Peter Stark Producing Program 2012/2013

[Russell Blanchard]

Well, I am 9 hours post submission now and I can already feel the excitement and anxiety building for what is sure to be a fun 11 weeks until notifications are made.

I just finished applying to the Peter Stark program for the second time, first time was in 2008 and I was rejected.

Hoping for better results this second time around. Figured I would start another discussion for all other potential Starkies out there. This is a great place to communicate and network as we all play the waiting game.

Best of luck!

 

[i_spit_hot_fire]

Got mine in midway through November. First time applying. I don't even want to think about the time between now and notifications.

How'd you feel about your application this go around?

 

[Russell Blanchard]

i_spit_hot_fire, great name by the way, dylan, dylan, dylan, and dylan.... classic

In 2008 I applied with what I felt was a strong application, I was right out of undergrad and had some success with my shorts as both a producer/director. I had 4 films play at a number of festivals and one of my shorts in competition at the Shanghai International film festival, it was selected top 24 and one of only 3 US films from 450 entries. I also had some management experience and had interned on a major TV show and worked for two years at a TV station during undergrad. Alas, I was not accepted.

Looking back on my application I realize that it was not as strong as it could of been, my Personal Statement, which I thought was great at the time, had obvious shortcomings.

I feel much more confident in my application this time around, I have gained three years of film production experience and have a much understanding of what exactly a creative producer is. Though I am realistic about the chances of acceptance, only 25 get in. Best of luck to us all. How do you feel about your application for a first timer?

 

[i_spit_hot_fire]

I feel all right with what I've submitted. I'm a year out of undergrad as a screenwriter, during which time I've been in LA interning and producing some shorts / pilots. I have nowhere near the experience of some fellow applicants, and I didn't hide from this during my interview or in my personal statements, especially since the program prides itself on being a broad introduction to myriad aspects of the industry.

I'm hoping for some professional help, though. I intern at a company ran by a team of a prominent producer and director. Our Creative Executive is a Stark grad. We regularly have Stark interns. And my producer boss is teaching a class for them next semester. I'm hoping that working for free to network will finally pay off.

If not, no biggie. I think it's so great that you're applying 3 years later. That takes some mental resiliency (some I don't think I'll have). And while only 25 get in, I think the website mentions it comes down to 1 spot for every 8 apps. Those odds make it a little easier to sleep.

 

[Coinsquolino]

Hey guys how's it going?

I figured I should finaly stop lurking and actually start contributing to this website.

I'm an Italian student currently concluding an exchange semester in Buenos Aires, and it's 3.30AM here. I can't sleep because I did something that on December 1st I promised myself I wouldn't do: think about film schools applications!!

Film has been my dream since I was 12. I went to Marymount College in 2007 and New York Film Academy in 2008 to attend some summer film programs, but then didn't have the guts to apply for Undergraduate school in the States right after High School. I ended up studying Economics and Management for the Arts, Culture and Entertainment in Milan at Bocconi University, and I've been happy with how things turned out. However, I really feel that now it is time to fulfill my dream...

Applying to USC this year has been an incredible process that made me learn a lot about myself and my ambitions, and I really hope I'll make it into those lucky 25. I got a skype interview with Richard Shepherd during one of the last days of November and I've kind of been going back to that 25-minute talk, hoping I did manage to show him my passion and dedication to the film industry. I've also applyed to Columbia, NYU and UCLA, but USC has always been a dream.

How do you guys feel about your applications? When do you think we're going to get phone calls for a second round of interviews?

I wish you all the best of luck!!

 

[Russell Blanchard]

Hello everyone!! we are now about 6 weeks away from finding out if we will continue our film careers as Starkies...

Having gone through this process once before I must say I am a bit more confident in my application this time around. Confident that I put my best application forward. Not so confident about my acceptance, but hopeful.

Coinsquolino - I don't think there will be a second round of interviews or calls for Stark. I have heard of a few selective calls the week before letters are sent out. Those calls seem to be focused on gathering more information on the person. Though I feel they can only be a good thing and might be the difference between acceptance and wait listed.

Good luck to all the potential starkies out there. Hope to see you in L.A. this summer.

 

[Coinsquolino]

I'm dying to know guys!!

How come is this year's topic so dead? Last year people were discussing and posting and keeping each other's morale up!

How are you guys handling the waiting? I'm starting to be quite nervous to be honest.

 

[rob0683]

Good Luck Russell! I got turned down from the Stark Program when I applied in 2010. I applied to Chapman Producing/Business MBA/MFA 2011 and got in. I immediately got an internship at Atlas Entertainment (Dark Knight Rises/ Superman)

I personally love it. If you're interested in Chapman I'd be happy to answer any questions.

-Rob

 

[Coinsquolino]

22 DAYS TO GO GUYS!

How are you feeling? Some tips on getting good sleep? Ahahah I foresee terrible nights ahead of me!!

 

[Russell Blanchard]

Rob- Thanks for the well wishes! Congrats on your internship at Atlas! How are things going for you there and how are you enjoying the Chapman program?

Coinsquolino- 22 DAYS!! trying not to think about it.... just living life and awaiting the decision. Wish you the best my friend.

 

[Coinsquolino]

Just wanted to check something quickly with you guys: when you log in to the "Apply Online" page, what does it say about your Submission Status?

Mine is:

Submission Status: Submitted
Submitted Date: 11/29/2011 10:39:00 PM EST
We are reviewing your application. The status of your application is updated daily and/or as changes occur to your file. Because of the volume of materials we receive, please note that it typically requires 8-10 business days from the date of receipt for documents (such as transcripts) to be processed into your file.

Shouldn't it say "complete" or something? Or is it the same for you? Thanks!

