I received a call from Virginia but I wasnt around to pick up. I am assuming it's an acceptance call? I'm suppose to email her and tell her when I am available to answer my phone. Congrats Bandar!

Thanks Allen.

It's definetly an acceptance! Congratulations!

hey guys. just got a call from Virginia for an unofficial acceptance. that is a real acceptance correct? again so cryptic. Super excited and nervous!

Anybody here waiting on AFI's Directing like myself?

So now the question is: who is going to Singapore in fall?

Blueskeyes - have you heard anything? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. It seems to me that you've got quite a lot of heart to put into the program! Let me know when you hear something!

Allen, Bandar, and krosenbe -
What's the crux of your decisions?

For me, I think the decision is going to come down to AFI.

Another big factor will be aid. If NYU gives me some sort of Financial Aid package it may sway me towards that direction.

I'm about to break it down for you guys and I would really love to hear your advice. I currently live in NYC. I have been here for two years and have developed a lovely life for myself with a great apt, amazing friends and an awesome boyfriend. Prior to living in NYC and post college I moved to China. I was unbelievably inspired by Asia, and think it would be awesome to develop a film career out there, ie. redefine the molds in terms of Americans making Asian films.

But, at the same time I am super torn. My home is in NY, am I ready to leave it?

I am also still torn by the great grad school debate. I grew up in La and know a ton of people in "the industry" (forgive me, I hate that phrase). I know from them that going to film school absolutely does not guarantee your success as a filmmaker. Should we do this or should we do it on our own?

I know this may be controversial but I am curious about all of your thoughts.

krosenbe,

I think it comes down to what's important to you. These are definitely tough choices to make that affect the rest of your life. When confronted with these choices, I dig down deep in my heart and say, "What is it really, that matters the most to me?" See if going to Singapore and making films is that thing, or if your boyfriend/New York life is that thing. Either way, it's a great decision to be making--remember that!

And remember that should you choose to stay in NYC you can definitely still be a filmmaker and keep creating in the medium, I don't think it will harm you.

And should you choose to go to Singapore, there will be tons of new people to meet and experiences to be had. It just matters which one you want more.

My best to you.

louvons

P.S., I'm also a big proponent with examining your "gut" feeling...as in, what is your first reaction when confronted with this decision?

The right choice should feel "right" when you think about it, even if it is a tough choice. As in, you should feel happy and content and good about it. If it feels wrong, and you are nervous, upset, and scared and the thought of it makes you unhappy, generally it's wrong.

Just some thoughts. Either way, I think your future is bright.

Krosenbe,

It all comes down to who you are as a person. Do you feel you are ready to get out there and make films?

I, personally, am not. I haven't lived enough nor have I experimented enough as a filmmaker to get out there and make films. Sure, I've made a few shorts, but that doesn't make me a filmmaker. I also live with a girlfriend (who I have been with for almost three years), but if that person loves you - he/she will support any decision you make.

Don't look at going to NYU Singapore as a means to success. Look at it as a once in a lifetime opportunity to grow as an artist, be inspired by fellow artists, and explore different cultures.

Who konws, maybe you will go out there and be so moved by something that you witness that it will inspire you to write that screenplay which you will one day direct.

Ask yourself this question - will staying in NYC spark creativity? Or will embarking on a wild adventure across the globe for three years with absolutely no clue as to where it may lead?

To me, the decision is pretty clear.

you are too sweet louvonsalome. Thank you.

I have often hesitated writing on these forums as at times i think they can be a bit of a pissing contest....but, I really appreciate your words.

thanks again

thank you as well Bandar.

great words, Bandar. That is some excellent advice there.

And no prob, krosenbe. How much time do you have to make your decision?

So many factors go into this as well, I think it also means knowing yourself as a person. Personally, I know I couldn't go to Singapore, which is why I didn't apply, being so far removed from friends and family and my support network. But that's me and my needs. Someone else, e.g. Bandar, may feel completely different about it, or may feel fine with family and friends being farther removed globally. And that's definitely something to think about.

quote:

louvonsalome

Which program are you going to be attending again? Or are you still waiting?

The biggest factor for me is money. If Singapore offers me any aid, it will definitely put some weight into my decision.

So far I've only been accepted to UT and had an interview with UCLA.

I am leaning towards UT because they've offered me an almost full scholarship but if UCLA accepts me, it will definitely sway my decision.

I agree with the idea of following your "gut" feeling. I am sure that if you chose Singapore, it will change your life (and more than often, change is for the better). It will definitely be different and sometimes hard because of the culture shock and reaching outside your comfort zone, but you have more to gain than anything.

Good luck to all of you when making your choices, and let us all know what youre gonna do!

Hey Bandar,

It's a waiting game for me, as I'm on the waitling list for NYU's New York campus. I haven't been admitted anywhere else, though I did get a phone interview at USC. We'll see, we'll see!

louvonsalome,

I hope you get off that waiting list and get accepted! You sound like a gem.

If you got into NYU and USC which would you choose?

krosenbe,

I am so glad that you voiced your questions - I feel that you can't make enormous choices without playing around as the devil's advocate.

For me, the film industry paying no mind to grad school doesn't matter. This is due to the fact that I am interested in working outside of the industry. More to the point, I am much more interested in enhancing my skills as a filmmaker as opposed to finding commercial success (though with some luck they can potentially be interwoven!). If I was in your position I would weigh the options (all the options) and do some real soul searching. Just to reiterate what everyone else is saying: any choice you make will be fantastical if your heart is in it. My best advice is to move forward and make decisions without regrets; every choice you make will have a consequence - be it moving away from home or giving up an offer for grad school - however it is these very consequences that make each decision so special, so unique.

Best of luck!

Thank you, Bandar! That would be great, though I'm determined to make film and art regardless of admissions, as I believe in it that much, so we'll see.

I'd choose NYU over USC. I've lived in L.A. for three years now, and I've made friends and had a whole lot of interesting life experiences, but I've always wanted to live in New York, and I feel the city is calling me.

How about you? All things being equal (aid, etc.), purely on the program itself, which appeals to you more--AFI or Singapore?

I would have to say AFI's directing program appeals more to me. I would probably choose that over Singapore.

Are you living in Los Angeles now?