andinofilms, I really think you should give AFI Admissions a call... ask for Danielle or Angela, they're both really sweet and will answer any questions you have within reason.

The Admissions # is listed on their website, but I'll type it here for you anyway: (323) 856-7740

Good luck!

Hey all,

It's been a week since my interview, and I'm finally back to report on it.

Like many people, I had Bob and Gill, and like many, I had mixed feelings about how it went. I think I did well, and I answered their questions as "correctly" as I was able, but they seemed really rushed to get the interview over with, even before I answered their first question, which put a lot of pressure on me, but was very confusing because it didn't seem to be a response to me.

I agree with everyone that they were very nice and the tone of the interview was very conversational.

But one thing bothered me, and maybe they have this luxury, but to be honest, *they* were not very prepared. They were familiar with my latest film, but not with my essay, application materials, or any of my personal history. I had to spend a lot of time re-saying things that were in my essay and rehashing some of my personal background in order to get to the things I really wanted to say, which I didn't really have time for (and my interview was 5 minutes longer than the estimated time).

For example, I interviewed with Gill Dennis two years ago, and he recognized me, so I mentioned jokingly that I've been interviewed 5 times in 3 years, and they were both visibly shocked. This, despite the fact that I talked about it in my essay (when explaining why I *wasn't* applying for Editing this year, something that admissions strongly suggested that I put in my essay). Last year when I interviewed, it was a major point of discussion (in talking about my progress as a filmmaker since the first year).

One of the "questions for them" I had was related to the fact that I am a sort-of perennial candidate. It was a bit of a trick to get them to say nice things about me, but I asked why they asked me to interview again this year. They didn't really seem to know, because they weren't involved with that decision, but they indicated that they heard from someone else who was familiar with my past work that my latest film was a "major" step forward for me.

So that was a good sign, since I was good enough to get an interview last year, but I was surprised that they didn't have any more knowledge of my application.

They didn't ask many specific questions about me, either, which was worrisome, since it seemed to me that they were not interested in me, and in past years, I was asked a lot of personal questions and things tied to my materials. Gill Dennis grilled me for 5 minutes on what books I read, which wasn't a problem since I'm an English major (although a lapsed reader of fiction). We bonded over Micheal Chabon a little, but I felt it was a totally unusual use of the limited time we had.

We started talking about films I had seen recently, but we got stuck on Children of Men, which I mentioned in passing hen talking about stylization, and didn't intend to really talk about. Gill asked me if that movie has a protagonist. I didn't know what he was getting at, but it turns out, he was literally asking if the movie has a protagonist.

I stumbled because I was surprised by the basic nature of question, and read too much into it, and I talked about the simplistic "4 types of conflict" that they teach you in college writing classes (person v. person; person v. society; person v. environment; person v. self). Gill didn't seem to be at all familiar with this concept (or, to give the writer of a Oscar-winning movie the benefit of the doubt which he is certainly owed, this enumeration of it) and was more interested in where I learned such a concept than what it meant to my understanding of film.

I've done these things 5 times, and this was the most bizarre one I've ever had. It wasn't bad (as far as I know), and I had an Editing interview go much, much worse (and was then offered a spot on the waiting list), but no interview has left me in as much of a head-spin, not knowing what to make of it.

Don't misunderstand, I don't think I bombed or anything, and I remember walking out of the room feeling that I did as well as it could have. I'm just venting a bit here, because I wanted to say so much more, and I was extremely confused by a lot the questions and the lack of preparation by the interviewers. I felt that at times I was jumping through hoops and holding the door open with my foot, even though the conversation was pleasant, and both Bob and Gill were very nice and engaging.

Truth is, and I don't mind saying it: I don't know whether they were just rushed that day or whether I should feel insulted (I did fly all the way out there, which was not cheap, they least they could have done is read my essay, right?).

Anyone else feel this way?

Like Jayminess can attest, sometimes the interview has little or less bearing on the final outcome, and I don't think I made any mistakes, so I prefer to think that this is also the attitude of the interviewers. Maybe they just want to get a feel for you, and in my case, there are certainly plenty of notes on how I "feel" locked away somewhere in the admissions department.

I have little specific advice for those who have not interviewed yet based on this interview, because I have no idea of what to make of it. As for what I've learned from previous interviews, and what I hope applied to this latest one, it all matches up with what others have said...

Be yourself, talk about your motivations and the kind of stories you want to tell, and prepare a few go-to answers on films you like and directors you admire (and be prepared to say why).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: heywetried,

quote:

Originally posted by heywetried:
Truth is, and I don't mind saying it: I don't know whether they were just rushed that day or whether I should feel insulted (I did fly all the way out there, which was not cheap, they least they could have done is read my essay, right?).

Anyone else feel this way?

I've encountered a similar situation during job interviews. I'd be asked to wait outside while my interviewers went through my resume. Sometimes they would go over it for the first time while I sat in front of them. I'd always be bothered. I don't think it's wrong to feel insulted in your case. It seems you handled the situation well though. Good luck!

