture locked the project I was working on all semester (hence why I haven't been around for a couple months) but now that it's done I have time to respond to everybody and I have fresh knowledge of exactly what USC is doing during COVID!

 

[Chris W]

Sure I'm down! We just picture locked the project I was working on all semester (hence why I haven't been around for a couple months) but now that it's done I have time to respond to everybody and I have fresh knowledge of exactly what USC is doing during COVID!

Awesome. @Kira will be doing the interview. I'll have her get in touch with you.

 

[truffleshuffle]

@Avec Love @sharkb8 I'm slated to begin Production in Fall 2020 (thanks for your generous advice these past few months), but obviously this whole coronavirus business has me worried. I have a specific question about 507, and although you both have already taken it, I'm wondering if you've heard of any specific things they've done to overcome remote learning challenges, any unresolved frustrations, etc. for this course in particular.

 

[sharkb8]

@Avec Love @sharkb8 I'm slated to begin Production in Fall 2020 (thanks for your generous advice these past few months), but obviously this whole coronavirus business has me worried. I have a specific question about 507, and although you both have already taken it, I'm wondering if you've heard of any specific things they've done to overcome remote learning challenges, any unresolved frustrations, etc. for this course in particular.

I'm SA'ing for a 507 section in Fall, do you know who your professors are slated to be? It's possible you might be in my section.

From what I understand, there are a few possibilities for how classes could take place

1. Classes could resume as normal, and if a new coronavirus resurgence starts popping up, classes would transition to online Zoom sessions.
2. It's possible that all classes will be online, if coronavirus remains a heavy threat stretching into the Fall.
3. (Likely) I believe that classes will be happening in person, but that an option will be available for every session to be taken remotely on Zoom. So some people who can make it will be there in person, and those who are restricted will get equal credit by being online.

I SA'd 290 this semester, which is the undergrad version of 507. Once Coronavirus hit we had to go online. That absolutely did cause issues for trying to train students in lighting or directing actors, because without actually being there in person, it's all theory, no practicality. We did make adjustments, changing up the requirements so that students could use their iPhones to shoot, and we showed them how to use household lights to set scenes. It's not the same experience, but it still does help, and it's the best that can be done given the circumstances.

That being said, writing, much of producing, and in class presentations were all just as doable via Zoom, so there was still relevant information that was able to transition to online sessions.

Ultimately nobody knows for sure what the environment will be like come Fall. If classes are fully online, some of us are considering taking a gap semester. If online schooling bothers you, that may be a consideration for you. But it's likely that there will be all, most, or at least some sessions taking place in person, so hopefully it'll still be a good experience.

 

[truffleshuffle]

I'm SA'ing for a 507 section in Fall, do you know who your professors are slated to be? It's possible you might be in my section.

From what I understand, there are a few possibilities for how classes could take place

1. Classes could resume as normal, and if a new coronavirus resurgence starts popping up, classes would transition to online Zoom sessions.
2. It's possible that all classes will be online, if coronavirus remains a heavy threat stretching into the Fall.
3. (Likely) I believe that classes will be happening in person, but that an option will be available for every session to be taken remotely on Zoom. So some people who can make it will be there in person, and those who are restricted will get equal credit by being online.

I SA'd 290 this semester, which is the undergrad version of 507. Once Coronavirus hit we had to go online. That absolutely did cause issues for trying to train students in lighting or directing actors, because without actually being there in person, it's all theory, no practicality. We did make adjustments, changing up the requirements so that students could use their iPhones to shoot, and we showed them how to use household lights to set scenes. It's not the same experience, but it still does help, and it's the best that can be done given the circumstances.

That being said, writing, much of producing, and in class presentations were all just as doable via Zoom, so there was still relevant information that was able to transition to online sessions.

Ultimately nobody knows for sure what the environment will be like come Fall. If classes are fully online, some of us are considering taking a gap semester. If online schooling bothers you, that may be a consideration for you. But it's likely that there will be all, most, or at least some sessions taking place in person, so hopefully it'll still be a good experience.

Thanks a lot for this. It's helpful to get some insight from the inside because SCA has been pretty much radio silent for all of us incoming students so far, besides touching on it during Admitted Students Day at the beginning of April. None of us know about our schedules or teachers yet, but what we've been hearing from current/former MFA students is that we won't know which sections we're assigned to until possibly August/during orientation.

 

[crashpad311]

Thanks a lot for this. It's helpful to get some insight from the inside because SCA has been pretty much radio silent for all of us incoming students so far, besides touching on it during Admitted Students Day at the beginning of April. None of us know about our schedules or teachers yet, but what we've been hearing from current/former MFA students is that we won't know which sections we're assigned to until possibly August/during orientation.

