Columbia University - Screenwriting/Directing Fall 2022 entry

[JHD]

Anyone heard anything yet? Creative Producing has just started getting interview requests I believe

 

[FuschiaFlows]

Oh, wow. Invites are coming a bit earlier than I would have expected this year

Haven't gotten anything yet. When do you y'all think we'll start getting invites?

 

[JHD]

Oh, wow. Invites are coming a bit earlier than I would have expected this year

Haven't gotten anything yet. When do you y'all think we'll start getting invites?

I think producing typically gets theirs first, so maybe starting next week? But honestly I have no idea

 

[Bergmanbaby]

last year they went out 8 days after creative producing

 

[Meredith_Blake]

Hey guys!

I am a second year at Columbia. I'm currently sitting with about five different deadlines so I decided to procrastinate and give you guys my two cents on some of the stuff discussed here!

1) As has been said, everyone's experience of the program is subjective. I will say though that the program is not 'mostly production'. That is simply incorrect. The first year is a holistic approach to filmmaking which means you take writing, directing, producing and editing and theory classes. It's intense for sure and feels a little like boot camp. The editing can be challenging, but it's really a matter of how much time you're willing to put in to learn it. You can also make do by not learning very much at all and simply have classmates help you with the editing of your projects (there are always people who love that part). Once you're done with that first year, you are given a bit more freedom to chose what you want to focus on. I am writer focused so I immediately dropped my directing classes for example.
2) With regards to the WSJ article, I have some thoughts. It's interesting hearing and reading certain ideas and notions about a program and then actually living it. I do think there is a systemic problem to do with level of tuition and student debt in the U.S., that is certainly not isolated to just Columbia's MFA program. It's not for anyone to tell you what level of debt is worth it to attend the program. Everyone's situation is different. I will say though, that I am not surprised - now being here - that the number of people who 'make it' out of a class of 65 is so low. A lot of students rely on the program to carry them into success. They don't network, work or pursue other opportunities outside of the classwork they have. And I'm sorry to say, that will just not cut it. The industry is too competitive for that. Columbia can help you along the way but you gotta put the work in yourself. In addition, Columbia has a reputation of being an auteur school. A lot of people come out of here wanting to be independent filmmakers rather than, say, studio screenwriters or TV directors. And that just means lower and more volatile pay. Hence why I believe Columbia is lowest on that debt to income ratio among the top film schools.
3) There are also complaints about supposed 'favoritism' among professors, which again being here now, I have such a different take on. There are lots of students (a surprising amount) who always show up late, submit their projects late, never read other students work etc etc. Some of them actually treat it a little like high school. This is my main gripe with program if I'm being honest. I came in expecting everyone to be really passionate and hard working. Not a big deal though, it's a big class and I've found my people. Nevertheless, I understand wholeheartedly why professors aren't lining up to support and invest in these particular non-committal students. Why would they?
4) Every year is different but I've not experienced any phoniness or show of self-interest among my peers. Everyone has been incredibly supportive, kind and collaborative.


Good luck!

 

[fosteli124]

Hey guys!

I am a second year at Columbia. I'm currently sitting with about five different deadlines so I decided to procrastinate and give you guys my two cents on some of the stuff discussed here!

1) As has been said, everyone's experience of the program is subjective. I will say though that the program is not 'mostly production'. That is simply incorrect. The first year is a holistic approach to filmmaking which means you take writing, directing, producing and editing and theory classes. It's intense for sure and feels a little like boot camp. The editing can be challenging, but it's really a matter of how much time you're willing to put in to learn it. You can also make do by not learning very much at all and simply have classmates help you with the editing of your projects (there are always people who love that part). Once you're done with that first year, you are given a bit more freedom to chose what you want to focus on. I am writer focused so I immediately dropped my directing classes for example.
2) With regards to the WSJ article, I have some thoughts. It's interesting hearing and reading certain ideas and notions about a program and then actually living it. I do think there is a systemic problem to do with level of tuition and student debt in the U.S., that is certainly not isolated to just Columbia's MFA program. It's not for anyone to tell you what level of debt is worth it to attend the program. Everyone's situation is different. I will say though, that I am not surprised - now being here - that the number of people who 'make it' out of a class of 65 is so low. A lot of students rely on the program to carry them into success. They don't network, work or pursue other opportunities outside of the classwork they have. And I'm sorry to say, that will just not cut it. The industry is too competitive for that. Columbia can help you along the way but you gotta put the work in yourself. In addition, Columbia has a reputation of being an auteur school. A lot of people come out of here wanting to be independent filmmakers rather than, say, studio screenwriters or TV directors. And that just means lower and more volatile pay. Hence why I believe Columbia is lowest on that debt to income ratio among the top film schools.
3) There are also complaints about supposed 'favoritism' among professors, which again being here now, I have such a different take on. There are lots of students (a surprising amount) who always show up late, submit their projects late, never read other students work etc etc. Some of them actually treat it a little like high school. This is my main gripe with program if I'm being honest. I came in expecting everyone to be really passionate and hard working. Not a big deal though, it's a big class and I've found my people. Nevertheless, I understand wholeheartedly why professors aren't lining up to support and invest in these particular non-committal students. Why would they?
4) Every year is different but I've not experienced any phoniness or show of self-interest among my peers. Everyone has been incredibly supportive, kind and collaborative.


