Professional consulting for the 2025-2026 application cycle (1 Viewer)

[Zeno]

I help applicants navigate the film school admissions process. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your materials, I can guide you in building a strong, standout application. I’ve helped people get into top programs (USC, NYU, Chapman, and the below) — even those without prior film experience.

Admissions committees want to see that you can tell engaging stories, both in your creative work and your application. Every element — your statement, scripts, films, grades, and references — should connect and reinforce your voice as a storyteller.

I was accepted to AFI, Columbia, and ArtCenter College of Design by focusing on my strengths and improving weaker areas. I know what top programs look for and have friends on the admissions committees too!

 

[Zeno]

Just a reminder, I’m offering consulting to help you get into film school and compete for scholarships.

I help coach you, focusing on strategy and crafting strong storytelling in your application—whether in your statement, writing, or films. I know what admissions committees look for and can help you stand out by aligning your materials while keeping them distinct.

With experience getting into top programs like Columbia and AFI, plus scholarships, I can guide you through the process.
I still have a few openings left this year. If you're interested, DM me

 

[Zeno]

With application deadlines coming in December, you can still bring me in on the process so you’re confident and on track. My approach covers all parts of your application, but I can help consult on any piece you're concerned about. In the meantime, there’s some background via my recent Q&A here on the site. DM me, we can chat

 

[Chris W]

In the meantime, there’s some background via my recent Q&A here on the site.

Interview can be found here:

Zeno (Columbia University MFA '24) on Inspired Storytelling and Unlocking Networking Opportunities (Part 1)

After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies from UC Santa Barbara in 2003, @Zeno undertook various projects in the industry that paved the way for him to attend Columbia University School of the Arts. In 2024, Zeno graduated from Columbia’s film program with a Master of Fine Arts in...

• Alexa P.
• Nov 15, 2024
• Category: Film Student Interviews

 

[cj180]

I'm incredibly grateful for reaching out to Zeno to help strengthen and refine my application. He brainstormed ideas with me and fine-tooth combed every detail of my application. Throughout the process, I also learned a lot about storytelling from his expertise. Most importantly, he genuinely cared and invested in making the application as best as possible to not only get in but also to get a scholarship. He's the go-to consultant for anyone's film app!

 

[Zeno]

I'm incredibly grateful for reaching out to Zeno to help strengthen and refine my application. He brainstormed ideas with me and fine-tooth combed every detail of my application. Throughout the process, I also learned a lot about storytelling from his expertise. Most importantly, he genuinely cared and invested in making the application as best as possible to not only get in but also to get a scholarship. He's the go-to consultant for anyone's film app!

@cj180, Was my pleasure to do so! Here’s to you getting into your top choice!

 

[beyondbugun]

I'm grateful for Zeno to help me with my materials. Before working together I had some ideas and concepts, but to be honest I lacked storytelling skills, even the most basic ones. Zeno gave me both specific to material criticism and general storytelling insights. Funnily, at the end, I looked at the materials and asked myself, "did I really write this?" I mean I was really amazed how much my writing got better.

Looking back, to decide to work with him was such a good idea and I would suggest it anyone who considers. Beyond the applications, I literally feel less lost about making films, as every single session we had was like a lesson for me.

Finally, he's a very funny person, and, best of all, as the the different commentator mentioned, he really cares. I'm just beyond grateful! Thanks, Zeno!

 

[Zeno]

I'm grateful for Zeno to help me with my materials. Before working together I had some ideas and concepts, but to be honest I lacked storytelling skills, even the most basic ones. Zeno gave me both specific to material criticism and general storytelling insights. Funnily, at the end, I looked at the materials and asked myself, "did I really write this?" I mean I was really amazed how much my writing got better.

Looking back, to decide to work with him was such a good idea and I would suggest it anyone who considers. Beyond the applications, I literally feel less lost about making films, as every single session we had was like a lesson for me.

Finally, he's a very funny person, and, best of all, as the the different commentator mentioned, he really cares. I'm just beyond grateful! Thanks, Zeno!

