Had my interview with UCLA a couple hours ago...
I had to do it through Skype, so it was quite intimidating when I answered the video conference and saw a group of four professional-looking people sitting in a table staring at me. I was expecting it to be more like the interview with the Peter Stark program, where it was just one-two people and it was fairly casual and relaxed. The interviewers from UCLA were all business, and took notes from EVERYTHING that came out of my mouth. One particular lady was very active in the interview, asking me to expand on ideas or debating others that I presented. The other three where mostly quiet up until the end when it was turn for me to ask them questions.
They ask me four questions, and then it concluded with me having to pitch a story. I honestly don't know how well I did with the pitch, but I do know it was not fantastic by any means. I presented an idea for a movie, and although the idea itself is good they noticed how I struggled a little in presenting all my thoughts to them. Specially since the pitch portion felt very much like something intended (because of the structure) for people with experience in film. I have no experience in film, so it was a good idea delivered amateurishly. For the questions, I did a lot better by making my passion for film/tv clear to them. Which reminds me, if they ask you to pick a movie/tv show, pick something you TRULY love, not something that you will think will make you look better if you discussed.
So at the end I felt like two of the interviewers really liked me, another was pretty quiet and emotionless (not a great thing), and the last was very argumentative and constantly attempted to corner me (so she either disliked me, or was just trying to see how I handled myself on pressure).
As a bonus, I did ask them about the process. If you get an interview, you are in the TOP 30 or so candidates, it varies according to the program. For example, the producers program only takes 12-15 students. If the program takes more, then the TOP 30 might actually be more like TOP 40 or something. So they made it clear to me that getting an interview means you're in the top, and that's quite an accomplishment in itself. Last thing, decisions for Producers are made first because then it appears the Screenwriters (we should expect final decisions by mid March) . So those of you waiting for Directing, keep patient and don't panic when everyone else get's their responses. Your time will come soon enough!
I want to wish you all the best in your upcoming interviews. I know I am applying to a different program, but I still might be able to answer some questions.
Cheers,
R
.I will arrive on Thursday the 6th.
