Fall 2015 MFA PRODUCTION/DIRECTING APPLICANTS

[MateoP]

Hello All!
I hope I'm not the only anxious one here! Anyone out there applying for Film Production and/or Directing MFA?? Thought I'd start a little place to chat and share thoughts, questions, support, struggles, whateva!

I know I'm not the only one..whats everybody up to?

 

[Kukkik]

Joining the club!

I'm losing my mind preparing all the scrips and papers Where are you applying to?

 

[Point Break]

Hey!

I'm right there with ya! I'm actually interested in developing writing and directing skills in an MFA (to get the most bang for my buck, if you will). So I've definitely decided (after researching programs for over a year) to apply to: Columbia Univ., NYU, USC, and UCLA.

The NY schools seem to have exactly what I'm looking for in their filmmaking programs (esp. Columbia), but I'm struggling to decide whether I want to apply to Screenwriting MFAs or pursue Directing for the LA programs.

I've read unsettling posts on this site of writers struggling with their film departments to let them take directing courses, so I'm investigating how much writing is available in directing programs. If anyone has any insight on UCLA specifically, they seem to be my current project Also, where is everyone else applying?

 

[MateoP]

Hey everyone!
Its a wild ride all ready, I know. The NY schools are pretty amazing. I met some Columbia students at the Telluride FF and I couldn't get them to say something bad about the program. Sorry, I can't speak to the UCLA program.

I'm preparing to apply to CalArts, Art Center College of Design and LMU. I'm definitely more attracted to the smaller, more intimate settings.

 

[Kukkik]

I'm applying to a bunch of schools. Like literally.

UCLA, USC, AFI, Chapman, FSU, NYU, Columbia, Columbia College Chicago
That's sort of why I'm losing my mind preparing, I guess... xD

I went to a summer course at UCLA, but I have no idea what's the deal with their MFA programs so I can't really talk about it...
And yes, Columbia sounds amazing!

 

[Point Break]

I'm applying to a bunch of schools. Like literally.

UCLA, USC, AFI, Chapman, FSU, NYU, Columbia, Columbia College Chicago

Wow! That's gonna be a lot of personal statements and app fees!

What are you looking for most in these programs? Do you have a preference/favorite?

 

[Kukkik]

Wow! That's gonna be a lot of personal statements and app fees!

What are you looking for most in these programs? Do you have a preference/favorite?

I'm hoping I would get into one of the LA schools cuz I prefer the west coast.
But I actually like all of these schools so anywhere would be great!

I'd say I'm looking for hands-on experiences. More practice. I have a bachelor's in film too :/ So this is basically additional training.

 

[Spencer]

Hi folks,

I'm applying to NYU, Columbia, USC, Chapman, and Emerson. I think NYU is my number one choice at this point, but I'd be happy with any of them.

Anyone interested in sharing their qualifications? I graduated from a liberal arts school with a double major in Film Studies and English with a Creative Writing Emphasis. 3.6 GPA cumulative as well as in both majors, with a 3.97 in my senior year. I wrote 45 pages of a novel for my English thesis and wrote, directed, edited, and made music for a 15 minute short film for my Film Studies thesis. I've also had a short story and some poetry published in the past.

My initial aim was to be a writer, but in my freshman year of college I discovered that I could extend that into a career in film. The emphasis on narrative in programs in a major appeal to me, especially at Columbia, but NYU is the leader for me because of their alumni (Scorsese, Joel Coen, Cary Fukunaga especially).

 

[Nagham]

Hello,

I will apply to the MFA program in Directing/Screenwriting at Columbia University and to the MFA program in Film Production at New York University. It's amazing that some of you are applying to a number of film schools. I feel like I want to focus on two for now. I wish everyone lots of luck. Any suggestions who to ask when it comes to writing recommendation letters? I am asking some of my professors who taught me at university. I studied Theatre and Journalism & Mass Communication. I have worked before on films. Now, I feel that I would like to be part of a program that can bring out the best of my talent.

 

[Kukkik]

Any suggestions who to ask when it comes to writing recommendation letters? I am asking some of my professors who taught me at university. I studied Theatre and Journalism & Mass Communication.

One of my recommenders was my professor in college as well. I think the only part that really matters is your recommenders knows you well enough to make you sound amazing in those letters. So I'd say ask whoever taught you, or worked with you, that knows your good qualities well!

 

[Nagham]

Thank you very much for your reply. I asked two recommenders. I am thinking of the third one now. One is my theatre professor. The second recommender is a producer who helped me develop a film in one of the workshops I attended.

