Columbia 2021 MFA Screenwriting/Directing Applicants (1 Viewer)

[abu2030]

I applied to CU and one other school as a backup. I strongly preferred CU because of location, and because I really really dug their story approach. I also heard from alum and current students that the school was incredibly collaborative and that the program has a decent alumni support infrastructure, which i found very attractive as well.

 

[sierhlj]

I wonder is there a particular style that CU prefers? Mine is a comedy and not too deep. Start to worry.

 

[mothersuperior]

I wonder is there a particular style that CU prefers? Mine is a comedy and not too deep. Start to worry.

I've thought about this too, but my take is that if my creative voice isn't something that the adcom values, I probably wouldn't be a good fit for that school anyway.

 

[nvf101]

columbia student here.

i'm not a full ride recipient but it is my understanding is that a couple of other folks in the program folks are.
someone asked about interviews...i believe they interview in batches, my interview back in the day was smack dab in the middle of march if that's helpful for anyone.

producers, screenwriters, and directors all take the same classes year one, with the producers splitting off in year two.
directors and screenwriters continue taking the same classes in year two, then declare a concentration in Directing, Screenwriting, or TV Writing at the end of that year. However, there is little functional distinction between tv writing and screenwriting...

hope that helps.

Hi there, Thanks for this info, really helpful and clarifying Just had a couple of queries if that's still cool to ask:

I was just wondering if you'd be able to speak a little bit about the kinds of equipment available to CU students as each year progresses. There had been some mention of their camera range being a little lagging behind - but then also some people mentioning that they had recently invested in more up to date cameras/lenses. Of course cameras are not the be and end all but just wondering what is available to you guys in terms of actual equipment (in a non corona world).

Also just wondering how your classes on cinematography are. I was definitely drawn to CU for their storytelling, writer/director emphasis but also interested to know if they offer much practical/technical training in camera and lighting?

 

[Your Actual Dad]

I wonder is there a particular style that CU prefers? Mine is a comedy and not too deep. Start to worry.

My prompt response was comedy. It doesn't matter.

 

[aaaaa]

My prompt response was comedy. It doesn't matter.

Mine was comedy too. And I wrote in my personal statement about wanting to be a comedy writer.

 

[Your Actual Dad]

Mine was comedy too. And I wrote in my personal statement about wanting to be a comedy writer.

Yeah, it shouldn't make a difference.

 

[aaaaa]

Yeah, it shouldn't make a difference.

have you had your interview yet

 

[Your Actual Dad]

have you had your interview yet

I'm a deferred student from last year. I'm already accepted, but will be starting this year.

 

[runningupthathill]

I'm a deferred student from last year. I'm already accepted, but will be starting this year.

Do you know if many people deferred from last year? Specifically for the directing program?

 

[Your Actual Dad]

Do you know if many people deferred from last year? Specifically for the directing program?

I do not know how many exactly, but the impression I got was quite a few.

 

[runningupthathill]

I do not know how many exactly, but the impression I got was quite a few.

Do you remember what questions they asked you during your interview?

 

[soysaucechicken]

There was a post in last year's thread that the pandemic/lockdown/zooming would create a lot of deferrals so there may be less openings this year to accommodate. I was wait-listed and "waited" til end of summer for my (rejection) notice. Not saying this is a fact but it made sense at the time - maybe the same for all MFA programs too? Hopefully not. Feel free to opine. Break legs,

 

[Your Actual Dad]

Do you remember what questions they asked you during your interview?

Honestly, it felt more like a general conversation to get to know me. I remember just talking about movies we like more than anything... but it never hurts to know what you like about that program or faculty, specifically, what you hope to gain from it and what you could uniquely bring to it. But I think that's the same advice you're going to get anywhere. I would say, relax and be yourself

 

[mcama]

I just had my interview. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The professors I spoke with seemed to really get me as a creator and person.

We spoke for about 40 minutes and dived into a lot of great topics. I was given 'homework assignments' (things to read and watch), so hopefully that is a good sign.

I feel really good about it. Fingers crossed.

 

[runningupthathill]

I just had my interview. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The professors I spoke with seemed to really get me as a creator and person.

We spoke for about 40 minutes and dived into a lot of great topics. I was given 'homework assignments' (things to read and watch), so hopefully that is a good sign.

I feel really good about it. Fingers crossed.

Wow that was fast! What kind of questions did they ask?

 

[mcama]

Well, they were very familiar with my submissions and my application. They asked me about characters in my work and what sort of stories I wanted to tell. I had made reference to a number of creators in my submission that I studied and look up to and they talked about that quite a bit.

They did ask how I am making money and what I have been doing the last year (I worked in the music business full time prior to COVID for the past 10 years).

Other than that, they seemed to enjoy speaking with me as much as I did with them. Again, I have no idea if it means anything. But it felt really good.

I was super nervous but once we got started it seemed to flow. I had submitted two very different pieces of work. My writing submission was a raunchy comedy and my film treatment was a period piece drama. It was a gamble, but I felt it helped show range.

 

[AuA]

Any updates? Has anyone else received interview invitation?

 

[kikis_delivery]

Any updates? Has anyone else received interview invitation?

no..... feeling despondent. i haven't received one from nyu either, only usc

 

[aaaaa]

no..... feeling despondent. i haven't received one from nyu either, only usc

I really want to go to USC! Is that not your first choice? And I haven't heard from NYU either!