AFI 2014

[RedLeader]

Hey RedLeader, I can't answer on what the class schedule is but I mentioned in my interview last year that I wanted to make films on the side and the two interviewers told me I wouldn't have time to make additional films beside the 3 that are required. They stated that I would also be working on other students films so pretty much your schedule is full whether your actually in class or not. Your collaborating on the pre-pro & pro of other students film while also developing your own. They did also state it is very difficult to have a job while in the program, like nearly impossible. I do work in the film industry currently as a director, UMP/Line Producer and script supervisor.

Thanks for your reply!

That was very helpful. I'm trying to figure this out for myself, so my apologies for being so prying, but since you're already currently working as a Director, can I ask what you're hoping to get from attending AFI?

Thank you again

 

[katanya]

I might have some info you guys want to know so I'm here to share it

I'm a screenwriting applicant, and this is my second time applying AFI
I was an alternate candidate last year, but ultimately, there was no spot available for me..

And like you guys I'm still waiting to get an invitation for the interview
(Last year, the admissions office told me that they do consider waiting status in a positive way the following year, so I'm desperately hoping to be invited...)

Last year, I had applied only few hours before the deadline.
I was invited to the interview on March 9th, had interview on 16th, and finally was notified as an alternate candidate on 29th.
It is true that I got the invitation long after than the other applicants got theirs,
But personally I don't think the same thing would happen again for those who applied before the deadline.
Last year, they originally posted that the result would be out on March 1st, but however, they postponed it due to unexpected huge amount of applications.
I guess my late invitation derived from that kind of swamp they had. (Besides, last year they accepted the recommendation letters offline, so I got the confirmation of my app being completed like the last week of Jan. Since they have online system to fasten their work, I assume there will be no delay like that)
So yesterday, I specifically asked the admissions office whether the results are going to be announced as scheduled or not, and they say it won't be delayed like last year,
and that they are wrapping up the final reviews and interview process for Screenwriters.

Maybe I'm wrong, and I hope to be wrong,
but I guess next week will be our last chance to get those invitations...
But you know, it might only applied to the screenwriting applicants, and AFI's admission process is kind of based on rolling admission,
so don't take my word for it.

But please make sure your app is completed or not, cuz, it is their first time to receive the recommendation letter online
and I too had some trouble with sending recommendation, so my app was completed two weeks after the deadline.

If you want to know the status of your application, Please do call the admissions office,
their admission process might be outdated, but they are the kindest! Actually, it might sound odd, but that is one of the main reasons I want to go AFI. I was so impressed by their kindness.

I wish the best to get some good news next week, for all of us, nervebreaking nail biters like myself.

 

[TheRealSV]

Thanks for the info Katanya! Red, I want to be the best storyteller I can be and the amazing connections you'll make.

 

[Kevin Huang]

Hi all,

So waited like everyone for a call for setting up interview, none ever came.
but I just received a letter from AFI inquiring about if i will need financial aid
so don't know if it meant anything and I will keep on waiting

 

[Ilovefilms]

That review is SUPER OLD - The program has changed heaps since then. Yes, people get discontinued for 2nd year, but the 80% does continue. You have to be really bad at your commitment and talent for them not to continue a fellow, and most of the time people are given enough notice to know they have to step it up.
Also equipment has been revamped in the last few years, new or remodeled theaters, more cameras, etc.

yeah I asked another AFI person who went for just one year and confirmed the same thing.

 

[Helen Forsdale]

When I applied, I spoke w/ the admissions office and asked whether or not cinematography would still hear by 3/14. They said that regardless of the extended application deadline, we should still be notified by that date...but they didn't specify if it would be for an interview, or acceptance.

BUT - based on the last two years admissions, Cinematography folk didn't hear anything until the end of March...so we might have a few more weeks of nail biting.

Having said all that - if you read the forums, if you haven't heard anything by April 1st, that's not a good sign.

As for the financial aid letter, I think everyone gets that, but I could be wrong...maybe Ms. SV could chime in?

 

[Marcus Patterson]

Man I've only heard about one person getting a Cinematography interview. I applied before the first deadline, so if they do interviews by submission dates, that's not good haha. It's gonna be a tough couple weeks I guess. Good luck to everyone

 

[jonesy0730]

Hey everyone,

First, thanks for sharing all your experiences. I went through all 19 pages of last year's AFI thread, and while not exactly reassuring in some cases, it's really nice to find all this solidarity.

I applied for the Directing MFA and haven't heard back yet. Anyone else know if they're still doing Directing interviews? I just got that Financial Aid letter in the mail on Saturday which threw me for a gut-wrenching loop.

Also applied to UCLA, USC, Columbia and NYU if anyone's interested in swapping stories. Thanks everyone!

 

[Lucas C.]

