AFI Screenwriting 2020 "An Encounter"

Chris W

The night was sultry...
Staff member
It appears their writing prompt this year is "An Encounter":

From their site:

Screenwriting applicants are required to submit the following:
  1. A PDF of a typed screenplay in professional format (20 pages maximum) of which you are the sole screenwriter. If the sample is from a longer script, submit a descriptive synopsis of no more than one page of the entire script for reference purposes. Co-authored and adaptations will not be considered. Be sure to include a title page with your name, 2020-2021 SCR, and e-mail address.
  2. Write a scene in profession format on the topic of “An Encounter” (five pages maximum). Be sure to include a title page with your name, 2020-2021 SCR, and e-mail address.
Online applications and portfolio requirements must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 1, 2019.

Good luck everybody! Who's applying?

 
I had a lot of fun with that scene. Really interested to see how this application goes. I "went for it" on this one. They're either going to love it, or think I'm totally nuts; either way, I feel good about it.
 
Does anyone have any thoughts on submitting a sample shorter than 20 pages (like 14-15?) if the work is stronger than a longer sample?

Hi! My thought is that it'd really stand out, and show some courage, to submit a shorter statement, as many people (myself included) push it to the limit just because. If you feel good about where it is on page 15, then totally stop there.
 
Hi! My thought is that it'd really stand out, and show some courage, to submit a shorter statement, as many people (myself included) push it to the limit just because. If you feel good about where it is on page 15, then totally stop there.


Thank you! I felt good about it and it wouldn't have made a lot of sense to stretch it out. I submitted my application last week (to apply for the Onbass Fellowship) so I'm trying not to agonize over what I've submitted. Good luck with getting your materials ready!
 
I submitted my application last week (to apply for the Onbass Fellowship) so I'm trying not to agonize over what I've submitted.
Good luck! Don't forget to add your application to the tracker to help others. :)


See this sample for tips on adding it:

 
Does anyone have any thoughts on submitting a sample shorter than 20 pages (like 14-15?) if the work is stronger than a longer sample?

It's really about you as a writer and your voice. Some stories don't need to to have 20 pages and some may need more. As writers we have to embrace or stories as is. If you think that you've evoked your story in 15 pages believe in it and submit it. The beautiful thing about film is that it's what we make it. Telling a true story that means something to you should always be the primary objective, if people like it, great. However, if they don't that is fine too.
 
Hi guys! I'm a first year at AFI and happy to answer any questions. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me=). Good luck this app season.
Hi - thanks for coming back to these boards to drop some wisdom! How are you finding the first semester and "boot camp"? What sort of hours are you putting in daily? AFI seems to have their screenwriting program pretty integrated with the production program, and I was wondering if that's something which comes later on in the course or if it's wired into the course from the get-go. Thanks!
 
Hey! I'll post the schedule here from bootcamp.
 

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Bootcamp for the six weeks you have it is pretty intense time wise and then right after you're thrust into the start of your regular classes and cycle films begin. The directors initiate cycle 1. Writers initiate cycle 2. Producers initiate cycle 3. After bootcamp my class schedule transitioned into Wed evenings from 6-9, Thurs/Fri 9-9. Which isn't too bad. Cycle films are shot on Sat, Sun, and Mon. Screenwriters only crew one cycle and it's typically the one you're already on. Hope this helps
 
W
Bootcamp for the six weeks you have it is pretty intense time wise and then right after you're thrust into the start of your regular classes and cycle films begin. The directors initiate cycle 1. Writers initiate cycle 2. Producers initiate cycle 3. After bootcamp my class schedule transitioned into Wed evenings from 6-9, Thurs/Fri 9-9. Which isn't too bad. Cycle films are shot on Sat, Sun, and Mon. Screenwriters only crew one cycle and it's typically the one you're already on. Hope this helps
Wow, that sounds full on! So by initiating the cycles do you mean that's where the ideas originate? Thanks for all the info!
 
Yes. So one of each discipline teams together to make a film. So one director, producer, writer, editor, dp, and production designer (if you’re lucky). When you initiate it’s your idea and you pick the team
Wow, that sounds awesome (and also sounds like a lot of work)! Do you find the close integration to the production disciplines intimidating or have you had a lot of experience on sets before?
 
Question on the 20-page screenplay sample requirement: does it need to be a short/feature or could the first 20* pages of pilot also meet the requirement?

*(Honestly, it'd likely be the first 19 pages as that's where I have the Act I break. Then another page with the synopsis.)
 
Question on the 20-page screenplay sample requirement: does it need to be a short/feature or could the first 20* pages of pilot also meet the requirement?

*(Honestly, it'd likely be the first 19 pages as that's where I have the Act I break. Then another page with the synopsis.)
I feel like a sample of a pilot would be okay! I would just put a short note at the beginning of your piece explaining what it is about (check the AFI requirements, I think they ask that you write a short summary of your story if it's a sample).
 
While everyone is waiting for more info PLEASE take a moment to review the program on our site as an APPLICANT: (it can be anonymous)

List your pros and cons and why you applied to this program. If you can, please also review all of the other programs that you applied to on the site. It will help others A TON. :)


You also assign start ratings to:
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You can review a film school as an:
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Thank you! It'll be a HUGE help to the site and fellow applicants. :)
 
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