I felt the same way about them being rushed (even if really nice =). I tried not to let their attitude influence mine, but I did feel I didn't get the chance to say everything (at all). Everytime I started an answer, they'd think of a new question... I was also brought to talk about books and I barely got the time to say what I love in Camus.
But, they were familiar with my creative submission and personal statement. Gill Dennis quoted a sentence from it (from memory), to ask a question.
Bad thing is, they did mention I was maybe too young (I won't be 21 by august... But I'll have a BFA)


Aaah. We'll see. This saturday is going to be a nightmare...(screenwriting applicant here).

Good luck to all

That's weird. I had the exact opposite experience. Gill would ask a question, and I'd start to answer... and after receiving no response, I'd talk a little more... then more, and eventually, Gill would say "You didn't need to say all that. I was just looking for [whatever the first thing I said was]." Some variation of this happened three or four times. It was like they were daring me to hang myself.

As for my writing sample and personal statement? They never came up.

The farther away I get from the interview, the more I'm convinced it was an epic disaster. But since letters are coming out in five days, I refuse to worry. If the answer is "no," there will plenty of time for despair later.

--Icarus

I think the point of the interview is to see how well you deal with preasure. If you can't handle a thirty minute interview, chances are, you aren't going to be able to handle an intense two and a half year program.

Bandar, I think you'd got a great point, and I'd like to think that they were doing that on purpose.

But... my other experiences with these interviews were different, I guess depending on where they were and who they were with.

I think what it comes down to is that there is no set standards for conducting the interviews, which tells me either that the whole process is extremely subjective, or that the interviews only truly matter if you either make a colossal blunder or emit a shimmering glow not unlike the morning sun in June.

:-)

And ekalstr, when Gill Dennis interviewed me two years ago, he said the exact same thing to me (about my age). Not to cause you any undue worry, but looking back, it was almost like he was preparing me for the inevitable rejection letter.

But now that you tell the same story, maybe it's just something Gill personally feels that he needs to say to the young 'uns :-) It did make the rejection back then a bit easier, actually.

BTW, if you're all bored and want to see some of my film "An Error in Common," and, of course, compare it to your own portfolio submissions, you can visit my film's website.

http://www.heywetried.com/error/

There you can see the trailer, and play an interactive game I designed (I'm also a web programmer)

Who else had Peter and Jim?

Heywetried,

Great trailer! Looks really nice. I am looking ot have a website designed for my films.

I love the layout of your site. Would you be interested in desinging a site for me?

well, in regards to your concern over being offended by the interviewers not being prepared, it is all dependent on their strategy of interviewing.

when i went into the nyu interview, before we did anything, they told me the exact process that they went through to interview me. it was a preliminary round of the alumni and faculty of the application. then a secondary round of application reviewing by another committee and finally to them. they said explicitly that they did not know much of the application in detail and may or may not have looked at the application at all.

it was comforting for them to have told me that, but depending on the school, the interview process may be a completely independent type of evaluation than that of the application. they are separately analyzing you as an individual regardless of your accomplishments and films you have made. i can understand how this would play into the final decision.

dont be discouraged. every school is different and i know some schools put a heavier emphasis on the interview than others, but as long as you feel that was the best you could do, then theres nothing more to do then wait.

i wish you the best of luck,

Just got back from my AFI interview in LA. Actually had it last friday, but I traveled around a bit after so aorry for the delay.

Um..first off, they tell us this week what their final decisions are. It was sort of funny since they said, "well thanks for coming we'll let you know next week."

On to the interview. I love interviews. I'm the person that thinks every piece of writing should be transformed into spoken word.

i was lucky to interview with Neil Canton (dept. head) and Bob Kaplan. I feel like it went well but one can never know right. I just did my best, said whatever I felt like and walked out feeling pleased with 'performance.'

i did like what they had to say about the program though. I did throw them a curve ball question. i asked why they could never get enough producer applications. Of course the answer Neil gave me was definitely straight out of the PR department, but I appreciated the BS he slung my way anyway.

Redpokiepenguin,

You applied to screenwriting or producing?

Producing

Just out of curiosity--why *can't* they find enough producers? What did he say?

quote:

Originally posted by Bandar Albuliwi:

I love the layout of your site. Would you be interested in desinging a site for me?

I would, actually. Unfortunately, because of my crazy-ass schedule, I can't offer to do it for free. But... I *can* offer free advice, so feel free to email me (my address on my site) at any time if you have questions.

I have gotten a lot out of this site and the people who post on it, so that goes for the rests of yous guys, too. :-)

Hey All
I'm new to this post. Had my interview with AFI 3RD week of Feb. LA campus. Cinematography. Interview went well. Like most of you have said it was much like a conversation. I'm sure my experience was a little different than most of yours. I don't think there are any "Cinematographers" on this Thread (as yet).

I've been reading this tread the past few weeks and have found it both helpful and interesting.

For those interested they can visit my website

www.colinakoon.com

Hey idolon, I'm an AFI Cinematography applicant as well! Nice to meet you. So far as I know, we're the only two Cinematography hopefuls in the entire Graduate forum, haha.

I looked at your site and your body of work is really impressive. I'm sure you'll get in. =)

idolon,

I checked out your reel. Extremely impressive!

I'm sure you'll be accepted into the Cinematography program @ AFI.

Best,

Bandar

thanks Maseiya and Bandar for the encouragement. I wish you both luck and look forward to working with you in Sept.

Maseiya I don't think you mentioned how your interview went?

cheers
idolon