Chapman News

[birdman78]

good luck NH... I hope the news are good - I actually had my application in late (I wasn't aware of Chapman until mid February) - my guess is if you hear it will be in the next week or so...
Then again, what the f***k do i know?

Winter... you chances of getting a free drink have just increased...

lol...

seriously, thanks with all your help thus far.

 

[seventhshade]

After speaking with the department today, it seems that all finalists for directing will have reels requested and a group of faculty members will watch them to make their final decisions. This is possibly something they haven't done in the past as the competition has increased for the school? And I hear that about 14 slots are anticipated for each division.

 

[Winterreverie]

Birdman- Woot free drink. Rock on... we have some local bars the film students frequent-- we'll call it a go if your in... But if you DO get in-- you gotta let me write your 321 project. Then we'll call it even for my hanging around these forums. *big grin*

seventhshade-- I think they always requested reels since I've known Chapman-- but pretty much only from directors or possible cine's. 14 slots is now our standard.

 

[MovieTeller]

They asked me for my reel awhile back and I've received two emails and a phone call to set up an interview. I feel good, but I'm not popping the champaign bottle just yet.

 

[nhfilm]

Regardless if I get in or not, I will be living in the Southern California area come August. So who's up for making some movies?

 

[WicketBF2]

I am. There's a chance I'll be back home in So Cal come summer too.

I'm still thinking about LMU, but I know next to nothing about it, nor does anyone else on this board seem to. It'd be a shot in the dark.

 

[SeattleCinemaniac]

Hey gang,

I just sent my application to Chapman Film Studies (with screenwriting designated as my second discipline) yesterday afternoon. Does anyone know how many slots Chapman typically fills for the film studies and screenwriting programs?

Here's another question. Of all those that were contacted for reels and interviews, how long did you have to wait after submitting your application before receiving a phone call or an e-mail from Chapman?

Finally, I'm a little worried about financial aid. The package I received in the mail from Chapman a week after I submitted my electronic application specifically stated that the filing deadline for FAFSA is March 1st. My concern is this: I submitted my financial aid application online in mid-February...but for the other schools to which I applied and from which I have since been rejected. Last night, I logged on to my FAFSA account and added the code for Chapman to my list of schools. Does this mean I'll get turned down for financial aid?

That's all for now. I must be going.

You're all awesome,

J.G.

 

[hgsouth]

After speaking with the department today, it seems that all finalists for directing will have reels requested and a group of faculty members will watch them to make their final decisions. This is possibly something they haven't done in the past as the competition has increased for the school? And I hear that about 14 slots are anticipated for each division.

Thanks for the info, that's pretty interesting.

So I guess it's down to my reel now. I busted my butt getting that out to them. I hadn't really burned a DVD from my home computer before, so I was clueless. (I kept getting DVD's that wouldn't play, or were stuttering, etc., till I finally found some software that actually worked.) I think it turned out ok, but after watching my projects about 100x each I'm left wondering if they will be good enough. You know after you see them that many times all you can focus on is the flaws

I hope they aren't looking for super professional stuff. I could only send em what I had though, and I haven't had the chance to write or direct anything super spiffy looking. The only narrative drama I wrote and directed was also produced by me and my limited, outdated equipment. Also the first time I ever wrote and directed my own short.

I guess we'll see...

 

[redpokiepenguin]

Question to you all.

So i have my interview next week with Alex Rose (producing) and I'm told i can bring stuff, like a reel. I don't feel really strongly about my reel. I feel like it's the reason why I don't get in. Would you still bring it in? Running the risk that it may hurt more than help?

 

[seventhshade]

I did not submit a reel or bring anything with me for the interview. We just talked about my work and what I was looking to do as a creative producer. Speak to your strengths and just mention at the end of the interview that if there is anything else you could provide to help her make a decision, that you would happy to get additional materials to her. For me, she said thank you but didn't ask for anything.

 

[SD Grad]

If Chapman accepts 14 people per program, does anyone know how many people apply?

Also, Winter, has anything new happened with the possible screenwriting program changes?

 

[MEaroundtheworld]

red...

I hope your interview goes well. As far as a reel is concerned. If you don't believe that you reel is strong then it is probably better not to bring it, but rather, to offer to provide it as seventhshade suggested. However, something you may want to think about when considering whether your reel is actually strong or not is what it will present to the program that you are applying. The reason that I brought my reel with me is that I felt that just the presence of the reel and resume placed neatly in a folder showed forethought and a slight degree of professionalism which are particularly important in producing. Whereas, if I had applied for cinematography and felt that my reel didn't positively showcase my abilities or potential in that area, then it probably would not be the best idea to bring it. If you do bring your reel she may not even watch it, you never know, but just the forethought and effort to bring it could speak positively of your desire to get into the producing program and your potential to do well in that particular area. I am comfortable with the strength of my reel so I guess the decision probably wasn't as difficult for me. But, the biggest reason I brought was because of what bringing the reel itself would say rather than what was actually in the reel itself, which was a secondary concern. For you, offering the reel might present a similar degree of forethought while lessening the risk or hurting yourself through the content of the reel. Again, I hope your interview goes well and that have an enjoyable time in the process.
Peace!