 

[Spencer]

Since I don't have a lot of experience outside the academic world, I just got three professors of mine to write me recommendations. I had a film professor (my advisor), an English professor (my other advisor), and an art professor who helped me with my thesis and with whom I was on a committee. Professors are used to writing recommendation letters, so I would try to get another one of them to write your last one. They're probably pretty good at it.

 

[Nagham]

I think it's really important to ask someone who knows me well. I graduated 10 years ago from university. I asked one professor who taught me 5 Theatre courses. I'll also think of another professor. Thank you.

 

[LISANO]

Hi all ,

I am applying production MFA this year as well, mostly focus on schools in LA.

I just started to register those accounts for different schools, still doing my short film as a visual sample, haven't asked for recommendation letters, haven't started to write my PS.... wondering is that kind of late? what step everybody else is at?

btw, anybody knows what time AFI gonna open application? seems like UCLA and AFI are the only two left who haven't made a clear statement about all the new requirements they need. or is that my information is incorrect??

glad to be here and good luck to all of us through this application war~~

 

[Nagham]

Hi all ,

I am applying production MFA this year as well, mostly focus on schools in LA.

I just started to register those accounts for different schools, still doing my short film as a visual sample, haven't asked for recommendation letters, haven't started to write my PS.... wondering is that kind of late? what step everybody else is at?

btw, anybody knows what time AFI gonna open application? seems like UCLA and AFI are the only two left who haven't made a clear statement about all the new requirements they need. or is that my information is incorrect??

glad to be here and good luck to all of us through this application war~~

Hi,

I've just asked my recommenders for letters. I've started working on my personal statement. I have visual samples already. And for my creative writing submission, I'm thinking of using something I've already developed. Good luck with your application. I've just started. So, I am only focusing on applying to two universities.

 

[MateoP]

Hi all ,

I am applying production MFA this year as well, mostly focus on schools in LA.

I just started to register those accounts for different schools, still doing my short film as a visual sample, haven't asked for recommendation letters, haven't started to write my PS.... wondering is that kind of late? what step everybody else is at?

btw, anybody knows what time AFI gonna open application? seems like UCLA and AFI are the only two left who haven't made a clear statement about all the new requirements they need. or is that my information is incorrect??

glad to be here and good luck to all of us through this application war~~

I'm glad you're here too!
I found the AFI requirements to be unclear as well. Not sure what their deal is. You should give them a call!

I am applying to 3 programs, each with slightly different requirements both for the Artist/Personal Statement and the visual samples. I have a pretty rough draft for each AS so far, but I'm not doing so hot on my visual samples. EEK! Its about time to scramble the jets. Letters of rec. are on the way though.

So far I've found this application process to be filled with nothing but insecurity and self-doubt. HAHA. What an awesome ride it will have been when the springtime comes around.

 

[Tiffany Upshaw]

Hello!

I thought I would join in on this little chat, since I'm completely freaking out about applying to all of these schools. Right now I just applied for the spring semester at USC, which is my number one choice at this time. But I'm still looking into applying to more schools such as UCLA and Chapman. I want to apply for some school in New York as well, but I'm still doing my research to find the best programs for my interests. I am really looking for schools with some good editing programs. I would still like to take some directing and writing courses too, but editing is my main love. So far USC seems like the best for all that in mind.

 

[gloucesterb]

Hey guys!

I'm preparing my papers and I'm in process to shoot a short film for the portfolio. I'm currently a Cinema student and I'm going to apply to NYU, Columbia, CalArts and maybe some more in Directing discipline. I'm an international student, so at the same time I'm looking for loaning options available. If any of you wanna share your ideas and maybe portfolios, please keep in touch, so we can help each other. My e-mail address is instageitrust@gmail.com

Very excited for the next months and specially for the next year!!

Good luck and best wishes to all of you!

 

[Nagham]

Hey guys!

I'm preparing my papers and I'm in process to shoot a short film for the portfolio. I'm currently a Cinema student and I'm going to apply to NYU, Columbia, CalArts and maybe some more in Directing discipline. I'm an international student, so at the same time I'm looking for loaning options available. If any of you wanna share your ideas and maybe portfolios, please keep in touch, so we can help each other. My e-mail address is instageitrust@gmail.com

Very excited for the next months and specially for the next year!!

Good luck and best wishes to all of you!

Thank you very much. I am excited too. I just emailed you.

 

[LISANO]

how's everyone's application going? I am still working on those that due at 1st Dec......

really exhausted and depressed.....