Film School 2016

[marzillanyu]

Hey, I want to ask your opinion on age... i wonder if it's something considered when applying. Either too young or to old... would it mean anything positive or negative. What do you guys think?

I'm 22 by the way.

 

[IndecisiveElle]

There are definitely people your age who I've seen on the forums get into programs and worked with on set! It all depends on the individual.

But in terms of statistics and anecdotal observations....It seems like the average age for MFA programs is in the late 20s or early 30s. Not only for film but across the board based on published statistics available on Petersons or US News. This seems pretty consistent for other types of graduate school also. Admissions often want to see someone with 'life experience'. The same seems to go for film programs. I don't think your age is a good or bad thing as long as you demonstrate a dedication, work ethic, and maturity/professionalism towards your studies and film career. Industry-wise, while the 'face' of film is often young, the average entry level but full time crew member is in their mid to late 20s or older (really that goes for strong set PAs, costumers, electrics etc). I think that has a lot to do with the maturity of dealing with people, long hours, professionalism, patience, etc etc, but typically these positions require a lot of energy so the age part needs a balance. Film hiring revolves around the same things all professional careers would be looking for in good workers. (I work full time in the industry for over 5 years now myself, starting as a PA and now as an AD, this is based on my personal experiences on known movies, tv shows, and commercials. As well as my own hiring practices).

 

[marzillanyu]

There are definitely people your age who I've seen on the forums get into programs and worked with on set! It all depends on the individual.

But in terms of statistics and anecdotal observations....It seems like the average age for MFA programs is in the late 20s or early 30s. Not only for film but across the board based on published statistics available on Petersons or US News. This seems pretty consistent for other types of graduate school also. Admissions often want to see someone with 'life experience'. The same seems to go for film programs. I don't think your age is a good or bad thing as long as you demonstrate a dedication, work ethic, and maturity/professionalism towards your studies and film career. Industry-wise, while the 'face' of film is often young, the average entry level but full time crew member is in their mid to late 20s or older (really that goes for strong set PAs, costumers, electrics etc). I think that has a lot to do with the maturity of dealing with people, long hours, professionalism, patience, etc etc, but typically these positions require a lot of energy so the age part needs a balance. Film hiring revolves around the same things all professional careers would be looking for in good workers. (I work full time in the industry for over 5 years now myself, starting as a PA and now as an AD, this is based on my personal experiences on known movies, tv shows, and commercials. As well as my own hiring practices).

Thanks for your insight! It was very helpful you sure sound like you have plenty experience. How old are you and what was your undergrad major. mine was FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

 

[IndecisiveElle]

Thanks for your insight! It was very helpful you sure sound like you have plenty experience. How old are you and what was your undergrad major. mine was FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Glad it helped! I'm turning 30 in the fall. I have my BA in Journalism and Screen Studies. I graduated in 2012, I had to delay starting college college due to health reasons in my late teens. But it wound up being really lucky with timing because I started the program the same year Michigan created a film tax incentive (it ended last summer unfortunately, hence some reevaluating of my career path) I probably would have studied some type of psychology if I had gone straight from high school. I think a lot of writers have an interest in psychology! Or at least a lot of the ones I know.
What programs did you/are you applying to?

 

[marzillanyu]

I am applying to NYU DRAMATIC WRITING and I am a recent grad May 2015 with a BA in Forensic PSY and a writing minor .... I am also in the process of joining the NYPD

 

[IndecisiveElle]

Well it certainly sounds like you fit the bill for hardworking and ambitious! That's awesome!

 

[marzillanyu]

Thank's I kind of have to work extra hard due to the fact I am only 22.

 

[marzillanyu]

I also speak three languages so I hope that helps the application thing (eng/spa/French)

 

[Paul J.]

Age is just numbers - maturity is what is probably they are searching for! But I am surprised (and happy) to see the average being in that 30yrs range. You clock keeps ticking forward but harder to turn it backwards

I just noticed that NYU hadn't even viewed my video submission so I am not holding my breath too much on that end. It is a pitty too, because the visual submission is where I felt I had a leg up. I'm guessing my personal statemet or other written submissions were lacking then. One can only guess.

 

[marzillanyu]

Age is just numbers - maturity is what is probably they are searching for! But I am surprised (and happy) to see the average being in that 30yrs range. You clock keeps ticking forward but harder to turn it backwards

I just noticed that NYU hadn't even viewed my video submission so I am not holding my breath too much on that end. It is a pitty too, because the visual submission is where I felt I had a leg up. I'm guessing my personal statemet or other written submissions were lacking then. One can only guess.

Your right Paul J, I was looking at threads as far back as 2008 and a 56 year old got into NYU...