AFI App for Fall 2009

[EMDelMar]

I called like 2 minutes ago and they told me they will still be scheduling interviews through the end of March, so hope remains.

 

[J.M.]

Thanks EMDelMar, I'm not sure how much longer my nerves can handle this. Especially since I haven't gotten an interview and people are already being accepted!

 

[tabbycat]

Seems like they are sticking to their original promise, screenwriters, producers, and cinematographers first, then directors, editors, and production designers later. When they offered me an interview, they gave me a choice of time slots through this week, and like someone else said (I think), directors are still interviewing through this month, so the rest of us will probably find out April 15th. Also I think someone else said that if you are an "alternate" or put on the wait list you have until June 15th to hold out hope. So theoretically, some of us may have 3 more months to wait. Do I know how to see the glass as half empty or what?

Seriously though, you all have been very supportive and I would have gone crazy weeks ago without this forum so.. thanks

 

[Filipe]

Hang in there, guys. The wait is devastating but it's worthwhile.

 

[Race_Bannon]

Wow, I'm with you guys. This is just nuts! And thanks for making the call EMDelMar

 

[rfirpo]

Originally posted by EMDelMar:
I called like 2 minutes ago and they told me they will still be scheduling interviews through the end of March, so hope remains.

Thanks for keeping hope alive, EMDelMar. I noticed your location and I'm from Oakland, so please post if you're granted an interview as I'd assume they'd schedule all Bay Area applicants around the same time. Good luck!

 

[EMDelMar]

I certainly will. There better be some directors reppin' the bay at afi next year!

 

[vuk]

I called AFI today (03-18), and they told me they are scheduling interviews for Directing program 'till the end of March.

 

[jackjesus]

Has anyone on this thread interview for the directing program? if so, how did it go and who did you interview with? i have my interview next tuesday.

 

[mkench]

Jack,

I interviewed for directing on the 6th. It went well, I think. I stumbled a bit when they asked me what I've been reading lately cause, well...I haven't read much lately. We talked about some film ideas I had, what movies I've seen, what movies I like. They asked if I had any questions for them. Overall, it was really laid back. I'm just hoping that I don't get "points off" for stumbling a bit.

In all honesty, I'd like to know what the interviews are really all about. Like, what are they really looking for? Personality, drive? Do they just want to make sure that you're not a complete psycho or an idiot? I really don't know considering how relaxed it was.

 

[Ryan Serey]

Hi, my name is Ryan and I just joined after lurking for some time. I am a screenwriting applicant. I call and was told that I am an alternate. Does anyone have any experience with this, or know how many people are typically on the list? Thanks.

 

[carhyu]

Hey everyone! My name is Carol, from the Bay Area, 25 yrs old.

Oh man, I was in agony for the past week! And finding this thread late yesterday has been a heavensent! I got an email that I got into the Producing track yesterday. =)

I can't wait to meet everyone!

And for those that didn't get in, it's really not that terrible because the tuition is extremely expensive. UCLA, I saw, has tuition costs with room and board estimates around $35k as opposed to 62k. I would have liked to have applied there...


Now.. how to pay for this school is going to get tricky...I can't imagine what it'll be like for international students...

 

[Filipe]

Hey Carol,

I'm sure you'll find a way to pay for the tuition.

It's true what you said about us international students. I persoanlly could never even start to dream about grad school without having a scholarship.

 

[AviQ]

Originally posted by carhyu:
Hey everyone! My name is Carol, from the Bay Area, 25 yrs old.

Oh man, I was in agony for the past week! And finding this thread late yesterday has been a heavensent! I got an email that I got into the Producing track yesterday. =)

I can't wait to meet everyone!

And for those that didn't get in, it's really not that terrible because the tuition is extremely expensive. UCLA, I saw, has tuition costs with room and board estimates around $35k as opposed to 62k. I would have liked to have applied there...


Now.. how to pay for this school is going to get tricky...I can't imagine what it'll be like for international students...

Hi Carhyu!

Congratulations!

The fellows that have been accepted are hanging out in this thread if you're interested

http://forums.studentfilms.com.../r/51310689#51310689

 

[ChristopherB]

Hello All,

I literally just stumbled upon this site 10 minutes ago while looking for grants and scholarships. On Monday I received my phone call for acceptance into the Cinematography program fellowship for 2009. I am humbled with this acceptance.

This is a really great community to have come across. I wish all those who have applied the best of luck. I hope to meet you in August.

Best,

CB

 

[Joaquin]

Hey ChristopherB...

Congratulations!
Could you share more about your experience, reel, personal statement, etc?
I didn't get a call so I'm trying to get more info from cine applicants that did.
Thanks!

 

[ChristopherB]

Joaquin,

Thank you for the reception. Hmmm...as far as my interview went (in person, since I live in L.A.), I met with Mark Woods and Stephen Lighthill. The interview was really personable. I had went in expecting to get grilled on ratios, fav cinematographers, experience, etc. However, we mainly talked about collaborative efforts with the other potential fellows, dedication to the craft, and long---long hours spent working at AFI. I suspect that they were really just looking to see if I was crazy or not...at least that's how it felt.

To answer your question about my APP...I overdid the application for sure. I typed up everything and packaged it with a dvd w/ a backup dvd reel. My personal statement detailed my passion for cinematography and my need to want to tell relatable human stories. Really, I was just brutally honest about my passion, and I was immensely organized with my reel and application to impress. :| I hope that answers a little bit of the process I went through. Shoot a call to admissions to find out...I'd like to meet other cine fellows on the board. Congrats to ALL who have been accepted. I look forward to working with you.

Originally posted by Joaquin:
Hey ChristopherB...

Congratulations!
Could you share more about your experience, reel, personal statement, etc?
I didn't get a call so I'm trying to get more info from cine applicants that did.
Thanks!

 

[ProfUnrath]

I was wondering when the Cinematography Fellows would show up... Congrats, Christopher!

Judging just by Elswit, Pfister and Kaminski, AFI has some fantastic alumni in cinematography.

 

[ChristopherB]

Thanks Prof,

I've been catching/reading up on everyone's saga of applying in November to now on this board. I can't believe I didn't find out about this board until today. It would have been nice to have others to commiserate with while I was waiting. Nonetheless, I'm thrilled to have been accepted(got the phonecall while I was driving, almost wrecked I was so excited).

Like I said before, I am simply humbled at the opportunity to become alumni with such great names as you mentioned.

Congrats to you Prof(screenwriting)...maybe we'll get the opportunity to collaborate on a project. Uber Pre-production, if you will.

Btw, I would love to hear from those about scholarships and grants. WE gotta figure out how to pay for this now. Meaning that getting accepted is only half the battle.

My best to all of you.

CB

Originally posted by ProfUnrath:
I was wondering when the Cinematography Fellows would show up... Congrats, Christopher!

Judging just by Elswit, Pfister and Kaminski, AFI has some fantastic alumni in cinematography.

 

[Filipe]

Congrats Christopher!

Looking forward to meet you!