Peter Stark Producing Program 2012/2013

[DAC_NYC]

Congrats to all who got in!!!!

Any of you willing to share with us -that didn't make it this time around- what questions were asked during the second interview? Which I guess are what they're mostly interested in learning about applicants...

Any head up would be great! Statements; GRE score; whatever... I'm sure myself and other members of this forum will re-apply and your help will be much appreciated...

Once again, congrats! Its a great program, you deserve it, and I wish you the best!

 

[Coinsquolino]

Yes I think I'll re-apply next year, so it'd really be great to hear some fresh suggestions and comments from those of you who did get in this time around...

Also, from what I gathered I know that it is sort of "easier" to reapply at USC because they keep your file open for a whole other year: any reapplier would like to share something to clarify a bit how this process works?

Thanks guys, I'm so happy for each and every one of you who got in. Go celebrate, you all deserve it!

 

[OGSCA11]

Hey gang,

To those who weren't successful this time out I'll share anything I think could help. Basically I busted my ass on every single portion of the application. EVEN the GRE. I studied for it so incredibly hard, staying up late doing stupid workbook stuff by princeton review and ended up scoring really well, in the high 160s.

On my essays, which were probably the easiest for me, I tried to write really honest essays that were also full of information that I didn't include other places on my application. I talked about my big picture hopes in my statement. And I talked about my relationship with my next door neighbor in my emotional moment. I wrote a few drafts, but that was probably the part that came most naturally to me.

For my resume, I actually got really creative. I included a list of projects I want to produce, a list of interests and hobbies, places I've traveled and then this totally bold choice at the end to include "memories" and I put like 7-8 really special snapshot type memories. I say this to just encourage boldness and creativity if that's in you. Obviously if you're a straight edge business type, work that slant then.

And on recommendations, I just submitted a ton. I had three official and probably 6 unofficial recommendations. Of the three, none were HUGE industry people or even stark alumnus. But all of them knew me really really well and were happy to write really in depth about who I am.

As far as industry experience, I had a year as an intern at a production company, a year on a desk at that company, a year in creative development at a studio, and a year as a freelance screenwriter.

So... go flat out if you want it. I mean I just thought on every single section, how can I really knock this out of the park, there was nothing I let slide. And the GRE was a total pain.

In my second interview they mainly asked why I felt I needed to go back, and I tried to be direct and actually ended up saying i don't think I, or anyone, "need" to go back, but it's an incredible privilege to be able to learn alongside likeminded people and be taught by the best. I felt my interview went pretty poorly to be honest, but I was clear and really direct. And one point I said bluntly, "I might not need to go. But I want to. And I'm committed. And if you take me I'm not going to bail out after one semester regardless of what comes up, I'm going to see it through until the end."

I was told that's something that can concern them, they don't like to take people they think might just flake.

Anyways, wow, long ramble but I wish someone had told me this stuff before hand. Just... really truly hustle in every way. I sent an update email in January, saying "Hey this is what I'm up to right now, this project I'm working on is at this point... hope you're doing well!"

And I sent a letter after my interview restating how committed I was to attending and finishing the degree if accepted.

So... I don't feel like I could have gotten away with doing anything else. My undergrad gpa isn't that stellar, not bad but not stellar (3.5). So I felt I was working against that the entire time.

Good luck to the next round. Maybe we'll wind up overlapping!

Also, those of you who got in I can't wait to meet you in the fall!

 

[i_spit_hot_fire]

Like OG said, I'll share what I can. And I agree with the sentiment that I scrutinized and labored over every aspect of my application (and I'm sure you all did too, but if you feel like you didn't work hard enough on a certain section, keep that in mind).

My writer friends laughed, but I studied for the GREs and killed them. It's not too hard a test when you learn how to take it. I don't remember my score but it was near the 94th percentile or so.

I had the most confidence in my essays. I struggled with the Personal Statement until one day I just decided to lay it out there and admit that I don't have a clue when it comes to the business of the industry, but that I'm a writer who values story, and wants to learn the ins and outs in order to get projects made based on my ideals (namely, that story should come first, despite what Hollywood thinks).

