UCLA MFA 2011 (Screenwriting)

[Sofie]

Originally posted by Generallyspeaking22:

After being rejected last year, I sent e-mails to Richard and Hal that UCLA was my first choice all along (which it was) and that I was going to do the PP via Skype (which I did) and reapply. Richard said if I did all of that and did it well, I wouldn't be disappointed (and I'm not!)

However, before even knowing whether I had an interview or not, I started working on two tv specs and a pilot after I sent my application out the first time around. I had the time and I was excited about writing. So I used those three scripts, plus the material I already sent in for my application the second time around.

I think if I hadn't started writing that stuff in December, I would have to agree with SheScribe that the period between now and the Nov. 1st deadline isn't as far as you might think. Nonetheless, that shouldn't stop you from at least starting on one new sample or other types of creative writing.

You'll go in a better writer for it and come out a better writer for it too.

Congrats on everyone who has been accepted. I look forward to meeting all of you.

For those who didn't make it, you can if you want to and are willing to put some work in.

Is the professional program worth it? I'm thinking of applying for the summer program or one-year program.

Is it hard to get accepted in the PP program?

 

[Generallyspeaking22]

The Professional Program will definitely make you think about your writing in ways you probably haven't before. For me, it got me thinking a lot more about character. It is definitely a learning experience. So, Yes it is worth it.

It is not as difficult to get into the PP as it is the MFA. I don't have any statistics for you, but I think they just accept people that they feel really want to learn.

You'll come out of the program with two scripts, scripts that need rewriting, but still two scripts more than what you started with. A definite plus.

Also, Happy Birthday, SheScribe!

 

[WillieGreen]

Welcome, Bruins!

Congratulations! Exciting stuff. The Fall will be here before you know it.

For those who haven't heard anything yet, it ain't ova till it's ova. One of my classmates got in like a week before classes started.

For those who got bad news, just keep moving forward. Keep writing. If anyone's on the fence about the PP, I'd say do it. Workshop environments are invaluable, and the instructors are great.

 

[Sofie]

Originally posted by my handle:
Sophie,

It's worth it for most people in my opinion, but your own specific needs, skill level, work ethic, expectations and plain luck will play a role in how much value the PP will hold. If you've never written a feature from scratch in around ten weeks (close to the industry standard) and you want to increase your chances of admission into the UCLA MFA program, it's absolutely worth it to do the PP. No question in my mind. The workshop leaders I've worked with are skilled and will help you take your material to the next level.

If you already have 15 or 20 scripts under your belt for example, or perhaps have already studied or worked as a playwright or fiction writer and you really know your specific voice and how to build up a treatment and beat sheet outline, you may be a tad impatient or frustrated at certain times with the PP simply because perhaps as much as a half or 2/3 of the PP folks are brand new to writing or close to it. However the competition is within yourself, not between you and the other students. To some extent it doesn't matter how skilled or experienced your fellow writers may or may not be. If they are smart and thoughtful they will give you really helpful feedback. In my class, 3 out of six were brand new to screenwriting, but I lucked out with an incredibly bright and generous group. They came from all walks of life and brought a wealth of insight into the classroom. I am loving my time in the PP.

I should also mention that the advanced workshops are open to graduates of the PP. It's set up just like one of their MFA 434 workshops. I've heard that plenty of writers just take those advanced classes after completing the PP and have no need for the MFA. That's another very persuasive reason to consider the PP, in my opinion. You can take classes with MFA instructors without the extra cost, extra time and academic work required of the MFA students.

In the end, you need to consider your own specific situation. Some of the benefit of the PP can perhaps be found elsewhere, but the PP and advanced PP is the only program I know of that offers a well-rounded training ground for new or relatively new writers near the heart of the industry. If you want to get into the MFA program, I can't emphasize enough how valuable it would be for you to do the PP and make yourself known to the instructors. Reach out to Hal and others and kick ass in the program. That will set you up for success. Cheers!

Thanks for your reply! Also thanks to Generallyspeaking22.

Well, I do have experience with novel writing, but I'm no expert! There's always room to learn and make your writing better. Especially when it comes to scriptwriting, which is totally new for me. So I think I'll take a change and apply

One maybe dumb question, but hey, here goes! I know that you need to have a lot of luck and connections to get a script sold, but.. I live overseas. Does that make it impossible or just more difficult? Of no difference at all?

 

[honeybadger]

First off, thanks to everyone that is offering such great advice. I got accepted iknto an MFA fiction program at a private university in my home town. I was thinking of doing the PP program online while working on my MFA for fiction. Do you guys think that would be overdoing it? I am also worried that I wouldn't be able to afford to do both. On the plus side, the fiction program does offer a screenwriting course, and I would hope that showing I did get into an MFA program of some kind would hopefully make me a better candidate. What do you guys think?

 

[IndianaBones]

Originally posted by Pilnarie:
Thanks IndianaBones. Were you in the PP, or did you go straight into MFA, and if you did, did you have to apply more than once? Also, do you know how many students in each MFA class comes straight from the PP?

By the time I got my head into applying for the MFA, the application deadline had already passed. So, I applied for the PP and got in. During that year, I applied for the first time to the MFA program and got in.

 

[Pilnarie]

Thanks...one more for ya...did you do the PP in LA or via skype? I'm thinking of moving to LA to do the PP and then reapplying to the MFA, buy not sure whether I need to move there to do it or if I should do the skype class. After getting sooo close this year at UCLA, USC and AFI, I'm mote determined than ever to get my MFA, and UCLA is my first choice

 

[Quirky]

This board has been an excellent reference for me. I was accepted yesterday and look forward to meeting everyone.

