LMU Film School Applications 2018 (1 Viewer)

[SavSolo]

Anyone sign up for classes yet? I registered yesterday and SCWR 510 is confusing me a bit. Says it's 3 unit (3 hours) but looks like it's 3 hours then a break, then the class continues in another room for another 3 hours???

Also, has anyone tried to log into their LionJobs through MyLMU?

 

[xLorenzoM]

Hey, everyone! I've officially accepted my position for the 2018 Screenwriting Program at LMU! If anyone has any clue what their doing for housing/wants to chat, let me know! I've never been to LA and am really hoping to get as much info/know as many people as possible before I get there. Congrats to everyone!

Hey, I got into the Writing and Producing for Television Program. I think I’m going to do the Playa Del Oro graduate housing option since I’m coming from out of state. Then maybe after the first year, look for a 1/1.

 

[xLorenzoM]

Anyone sign up for classes yet? I registered yesterday and SCWR 510 is confusing me a bit. Says it's 3 unit (3 hours) but looks like it's 3 hours then a break, then the class continues in another room for another 3 hours???

Also, has anyone tried to log into their LionJobs through MyLMU?

Yep. 7 hours for one class all day. Welcome to grad school. Lol

 

[xLorenzoM]

Glad that you have all your options carefully weighed in! And you are absolutely right, it all boils down to how passionate we really are about making films. I hope we work together someday!

I got into UTA, Emerson, Art Center, LMU and AFI(after interview) and waitlisted at BU and rejected without interview at USC and NYU.

Emerson and UTA didn't give me any scholarship and they're not in LA too, so ImI not considering them for the moment!

Art Center gave me a decent scholarship too, but they are more into commercials it seems and I'm more of a narrative filmmaker.

Right now I need to choose between LMU and AFI, but I haven't received a scholarship decision from both of em as of yet! And AFI is very costly without Scholarships man, but I hope they do give me a decent one. They are very encouraging and I really wanna go there, but it's a matter of money! Much like you I can't spend that much either. AFI has a conservatory approach too, much like Chapman, with emphasis on Directing.

The thing I am most concerned about is to find a sponsor within the one year OPT period after we graduate. A friend of mine said most Studios don't sponsor Visa's for international students and if nothing works out, our only option is an O1 Visa(Artist Visa), but one of our films need to qualify at a top tier film festival like Cannes or the student oscars....if that's the case Of definitely can't afford AFI without Scholarships!

And sry if I'm being naive, defer means u get the same offer the next year right?!

I am 24 mate and I think I'm too old already to be going to university, but that's just me...so I won't wait and reapply that's for sure...I would rather lose some networking opportunities than a whole year of my life, that I'd better be spending making movies and stuff...I would urge you to do the same if the job ur in right now isn't film or video related....if I were u I'd go with LMU gladly! I think LMU has very good Assistantships with stipends and also on-campus jobs...I think we can come away with a relatively smaller debt... let's hope for the best mate!

What? You’re young for grad school, man. I’m 27 and just now going. Lol

 

[xLorenzoM]

Thanks so much! Glad to hear you are in too!

Yes, well Chapman is just too expensive for me. Even though, I have a lot of faith in their program and really like the communication I've had so far with the faculty and students. They seem highly focused and invested in the program. The facilities are amazing too at Chapman. And I was accepted into the Directing Emphasise, which I really like their conservatory program style. At first, the only downside I could really find on Chapman was its location. However, talking to many current students and applicants on here, I sense that the location isn't as much of a negative aspect as I originally thought. I have applied for a defer at Chapman, in case LMU won't be an option financially either.. So right now, I am looking at all the finances...

When it comes to what school to pick, I really think all these programs are amazing, in their own way. I think the main thing is the opportunity to invest every single second of your day and life in making films, writing films, learning, experimenting, and being surrounded by like-minded people, that one day you might be working with in the industry. Just that time to really selfishly invest into yourself and your own development. And you can really get that at any school. You can even collaborate and meet with other film students once you're in LA. Eventually, it is all about how much you put into it. And I believe hard work and passion is contagious.

For SFTV's scholarship, I mainly focused on need-based. However, I never received an answer to the application. So when I had my phone call with Prof. Brancolini, I asked him about the application. He asked me on the phone to tell me a little bit about my financial situation. I later emailed him again, as scholarship is very important to my decision as well.
They are quite good about it, I feel. The money comes from the department, so they have limited amounts to divide. I think they try to divide their scholarship money somewhat evenly. What I was offered, is around 25-30% of the first year. They mentioned, if I am in good standings the first year, the same amount could be provided the 2nd and 3rd.
Since the first year is very intensive (the most credits), they recommend their students not to work during the first year. However, I think I will still be looking for an on-campus job as I do need money.
I'm still waiting on some scholarships from my home country, and will hear back in June about these. I'm working full-time right now as well, saving up money. And I'm looking at some loans.

