AFI Screenwriting Fall 2021

[Krmg]

in a strange twist of fate...I just got into Chapman with a scholarship!?!? I feel like I have whiplash hahaha

 

[svgis]

Congrats to everyone who got in! That’s fabulous for y’all

Just got my rejection but im weirdly psyched about it — I have a lot of feelings about LA and was dreading the thought of moving back there!

 

[Chris W]

in a strange twist of fate...I just got into Chapman with a scholarship!?!? I feel like I have whiplash hahaha

That's awesome. Be sure to update your Applications with this info.

 

[aaaaa]

Congratulations on being wait listed nevertheless. I'd love to know your reasons for not joining the wait list, if you are OK with sharing them : )

Sure, I'll share. I was really off-put during the interview.

Everyone goes to film school with different intentions. For me, I want to learn how to write competitively to get a job in tv writing (specifically comedy tv).

AFI scoffed at the idea of going to film school with the intention to eventually get a job. I am not being hyperbolic. SCOFFED. Anna even said "well, when that doesn't work out, your undergrad major will help you get a paying job." Quote end quote. (FYI- my undergrad major is in the sciences, not arts).

I asked about their internship program. AFI doesn't allow its students to have part-time internships during the semester, they only allow summer internships between semesters and very few students do internships even in the summer. This is fine as their program is intense and they want people to focus on their craft. But, they don't even have a formal graduate internship program like other schools in Los Angeles! USC, Loyola, and Chapman do. They have full-time employees who find internships so that their students can have better opportunities to gain some experience. In the interview, AFI explained that the internships they 'advertise' "You'd have to apply like everyone else." Which...is really silly to say. Of course, you have to apply to internships- any internships. The whole thing rubbed me the wrong way. They don't take internships seriously. They don't take getting jobs after graduating seriously. I'm not spending 100K+ for a school that laughs at the idea of becoming a working writer. Other programs I've interviewed for require you to have internships during the semester in order to even graduate.

I've since interviewed with LMU, Chapman, NYU, Columbia. I asked the same questions. I got a far better response. My dislike for AFI, and realizing that they are not the right fit for me, only intensified with every interview I had where I asked the same questions and received far better GROUNDED answers.

I will say, Columbia is similar to AFI in that they don't have an internship program. They focus on education and the intensity/value of the program- not jobs outside of it. But my Columbia interview was far better, despite the answers being very similar to AFI. Columbia had a better understanding that this is a shit ton of money to spend so you should go somewhere that will get you to where you want to go. And they were honest with me- if I want to be a working tv writer Columbia is probably not the right fit. AFI scoffed and laughed and stuck their noses up in the air like they were better than television, internships, and writing jobs in general. It takes a mind-baffling level of unawareness and snootiness to out-snoot an ivy league school. But AFI did it.

TL-DR; I determined in the interview that AFI was the wrong schools to fit my particular needs and aspirations.


I am missing quite a few commas in here.......too lazy to fix

 

[KDonthescene]

I got in, too!

 

[Chris W]

Be sure to update your Applications in our database even if you don't get in. It'll help the site with the denied and wait-list stats for each program and will help us figure out how many people on the wait list are accepted.

 

[svgis]

Sure, I'll share. I was really off-put during the interview.

Everyone goes to film school with different intentions. For me, I want to learn how to write competitively to get a job in tv writing (specifically comedy tv).

AFI scoffed at the idea of going to film school with the intention to eventually get a job. I am not being hyperbolic. SCOFFED. Anna even said "well, when that doesn't work out, your undergrad major will help you get a paying job." Quote end quote. (FYI- my undergrad major is in the sciences, not arts).

I asked about their internship program. AFI doesn't allow its students to have part-time internships during the semester, they only allow summer internships between semesters and very few students do internships even in the summer. This is fine as their program is intense and they want people to focus on their craft. But, they don't even have a formal graduate internship program like other schools in Los Angeles! USC, Loyola, and Chapman do. They have full-time employees who find internships so that their students can have better opportunities to gain some experience. In the interview, AFI explained that the internships they 'advertise' "You'd have to apply like everyone else." Which...is really silly to say. Of course, you have to apply to internships- any internships. The whole thing rubbed me the wrong way. They don't take internships seriously. They don't take getting jobs after graduating seriously. I'm not spending 100K+ for a school that laughs at the idea of becoming a working writer. Other programs I've interviewed for require you to have internships during the semester in order to even graduate.