I'm not sure how much this will help, but I'll answer your question KrisKelvin. This was my first time applying. I went to law school in Boston and undergrad at Penn State with a 3.3. I sent 2 comedic sketches and half of a 30 Rock spec. My references were all WGA writers that I either took classes from or did improv with at UCB or The PIT in NYC. I've done stand up but prefer improv, which I do weekly. I've PAed a bunch of small projects, made a few musical digital shorts for youtube/funnyordie and put one of those (a rap song) on iTunes.

Good luck and if not this year, maybe next?

 

[Generallyspeaking22]

Originally posted by Pilnarie:
Thanks...one more for ya...did you do the PP in LA or via skype? I'm thinking of moving to LA to do the PP and then reapplying to the MFA, buy not sure whether I need to move there to do it or if I should do the skype class. After getting sooo close this year at UCLA, USC and AFI, I'm mote determined than ever to get my MFA, and UCLA is my first choice

I did the PP via Skype. It's true, you don't connect as strongly with everyone, but the workshopping is just as good. Everyone in my class was very helpful with their feedback.

I watched videos of Kris Young and Hal Ackerman instead of going to lectures, so I didn't get to know any of the "big wigs," but I think if your MFA application is strong, that's what counts most.

 

[Generallyspeaking22]

Originally posted by Sofie:

Thanks for your reply! Also thanks to Generallyspeaking22.

Well, I do have experience with novel writing, but I'm no expert! There's always room to learn and make your writing better. Especially when it comes to scriptwriting, which is totally new for me. So I think I'll take a change and apply

One maybe dumb question, but hey, here goes! I know that you need to have a lot of luck and connections to get a script sold, but.. I live overseas. Does that make it impossible or just more difficult? Of no difference at all?

I actually just read a "First Person" on John August's blog about a writer from Australia who now lives in London. I think you'll find his story more helpful than anything I can tell you.

johnaugust.com

 

[SheScribe]

Originally posted by Generallyspeaking22:
The Professional Program will definitely make you think about your writing in ways you probably haven't before. For me, it got me thinking a lot more about character. It is definitely a learning experience. So, Yes it is worth it.

It is not as difficult to get into the PP as it is the MFA. I don't have any statistics for you, but I think they just accept people that they feel really want to learn.

You'll come out of the program with two scripts, scripts that need rewriting, but still two scripts more than what you started with. A definite plus.

Also, Happy Birthday, SheScribe!

Thank you!!! My bday has quietly (well, not so quietly, really...lol) come to an end. So, off to bed I go.

 

[SheScribe]

Originally posted by WillieGreen:
Welcome, Bruins!

Congratulations! Exciting stuff. The Fall will be here before you know it.

For those who haven't heard anything yet, it ain't ova till it's ova. One of my classmates got in like a week before classes started.

For those who got bad news, just keep moving forward. Keep writing. If anyone's on the fence about the PP, I'd say do it. Workshop environments are invaluable, and the instructors are great.

Thanks, WillieGreen! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to be called a Bruin. I've heard so many good things about the program, that I can't wait to start. My friend (Michelle) is in your class, and only has great things to say about the program. Looking forward to it!

 

[honeybadger]

So I take it that no one has received a rejection yet? Are there any other lurkers out there who got accepted?

 

[fobshady]

i haven't received an official rejection either, but my workshop instructor pretty much confirmed i wasn't in. ;P

congrats to all those who got in!

hopefully the people here who didn't get in this year can get in next year...

 

[Pilnarie]

Fobshady, are you going to try again next year? So you've applied twice,and gotten the interview twice? Are you doing the PP via skype?

 

[Wenyi]

Originally posted by SheScribe:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by WillieGreen:
Welcome, Bruins!

Congratulations! Exciting stuff. The Fall will be here before you know it.

For those who haven't heard anything yet, it ain't ova till it's ova. One of my classmates got in like a week before classes started.

For those who got bad news, just keep moving forward. Keep writing. If anyone's on the fence about the PP, I'd say do it. Workshop environments are invaluable, and the instructors are great.

Thanks, WillieGreen! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to be called a Bruin. I've heard so many good things about the program, that I can't wait to start. My friend (Michelle) is in your class, and only has great things to say about the program. Looking forward to it! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

SheScribe?would you plz share the great things if you don't mind? cause I am in a serious dilemma.

I got admission letters from NYU and UCLA( both are my dream schools) NYU also offers 10000 dollars in the first acedemic year. I really have to make a final desicion so that someone on the waiting list can get in as soon as possible. But it is really tough.

There are so many things that I love about both two schools.

I hate myself for being so hesitated.

SOS...

 

[Wenyi]

I just made up my mind to go to UCLA.

If some friends who have already been in the program can share some brilliant things about the program and how it works, that would be nice.

 

[Hiram Bingham]

I think NYU would b a MUCH better choice. After all, you free up a slot at UCLA for me!

 

[Pilnarie]

Hey SheScribe, Generally Speaking 22 and whoever else was rejected last year and accepted this time: What about your portfolio did you change? Did you completely change your statement of purpose, change it slightly or not at all? Did you use the same letters of rec.? Did you send completely new creative samples? Any advice would be appreciated.

Still waiting to hear from UCLA, but I figure it takes a bit longer to write letters of rejection than acceptance. Who knows though, as Willie Green said it aint over till the first day of class.

Congrats again to those accepted!

 

[fobshady]

Originally posted by Pilnarie:
Fobshady, are you going to try again next year? So you've applied twice,and gotten the interview twice? Are you doing the PP via skype?

yup. i'm a stubborn one. i've applied 3 times and gotten the interview twice. i'm taking the pp in person.