I'm trying to decide whether to go in debt and take LMU's offer or have another year to work very hard, safe up money, apply again to some schools, and apply earlier to scholarships. I do not know what the right decision would be, but I think in the end you just simply have to make a choice and accept that's what you choose to do and give that a 100%.

I also applied to UCLA's Professional Program in Screenwriting. This is a one year program. I should hear back soon about their admission decision.

How are you feeling about your process?

I tried calling them in regards to scholarships but nobody ever seems to have a clear answer. I talked to this one guy (name begins with a T) and be didn’t seem to be of much help.

I tried to contact Karol H multiple times and still haven’t received a call back.

Also as far as loans they offered me the cost of attendance as if I were only taking 2 classes (seriously...) So I had to do a revision form which won’t get processed till July.

Also the scholarship application on their website leads you to a form from 2013. This whole thing is giving me anxiety, man.

Chapman offered me more than I needed so I’m starting to reconsider going to LMU.

 

[Jason]

Regarding LMU scholarships, this is what I heard from the head of the Production MFA program: "We do have a few “incentive” scholarships for first-year students of around $5,000 dispersed at my discretion that is influenced by both need and a student’s academic strength and potential for success in the program."

 

[xLorenzoM]

Regarding LMU scholarships, this is what I heard from the head of the Production MFA program: "We do have a few “incentive” scholarships for first-year students of around $5,000 dispersed at my discretion that is influenced by both need and a student’s academic strength and potential for success in the program."

That’s a professional way of saying, “if we feel like it.” Lol

 

[snoopdog]

Hi @snoopdog thanks for typing out a detailed response mate...I'm sry I didn't see it and respond before as I was travelling. I think you have a more mature perspective about grad school than myself....this is my first time applying and maybe that's the reason lol...but thanks for giving me some perspective ..I made the decision to attend LMU already but after reading ur response now it only seems more correct for me...AFI has very limited scholarships and assistantships in its second year as it is a very intensive course..... and like you said I get one more yr at LMU to make more films and try and apply for the O1 Visa....and the investor's visa is clearly out of the question for me haha.....maybe we'll make a really good film and get selected at any of the top-tier film fests...I really hope the best for both of us....like u said mate...the future is exciting! Hope the best for you! Did u decide on LMU?!

Hi Ram, great to hear you've decided to go to LMU. I made the deposit as well and am still waiting to hear back from some external scholarships and loans etc. However, if those all go through, I will be seeing you at LMU this Fall.
And yes, like you say, I hope we will both be able to make some great films that will be selected in top-tier film fests!
I also send the deposit through Flywire, with a debit card from my home country. I did not receive a notice that it would take 2-3 days (maybe I didn't read it correctly). I would just email LMU saying it should take 2-3 days, just to be sure. Also, there is a commitment form you have to fill out and send to them, you're also suppose to check a box to show how you are paying the deposit (flywire is one of the options). So, I wouldn't worry too much about it, as long as you send your commitment form on time. It can never hurt to send them an email though, just to be sure

 

[snoopdog]

Anyone sign up for classes yet? I registered yesterday and SCWR 510 is confusing me a bit. Says it's 3 unit (3 hours) but looks like it's 3 hours then a break, then the class continues in another room for another 3 hours???

Also, has anyone tried to log into their LionJobs through MyLMU?

I tried signing up for classes but it wouldn't let me go through. It said that it needed the approval of the chair or something. Did your schedule go through?
I've been wanting to look at the Lionjobs, however, I wasn't able to log in. They eventually told me that you need to be registered for classes before you can log into the LionJobs with myLMU log in...
Let me know if it works for you!

 

[snoopdog]

I tried calling them in regards to scholarships but nobody ever seems to have a clear answer. I talked to this one guy (name begins with a T) and be didn’t seem to be of much help.

I tried to contact Karol H multiple times and still haven’t received a call back.

Also as far as loans they offered me the cost of attendance as if I were only taking 2 classes (seriously...) So I had to do a revision form which won’t get processed till July.

Also the scholarship application on their website leads you to a form from 2013. This whole thing is giving me anxiety, man.

Chapman offered me more than I needed so I’m starting to reconsider going to LMU.

I honestly have a horrible experience communicating to LMU as well. I never seem to receive an answer until I email them three times the same email. It takes days. It's time consuming.