I've since interviewed with LMU, Chapman, NYU, Columbia. I asked the same questions. I got a far better response. My dislike for AFI, and realizing that they are not the right fit for me, only intensified with every interview I had where I asked the same questions and received far better GROUNDED answers.

I will say, Columbia is similar to AFI in that they don't have an internship program. They focus on education and the intensity/value of the program- not jobs outside of it. But my Columbia interview was far better, despite the answers being very similar to AFI. Columbia had a better understanding that this is a shit ton of money to spend so you should go somewhere that will get you to where you want to go. And they were honest with me- if I want to be a working tv writer Columbia is probably not the right fit. AFI scoffed and laughed and stuck their noses up in the air like they were better than television, internships, and writing jobs in general. It takes a mind-baffling level of unawareness and snootiness to out-snoot an ivy league school. But AFI did it.

TL-DR; I determined in the interview that AFI was the wrong schools to fit my particular needs and aspirations.


I am missing quite a few commas in here.......too lazy to fix

I actually had a pretty similar experience in my interview — not regarding writing jobs, but an independent feature I wrote and directed. I explained how it was a guerilla, no budget, run and gun production and they were NOT there for it. They kept pressing me with questions about the film failing, and while it’s far from perfect I couldn’t understand why they were so convinced it was a failure. It won awards at film festivals and got picked up for distribution. I explained extensively what I would do differently and what didn’t work in the film, but it genuinely felt like they wanted me to say my movie was bad.

It’s been my biggest achievement so far, and the faces made when I described the process made me feel pretty horrible.

 

[Abbey Normal]

in a strange twist of fate...I just got into Chapman with a scholarship!?!? I feel like I have whiplash hahaha

Whoa!!! Congrat on getting the scholarship at Chapman! That's huge! Lmk if you have any questions about moving to Orange County. I grew not too far from Chapman so I'm familiar with the area/general surrounding. Feel free to PM me.

 

[aaaaa]

I actually had a pretty similar experience in my interview — not regarding writing jobs, but an independent feature I wrote and directed. I explained how it was a guerilla, no budget, run and gun production and they were NOT there for it. They kept pressing me with questions about the film failing, and while it’s far from perfect I couldn’t understand why they were so convinced it was a failure. It won awards at film festivals and got picked up for distribution. I explained extensively what I would do differently and what didn’t work in the film, but it genuinely felt like they wanted me to say my movie was bad.

It’s been my biggest achievement so far, and the faces made when I described the process made me feel pretty horrible.

The faces!!!! The judgemental faces!!!!! I can so relate. I still remember them vividly. As if what I was saying was disgusting. LOL

Ok I should stop ragging on AFI. There are people who are going to love it and excel in going there

 

[svgis]

The faces!!!! The judgemental faces!!!!! I can so relate. I still remember them vividly. As if what I was saying was disgusting. LOL

Ok I should stop ragging on AFI. There are people who are going to love it and excel in going there

Don't get me wrong -- I really am super happy for everyone who's been accepted, and I know that it's a wonderful school! I'm sure everyone who attends will flourish there.

But I am happy that you shared your experience. This is my first MFA rodeo, so I initially thought I just said something wildly wrong or weird early on in the interview. It's nice to know I wasn't the only one who felt this.

 

[llueve]

Don't get me wrong -- I really am super happy for everyone who's been accepted, and I know that it's a wonderful school! I'm sure everyone who attends will flourish there.

But I am happy that you shared your experience. This is my first MFA rodeo, so I initially thought I just said something wildly wrong or weird early on in the interview. It's nice to know I wasn't the only one who felt this.

I think all of these accounts are important. It's great that most people had good interviews, but I want to hear all accounts of experiences with AFI and I'm glad that both of you shared what your conversations were like. So thank you.

