UCLA Screenwriting MFA 2013

[Screenwriter70]

Originally posted by thehamm99:
Congrats, Screenwriter70.

You must've impressed the heck out of the powers that be.

All I keep hearing is that they want writers with life experience (which is good for me).

I just completed the professional program from UCLA, and was nominated for (but didn't win)an award the program puts on, so I'm hoping that helps my chances, as there's really only 3-4 schools I'm willing to invest that kind of debt in.

Today's been kind of a long day, so without trying to go back and put the pieces together, I'm assuming you will be starting your MFA next month? Or are you a year in?

I guess so. But all I did was present writing that mattered to me, writing I poured myself (heart, soul, etc.)into. The best advice I can give you is also the most unconventional. Write from a place of purity, from your heart -- do not try to impress them with high concepts and clever conventions. Just be the best version of yourself on the page.

As for me, I'm starting my first year as of a Sept. Don't give up! If you were in the professional program, then you know you're knocking on the door!

 

[Screenwriter70]

Originally posted by sftola:
Thanks so much for the in depth response! Congratulations to you

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Screenwriter70:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sftola:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Screenwriter70:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sftola:
I'm a playwright from San Francisco looking to broaden my horizons and I feel drawn to UCLA. The program looks great and I like the emphasis placed on the portfolio by the application process. Can anyone speak to how well playwrights do in the program? Does anyone know of any writers with a background in writing for the stage who have made the crossover at UCLA?

I am also a playwright and poet, besides my cinematic aspirations, and have a friend who is also a playwright, and we are both in the program. As I stated to another applicant -- UCLA is all about exceptional storytellers and writers. You can be taught screenplay formatting and structure, but you cannot be taught to be a great writer. If your writing samples are great, you will at least get an audience and opportunity.

Just keep in mind that the competition is fierce and worldwide. Only about 3% of the applicants are accepted each term. That's it and that's all.

Good luck! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks so much for the response, Screenwriter70! Did you apply using stage plays in your portfolio, or did you write a screenplay? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually both, as I used a ten page flash drama (play), a full length screenplay (120 pages) and a poem for my three creative writing writing samples. The other two writing materials were a letter (of intent essentially) and an essay for a fellowship.

And you're very welcome, sftola! I hope I've been able to help! I wish you (and all aspiring screenwriters on this forum) the very best of luck! </div></BLOCKQUOTE> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You are so very welcome, and THANK YOU!

 

[brittanyr]

Hello, new here. I'm also planning on applying essentially right out of grad. I was 2012 so I'm taking a year off but good to know I'm not alone!

 

[brittanyr]

haha I mean undergrad

 

[Korihoo]

Hey guys, glad to be here!
I'm also applying the UCLA screenwriting program this year. Just like some guys here, I've graduated and taking a year off.
I'll also apply USC, Columbia and Chapman as well, however, UCLA will always be my first choice!
Wish all of us good luck! ;-)

 

[Robin101]

Hi Everyone,

I'm also applying right out of undergrad. Originally, I was planning on applying to the Director's Program, but after starting on my writing samples for other MFA programs and reflecting on what I enjoy most about the filmmaking process, I'm realizing more and more that I enjoy screenwriting best.

My question is: Do you think it would be a good idea to switch? The writing part is all new to me, so I certainly don't have 200 pages of work. I'm afraid if I submit components from other grad applications they will realize and I will penalized and not taken seriously.

 

[jeremy's sea]

Originally posted by thehamm99:
Congrats, Screenwriter70.

You must've impressed the heck out of the powers that be.

All I keep hearing is that they want writers with life experience (which is good for me).

I just completed the professional program from UCLA, and was nominated for (but didn't win)an award the program puts on, so I'm hoping that helps my chances, as there's really only 3-4 schools I'm willing to invest that kind of debt in.

Today's been kind of a long day, so without trying to go back and put the pieces together, I'm assuming you will be starting your MFA next month? Or are you a year in?

It's great to hear so many others from the 2011-2012 Pro Program are applying! I also was nominated for that award but didn't win either, just dropped the MFA app in the mail yesterday, now 4 months of biting nails, figuring out my next move.

I have to say to anyone that didn't do the professional program and is shooting for the MFA that it's a GREAT experience and really gives you the opportunity to try out the school and their style of teaching. I gather that over half of the MFA admissions were in the PP as well, but if they pass and offer the PP instead, do it! I had two amazing workshop teachers, and for the record since someone asked early on, both did write me letters of recommendation.
I realize that the SoP and the letters are formalities and a distant second to the writing samples, but if you make it to the fence, who knows, it could tip in your favor. (I hope!)

Anyway, good luck to everyone shooting for 2013, maybe we'll all get lucky!

 

[ath579]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if anyone else received an email for an interview?

 

[jeremy's sea]

Nope. So did you get an email yourself, or are you asking if anyone got an email?

I'm officially bummed out if you got one, means I didn't... doh!

 

[honeybadger]

I got my interview email this morning as well, a little after 8 a.m. central time. It looks like we are about to get to it in the next couple of months, so congratulations to everyone who got the invite!

 

[honeybadger]

By the way, to those who didn't get an interview email today, don't sweat it. From past experience, not everyone gets an interview invitation at the same time--they tend to go out over a period of a a few days, so just because you didn't get one today doesn't mean you wont' get an invitation.

Second, don't give up. If you believe in yourself, and this is what you want to do, keep at it. Apply again. I highly recommend taking the Professional Program, as others have suggested. The Professional Program will introduce you to the UCLA way of doing things, it will give you a chance to know some of the faculty, and it will make you a better screenwriter. I can't recommend the Professional Program enough--and you can do it online if you don't live in LA.

Good luck everyone, whether you got an interview invitation or not!

 

[jeremy's sea]

Thanks honeybadger! Now I have to bite my nails over the next few days...
I agree, do the Professional Program if you can, A LOT of good things came out of it for me. I just wanted the option of pursuing an MFA. Regardless, I'm already on my way to working as a writer. Still, I want to go back to UCLA...

 

[ath579]

@jeremy's sea. Yeah, I got an email last night. Already nervous/excited!

 

[sftola]

Congratulations to those being interviewed! Glad word is finally coming out. Has anyone received a rejection email yet?

 

[TWS]

So if you don't get an email from them this week it prob means that you'll get a rejection?

 

[ath579]

@TWS: I wish I could tell you, but this is my first time applying (I'm still in undergrad). I do know that they don't send all interview invitations at the same time though.

 

[matildabrown]

Dear Camille,

I applied for directing and have heard nothing yet!

 

[ath579]

@Camille, I only applied for screenwriting and got an email 3 days ago.

 

[sftola]

At this point it seems that of all those following this board only two have heard anything - neither of whom are on the west coast. Is that right? Are there any lurkers out there in receipt of an email regarding UCLA MFA Screenwriting?

 

[ath579]

@sftola, Yep I'm in NYC.

If anyone knows how long it usually takes them to send you an actual interview date, I'd appreciate it.