AFI Conservatory 2023 - Who is applying?

[Iron Man]

I went for their campus tour about a month ago, and I knew instantly that this is where I want to be.

 

[Iron Man]

Awesome congratulations! I was accepted for Producing! Have you made your decision?

Have you made a decision yet?

 

[Iron Man]

Also, I am an international student from India. If any international students have any questions, feel free to reach out! This was my third time applying to AFI, so I know how it feels to be rejected but trust me it's not the end of the world.

 

[Chris W]

I went for their campus tour about a month ago, and I knew instantly that this is where I want to be.

What did you like about the tour?

 

[Harsh]

Also, I am an international student from India. If any international students have any questions, feel free to reach out! This was my third time applying to AFI, so I know how it feels to be rejected but trust me it's not the end of the world.

Hi. I am from India too. I applied for directing but got rejected. Can you mind sharing your materials with me? I am confused about what went wrong. It would be of great help to me as I am thinking of reapplying. My insta id is __harsh__singh__

 

[edanna]

Have you made a decision yet?

Touring in two weeks. Deciding between AFI, Columbia University and possibly USC (waitlisted Peter Stark)

 

[easyryder]

I was accepted for the directing program. Still in shock...literally a dream come true!

 

[yashsaraf]

Also, I am an international student from India. If any international students have any questions, feel free to reach out! This was my third time applying to AFI, so I know how it feels to be rejected but trust me it's not the end of the world.

Hey! I'm from India too. I was admitted for Directing yesterday (and am speechless). Congratulations to you on your acceptance
Do let me know if you would like to connect on message. I'll most likely be attending too!

 

[Wridir2186]

Those who got accepted, do you all know when scholarship decisions are announced?

 

[movieguy1993]

Waitlisted for Directing here. I just posted my application info and included my film samples, in case anyone would like to see. And, if anyone else is comfortable sharing their work, I'd love to watch as well.

Congrats to everyone accepted!

 

[notaprincess]

Those who got accepted, do you all know when scholarship decisions are announced?

The email said by the end of the week so hopefully tomorrow?

 

[Wridir2186]

The email said by the end of the week so hopefully tomorrow?

TY!

 

[rikesman]

I received a scholarship notification last night (Pacific Time). I am very happy with what they offered, considering the average amount of aid they give to Producing fellows. I'm still waiting to hear back from other financial aid offices before I make my decision.

 

[notaprincess]

I received a scholarship notification last night (Pacific Time). I am very happy with what they offered, considering the average amount of aid they give to Producing fellows. I'm still waiting to hear back from other financial aid offices before I make my decision.

Oh dang! That’s great! I wonder if they roll out over a few days…I also wonder if they still email you even if you don’t get any scholarship money?

 

[Chris W]

I received a scholarship notification last night (Pacific Time). I am very happy with what they offered, considering the average amount of aid they give to Producing fellows. I'm still waiting to hear back from other financial aid offices before I make my decision.

Nice! Remember to log that info into our database when you can.

 

[edanna]

I received a scholarship notification last night (Pacific Time). I am very happy with what they offered, considering the average amount of aid they give to Producing fellows. I'm still waiting to hear back from other financial aid offices before I make my decision.

If you’re comfortable sharing, would you disclose the amount?

 

[Brandon Lee]

Does anyone know any scholarship that's suitable for international students in addition to AFI scholarship?

 

[edanna]

I was accepted for the directing program. Still in shock...literally a dream come true!

Are you accepting?

 

[Iron Man]

What did you like about the tour?

1. I love that they have different courses for every specialization. I graduated from a similar program at Boston University but they broadly term it as Film & TV, and people went on to try different roles which is great to explore what you like the most but knowing exactly what I want, AFI sounds like a better fit.
2. As an international student, walking through the hallway, I noticed diverse group of people. Not only coming from different cultural backgrounds but with a unique creative visions. I was surprised to see a Bollywood Kitchen food truck. I have been to a lot of campuses, and this sure speaks a lot in terms of inclusivity to me.
3. Locations is a huge plus point. Yes, USC is also in LA but I have been living in LA and safety is a big concern for most people. can safely say that USC is not in the safest area in LA.
4. You’re making films back to back: screenwriter write the script alongside producers and get a director on board who then gets a cinematographer on board. As an artist, each one of them gets to make the decision whether it’s something they want to work on. Basically how the industry works!
5. They give you a budget for every film you make which makes it more wholesome because once we’re out there in the world, financing a film would be a huge parameter. More than that, it helps to make sure that every team gets the same budget and resources so that they themselves can better judge looking at everyone’s work, how they could have possibly put together things in a better way.
6. Yes AFI is expensive but you also have to consider that it’s shorter than other programs like Columbia, USC and NYU. We all know not everyone who’s in the industry went to a film school. So the schools gives you a push, but you still have to carve your way through the industry. Having said that, I’d rather go out there sooner than later.
7. Pretty basic but important for any top school: amazing camera equipments and editing room. You even get a private editing room if you wish to have some space for yourself.
8. They also built a space on their campus for their Alumni where you can host meetings or anything film related once you graduate. I have seen prestigious schools not caring at all for their students once they graduate. Having a space where I could come back, feels like more than just a school to me.

 

[Iron Man]

Forgot to mention how they had a space for production designers to build the sets from the scratch to cater to the needs of each production.