 

[Russell Blanchard]

This is what mine says, a bit different than yours, but I think the "Submitted" is the key word.

Submission Status: Submitted
Submitted Date: 12/1/2011 12:44:00 AM EST
Your file has been forwarded to the academic department for review and an admission decision. You may check this system periodically for updates, and if the academic department requires additional information or renders an admission decision, you will be contacted.

 

[Coinsquolino]

Thanks Russell

 

[moonfullofstars]

Hello!

Why is it so dead in here this year? Last year's forum was super lively! 18 pages of posts.

I applied last year and didn't get in, so I reapplied this year. Best of luck to everyone! Hope we'll be classmates in the Stark class of 2014.

 

[rjoseph]

@moonfullofstars - I don't know why it is so dead this year... maybe less applicants than normal? that could only be good for us re-applying like myself...

Wishing you the best!!! So, just to clear things up, are we all awaiting phone calls on Feb.22nd? Or letters?

Rejected in 2008, reapplied for 2012.

 

[moonfullofstars]

Originally posted by rjoseph:
@moonfullofstars - I don't know why it is so dead this year... maybe less applicants than normal? that could only be good for us re-applying like myself...

Wishing you the best!!! So, just to clear things up, are we all awaiting phone calls on Feb.22nd? Or letters?

Rejected in 2008, reapplied for 2012.

I was rejected in 2011... HOLLA! Hahaha just kidding. I hope we both get calls this year. Yes, this year calls on Feb. 22.

I find it hard to believe that less people applied this year, though. I figured that last year, there were less applications than usual since it was the first year they re-instituted the GRE, which could have scared away some prospective applicants. I think the people who didn't have time to suddenly prepare for/take the GRE last year will be applying this year... so it could be rough...

 

[Coinsquolino]

Hey there! It's so nice to finally see some talking here, I've been waiting forever! I noticed that last year's post was super lively, while this year everybody's keeping quiet...

@moonfullofstars how are you doing? I read the WHOLE topic of 2011 just to kind of see how things went last year and I remember coming accross your name! It's so great that you are applying again this year, I'm keeping your fingers crossed for you as well! I know as a fact that the admission committee really appreciates people who do apply again, it shows that you really want to get in!

Did you guys schedule interviews back in the application period? I interviewed via Skype with Richard Sheperd and am kind of paranoid about the whole thing, I keep thinking I might have made mistakes/said wrong things... But it's good that we're only 3 weeks from knowing the results!

And by the way how did you GREs go? You think they really look at the scores or is it just a method for first selection?

Keep the conversation going!

 

[moonfullofstars]

Hi, Coinsquolino! Thanks for your response!

You're right--the Stark Program really does like people who reapply so I'm hoping that will help me out this year. A few others in this thread also mentioned that they reapplied so hopefully it'll boost their chances, too!

I scheduled my interview in early July and had it in person with Henry and Sara in August 2011. Last year I interviewed in person with Richard in November 2010. Why do you feel like you said the wrong things with Richard? In my interview with him it was pretty casual, and he talked most of the time!

I got a 1260 on the GRE. I think it was 670 verbal and 590 math. The GRE scores don't matter at all. They're just a filtration device as you mentioned.

That's so cool that you're from Italy! I bet Milan is beautiful. Plus, it's lucky for you because Stark loves international students!

 

[Coinsquolino]

I don't know, my interview with Richard was like 25-minutes long and I felt quite good about it apart from a couple of things that might've come off as unprofessional (for example I said that I wasn't sure if I would apply again if not admitted this year: but I explained my reasons), but it's hard for me to evaluate it because for most of the time Richard looked pretty cold and detached: it felt like an accomplishment when I got him to laugh and really look interested in what I was saying. His face was always very straight and neutral, so it was sort of hard for me to know how I was going with so little emotional feedback. But then again, he's British (ahahah kidding)! I guess that's what he's supposed to do during these kinds of interviews.

You know, I got in touch with "alliestark" from this forum, she got in last year and she's from my same university, my same program, and she applied twice and got in the second time, so keep your hopes up!

I got something around 1310 on the GRE: did well on reading comprehension and average on math.

I really hope that the fact that I'm an international will play as an advantage in the selection process! What's more, I was in Buenos Aires for a semester abroad when Richard interviewed me, I'm kinda hoping that shows I'm internationally oriented and an "interesting person" as well (if you get what I mean), and that they appreciate it. I would've loved to interview in person but it was definitely too expensive for me to fly to LA just for that.

Tell me how you feel about the whole process this year! And your personal statement and personal information essays as well!

 

[moonfullofstars]

Coinsquolino,

Don't feel bad about your interview. I've heard that Richard is kind of a cold person. All of the Starkies I know have told me that! I don't think there's a huge difference between in person, Skype and phone interviews, so don't feel bad about not flying out. I don't think the interview is as important as your essays, resume, recommendations, etc.

It's so great that you have a Starkie "mentor" who understands your background! Maybe she'll put in a good word!

Study abroad is awesome. I studied abroad in Paris in college, although I'm not sure if it helped my Stark application or not.

I'm feeling more confident about my application this year, although of course I'm still not sure if I got in or not and the wait is too much! Last year I applied straight out of undergrad with no work experience, except some internships. This year I'm applying with much more experience after graduating in June and getting a job.

I think my essays were pretty strong last year and I think they're also pretty strong this year. Last year, I made the final list of their top 40 candidates they were considering (Larry told me during a 2nd interview over the phone). But I wasn't one of the 25 who got in from the top 40; I still got rejected. But I'm hoping the fact that I got close last year will help me this year, since I wasn't one of the applications they automatically threw away! Plus my resume is a lot stronger now.

How are you feeling about your application?