AFI Conservatory’s admissions manager talks about the school’s six disciplines, rolling admissions and tips for creating a successful application.
AFI Conservatory Admissions Manager Karin T. Tucker talks with StudentFilmmakers.com and StudentFilmmakers Magazine about AFI’s new rolling admissions programs and shares tips for creating a successful application.
What sets AFI Conservatory apart from other film schools?
Karin T. Tucker: AFI follows the Conservatory model where Fellows learn by doing. During the course of the two years, Fellows team with classmates to write, produce, design, direct, shoot and edit four to ten films – adding up to 120 short narratives produced at AFI each year. Classroom training and seminars supplement the hands-on production experience. Small class size ensure that every AFI Fellow receives one-on-one instruction from a faculty of professional filmmakers with decades of experience guiding projects from script to screen. A steady stream of guest lecturers means an opportunity to learn the ropes from Masters like Jon Favreau, Werner Herzog and Steven Soderbergh.
When did AFI Conservatory begin to offer rolling admissions, and how does rolling admissions work?
Karin T. Tucker: We just implemented rolling admissions this year. December 1, 2012, is a priority deadline for all disciplines except for Directing, which is not subject to rolling admissions and maintains its December 1 deadline. December 1, 2012 is our priority deadline (meaning, these applications will be reviewed and interviewed first). However, completed applications and all supporting materials will continue to be accepted on a continual basis until the class is full.
What inspired AFI Conservatory’s rolling admissions?
Karin T. Tucker: As we are a graduate film program that focuses on making films, our applicants are often already working in the industry. Rolling admissions gives these applicants an opportunity to apply on their time instead of having to make a decision about graduate school in a small time window.
What are the benefits of rolling admissions for graduate students, and how can graduate students best use rolling admissions to their advantage?
Karin T. Tucker: Applicants that choose to take more time can have more time to compose an application, and, applicants who choose to submit earlier can be reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. We would suggest to submit an application early on as the disciplines may fill sooner.
What kind of tips could you give students for creating a successful application?
Karin T. Tucker: The most important part of your application is the sample(s) of your work. Our Admissions committee wants to see your point of view as an artist. The Narrative Statement is also a great opportunity for you to tell us why you are choosing your particular discipline, why you are choosing AFI, what your point of view as an artist is and what you would like to accomplish in film. Please keep in mind that we teach narrative filmmaking when you are choosing your supporting material samples.
Is there a contact person and link on the AFI Conservatory website for students to get more information from?
Karin T. Tucker: Please contact Admissions at admissions@ AFI.com or 323.856.7740. Please feel free to contact us with any questions!
Advanced Hands-On Creative Experience in Six Disciplines —
AFI Conservatory invites Cinematographers, Directors, Editors, Producers, Screenwriters, and Production Designers to attend their next Open House this season, which will take place at the Mark Goodson Screening Room, 2021 North Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, on Thursday, October 11, 2012, 6:30pm.
Open House highlights include “Faculty & Alumni Panel” and cocktail reception.
RSVP by Tuesday, October 9 at www.afi.edu.
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