 

[NeoNoir]

Hey All,

I am also still waiting to hear SOMETHING from Chapman. I applied priority for the MFA Screenwriting and have grown tired of checking WebAdvisor everyday. Since I have been accepted at 3 other schools and the decision date is quickly approaching I am curious if anyone here has a pulse on when decisions for Chapman will be sent out. Could any current students, Winter?, say when they heard last year? Having such a late regular admission deadline, May 1 wtf, freaks me out that I might have to send a deposit somewhere else only to hear I was accepted to Chapman in late May!

Btw, cna any current Chapman MFA Screenwriters comment on the changes to the curriculum that they don't like? Winter? Does this involve the 2nd Year Production Workshop class?

Thanks.

 

[MovieTeller]

Did my interview with Dezso Magyar today and had a good time. He was gracious and it was an easy conversation. Mentioned that they should be making their decision within the next ten days. Fun.. Fun...

 

[Bartleby Fink]

Hey, I was just wondering what fellowship/scholarship packages usually look like for second and third year students. Anyone?

 

[Winterreverie]

I was accepted early march.

If you don't come in with a fellowship, you're fairly out of luck. There are a couple merit based awards, but they aren't technically offered through chapman and they're few and far between.

We clarified with the department head (Re our issue with the SW program) and the majority of writers have been appeased. However, I have to say, the screenwriting profs are fantastic, as are the guests they bring onto campus. Chapman is unique in that it sells its program as collaborative, but lately it seems to be catering to the Autuer. The curriculum changes appeared to reflect that and compromises were made to not slight the writers. I'm not sure about my current feelings, but I can't really see a better SW program for the price even with the changes.

 

[NeoNoir]

Winter,

Thank you for your responses to both questions. Your posts on the this board are invaluable.

Fox,

As a fellow 'decision pending' thanks for digging in on when we may hear. We at least have to remain positive that we haven't received the one-page letter of pain yet.

Sounds like I'm going to have to put in a deposit to one of the schools I'm accepted to and if Chapman does come calling in May I'll get to decide all over again.

 

[Bware]

Hey, just wanted to throw in a few of my own cents..

I checked out the school last week, really, REALLY impressive. To those still waiting, it's kind of weird, I guess they do each discipline differently, because I heard in mid March that I was accepted (into Editing). Also, since you mentioned the "one-page letter of pain," I want to add that my acceptance letter came on one page in a "rejection-sized" envelope, instead of a big packet that most schools send - so don't assume anything by the size of the letter (like I did). It also came with a DVD (a hint that I probably wasn't rejected) but apparently some of you have already gotten those?

Winter, I'm surprised to hear that there is a shift towards auteurs.. From what I read it seemed that there was a heavy stress on directors finding screenwriters and then working together. Have to say, the latter sounds more like how the industry would work, and is one of the things I really liked about Chapman. Do you still get to have your screenplays shot by the production students?

 

[Bartleby Fink]

Winter, I was just wondering: how do you feel about your job prospects when you graduate?

 

[Winterreverie]

Bware- I think I might have met you briefly when you checked out the school if Darryl gave the tour. I tend to be standard on his tour if I'm around. lol.

Actually the reason the SW were so up in arms was exactly as you say-- Chapman sells itself as a collaborative school. Many of our Admins are coming from AFI and I think they unintentionally try to shift towards the AFI mindset. But the dept chair is a screenwriter and the screenwriting faculty are quiet, but powerful. And the SW students are loud, strangely enough. So I'm not sure where all this is heading, but at the recent "Women in Focus" symposium they presented, they were catering to the writers and there still is one fairly large required collaboration so we'll see.

Bartleby, I wonder that everyday. I think my prospects are decent since I'm an edgy female comedy writer-- I don't think any others in my year fit that bill and so I've been approached by many producers already with collaborations or options. On top of that, the SW professors are willing to put their neck out for us to help us get noticed. Mankiewicz in particular has a soft spot for writers and makes sure we're first in line for internships or work with his friends. Most recently he's trying to bring us on the latest Richard Donnor set.

I've also made some great peer business contacts-- people I see as having a lot of talent and potential who love to work with me as well. Then again, through this site I have contacts in most of the big schools that I can call friends.

So I'm thinking positive, but this industry is such a gamble. And if I let myself think negatively I'll never be able to complete the work they have us doing.

PS-- This site is such a procrastination tool. I'm off to work on my features.