NFTS DIRECTING FICTION - WORKSHOP AFTER INTERVIEW?

[WannabeFilmDirector]

Hey,

I'm planning on applying for the NFTS Directing Fiction MA this year, however, I am based internationally and I've read in a few places about some courses conducting an in-person workshop after the interview (if you're so lucky to get that far!) I was just wondering whether anyone knew if this is the case for the Directing course specifically?

Would anyone who has been through the process be able to outline the various application steps with rough dates?

Thanks!

 

[Chris W]

Have you seen our interview with NFTS?

How to Get Into NFTS, the #1 International Film School: Exclusive Advice From the Admissions Department (Part 1)

There is no other film school in the United Kingdom more notable than the National Film and Television School (NFTS), an institution renowned for producing high-profile industry players and Oscar winners since 1971. Based in Beaconsfield, a short 25 minute train journey from central London, NFTS...

• Alexa P.
• Mar 11, 2022
• Category: Admissions Interviews

Also be sure to also check out the old application year threads:

NFTS 2023 - Directing Fiction Applications

Here we go again!! Third time's the charm, or so they say...

www.filmschool.org

NFTS - MA Directing Fiction - 2022 entry

So second time lucky 🤞 I've applied for the Directing Fiction MA at NTFS for entry in Jan 2022. Just thought I'd throw a thread up here to see if anyone else is in the same boat who want to stew together? 😂 Or more helpfully, just connect and share our experiences and whatnot.

www.filmschool.org

NFTS Applications 2021 - The one where the world seems to be on fire....

Hi. A few weeks ago I applied to the Screenwriting and Directing Fiction courses at NFTS (with a preference of writing). I wandered if there was anybody else in my shoes and of course since people at in their houses, it's getting pretty boring so wanted people to talk too in the same boat. I'm...

www.filmschool.org

 

[degalder]

I applied for Directing NFTS last year and though I did not get called for interview (and thus did not pass selections) I can tell you how the process will be:

1) First you must be called for an interview (the specific number of people called for interview is available somewhere on their web).
2) From the small number called to interview, a smaller number pass onto the in-person workshop, taking place (at least last year) in mid July.
3) From that workshop the final group is selected for the course beginning in January.

So yes, there is a workshop for directing and those are the application steps. For more precise instructions you should their webpage, it is pretty well outlined.

 

[WannabeFilmDirector]

@Chris W - thanks for this, I have already read through that and it's great! I couldn't find the answer to my specific question though, other than that there were in-person workshops for some courses but it didn't specify which as far as I could see!

@degalder - thank you so much for your response which is incredibly useful! Sorry to hear you didn't get an interview - are you planning on applying again or did you go elsewhere? I'm probably being blind but I cannot see mention of the in-person workshop as part of the application process for Directing Fiction in particular (just mention of the 4 week foundation course in October after receiving an offer). I'm looking here:

Directing Fiction

This course provides a unique environment in which directors can find their individual style and their own distinctive voice. "The NFTS is right at the heart of training for the industry." Graduate David Yates, director of the Harry Potter series and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The...

nfts.co.uk

 

[degalder]

Glad it helped!

Haha The reason you are not seeing the "in-person" workshop is because you have already seen it. The "4 day foundation course" is the final selection phase. My bad for saying it took place in July; in July decisions were given for post interviews, and those who passed would assist to the 4 day (I believe it is days, not weeks) foundation course. From that course the final places are offered. The workshop is only a preselection.

Regarding my personal journey: I only applied for NFTS as it was the only program in the UK I was interested in (two years, specialized). However I had a fellowship I had to use this year in Europe or next year in the US. Therefore I have applied for US film schools, and I'm currently in the process of those applications (I have already been called for interview by AFI and Columbia College!!)

Hope it helps. Cheers,
Galder

 

[WannabeFilmDirector]

Hey @degalder - actually it isn't! If you read this (on the page posted above):

"In case your application is successful and you are offered a place, we will ask you to attend a 4-week Foundation Course which is run uniquely for the Fiction Directors."

The Foundation Course is after and if you are offered a place - my question isn't about this but the workshop before you are offered a place!

Congrats on the interviews for AFI and Columbia, that's so exciting - good luck!

Thanks again for your input.

 

[degalder]

Hey @degalder - actually it isn't! If you read this (on the page posted above):

"In case your application is successful and you are offered a place, we will ask you to attend a 4-week Foundation Course which is run uniquely for the Fiction Directors."

The Foundation Course is after and if you are offered a place - my question isn't about this but the workshop before you are offered a place!

Congrats on the interviews for AFI and Columbia, that's so exciting - good luck!

Thanks again for your input.

Well, don't know then. When I applied there was a four day course in October which was the final selection phase. And later in January, once chosen, directing students arrived before the rest... maybe those are the 'foundation course'?

But at this point I think it is better for you just to mail them and ask haha

 

[pdkjr]

Hey,

I'm planning on applying for the NFTS Directing Fiction MA this year, however, I am based internationally and I've read in a few places about some courses conducting an in-person workshop after the interview (if you're so lucky to get that far!) I was just wondering whether anyone knew if this is the case for the Directing course specifically?

Would anyone who has been through the process be able to outline the various application steps with rough dates?

Thanks!

I haven’t been through the process but I attended two open days at NFTS one being the directing fiction day. They said they in October/November they will have a pre-course class for all accepted into the directing fiction program. Hope that’s helpful

Cheers
Peter D.

 

[WannabeFilmDirector]

I haven’t been through the process but I attended two open days at NFTS one being the directing fiction day. They said they in October/November they will have a pre-course class for all accepted into the directing fiction program. Hope that’s helpful

Cheers
Peter D.

Hey! Thanks - yeah, I attended the online open day and they didn’t mention this workshop but, as you say, that they will have an early course for all those accepted. They also mentioned that it might be in January this year instead of Oct/Nov but I’m sure they’ll put out the info for all those lucky enough to get in!

 

[J-C]

Hi!

It’s not part of the application right? I mean once you have been accepted after the interview, it’s done? The pre-course is part of the curriculum?

 

[pdkjr]

Glad it helped!

Haha The reason you are not seeing the "in-person" workshop is because you have already seen it. The "4 day foundation course" is the final selection phase. My bad for saying it took place in July; in July decisions were given for post interviews, and those who passed would assist to the 4 day (I believe it is days, not weeks) foundation course. From that course the final places are offered. The workshop is only a preselection.

Regarding my personal journey: I only applied for NFTS as it was the only program in the UK I was interested in (two years, specialized). However I had a fellowship I had to use this year in Europe or next year in the US. Therefore I have applied for US film schools, and I'm currently in the process of those applications (I have already been called for interview by AFI and Columbia College!!)

Hope it helps. Cheers,
Galder

wow good luck with AFI and Columbia. I applied twice to both of those as I lived in NYC/USA at the time. I like that your sights are set only on the very tip top of the mountain! I hope you make it happen