My emotional moment essay discussed the dissolution of a significant relationship and its effect on me as an artist. My weakness essay dealt with my use of humor as a defense mechanism and how I use it to hide from things that scare me. Again, these were both painfully honest essays that I developed over months of tearing open old wounds. For all the essays, I went through at least 10 drafts, if not more.

My resume was basic, if not under developed. Thankfully, I landed an internship and worked on a pilot presentation right before the application was due. I included some of my publications as a fiction writer, as well as my personal activities like travel, playing in bands, doing Stand Up, etc.

Recommendations: I had the usual three. One from my boss at my internship, one from my screenwriter mentor, and one from a fiction writer / former professor. Two of those were from industry people, so take that as you will. My boss also employs a former Starkie, takes a lot of Stark interns, and is heavily involved with the program. I found out after the fact that he wrote me a separate, full letter and submitted it, and Larry called him after my second interview to discuss me as a person.

My second interview involved a lot of questions about why I chose producing as a screenwriter. I answered honestly and confidently, and that's all I can comment on that really. It's an interview--I tried to sell myself.

I didn't send any letters after the fact or anything else. I relied on what I sent them and the few serendipitous connections I made with the program. I think that OG and I have two completely different paths in, and it shows the wide range of what's acceptable. I had a 3.9 undergrad GPA, high GREs, some industry experience and some lucky recommendations. I can bet they definitely took me based on my potential for success, and not my past. I would say brutal honesty with ourselves is our best weapon for any grad school apps.

Take this all with a mountain of salt. I could be speaking complete bull**** and gotten in on pure luck.

Best of luck to the next rounders and anyone reading in future times. Hope this helps a little.

 

[Aleona]

Hey! Here's some info on my application:

1. I wasn't able to schedule an interview in the fall (although I had a skype interview... yesterday haha)

2. I'm currently a senior in undergrad and I have around a 3.75 gpa.

3. I did okay on the GRE, 67th percentile on quantitative but 97th on verbal. I don't think USC really looks at the writing section.

4. Recommendations were from my main professor for filmmaking who mentored me through the first short film I made last year, a freelance video editing client, and the director of a film fest I both interned at(two years ago) and screened at (last summer).

5. I really just used my regular professional resume since I have all my filmmaking stuff listed on it already, but I elaborated a bit more on some of the experiences and added more to my "extracurricular" section. For example, I traveled all over the world as a kid, so I added that, and I threw in things like producing the Vagina Monologues at my university which I tend to leave off in a professional setting because some people find that off-putting haha. I really tried to include everything that I've done that's been enjoyable or important to me, regardless of whether it seems like a big achievement, because it seems like they are more interested in getting to know you than spending 15 seconds or less skimming over your accomplishments. Don't skimp on it, put it all out there and really show them who you are.

6. For the personal statement I really stressed that storytelling is something I love and am passionate about. I added some personal anecdotes/epiphany moments in my life where I realized this. I talked about how Stark will specifically allow me to be awesome at this and achieve my goals. I talked about how this is what I want to do, Stark or no Stark, but you know, preferably Stark.

7. Personal info - I talked about a significant event and how I was affected emotionally but also what I learned from it. I talked about how I can be really unmotivated/lazy and how I procrastinate terribly. Actually, I wrote that one hours before the app was due, and I mentioned that in the essay as well haha. Full disclosure!

Some background on me: I think I may have talked about this already further back but I wrote/directed/produced/edited/etc. a 28-minute kung-fu/comedy film last year about rival ninjas who go to college and end up as roommates. It was really silly but I learned a lot from it and it ended up screening at a fest. This year I'm producing another short action film, working with a director/screenwriter this time. I interned at a film fest one summer, and have been doing freelance video editing off and on for almost two years now.

Honestly, on the app I just didn't try to overthink things and really spoke from my heart. I knew that every essay was not necessarily the most perfect or the most flattering but I wrote it anyway because it was an honest evaluation of myself. Also, making a ridiculous genre film called "Ninja Dorm" tends to help people remember you.


For real though, I am surprised I got in. I wasn't sure what to expect but... wow.

 

[srao]

hello dudes and dudettes - looks like i missed out on pages of craziness. Spoke to Henry who told me I made it and fell asleep since it was pretty late last night in India, when we spoke. So woohoo - see some of you in the fall!

