USC Film & TV Production MFA Fall 2021 Applicants Unite!

[Isthison?]

I know you posted this in November, but I'm just seeing it, now. I hope you've been doing okay! (I am applying to the screenwriting program, not the production one, FYI.)

I think it's impossible to forget about the outcome of your application. Your acceptance or denial is something you care deeply about, and, if you're going to be a creatively successful filmmaker, it's going to be at least partially because you obsess about both the little and the large things. My advice, since you asked for it, is to embrace these character traits as positives, rather than as problems.

I have a famous actor friend who has many of the biggest of big awards our industry gives. He still has doubts that he has any talent or ability. While he comes off as cocky and super self-confident, he's actually obsessing about whether or not he was any good in the last take and can he pull it together for the next one. But he has come to accept this doubt as a constant travelling companion, a given for his line of work. So, rather than trying to silence the voice that encourages negatives (DON'T think about that, DON'T say that line that way, FORGET ABOUT your application) he's accepted that the voice is never going away. He has, instead, turned it into a compass. The moment it says not to do something, he does it, with awareness. Because the obsessive nature of his doubt now leads him to actions that cause him to deliver great performances.

He takes the straw and spins it into gold.

So, in your case, maybe check for an email -- and then write about a character who is constantly obsessing over something. Anything. Doesn't matter. Knitting a scarf. A patient in a coma. Becoming the first American on The Great British Baking Show... Thing. Turn your current OCD into something creative. Use it as fuel for something larger. Let it strengthen you as a creator rather than weaken you. Then, each time you go to check the results of your application, add to the story. Even add another character and consider making this silly exercise into a draft of a dialogue scene for NEXT year's application, in case you don't get in.

Those are my 4 cents. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This is extremely valuable insight for any creative pursuit! Fear can be a pretty valuable fuel source if you can learn to interpret it as such, rather than an obstacle. Even though I wasn't the OP, I appreciate you taking the time to write this

 

[Cy98]

I know you posted this in November, but I'm just seeing it, now. I hope you've been doing okay! (I am applying to the screenwriting program, not the production one, FYI.)

I think it's impossible to forget about the outcome of your application. Your acceptance or denial is something you care deeply about, and, if you're going to be a creatively successful filmmaker, it's going to be at least partially because you obsess about both the little and the large things. My advice, since you asked for it, is to embrace these character traits as positives, rather than as problems.

I have a famous actor friend who has many of the biggest of big awards our industry gives. He still has doubts that he has any talent or ability. While he comes off as cocky and super self-confident, he's actually obsessing about whether or not he was any good in the last take and can he pull it together for the next one. But he has come to accept this doubt as a constant travelling companion, a given for his line of work. So, rather than trying to silence the voice that encourages negatives (DON'T think about that, DON'T say that line that way, FORGET ABOUT your application) he's accepted that the voice is never going away. He has, instead, turned it into a compass. The moment it says not to do something, he does it, with awareness. Because the obsessive nature of his doubt now leads him to actions that cause him to deliver great performances.

He takes the straw and spins it into gold.

So, in your case, maybe check for an email -- and then write about a character who is constantly obsessing over something. Anything. Doesn't matter. Knitting a scarf. A patient in a coma. Becoming the first American on The Great British Baking Show... Thing. Turn your current OCD into something creative. Use it as fuel for something larger. Let it strengthen you as a creator rather than weaken you. Then, each time you go to check the results of your application, add to the story. Even add another character and consider making this silly exercise into a draft of a dialogue scene for NEXT year's application, in case you don't get in.

Those are my 4 cents. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wow! This was absolutely amazing to read! Thank you for showing me a new perspective on all of this. You’re right too, I definitely need to turn my obsession on my application as something positive, and I never saw my obsession as a sign that I really deeply care about being a creative filmmaker.

I really hope we get accepted this year! I can tell you are a great screenwriter from just that message. Happy New Years to you too!