Beyond Bugun, pleasure was all mine, onwards and upwards!

 

[Zeno]

Hey All, My coaching and consulting is still available for the final weeks before remaining grad, undergrad, and transfer deadlines. I have room for two more clients and can work within your budget to help level up your statement of purpose, prompts, films, and more—including interviews. Let’s get it all to a polish and, more, ready to realize your dreams of film school. And not just acceptance but, ideally, scholarships too. Best to DM me. Talk soon!

 

[beyondbugun]

Zeno helped me with my materials, and I’m deeply grateful to him. Before we began, I had concepts, ideas, and some promising bits of work, but I lacked the storytelling and writing skills necessary for acceptance into film schools. Now, I can proudly say that I got into my top choice, Columbia, with a great scholarship (nearly a full ride).

We went through every single material I was preparing, and he always gave me specific, material-focused comments, critiques, and refinement suggestions that were extremely helpful. He was also very patient—always open to questions and discussion.More importantly, he wasn’t only helping me with my materials, but also giving me a lot of insights about the process of storytelling. I believe those “lessons” were even more impactful because, in the end, they made me a better storyteller. I have done some film related work in my life and I think I can say that I have some valuable technical skills, but, as I mentioned before, writing wasn’t one of them. However, now, for the first time in my life, I look at my written work and I feel proud. Zeno teached me skills that will be extremely helpful in my whole life; in a way, he was my personal film school.

Another aspect I would like to highlight is how he helped me to come up with a strategy while applying and II believe a significant part of the success I was fortunate to achieve came from that strategy. Zeno helped me plan my moves and now I hold a great scholarship and acceptence to my first choice. Even after I received my interview notifications, Zeno gave me invaluable tips and guidance on how to handle them. Thanks to his help, both of my interviews went great. Once again, I’m deeply grateful to him.

Finally, I should also mention that it is very fun to work to work with Zeno. He’s fun, intelligent and also deeply caring person. Applying to film schools is stressful for everyone, but due to personal circumstances, my stakes were even higher. He was always understanding and supportive. I could never have done this without him. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking extra help.

 

[jmalanka3]

I help people navigate the film school application process. Whether you’re just starting or refining your materials, I can guide you in creating a strong, standout application. I've helped applicants get into top programs, even without a film background.

Admissions want to see that you can tell engaging stories, both in your work and your application. Everything should align—your statement, scripts, films, grades, and references.

I was accepted to AFI and Columbia by focusing on my strengths and improving weaker areas. I know what top programs look for and can help you stand out.

Hi are you still available for this?

 

[Zeno]

Hi are you still available for this?

I just sent you a DM

 

[miller]

Just wanted to chime in here. I hired Zeno for a preliminary consultation after getting waitlisted -- I wanted a clearer picture of the application process / to see what it was I needed to improve on. He exceeded expectations. In just a couple of hours I felt I got an in depth lesson on storytelling. He broke down my materials in a way that made sense, asked the hard questions, and gave honest, thoughtful feedback.

I decided to apply to film school again and brought Zeno on as my official consultant for the whole process. I'm glad I hired him early -- it's given us time to carefully hone my materials, go over my weaknesses, and develop as a storyteller. Also worth noting: he’s been super accommodating with both scheduling and payment, which has made everything that much smoother.
Another thing worth noting: He genuinely cares about his clients. I mean this sincerely. He goes above and beyond. I always feel like I have someone to turn to when I'm stuck creatively, and he puts 120 percent into everything. I can feel myself improving as a story teller after each conversation with him

 

[Zeno]

Just wanted to chime in here. I hired Zeno for a preliminary consultation after getting waitlisted -- I wanted a clearer picture of the application process / to see what it was I needed to improve on. He exceeded expectations. In just a couple of hours I felt I got an in depth lesson on storytelling. He broke down my materials in a way that made sense, asked the hard questions, and gave honest, thoughtful feedback.