Consquolino & DAC_NYC: I was waitlisted last year and trust me when I say I feel your pain. I know its not the same - but being dependent on someone dropping out miles away - is pretty painful and a horrible waiting game to play. So I resigned myself to the fact that I would have to reapply pretty early on in the year.

(1) Identify gaping holes
From my experience of applying twice in consecutive years - erm, well I think Stark looks for very driven candidates. So I think its important to emphasize that in whatever way you can in your application. For me, personally I made sure that I got some excellent work experience (which is work I may continue even while at school or even after - and communicated the same to them)which I thought was lacking not just in my previous application but in life haha!

(2)I didn't do too much to my essays. MY emotional essay was identical to the one I sent the previous year with zero changes. The personal statement: was mainly enhanced by my additional work experience but there were large chunks/ paragraphs from my last years statement that i left intact.

I think with the essays, Stark asks some pretty straight forward questions: so you can't be creative with those answers, I would just be really clear and honest and determined while answering those. At the same time I think its important to build a story and provide context to your aspirations and your current career status - and I think that's where you'll find room to be creative and interesting with your writing.

(3) I dont know how important the GRE is - doesn't seem to be. but you might as well give it your best.

(4) interviews - i've had 3 (2 last time around and just the 1 this year) over the 2 years and they've been the same pretty much. I guess because it's so casual sometimes, the onus is on you to provide more information and take charge of the conversation.


good luck and take it easy

 

[ChaR]

Hey Guys!
Sorry for the late reply, after Henry called me I just felt asleep!

So here's my feedback on my application:

It was my first try. I sent it two weeks before the deadline, and couldn't schedule an interview beforehand.
I scored high (160s) at my GRE, and also at my TOEFL (since I'm an international student I had to take that one too).
I had great results as an undergrad student from both US and French Universities. I think that the fact that I studied in the US for a while helped a lot.

I had the 3 asked recommendation letters from former employers. Nothing special about them except that they knew me well and that we got along pretty well.

Concerning my essays, my advice is to really be honest about yourself. That's what I did. At first I wondered what they were looking for to match their needs. But I realized that was helpless. So I just openly talked about me, who I really am and what I really want. It might have sound a little bit naive but I made it through...
Concerning the emotional moment, I talked about a humanitarian experience I had in Cambodia two years ago and how it still affects me today.
I didn't spend too much time on these essays. It all went easily once I had figured out I just had to be me

As an international student I believe what helped the most was my job experience in the US and all my travels. I have a Master's degree in Finance but I'm also really into writing. I think this duality got them interested. I truly think they are looking for driven people with a lot of creativity. The fact that I've always wanted to work in the movie industry and that I've always managed to do so, in other words my determination, and the fact that I'm a lot into writing too, helped to get me in.

I don't know if that's useful to you guys, but anyways if you have questions I'll be glad to answer u.

Wish you all good luck for next time!

 

[ChaR]

Originally posted by OGSCA11:
Yeah congrats char! If I don't get in can we trade families for the year? Mine is lovable but completely insane. It comes with lots of great clothes, with strings attached. I think I could do France. Don't like cheese but like wine and chocolate.

I guess Paris will have to wait right ? Congrats Ogsca11, hope to see u soon!

 

[Coinsquolino]

Thank you guys for sharing.. Can I ask you a couple of questions?

1) how old are you guys that got in?
2) how many years / what kind of work experience do you have?

I think I'll start looking for internship after my graduation in July and I would like to find something useful for my second application. I found one in Berlin and two in New York, in distribution companies. Do you think they'd be more impressed by a "more unusual" experience outside the US (Berlin) or moving and working in the states (NYC) would show more commitment to the American industry? I know I sound like a freak. They both are cool opportunities anyway.

 

[Aleona]

@coinsquolino

I wrote about my experience a bit above, but I'm 22. I've only had experience here in the States, but anything that makes you stand out is probably a good way to go! Go where you think you'll be happiest - Stark isn't a guarantee any year so just do what you think is best for you. That way you'll get more out of the experience anyway, which will make you a better applicant.

 

[DAC_NYC]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO ALL OF U!

This is all great info you gave... Ur generosity has been awesome. It seems to me you'll be a very cool class. Hearing of your applications, I already know some adjustments I'll be making.