I had trouble finding the right scholarship application form as well.
For the scholarship application for this coming year (2018-2019) see this link: https://financialaid.lmu.edu/media/lmufinaid/financialaid/contentassets/documents/summer2018forms/1819 Graduate Film and TV Scholarship Application.pdf

I've been in contact with both Mary Abshire and Prof. Brancolini, multiple times, before they finally answered my emails. It also took a lot of time emailing them to remind them about the scholarship application to eventually receive an answer.
I do not know if for the Writing MFA you may have to contact a different professor... but at least now you have the link to the right application

Deadline for the scholarship application is May 1st.

 

[xLorenzoM]

I honestly have a horrible experience communicating to LMU as well. I never seem to receive an answer until I email them three times the same email. It takes days. It's time consuming.

I had trouble finding the right scholarship application form as well.
For the scholarship application for this coming year (2018-2019) see this link: https://financialaid.lmu.edu/media/lmufinaid/financialaid/contentassets/documents/summer2018forms/1819 Graduate Film and TV Scholarship Application.pdf

I've been in contact with both Mary Abshire and Prof. Brancolini, multiple times, before they finally answered my emails. It also took a lot of time emailing them to remind them about the scholarship application to eventually receive an answer.
I do not know if for the Writing MFA you may have to contact a different professor... but at least now you have the link to the right application

Deadline for the scholarship application is May 1st.

Dude, thank you so much. I know I saw the application at some point but every time I try to find it, it sends me to an older one (A top ten film school hasn't updated it's scholarship application in 5 years?)

It sucks that they're not putting more of an effort to assist incoming students, especially when we don't live in California and can't afford any mishaps.

 

[xLorenzoM]

I tried signing up for classes but it wouldn't let me go through. It said that it needed the approval of the chair or something. Did your schedule go through?
I've been wanting to look at the Lionjobs, however, I wasn't able to log in. They eventually told me that you need to be registered for classes before you can log into the LionJobs with myLMU log in...
Let me know if it works for you!

Hmmm... that's odd. I haven't paid the deposit yet but I was able to register for courses. There should be a tab in student center that shows you what you need to do before you can register.

 

[Izzy]

Hmmm... that's odd. I haven't paid the deposit yet but I was able to register for courses. There should be a tab in student center that shows you what you need to do before you can register.

I have too, but still can't get into the LionJobs so if anyone figures that one out, let me know!

 

[xLorenzoM]

Just want to get a head count. Who's doing Film & TV Production, Screenwriting and Writing and Producing for TV?

I'm doing Writing and Producing for TV.

 

[snoopdog]

Just want to get a head count. Who's doing Film & TV Production, Screenwriting and Writing and Producing for TV?

I'm doing Writing and Producing for TV.

I'm doing Film & TV Production

 

[Izzy]

Just want to get a head count. Who's doing Film & TV Production, Screenwriting and Writing and Producing for TV?

I'm doing Writing and Producing for TV.

I'm doing Screenwriting/ Writing for the Screen!

 

[Hannaheh]

I'm doing the Writing and Producing for Television MFA - going out in a few weeks to actually see the school and take next steps.

I'm living off-campus due to my dog, but prices seem insane on-campus or off at this point. Just crossing my fingers the workload isn't so crazy I can't work enough to cover bills.

 

[Teddy]

Just want to get a head count. Who's doing Film & TV Production, Screenwriting and Writing and Producing for TV?

I'm doing Writing and Producing for TV.

Screenwriting/Writing for the Screen here

 

[xLorenzoM]

I'm doing the Writing and Producing for Television MFA - going out in a few weeks to actually see the school and take next steps.

I'm living off-campus due to my dog, but prices seem insane on-campus or off at this point. Just crossing my fingers the workload isn't so crazy I can't work enough to cover bills.

I'm gonna bite the bullet and do Playa del Oro for the first year then do off campus after. & I'm doing WPTV also, just picked my courses.

 

[xLorenzoM]

So far we've got:

2 for Writing and Producing for Television (me, hannaheh)
2 for Screenwriting/Writing for the Screen (Teddy, Izzy)
1 for Film & TV Production (snoopdogg)

We'll make some kind of whatapp group chat or something similar during the summer so we can keep in touch and help each other out.

Btw, don't forget to fill out the film scholarship app and bother the heck out of the financial aid office. I got it after going back and forth with them. Every little bit helps, especially if its free!

https://financialaid.lmu.edu/media/lmufinaid/financialaid/contentassets/documents/summer2018forms/1819 Graduate Film and TV Scholarship Application.pdf