Help with thin portfolio

[linamfafilm]

I am just starting to look at grad schools and after some lurking and research (plus an eye-opening meeting at Tisch where I learned very few applicants make it and they're all mostly older and experienced), I'm unsure what to do...my undergrad is theater design/tech, although definitely more design than tech. I'm at a flagship university in the South, will graduate next May and although I love the theater, I have fallen in love with film production.

I've been trying to beef up my portfolio and while I've worked on several short films, have a few awards, am doing what I can here- I feel it's a thin portfolio and I don't have any professional experience (and no internship this summer, obviously). Should I even bother to apply to MFA programs this fall? What can I do to improve my portfolio? These are the schools I'm interested in: Brooklyn College, Tisch (dream school), plus UT-Austin, University of Miami and some schools in the west. If I wait and work, I'm not sure how I could even get a job or internship in film production, with the pandemic and the uncertainty. Thanks for any advice!

 

[Memz]

Hey

So, I can only speak for myself here and my general impression with schools (applied and got accepted to Columbia and AFI, waitlisted at NYU). While there is a common thread that many who get accepted do have some experience, what matters isnt necessarily what is in your portfolio - i.e. the hard proof of what you've accomplished - but rather how that translates into your application materials.

There is a pretty natural correlation between experience and having stronger materials, these people have simply had a more exposure to the craft and thus are in an advantage when producing work for their applications. So, I wouldn't necessarily sweat it in terms of credits on films and production experience on your resume, although it does help of course. I'd focus on doing independent research in the areas that you are interested in - e.g. if its writing then read scripts as well as blogs and books on the subject- listen to podcasts, watch talks on youtube about it. Write and ask your friends to give you feedback.

These schools are interested in hearing from people from all walks of life, with various experiences. What they are mainly looking for (again this is my personal belief and impression from my dealings with them) is passion, maturity, curiosity and grit.

Finally, absolutely 100% apply. You have nothing - except for the application fee - to lose from it. If you don't get accepted you'll have gotten some practice and perhaps even som feedback, for next time.