 

[Chris W]

I have a famous actor friend who has many of the biggest of big awards our industry gives. He still has doubts that he has any talent or ability. While he comes off as cocky and super self-confident, he's actually obsessing about whether or not he was any good in the last take and can he pull it together for the next one. But he has come to accept this doubt as a constant travelling companion, a given for his line of work. So, rather than trying to silence the voice that encourages negatives (DON'T think about that, DON'T say that line that way, FORGET ABOUT your application) he's accepted that the voice is never going away. He has, instead, turned it into a compass. The moment it says not to do something, he does it, with awareness. Because the obsessive nature of his doubt now leads him to actions that cause him to deliver great performances.

He takes the straw and spins it into gold.

Wow! This was absolutely amazing to read!

Yes it was an amazing read! It spoke to me because while I'm by no means a famous actor (or famous anything), I have however been successful as an editor and producer the last 19 years and I find myself with a serious case of impostor syndrome from time to time.

Perhaps it has a little to do than in this business you're "only as good as the last thing you did" so that perhaps fuels the anxiety?

Embrace it! It isn't going away! Ha. A very good read. Thanks for posting it!

 

[lanihead7]

Hey everyone! I applied to SCA for Fall 2021 also. Super duper duper nervous about everything, but I have faith that everything will work out for myself and everyone else in this thread.

If anyone would like to swap personal statements for the hell of it or just some comfort, I’m down to hear everyone else’s stories that led then to film.

 

[tzenggustav]

Hi everyone! I have received an email from USC telling me I was proceeded to an interview. But it was sent from a professor's USC email address so I was a little worried it was a fraud. Anyone else has received the email?

 

[Chris W]

Hi everyone! I have received an email from USC telling me I was proceeded to an interview. But it was sent from a professor's USC email address so I was a little worried it was a fraud. Anyone else has received the email?

No this is normal. See last year's thread.

 

[Cy98]

Hi everyone! I have received an email from USC telling me I was proceeded to an interview. But it was sent from a professor's USC email address so I was a little worried it was a fraud. Anyone else has received the email?

Congrats! I haven't heard anything yet from usc. Did you get the email today?

 

[tzenggustav]

Congrats! I haven't heard anything yet from usc. Did you get the email today?

Yes! The interview is probably some time between 1.5 ~ 1.15

 

[Cy98]

Yes! The interview is probably some time between 1.5 ~ 1.15

Good luck on your interview!

 

[Isthison?]

And so it begins - congrats @tzenggustav and good luck!

 

[Blue Grape]

Yes! The interview is probably some time between 1.5 ~ 1.15

Yes! I think I received the same invitation email like yours saying that an interview will be proceeded between 1/5 to 1/15. I'm very excited! Wish the best luck for both of us

 

[Cy98]

Yes! I think I received the same invitation email like yours saying that an interview will be proceeded between 1/5 to 1/15. I'm very excited! Wish the best luck for both of us

@Blue Grape Congrats! Has anybody else gotten interview requests yet?

 

[Isthison?]

Nope, despite my constant email refreshing..

 

[Cy98]

Nope, despite my constant email refreshing..

Been doing the same thing too, in addition to checking my junk mail

 

[cheeeese3cake]

I got an email from USC the other day telling me that they can't proceed with my application because I need to reupload my transcript. almost gave me a heart attack lol :'(

 

[YImeng]

@Blue Grape Congrats! Has anybody else gotten interview requests yet?

I also got it on Monday

 

[Isthison?]

I got an email from USC the other day telling me that they can't proceed with my application because I need to reupload my transcript. almost gave me a heart attack lol :'(

ooohh that's scary - thank god they weren't too harsh

 

[jondg]

I got an email from USC the other day telling me that they can't proceed with my application because I need to reupload my transcript. almost gave me a heart attack lol :'(

Did they send you an email directly to your email address or did you like see it in your portal or application?

 

[Tammy]

Anyone else got the interview email?

 

[Cy98]

Anyone else got the interview email?

Not me, how about you?