USC Cinematic Arts Program

[Xay]

What's up everyone!

I'm a current graduate student at USC's Cinematic Arts Program. I got recommended by a colleague to check out the site.

If anyone has questions on the application process or applying let me know! I'd be happy to answer what I can.

 

[Zeke2013]

Hi, I am currently applying to the USC Cinematic Arts for Film Production and I was wondering about the writing sample. I am doing a dialogue scene. and was wondering what you would do in my situation.

situation: the limit is 3 pages. I have 3 pages of dialogue but if I include the title of the movie (first page of screenplay) then it will equal 4 pages. Would you suggest i include the title or do you think it's irrelevant.

 

[DeathDealer]

Hello!

I have a question concerning the Visual Option. Is it okay that my sample goes slightly over the 5 min. limit?

Another question I have is, what format should the personal statement be in? I have it currently set to 12 Times Roman, double spaced.

Oh, and what do you think is the most important component to the USC application?

Thanks!

 

[Xay]

Originally posted by Zeke2013:
Hi, I am currently applying to the USC Cinematic Arts for Film Production and I was wondering about the writing sample. I am doing a dialogue scene. and was wondering what you would do in my situation.

situation: the limit is 3 pages. I have 3 pages of dialogue but if I include the title of the movie (first page of screenplay) then it will equal 4 pages. Would you suggest i include the title or do you think it's irrelevant.

Don't worry about a cover page. It doesn't matter. Even if you sent something like that in they won't penalize you but you shouldn't be thinking about a cover page or the title at all. Just focus on building a strong dialogue scene and you'll be fine.

 

[Xay]

Originally posted by DeathDealer:
Hello!

I have a question concerning the Visual Option. Is it okay that my sample goes slightly over the 5 min. limit?

Another question I have is, what format should the personal statement be in? I have it currently set to 12 Times Roman, double spaced.

Oh, and what do you think is the most important component to the USC application?

Thanks!

No, your sample needs to five minutes. A big thing at USC is listening to the rules. If you can't follow something as simple as not going over five minutes, then you're signaling you'd be willing to brush off other rules as well.

My personal statement was double-spaced, 12 Times Roman. That's cool.

Your personal statement is the most important thing, hands down. USC doesn't care about the films you've done in the past. They don't even have to be that good. They're moreso looking for individuals who have the potential to tell a good story. Your personal statement should be a story, literally, not an essay.

 

[LittleJoe]

Xay,

This is a repost from a different thread yesterday but I haven't heard anything so I'm hoping that you may be able to help me.

My son is applying for the 2013 Fall semester, application due tomorrow, and he is struggling with what exactly they need for "Describe a concept for a feature-length movie, which you would like to develop." (No more than two pages.)

I believe his idea is very good. Do you know how detailed this should be and are there any other parameters that you might suggest?

Thank you so much!

 

[freakyfreddy]

Originally posted by LittleJoe:
Xay,

This is a repost from a different thread yesterday but I haven't heard anything so I'm hoping that you may be able to help me.

My son is applying for the 2013 Fall semester, application due tomorrow, and he is struggling with what exactly they need for "Describe a concept for a feature-length movie, which you would like to develop." (No more than two pages.)

I believe his idea is very good. Do you know how detailed this should be and are there any other parameters that you might suggest?

Thank you so much!

Just in case Xay can't get back to you I'll weigh in. If I was doing this I would treat it like a pitch. I would mention the title, genre, location, and when it takes place. Then I would lay out a brief synopsis with some comments on the look of the film, what other films are like it, and why it is different. It is weird that they ask for a concept and not a treatment. With that being said, don't spend too much time on the synopsis like a treatment would, spend time trying to sell it like a pitch.

Hopefully someone who got in or is applying to the program can give their thoughts as well.

 

[LittleJoe]

Freakyfreddy,

Thank you so much for the info.

It is weird because another current USC senior film student also wasn't exactly sure what they were looking for.

But again, I truly appreciate yout insights. Time is now of the essence! Deadline tomorrow!

 

[Xay]

Originally posted by LittleJoe:
Freakyfreddy,

Thank you so much for the info.

It is weird because another current USC senior film student also wasn't exactly sure what they were looking for.

But again, I truly appreciate yout insights. Time is now of the essence! Deadline tomorrow!

Hey! They are essentially looking for a treatment of a film. Don't worry, your son isn't obligated to stick to this if he gets into USC. In my treatment, I explained the entire story in the shortest amount of words possible, then explained the significance of the story and why I want to make it.

There are really no parameters other than it has to be no more than two pages. What your son should think about is writing a really compelling story in two pages. Other than that, just don't have any typos or blatant grammatical errors.

 

[Moira]

Hey Guys,

as my application is submitted already, I'd like to share photo options for USC. M

NOTE: Due to spam reasons, I will send you a link via PM, if you're interested

 

[CLFilms]

You obviously took the time to find a high quality camera to take these pictures, and because of that your products look good. Good job.

If anyone is interested, here's a link to my visual submission. It's a short sequence from a film I made for the GI JOE Film Fest. Feedback would be great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D7zWFwz7QE

 

[prithvi]

Hello Xay,


what advice do you have for some one who is planning to apply for FALL 2014? Also, could you throw some light on the campus activites, in both film and non film aspects?


Regards

 

[liarelaw]

Hi guys I'm an international student applying for production program MFA, I got email for Skype interview 20 hours ago and my interview will be held on monday. How about you guys? any news?

 

[manguforcheap]

No e-mail yet for me.

 

[AprilCSK]

I didn't get any e-mail neither...

 

[liarelaw]

Originally posted by AprilCSK:
I didn't get any e-mail neither...

Just finished a 36 mins interview with a really nice professor, I think they are interviewing separately. Wait for a little bit!

 

[janeq]

Applied for production as well but haven't heard anything yet...

 

[ChrisW]

I had a great, very informal interview last Thursday, also with a really nice professor. Mine wasn't scheduled, I was just called out of the blue and we chatted.

It's good to remember though, interviews are at the discretion of the professor reviewing your application and most tend not to do them, so it's nothing to stress on.

Good luck to everyone!

EDIT: Forgot to mention I'm a Production applicant.

 

[liarelaw]

I revived an email this morning:

Hello XXX,

I am writing regarding your application to the USC School of Cinematic Arts. It appears that Graduate Admissions has yet to receive your proof of financial support and passport information. It is pertinent that you respond to any contact USC Graduate Admissions has made with you regarding these documents so that we can move forward with your file. For more information regarding these materials, please visit: http://www.usc.edu/admission/g...inancialsupport.html.

Please send any necessary information to USC Graduate Admissions by email at usci20@usc.edu.
If you do not plan on sending these documents to us, please let me know ASAP so that I can make a note for our records. Nonetheless, I would greatly appreciate it if you would update me on the status of these materials.

Thank you very much!

All the best,

Shahla Rahimzadeh
______
Shahla Rahimzadeh | Director of Admissions
USC School of Cinematic Arts
930 W. 34th St. | SCB 105 | Los Angeles, CA | 90089-2211
( 213.740.8358 | 7 213.740.4013 |8 http://cinema.usc.edu


So, anyone else received it? Does anyone know how this "proof of financial support" should be done? Thanks!!!

 

[TWS]

Hi liarelaw.

Yeah, the proof of financial support is very important for them if you're an international applicant. I submitted it together with everything else before the deadline.

They can't give you a student visa without it. And without the visa you can't be accepted. So my advice is to get it done asap

good luck