U guys should send each other private messages and introduce yourselves. Find each other through facebook or whatever, get drinks together Its never to early to start networking and getting close as a group...

Cheers and best of luck!

 

[vodkaclubsoda]

Yes, you guys have been super amazing and free flowing with your knowledge. I didn't get a letter again today, so I called admissions and they only sent them my file 2 days ago. So that's a shock, but it's a done deal and very happy for those of you that got in. When I was writing my essay, the night of, I was sitting at a coffee shop and heard 2 people talking and kept referring to each other as Starkies. So I had to ask. They both were really friendly and I asked them if the program was worth it. The girl said, yes, but you have a lot, a lot, a lot of debt. Okay, I figured that much. The 2nd guy asked how long I lived in LA, and I said ten years. He said he was from Harvard and the only reason why he applied was bc he didn't know anyone in LA, so it made sense for him to take the two years out and establish the network that way.

In my honest opinion, you really don't need this program. I've worked on the biggest campaigns, climbed up the ladder in post production, and then when I realized, I wasn't following my original path of why I came out here, I applied for Stark, changed my game plan and in the last 6 months have produced 2 features--well one is still in post, submitting for Cannes. It was almost impossible to do that and get GRE and everything else done, but the school is too damn good to not try. So this story is to help thoose who did not get in and those that did. I network my ass off, and I have a writing partner that we have a schedule and follow through on the next original content I want to produce.

 

[vodkaclubsoda]

Oops, my phone wouldn't let me finish. The point is, just do. Someone like me, I need guidance and motivation to build up my confidence. However, after producing that first low budge feature, I was ready to take on more. I wanted to learn most about contracts, and business type of paperwork in Stark, so I don't have to learn on the job. But, I guess that's the option I now have to pursue.

Both Starkies I met had agents and they both became writers, not producers. Apparently a lot of Starkies become such. So you can see both sides to the coin can succeed, it just depends on the individual to go out and do. That being all said, please feel free to FB me! I add people to my production network, so would love to see how you all grow in this field. And of course anything you need, just hit me up! If I can't join Stark, I sure as hell want them in my network. You guys are good peeps. Thank you all!

 

[Coinsquolino]

Hey guys I just wanted to say thank you for how amazing and supportive you have been in the past 48 hours. To those who got in: you're gonna be an amazing class, no doubt about that; those who didn't: fight on, there are other ways to get into the industry, and you can always reapply.

A special thank you and congrats to the newly elected Starkies

 

[Don1982]

Hi Srao, this is dhilip from chennai, India. I am planning to apply for the stark Program next year 2013.

From the pages i understand that you have got selected for the program (Congrats on That) can you help me how to on this program like how much finance is required, age limit for admission etc.

I am starting to plan out for the program and was browsing and found you in these forums. Your guidance will be of great help.

 

[marcesanti]

Hi! I justed discovered this forum! I was recently accepted on the Stark Program, so I guess we are future class mates! I am from Chile, South America. I am VERY EXCITED!!!
Congrats to all you that were accepted, and I hope we will be meeting soon!

 

[chinacanuck]

Hi everyone,

Have lurked around this forum for the last few weeks and it's been so helpful that I finally felt I should stop mooching and contribute back (or at least try).

Was recently accepted to Stark, so to everyone else who got in, look forward to hopefully meeting you all come fall and perhaps getting to know you via this forum before then. To those who didn't get in, I echo Coinsquolino and Vodkaclubsoda: keep at it, there are truly limitless other ways of getting into or advancing in this industry. I've seen persistence trump everything.

Would be happy to share thoughts about the essays or what I got asked during interviews, so please feel free to PM me or whatnot. Cheers!

 

[McZotZot]

Congrats to everyone admitted! I'm a sophomore and Film&Media Studies major at UC Irvine. I'm really glad i stumbled across this forum because its given me a lot of valuable insight on the application process. Seeing thats it won't be too long until I will be doing this same thing, can anyone give me any advice as to what I can right now to start preparing? Really, anything is appreciated. Thank you in advance!

 

[freakyfreddy]

Keep your grades up, do well on the GRE, get an internship with a production company.

 

[Marion CECINAS]

Hi everyone,
I'm willing to apply for Stark Producing Program next Fall 2013 but apparently the new online application form won't be available before August 31st. Do you have more information?

Thx.