I decided to apply to film school again and brought Zeno on as my official consultant for the whole process. I'm glad I hired him early -- it's given us time to carefully hone my materials, go over my weaknesses, and develop as a storyteller. Also worth noting: he’s been super accommodating with both scheduling and payment, which has made everything that much smoother.
Another thing worth noting: He genuinely cares about his clients. I mean this sincerely. He goes above and beyond. I always feel like I have someone to turn to when I'm stuck creatively, and he puts 120 percent into everything. I can feel myself improving as a story teller after each conversation with him

Glad to hear it Miller. I love what I do. Onwards and upwards

 

[cj180]

I’m glad I found Zeno on this website to help me with my application. Throughout the process, not only did I receive helpful suggestions and productive critiques on how to strengthen my portfolio, but I also learned how to become a better storyteller. He supports you until the very end and encourages you when you’re experiencing self-doubt. It’s like having a mentor, professor, and consultant all in one. He’s the best!

 

[Zeno]

I’m glad I found Zeno on this website to help me with my application. Throughout the process, not only did I receive helpful suggestions and productive critiques on how to strengthen my portfolio, but I also learned how to become a better storyteller. He supports you until the very end and encourages you when you’re experiencing self-doubt. It’s like having a mentor, professor, and consultant all in one. He’s the best!

Thank you, cj180—this really means a lot. It was a pleasure working with you and seeing your storytelling grow and, importantly, you get into your first choice school! I’m so glad I could be part of the journey

 

[honolulugourmet]

Can you please send me information on your services? My daughter will be a junior in high school and aspires to go to film school.

 

[Zeno]

Absolutely, DM'ing you now about my services

 

[Zeno]

Hey All,

With deadlines approaching fast, I wanted to offer support as a consultant.

I earned my MFA from Columbia University in 2023 (and was accepted at AFI as well) and have been guiding applicants through the process ever since.

Last cycle, some of the students I worked with got into Columbia—two with full tuition scholarships—and others were accepted at AFI, Chapman, USC, and NYU. Even clients who apply to only one school have had success.

I’m familiar with all the top programs and, in some cases, know folks on admissions committees—so I have a solid sense of what they're looking for.

My approach isn’t just about polishing portfolio materials. I aim to create a kind of pre-film school “school”—helping clients gain a useful preliminary foundation in storytelling, the medium, and the business.

Your portfolio submissions are, in fact, the foundation of the work you do in the program, sometimes this material even becomes your thesis.

Ultimately, a strong preliminary going in gives you a head start in the fast-moving curriculum and can go a long way to helping jumpstart your career.

The earlier we connect, the better we can position you. Feedback from past clients is above, and here’s an interview on film school.org I did that goes into more detail:
Zeno (Columbia University MFA '24) on Storytelling and the Power of Networking (Part 1)

Happy to chat—feel free to reach out!
Rob

 

[wbandwm]

Hey All,

With deadlines approaching fast, I wanted to offer support as a consultant.

I earned my MFA from Columbia University in 2023 (and was accepted at AFI as well) and have been guiding applicants through the process ever since.

Last cycle, some of the students I worked with got into Columbia—two with full tuition scholarships—and others were accepted at AFI, Chapman, USC, and NYU. Even clients who apply to only one school have had success.

I’m familiar with all the top programs and, in some cases, know folks on admissions committees—so I have a solid sense of what they're looking for.

My approach isn’t just about polishing portfolio materials. I aim to create a kind of pre-film school “school”—helping clients gain a useful preliminary foundation in storytelling, the medium, and the business.

Your portfolio submissions are, in fact, the foundation of the work you do in the program, sometimes this material even becomes your thesis.

Ultimately, a strong preliminary going in gives you a head start in the fast-moving curriculum and can go a long way to helping jumpstart your career.

The earlier we connect, the better we can position you. Feedback from past clients is above, and here’s an interview on film school.org I did that goes into more detail:
Zeno (Columbia University MFA '24) on Storytelling and the Power of Networking (Part 1)

Happy to chat—feel free to reach out!
Rob

Hi Zeno! My daughter is applying this Fall to film schools and up to ears in essays and applications. Can you please send me information on your services? Thanks so much! Chrissy