UCLA Interviews?

[Winterreverie]

Does anyone know what to expect from the UCLA interview? I'd really appreciate the help!

 

[Sixto]

What program are you interviewing for? Producing, Directing?

 

[Winterreverie]

Directing.

 

[rockstar]

Whoo hoo!! I got invited for an interview for UCLA's Producer's Program! I'm SO excited! I just got the email this morning to inform me that my interview is next Wednesday. Exactly 1 week! Eeks! But anyway, they sent me a couple of questions that I need to be prepared for. They're not your normal interview questions I have to do my research...

 

[Jayimess]

Wow...they gave you producers an instruction email? I'm Screenwriting, I interview next Saturday, and I have no idea what to expect.

I interviewed with AFI yesterday, it was so laid back, basically just a conversation.

Now I'm all nervous about UCLA.

 

[rockstar]

Yeap. Scary, eh? The questions are legit but not easy. I imagine that your AFI interview would be similar to the UCLA ones. Probably something about favorite authors/books, influential films. I got in touch with a UCLA alum and they were telling me, that these interviews, essentially, are the SAT tests for your personality. In his words, "Charm the hell out of them. If you can't...practice. Truth: You don't have to charm them, but BE PASSIONATE and be yourself."

Some things to think about as you prepare for your interview.

Mine's on the 21st!!

 

[Winterreverie]

My interview is 2 days away-- that was great advice.

 

[rockstar]

Winterreverie, good luck on your interview and let us know how it goes! PS. What are you wearing? I know people have already asked this question, but I'm having a hard time deciding what I'll wear since the weather will be warm and the film industry is known for dressing on the casual side. Business casual?

 

[Jayimess]

I wore a black pantsuit with a funky shirt underneath to my AFI interview in DC, it was about 80 degrees out. It was so hot in the conference room that I took my jacket off almost immediately.

The four people I saw in the lobby were all wearing suits as well, a couple of producers and a couple of directors.

The gentlemen who interviewed me were wearing casual button down shirts and khakis.

I don't know, I was really nervous about what to wear, didn't want to be underdressed, but it was an interview, but I didn't want to seem bland.

I say suits, personally, but I'm just a screenwriter from Ohio.

Good luck to all!!

 

[Winterreverie]

Definitely going business casual. The girl in their office Cecilia WIlmott(?) Said the interview was casual, but you still want them to know how important it is for you to get in.

 

[rockstar]

Winterreverie, let us know how it goes! Also, does anyone know if you'll find out right away about whether or not you got in? Or do you have to wait another couple of weeks to find out?

 

[BrunoDP]

Hi Folks... I'll have an interview w/AFI (MFA-Producing) on march 23. I was hoping that UCLA will call me around the same time, so I wouldn't have to go to LA twice (from Cleveland), but nothing from them, yet. Anybody there who got a call from UCLA in the last couple of days, or they are done with their selections? Thanks.

 

[rockstar]

Hi Bruno,

UCLA emailed me, specifically, I got an email from Ben Harris, who's the program rep. I don't think they call. So you can email him and see if they're done inviting people for interviews. Sorry it's not more helpful, but everything about film school is very elusive until you're in.

 

[Winterreverie]

well that was exhausting... good, but exhausting. I guess I was really nervous since UCLA was my first choice. Come early to work out the pre-interview jitters. I recommend taking a long walk around the campus prior to the interview (It's a really intimidating campus at first, but altogether gorgeous), especially the sculpture garden. Everyone i saw was dressed very business (the interviewers, however were very casual.) You'll be going into a little conference room with three faculty members and the graduate assistant. Parking structure 3 is very nice and close, but if you go on a sunday (like me) the only place to buy a parking pass is in the middle of campus (8 bucks). Have fun, good luck, and think good thoughts for me. Let me know how your interviews go.

 

[rockstar]

Winterreverie, Congrats for getting through the interview Hope it went well! Did they say when they would notify you?

 

[Winterreverie]

I think it went okay... I don't want to say one way or the other until I hear if I got in... I'm sure you understand-- not setting myself up for too much disappointment. But hey if we both get in you can produce my films. =P

They said we'd hear back in the end of april. Apparently I was in the first set of interviews and they have six more sets.

 

[Jayimess]

Bruno,
UCLA contacted me via email at the beginning of March, I interview on Saturday in NYC...that's where they're doing their East Coast interviews, they said. (I'm from Cleveland as well!!) However, I'm a SW applicant, so who knows...

Winter,
Congrats on making it through!! Six sets of interviews? Wow. And on a Sunday no less.
I'm glad I wore a suit to AFI, it seemed like the right thing to do.

 

[Winterreverie]

Yeah I think over dressing is always a better option than under dressing.

 

[rockstar]

Hmm...I think I may have to reconsider my planned outfit! I was planning on black pants, a nice shirt with a sweater vest over it or something. Oh and a killer pair of heels. It really does look better than it sounds Is that too casual?

6 sets of interviews - that's a lot. And wow! That's really late to be hearing about notifications! Late APril, eh? Hopefully since there are only 30 of us who get interviewed for our program, we'll know a little sooner.

 

[Jayimess]

I'd wear a suit, and keep the killer heels...I wore my favorite heels myself.

Late April IS pretty late. Does anyone know how long we have to accept the enrollment? Is it a week, a month, what?