American Film Institute (AFI) - Directing Applicants 2021

[ArielleNotTheMermaid]

I’ve had 5 views on both my films but no interview yet. In past years it seems like they’ve sent out international interview notifications for directors first, then US notifications like a week or two later. So hopefully some of us will get some notifications this week or next?

On another note, it seems like there are far fewer applicants for all graduate schools this year - at least on this site. I wonder if that reflects the overall numbers. Maybe less people are applying due to the pandemic?

 

[CJR]

I’ve had 5 views on both my films but no interview yet. In past years it seems like they’ve sent out international interview notifications for directors first, then US notifications like a week or two later. So hopefully some of us will get some notifications this week or next?

On another note, it seems like there are far fewer applicants for all graduate schools this year - at least on this site. I wonder if that reflects the overall numbers. Maybe less people are applying due to the pandemic?

I think you are completely right about the international students getting hit up first AND it’s definitely rolling so it’s not over yet hahaha. Seriously hope you’re right about application numbers!! Crossing fingers for everyone else anxiously waiting!!

 

[Black Cat White Cat]

I've been checking my email and the forum every two hours or so, this endless waiting time is really poisoning my mind...Does anyone have any idea when the school would send the rejection letter or there will be no response or notification?

 

[Millennimum Nemo]

Hey y’all, I don’t know if this helps but it always does for me - rewatching ‘Schitt’s Creek’, an episode a day

 

[Isthison?]

I just had more views added to my video material. Not entirely sure what to make of it, given I had some in December - but in-case this is helpful news for things still rolling

 

[runningupthathill]

Just got my interview request!!!! :’)

 

[Borna]

I received my interview request right now! And I don't think it matters how many views you get on your videos; I only got 2 on each.
Sending out good vibes!

 

[runningupthathill]

I received my interview request right now! And I don't think it matters how many views you get on your videos; I only got 2 on each.
Sending out good vibes!

Same!

 

[queeryet_good]

Just got an interview request too!! I had 3 views on one and 4 on the other.

 

[ArielleNotTheMermaid]

I've been checking my email and the forum every two hours or so, this endless waiting time is really poisoning my mind...Does anyone have any idea when the school would send the rejection letter or there will be no response or notification?

They will notify us via email in mid-March. What's help me with the wait is planning for in case I don't get into any school - writing scripts for Fellowships, looking up other options, etc.

 

[Jack's Lack of Surprise]

I've been checking my email and the forum every two hours or so, this endless waiting time is really poisoning my mind...Does anyone have any idea when the school would send the rejection letter or there will be no response or notification?

Don’t let this process get the best of you. I applied last year with what I thought was a worthy application and didn’t get selected. I’ll never forget how awful the extreme stress of waiting felt, but with that said, I feel oddly calm about this year’s application. I haven’t been contacted for an interview — who knows if I will — but I know that I improved significantly upon last year’s application and can find peace in that. AFI obviously has a system in place for reviewing applicants, but at the end of the day, this is all such an arbitrary process. Getting into AFI, or not getting into AFI, won’t define you as a filmmaker. Many applicants likely offer similar great qualities, so this is all just a crapshoot.

 

[Black Cat White Cat]

Thx for all the info and advice. I am trying to move my attention to some good films and shows and let the admission office make their decision. Wish everyone good luck!

 

[Blue Grape]

May I ask what is the email address if you are scheduled for an interview? Is it from an AFI faculty email or from the AFI admission email?

 

[runningupthathill]

May I ask what is the email address if you are scheduled for an interview? Is it from an AFI faculty email or from the AFI admission email?

Faculty

 

[runningupthathill]

Does anyone know how many people they interview vs how many people they accept?

 

[Abbey Normal]

Does anyone know how many people they interview vs how many people they accept?

I know the class of 2020 had 26 directors and 25 screenwriters. I would imagine the number of interviews are slightly more.

 

[runningupthathill]

I know the class of 2020 had 26 directors and 25 screenwriters. I would imagine the number of interviews are slightly more.

Yeah, I wonder what’s standard practice. I’d imagine double is too many people to interview but I’m not sure.

 

[runningupthathill]

I know the class of 2020 had 26 directors and 25 screenwriters. I would imagine the number of interviews are slightly more.

From an old thread: "I actually asked him how many people the screenwriting program interviews (because I saw that people were asking that question in this thread) and he said that they don't actually interview very many applicants, and that the number of interviewees is very close to the number of students they admit. So pretty much if you got an interview you should be super excited!"

 

[nycactor7467]

Any idea if these interviews are on a rolling basis? Or is it safe to presume the requests have been sent?

 

[Jack's Lack of Surprise]

Any idea if these interviews are on a rolling basis? Or is it safe to presume the requests have been sent?

I have no definitive idea, but based off of the available data from the past few years, it seems like interview notifications are somewhat spaced apart. With that said, there does appear to be a bit of a pattern as to when applicants are typically notified.