Good luck!

Wow thank you so much for the insight!

 

[Iraschwips]

Hey guys!

I am a second year at Columbia. I'm currently sitting with about five different deadlines so I decided to procrastinate and give you guys my two cents on some of the stuff discussed here!

1) As has been said, everyone's experience of the program is subjective. I will say though that the program is not 'mostly production'. That is simply incorrect. The first year is a holistic approach to filmmaking which means you take writing, directing, producing and editing and theory classes. It's intense for sure and feels a little like boot camp. The editing can be challenging, but it's really a matter of how much time you're willing to put in to learn it. You can also make do by not learning very much at all and simply have classmates help you with the editing of your projects (there are always people who love that part). Once you're done with that first year, you are given a bit more freedom to chose what you want to focus on. I am writer focused so I immediately dropped my directing classes for example.
2) With regards to the WSJ article, I have some thoughts. It's interesting hearing and reading certain ideas and notions about a program and then actually living it. I do think there is a systemic problem to do with level of tuition and student debt in the U.S., that is certainly not isolated to just Columbia's MFA program. It's not for anyone to tell you what level of debt is worth it to attend the program. Everyone's situation is different. I will say though, that I am not surprised - now being here - that the number of people who 'make it' out of a class of 65 is so low. A lot of students rely on the program to carry them into success. They don't network, work or pursue other opportunities outside of the classwork they have. And I'm sorry to say, that will just not cut it. The industry is too competitive for that. Columbia can help you along the way but you gotta put the work in yourself. In addition, Columbia has a reputation of being an auteur school. A lot of people come out of here wanting to be independent filmmakers rather than, say, studio screenwriters or TV directors. And that just means lower and more volatile pay. Hence why I believe Columbia is lowest on that debt to income ratio among the top film schools.
3) There are also complaints about supposed 'favoritism' among professors, which again being here now, I have such a different take on. There are lots of students (a surprising amount) who always show up late, submit their projects late, never read other students work etc etc. Some of them actually treat it a little like high school. This is my main gripe with program if I'm being honest. I came in expecting everyone to be really passionate and hard working. Not a big deal though, it's a big class and I've found my people. Nevertheless, I understand wholeheartedly why professors aren't lining up to support and invest in these particular non-committal students. Why would they?
4) Every year is different but I've not experienced any phoniness or show of self-interest among my peers. Everyone has been incredibly supportive, kind and collaborative.


Good luck!

Meredith, thank you for sharing this. It's a very interesting and honest appraisal. Good luck with your deadlines!

 

[fosteli124]

Is everyone anxious for this week

 

[JHD]

Unbelievably anxious

 

[FuschiaFlows]

On the verge of having a panic attack, not gonna lie.

 

[Chris W]

Deep breaths. All is good. Either way.

Check out these threads for help:

The Waiting Game

Support and blowing off steam while you wait for the decision

www.filmschool.org

 

[notthatguypal]

I know it's not life or death, but it's fun to get excited about these things. And I feel like there's nothing wrong with not being calm in these kinds of situations— it's super natural. As long as you know you'll be fine either way.

That being said, I'M FREAKING OUT!!! hehehe

 

[Nidhi Kamath]

Got this reply

Hi Nidhi!

We interview a selected group of students, but if you did not receive an interview it does not mean that you are still not being considered completely, but all decisions will be announced by the middle/end of March.

Thank you,
The Office of Admissions

Columbia University School of the Arts
2960 Broadway
305 Dodge Hall, MC 1808
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-7874

 

[FuschiaFlows]

Got this reply

Hi Nidhi!

We interview a selected group of students, but if you did not receive an interview it does not mean that you are still not being considered completely, but all decisions will be announced by the middle/end of March.

Thank you,
The Office of Admissions

Columbia University School of the Arts
2960 Broadway
305 Dodge Hall, MC 1808
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-7874

Yeah but I don't think Columbia accepts candidates without an interview.

 

[usisiu]

Got this reply

Hi Nidhi!

We interview a selected group of students, but if you did not receive an interview it does not mean that you are still not being considered completely, but all decisions will be announced by the middle/end of March.

Thank you,
The Office of Admissions

Columbia University School of the Arts
2960 Broadway
305 Dodge Hall, MC 1808
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-7874

There‘s still a chance! Have u heard anything from Northwestern? Interview request?

 

[JHD]

Wait, so did all of their interview requests already go out? That email has me worried with its usage of past tense ‘if you did not’

 

[Browncapital]

Wait, so did all of their interview requests already go out? That email has me worried with its usage of past tense ‘if you did not’

No one got an email here. I think that's their formal response to those questions.

 

[JHD]

No one got an email here. I think that's their formal response to those questions.

Whew, that’s what I was thinking but my anxiety has taken me on a wild ride as of late

 

[FuschiaFlows]

Yeah, I don't think anyone's heard back about interviews here (unless you're in CP). If invites are sent out like they were last year (8 days after CP), we might here back this Thursday-ish. The year prior to last, they came out 3 days after CP so could be even earlier!

Still wondering if they'll all come out on the same day or if they're spread out...

 

[mcama]

Not one waitlist-er from this forum got in last year (as far as what was posted and the stats indicate) and the generic email received when I inquired was similar in both vagueness and lack of information.