 

[equus_auctor]

Sure, I'll share. I was really off-put during the interview.

Everyone goes to film school with different intentions. For me, I want to learn how to write competitively to get a job in tv writing (specifically comedy tv).

AFI scoffed at the idea of going to film school with the intention to eventually get a job. I am not being hyperbolic. SCOFFED. Anna even said "well, when that doesn't work out, your undergrad major will help you get a paying job." Quote end quote. (FYI- my undergrad major is in the sciences, not arts).

I asked about their internship program. AFI doesn't allow its students to have part-time internships during the semester, they only allow summer internships between semesters and very few students do internships even in the summer. This is fine as their program is intense and they want people to focus on their craft. But, they don't even have a formal graduate internship program like other schools in Los Angeles! USC, Loyola, and Chapman do. They have full-time employees who find internships so that their students can have better opportunities to gain some experience. In the interview, AFI explained that the internships they 'advertise' "You'd have to apply like everyone else." Which...is really silly to say. Of course, you have to apply to internships- any internships. The whole thing rubbed me the wrong way. They don't take internships seriously. They don't take getting jobs after graduating seriously. I'm not spending 100K+ for a school that laughs at the idea of becoming a working writer. Other programs I've interviewed for require you to have internships during the semester in order to even graduate.

I've since interviewed with LMU, Chapman, NYU, Columbia. I asked the same questions. I got a far better response. My dislike for AFI, and realizing that they are not the right fit for me, only intensified with every interview I had where I asked the same questions and received far better GROUNDED answers.

I will say, Columbia is similar to AFI in that they don't have an internship program. They focus on education and the intensity/value of the program- not jobs outside of it. But my Columbia interview was far better, despite the answers being very similar to AFI. Columbia had a better understanding that this is a shit ton of money to spend so you should go somewhere that will get you to where you want to go. And they were honest with me- if I want to be a working tv writer Columbia is probably not the right fit. AFI scoffed and laughed and stuck their noses up in the air like they were better than television, internships, and writing jobs in general. It takes a mind-baffling level of unawareness and snootiness to out-snoot an ivy league school. But AFI did it.

TL-DR; I determined in the interview that AFI was the wrong schools to fit my particular needs and aspirations.


I am missing quite a few commas in here.......too lazy to fix

Thanks for sharing this experience- I was also waitlisted and can SERIOUSLY relate to your interview. Not sure it would be a good fit for me either.

I come from a theatre/playwriting background where there's a somewhat greater emphasis on process and theory. From jump I was made to feel stupid for thinking and talking abstractly about the medium and the kinds of stories I want to tell. Which I understand, to a certain extent- ultimately you have to be able to break a story and do it convincingly. But aren't there a billion different ways to arrive at the nuts and bolts? Isn't that the point of school? Isn't that why I submitted a writing sample? It also felt like they were less interested in my background and more in my willingness to approach writing through their own perspectives. All in all, it felt like a big part of me wasn't invited to the table. I guess I was (maybe naively) hoping for a "many doors into the same room" kinda philosophy about screenwriting and storytelling generally. But no such luck.

And they were very late. I get that it's LA but 35 mins isn't a rounding error.

So happy for everyone who got in, though! I think it really does come down to what we're all individually looking for.

 

[MilesofTrials]

Late to the party. Got the waitlist email at the same time as everyone else.

So proud of each and every one who applied. It’s tough to offer yourself up on a platter and tie that to a dream as big as an MFA program. If we all mirror that courage in the path we choose for ourselves - be it writing or something else - no doubt we will all find success.

 

[katiebonnie]

I'm so interested to know who you guys interviewed with @aaaaa @equus_auctor @svgis ?

@equus_auctor I also come from a theatre/live performance background but in my interview we literally didn't even discuss film really, they only wanted to know my life story and what stories I wanted to tell - then they were selling me on the course.

I have never been to LA and didn't get to do the AFI info session so I'm getting worried that maybe this isn't the right place for me y'know? Does anyone know any stats about their career prospects? I was under the impression they did offer internships because they gave me a whole spiel about the internship opportunities.

