Columbia MFA Prompt Structure Advice

[zk-writer-01]

NEED ADVICE​

How much can you alter the film prompts for Columbia's MFA Screenwriting application? I am sticking to the main details (time, location, age, relationships) but I want to change a few small details for my individual story, is that ok???

Mainly does the 2nd individual in the story HAS to be human?

Columbia film prompts (2-3pgs):

EXT. AMUSEMENT PARK – NIGHT
Alone in the open cabin of a ferris wheel, the Young Woman is frightened to hear the entire ride screech, then slow to a complete stop. Voices from below shout assurances that the problem will be fixed in a few minutes...but things get even worse when she turns to see the person sitting in the cabin hanging opposite her own.

INT. DEPARTMENT STORE – DAY
As the Teenager scans the clothing racks for something to buy, he’s startled to see what looks like someone hastily stuffing merchandise into their backpack. He looks for a salesperson or a security guard - but just then, the person slips away. He follows.

 

[Chris W]

NEED ADVICE​

How much can you alter the film prompts for Columbia's MFA Screenwriting application? I am sticking to the main details (time, location, age, relationships) but I want to change a few small details for my individual story, is that ok???

Mainly does the 2nd individual in the story HAS to be human?

Columbia film prompts (2-3pgs):

EXT. AMUSEMENT PARK – NIGHT
Alone in the open cabin of a ferris wheel, the Young Woman is frightened to hear the entire ride screech, then slow to a complete stop. Voices from below shout assurances that the problem will be fixed in a few minutes...but things get even worse when she turns to see the person sitting in the cabin hanging opposite her own.

INT. DEPARTMENT STORE – DAY
As the Teenager scans the clothing racks for something to buy, he’s startled to see what looks like someone hastily stuffing merchandise into their backpack. He looks for a salesperson or a security guard - but just then, the person slips away. He follows.

It's not following the prompt but pretty darn close if everything else is the same. I guess it all depends on how good it is?

You're taking a risk not following application directions. However that being said technically everything in an appliance is somewhat of a risk. Something to keep in mind. I can't really advise either way. The only way to know for sure if they'd immediately set it aside for not exactly following the prompt is to call and ask as every school is different.

If you do call please report what they say.

 

[zk-writer-01]

It's not following the prompt but pretty darn close if everything else is the same. I guess it all depends on how good it is?

You're taking a risk not following application directions. However that being said technically everything in an appliance is somewhat of a risk. Something to keep in mind. I can't really advise either way. The only way to know for sure if they'd immediately set it aside for not exactly following the prompt is to call and ask as every school is different.

If you do call please report what they say.

Would you consider the presentation of IT (aka Pennywise the Clown) a person? He looks almost human most of the time and then he changes into something more terrifying. Also, in real life clowns are just humans in make-up... so could I use a something along the idea of a shape-shifter or semi-human?