Hey there! I'm an AFI Producer alum, I can tell you that they're going to ask about your background a bit, if you don't come from Film, they may ask why do you want to pursue film as a career.
They'll also inquire if you need financial help, apply to their 1st year scholarships and so on.
Sometimes they ask about your likes as a prospect producer, like what do you expect to be doing in 5yrs or what your ultimate goal is.
Is a relaxed interview so no worries, I had mine over the phone but if you happen to go to campus or the NYC interviews, don't go overboard on the way you dress, as in be yourself, don't wear a suit or something if that's not you, they like it when you feel natural and they can get a grasp of the real person.

Hope that helps.

Hey AviQ ! Thank you very much for your reply ! That is useful Do you have an approx. idea of how long is the interview ? Also, could you give me an idea of AFI's spirit ? I heard that in producing they encourage their students to be more "practical" producers that producers focused on screenwriting. By "practical" I mean people who can actually understand the thoughts behind the cameraman, the production designer etc... Who are more used to teamwork with everybody in the crew than only collaborating with the screenwriter.
I'm not sure if I explained myself very well... haha

 

[Marcus Patterson]

Hi all,

So waited like everyone for a call for setting up interview, none ever came.
but I just received a letter from AFI inquiring about if i will need financial aid
so don't know if it meant anything and I will keep on waiting

I got the same letter, also interview-less. Did the financial aid letter go to all applicants?

 

[TheRealSV]

I got the same letter, also interview-less. Did the financial aid letter go to all applicants?

As far as I know, the financial aid letter goes to all applicants that submitted an application. It states on the letter something like, "we were informed by AFI that you have submitted an application.." so not sure if it's necessarily for those that will get called for an interview although it would seem rather crazy to send out 600 letters to applicants as I heard that's about how many submit to the school. It would make more sense to send it out only to those that may be chosen to interview but....I'm not sure either way if it's all applicants or those chosen to interview. Lets choose the latter to keep hope alive for you!

 

[jonesy0730]

Just got the call for an interview next week for the Directing program! Has anyone been through it already? What was it like/how did it go?

 

[katanya]

Finally I've been invited to an interview, on Tuesday, and it is going to be held on this Friday.
They are literally wrapping up!

@Real SV I also thought you are a dude! I don't know why I thought like that haha
How was your interview? Went ok? I totally screwed up my last year's interview, so I want to be prepared, but I don't know what to prepare geeeeee...

 

[BkBred]

Just got the call for an interview next week for the Directing program! Has anyone been through it already? What was it like/how did it go?

Just had my interview this morning. It was great. They're really easy going and just askquestions to get to know you, who you are as a filmmaker, and what inspires you. We laughed a lot and had a great 30 minutes together just talking about my filmmaking and the AFI experience. Don't sweat it. If you know who you are and how to convey that you'll be fine.

 

[BkBred]

Oh! Also, for directing, they assured me that we will be notified by April 1st. That's only three weeks and change away, then we'll all be able to exhale.

 

[Helen Forsdale]

On another forum, a former student and TA mentioned that they only send out letters to people being interviewed...BUT that post was dated from 06, so who knows if it's still applicable.

Having said that, I know other MFA programs make everyone apply for financial aid even if they aren't being granted interviews/admission just because of the deadline for fafsa...

Still, there's hope.

As far as I know, the financial aid letter goes to all applicants that submitted an application. It states on the letter something like, "we were informed by AFI that you have submitted an application.." so not sure if it's necessarily for those that will get called for an interview although it would seem rather crazy to send out 600 letters to applicants as I heard that's about how many submit to the school. It would make more sense to send it out only to those that may be chosen to interview but....I'm not sure either way if it's all applicants or those chosen to interview. Lets choose the latter to keep hope alive for you!

 

[Moira]

Hi guys!

I am a first-year directing student at AFI and I know what you are all going through! I believe I was the last person interviewed last year a week before they send out their decisions and I got a week's notice - so don't worry, there is not a set day when they call. It all depends on which pile your application has landed and with which interviewer.

Also, if you wish to kill the waiting time, you are dearly invited to read my blog about the AFI experience!

http://blog.evamerz.com/

Best,
Moira

 

[Ilovefilms]

I just had my interview yesterday. It went OK I think. I did my best. That’s all you can do. They said they liked my film and it stood out which was super flattering to hear. Even if I don't get in I can be riding high on that complement for a while to fuel my fire. I tend to be my own worst critic so it’s nice to be validated that I have something worth pursuing.

 

[TheRealSV]

Hey Moira! Nice to see you back on the thread and given an update to your first year experience. Yeah, I referenced you earlier in the thread about an applicant that interviewed like right before decisions went out. Definitely gonna check out your blog! Hope to see you there this year! Praying for getting in and not waitlisted again...

 

[Ilovefilms]

Who did you interview with?

Robert Mandel and Gill Dennis They were really great and the interview was very easy going. we talked about the oscars too!