 

[aaaaa]

I'm so interested to know who you guys interviewed with @aaaaa @equus_auctor @svgis ?

@equus_auctor I also come from a theatre/live performance background but in my interview we literally didn't even discuss film really, they only wanted to know my life story and what stories I wanted to tell - then they were selling me on the course.

I have never been to LA and didn't get to do the AFI info session so I'm getting worried that maybe this isn't the right place for me y'know? Does anyone know any stats about their career prospects? I was under the impression they did offer internships because they gave me a whole spiel about the internship opportunities.

Anna Thomas and Jesse Wigutow.

 

[Abbey Normal]

Since we're all sharing interview experiences and backgrounds, here's mine:

I come from an improv/skectch comedy background, having trained/written/performed at most of the big comedy theaters in LA (UCB, Secondy City, iO West (rip), The Pack, and a few more). Ultimatley, I want to write for television (sitcoms).

During the interview, I made it VERY clear that I wanted to be a staff writer (short-term goal) and eventually work my way up to becoming a showrunner (long-term goal). I also expressed an interest in writing features, because I want to have a portoflio that consists of pilots and features. My interviewers were very open and encouraging of my goals, both short-term and long-term. I guess we all had very different experiences lol.

I have never been to LA and didn't get to do the AFI info session so I'm getting worried that maybe this isn't the right place for me y'know? Does anyone know any stats about their career prospects? I was under the impression they did offer internships because they gave me a whole spiel about the internship opportunities.

Regarding internships -- so the 5 AFI Screenwriting Fellows that I spoke with all interned at production companies/studios. Personally, I wouldn't stress too much about internships. You'd be surprise by how many production companies there are in LA (from big production companies to indie productions). And with Zoom internships, you could probably intern for production companies in NY like A24.

Also, I believe @Chris W said the AFI Admissions Interview will be available some time this week so we'll have more information on stats and what not.

 

[svgis]

I'm so interested to know who you guys interviewed with @aaaaa @equus_auctor @svgis ?

@equus_auctor I also come from a theatre/live performance background but in my interview we literally didn't even discuss film really, they only wanted to know my life story and what stories I wanted to tell - then they were selling me on the course.

I have never been to LA and didn't get to do the AFI info session so I'm getting worried that maybe this isn't the right place for me y'know? Does anyone know any stats about their career prospects? I was under the impression they did offer internships because they gave me a whole spiel about the internship opportunities.

I also interviewed with Anna.

And I can't speak to the internship thing, but as far as Los Angeles is concerned some people truly love it. I have friends who found themselves there, and feel that the city reflects their inner selves, dreams, and pace. Some can no longer picture living anywhere else now. It just really depends on your personality -- LA didn't gel with me, but it's a great fit for lots of people.

 

[Chris W]

Also, I believe @Chris W said the AFI Admissions Interview will be available some time this week so we'll have more information on stats and what not.

@Alexa P. is currently scheduled to interview them later this week. Article probably won't be up on the site until late next week at the earliest. But it could take longer.

 

[equus_auctor]

I'm so interested to know who you guys interviewed with @aaaaa @equus_auctor @svgis ?

@equus_auctor I also come from a theatre/live performance background but in my interview we literally didn't even discuss film really, they only wanted to know my life story and what stories I wanted to tell - then they were selling me on the course.

I have never been to LA and didn't get to do the AFI info session so I'm getting worried that maybe this isn't the right place for me y'know? Does anyone know any stats about their career prospects? I was under the impression they did offer internships because they gave me a whole spiel about the internship opportunities.

Interviewed with Anna Thomas and Paola Villegas Soruco

 

[jenamaya]

Hey everyone! Got my acceptance yesterday morning as well. Still taking it all in Congrats to those who got in! I’m so excited for what’s to come for all of us. I have a tingly feeling in my stomach that legendary things are going to be made this year. I hope we learn as much as we can from each other with the opportunity we have here and push each other to be the best writers and filmmakers we can be.

Excited to meet you all this coming August! For those who are waitlisted, good luck! And for those who didn't get in, next year is just around the corner.