American Film Institute (AFI) - Directing Applicants 2021

[hugofaraco]

My interview was with professor Harrison James and fellow Isabella Issa. It was very conversational and most of their questions were based on my application. For example, my sample film was shot and directed by me as a one man band, so they asked me about collaborating with a crew. And it was a doc, so they asked me about working with actors. They also asked me what kind of films I want to make and about my "Confrontation" film.

 

[hugofaraco]

What questions did they ask and who did you interview with? Mine's Friday so I'm trying to get all the info I can.

Ops, forgot to hit reply. My answer above.

 

[nicolenic0le]

I just had my interview as well! They were both so nice, it was pretty casual and it was mostly just them asking questions about you!

 

[nicolenic0le]

My interview was with professor Harrison James and fellow Isabella Issa. It was very conversational and most of their questions were based on my application. For example, my sample film was shot and directed by me as a one man band, so they asked me about collaborating with a crew. And it was a doc, so they asked me about working with actors. They also asked me what kind of films I want to make and about my "Confrontation" film.

I had them as well! I loved them hahaha

 

[hugofaraco]

I had them as well! I loved them hahaha

Right? They were amazing! I really wanna watch Isabellas's film.

 

[nicolenic0le]

Right? They were amazing! I really wanna watch Isabellas's film.

yes! I'm pretty sure I blanked out halfway through the interview LOL

 

[SimonL]

Hi all, I just had my interview with Andrew Wagner and Karen Maruyama. They were both really lovely. There were a few technical issues at the start that maybe put me off to a bad start and then at the end I think I may have left the zoom call before the interview was actually over! Whoops! But other than that it was very chilled, easy going, and they seemed to appreciated my honesty when I admitted to just not having an answer to their question etc. They really seemed to have looked at all my submission materials in depth, knowing the names of the actors in my films for example. They asked me about specific directing techniques I had used with actors, but that’s because I had mentioned it in one of my submission essays.
Just wanted to wish everyone else the very best of luck with your interview. Enjoy it! It’s a lot of fun.
And if you haven’t been invited for an interview keep cracking at it! This is my 4th year applying to film schools and the first interview, so don’t get disheartened.
Please feel free to pm me if any of you have any questions about the application/interview process.

 

[CaDa]

Hi all, I just had my interview with Andrew Wagner and Karen Maruyama. They were both really lovely. There were a few technical issues at the start that maybe put me off to a bad start and then at the end I think I may have left the zoom call before the interview was actually over! Whoops! But other than that it was very chilled, easy going, and they seemed to appreciated my honesty when I admitted to just not having an answer to their question etc. They really seemed to have looked at all my submission materials in depth, knowing the names of the actors in my films for example. They asked me about specific directing techniques I had used with actors, but that’s because I had mentioned it in one of my submission essays.
Just wanted to wish everyone else the very best of luck with your interview. Enjoy it! It’s a lot of fun.
And if you haven’t been invited for an interview keep cracking at it! This is my 4th year applying to film schools and the first interview, so don’t get disheartened.
Please feel free to pm me if any of you have any questions about the application/interview process.

Hard work and never giving up will not disappoint you! Wish you good luck!

 

[folio]

Thank you everyone for sharing your interview experiences! It seems many applicants are being interviewed compared to previous years. I'm wondering if this is an especially competitive year. Time goes by sooooo slowly, I want March to come already ^^

 

[nicolenic0le]

Thank you everyone for sharing your interview experiences! It seems many applicants are being interviewed compared to previous years. I'm wondering if this is an especially competitive year. Time goes by sooooo slow, I want March to come already ^^

I wonder that too! But also might be slightly different because of COVID? maybe? who knows hahah

 

[runningupthathill]

What did you all wear for your interviews?

 

[hugofaraco]

What did you all wear for your interviews?

Black button down long sleeve shirt.

 

[Chris W]

What did you all wear for your interviews?

 

[yminimal]

Hey all! I applied to the AFI Directing 2021 program, and haven't been selected yet for an interview. Was wondering, based on past timelines for AFI, whether I should basically throw in the towel and accept that I won't be accepted into the program? Need to let go for my own mental health haha

 

[Pguillen]

Hey all! I applied to the AFI Directing 2021 program, and haven't been selected yet for an interview. Was wondering, based on past timelines for AFI, whether I should basically throw in the towel and accept that I won't be accepted into the program? Need to let go for my own mental health haha

From what I've been told, they can have interviews up until a few days before the notification date.

 

[yminimal]

From what I've been told, they can have interviews up until a few days before the notification date.

I wonder though whether all the interviews have been scheduled already. I noticed most folks who've gotten selected for an interview got notified in January...my hope is slippin'!

 

[tls]

My interview is tomorrow! Cue all the nerves! Has anyone else had one and want to share their experience?

Also, for all my interviews I'm wearing a work dress (not that they can tell it's a dress). Essentially, profesh work attire

 

[runningupthathill]

Interviewing today! Wish me luck y'all!

 

[tls]

Interviewing today! Wish me luck y'all!

Best of luck!!

 

[hugofaraco]

Interviewing today! Wish me luck y'all!

Good luck! You got this!!