@sharkb8 do we know if incoming students are allowed to take gap semesters? My understanding was that it wasn't allowed.

 

[sharkb8]

@sharkb8 do we know if incoming students are allowed to take gap semesters? My understanding was that it wasn't allowed.

I'm not sure what the situation is for each of you on whether you committed or not. But I know a lot of people in my class (Spring admits) had deferred to Spring from the Fall when they first started, so I know it's technically possible. Whether or not that would be the best scenario for you is entirely up to each individual to determine. And regardless, I do believe that the Fall semester will still be worth doing, albeit with some abnormal restrictions due to the global issues.

Also, I'm not sure if y'all get this email or only current students, but SCA Dean Elizabeth Daley just sent out this update about Fall plans:

"Dear Students,

As a follow up to the message you received from Provost Zukoski about the University’s Project Restart, we want to assure you that we as your faculty and staff are actively preparing and planning for the Fall 2020 semester. Several course models are being designed so that you will have opportunities for hands-on production experiences in the classes that traditionally offer them. We know how important it is for you to be able to engage in actual production. Given the mandated restrictions that are currently in place, which we anticipate will continue into the fall, these courses will need to follow all public health requirements and be augmented to accommodate recommended social distancing, the use of personal protective equipment, heightened sanitation of collaborative and lab spaces and equipment, among other protocols to ensure the safety and health of students, faculty, and support staff. We expect that these adjustments can be made.

As studios and production companies are formulating a new way forward given the realities of the global pandemic, so must we. We are working closely with our industry to follow the guidelines being established on professional sets as well as with the University.

While we anticipate that large lecture classes may still need to be partially online we hope that it will be possible to have smaller in person discussion groups and seminars, again following appropriate safety measures. We recognize that a return to a “new normal” is a dynamic process which will continue to change and evolve, and so will our plans to meet those challenges.

We look forward to sharing information with you as we move forward toward fall, but should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your faculty or email: communications@cinema.usc.edu

Sincerely,

Elizabeth M. Daley
Dean"

 

[BigSpeaker12]

I'm considering applying for spring 21. do you have any tips for the application or if I should wait til fall to apply?

 

[sharkb8]

I'm considering applying for spring 21. do you have any tips for the application or if I should wait til fall to apply?

Yes indeed! I say go for it. Spring admits are just as well thought of as Fall admits. I'm a Spring admit myself, and it's been great for me so far. There's literally no difference between the courses you'll take if you entered in Fall. Every class you would take in the Fall cycles in both Spring/Fall, so everybody's always on a level playing field. And if you're wondering "will people think less of me for being a Spring admit" the answer is "not in the slightest". I also think Spring is a good time to apply because less people are aiming for Spring, so if your application is good, you theoretically would have less competition.

So the main tip I'll give you is to write, rewrite, then rewrite, then rewrite, then restructure, then rewrite, etc., your personal statement this summer. That is the crucial thing that will get you into film school, because it's where you showcase your individualism. It's where you show that the story of your life is one that has led you to film school, and which showcases you as a unique individual with life experiences that are truly your own. It's the most important thing to get you into a film school, and you have all summer to make it perfect. And feel free to send it to me if you need an extra pair of eyes .

 

[BigSpeaker12]

Yes indeed! I say go for it. Spring admits are just as well thought of as Fall admits. I'm a Spring admit myself, and it's been great for me so far. There's literally no difference between the courses you'll take if you entered in Fall. Every class you would take in the Fall cycles in both Spring/Fall, so everybody's always on a level playing field. And if you're wondering "will people think less of me for being a Spring admit" the answer is "not in the slightest". I also think Spring is a good time to apply because less people are aiming for Spring, so if your application is good, you theoretically would have less competition.

So the main tip I'll give you is to write, rewrite, then rewrite, then rewrite, then restructure, then rewrite, etc., your personal statement this summer. That is the crucial thing that will get you into film school, because it's where you showcase your individualism. It's where you show that the story of your life is one that has led you to film school, and which showcases you as a unique individual with life experiences that are truly your own. It's the most important thing to get you into a film school, and you have all summer to make it perfect. And feel free to send it to me if you need an extra pair of eyes .

Thank you, I'll start writing my statement sometime this week. I have a 5 page version I wrote for a writing class and I think I'll try to edit it down some.

Edit: could I send a the 5 page version? I could use some help on what parts to cut out and expand on.

 

[truffleshuffle]

What are the pros and cons of going for a 546 directing gig vs. a 581 directing gig at the end of the program?

One pro for 581 I guess is that you can direct your own script. I wonder if you have the strict 12 min. time limit that 546 does?