Does anyone know what to expect from the AFI interview?

Mine was really laid back. It was more of a conversation than an interview. We talked about movies. One quiz-like question about story structure.

All in all, I felt like I was hanging out with some new friends at a coffee shop, except it was Bob Mandel and Gill Dennis in a conference room.

Oh wow, thats pretty cool. Jayimess, did you also apply to the directing discipline?

No, Tima, I only applied to Screenwriting programs.

If I don't get in this year, I might consider applying as a director, but I honestly don't think I'm as good of a filmmaker as I am a writer right now. I've been writing for 18 years...I've only been making films for 6.

I have plenty of room to grow, of course, but I don't know that my reel reflects that. I've only had consistent success with one film, and I'm still not happy with it.

Hi... Jayimess, thanks for your tips for AFI interview. I also applied at UCLA's Producing program, but they didn't call me yet (and, I see some people here got interview w/them)... Another question: Did you guys take some materials to give to your interviewers, such as (samples of your work, press releases, treatments, or anything to show your work in progress)? Thanks, and hopefully, we can team up over there next fall to make some movies !!!
Bruno (Cleveland, OH)

I also have an interview for AFI Producing-- I did submit a screenplay and reel for my application, but am wondering how else I should prepare...

I specifically asked Scott Hardman, the admissions manager of AFI, if I should bring any additional materials to the interview.

He advised that while I could bring stuff "if I thought it would help my chances," it was neither required or expected. He said the interview was more of a time to discuss the stories I want to tell.

That's not really how it was for me, but that's what he said.

Jayimess, If I'm not mistaken I think we met at the AFI interview in D.C. right before you went in. I'm the "directing applicant from Boston" who went in right after you. I had on a black suit and redish tie. If this sounds familiar let me know, if not, nevermind this post and I'll chalk your description of your interview up as just an eerie coincidence...

Slevin...

We talked about Boston College, right, and Howard?

Whoooooa. That's eerie that you found me on here!!

How'd your interview go?

Hey Sleven,

I applied to the directing as well. May I ask who interviewed you? I live in DC but my interview will be in LA and they haven't given me dates yet, I only know because I called them, and then they returned my call telling me that my interview would be in LA but they will call me back with details. So just wondering if you could let me know who the interviewers were and also how it went? Any overwhelming questions?

Tima,

I know you asked Slevin this question, but we all interviewed with the same two guys, Gill Dennis and Bob Mandel...there were producing candidates when we were there as well, and we all met with the same guys.

Hope he gets back to you on the content, though!!

Good Luck!

Thanks Jayimess,

I hope he does too

Jayimess... Yup yup, that conversation sounds familiar, glad to see you had a safe drive back. The interview went very well, like you described earlier, very laid back. Gill Dennis and Bob Mandel are really chill and the converstaion was very relaxed and casual. It was unlike any interview I've had before in the sense that it was much more conversational as oppose to a rapid fire Q and A. We'll see what happens with the verdict, I'll continue to hold my breath...

Hi Tima, Jayimess got back to you first but I echo her post. I'm assuming Bob Mandel and Gill Dennis will be doing the interviews in Los Angeles as well. No overwhleming questions really, but they were truly trying to get a read on my character, depth and breadth of knowledge and how well rounded I was,(meaning: did I enjoy and/or do anything else other than study and make films). Overall, it was a straight forward interview, no curve balls questions, as I said they are amazingly chill. I hope I've helped ease some of the anxiety and hopefully on April 16th we'll all get that phone call saying, (in my best Randy Jackson voice) "You're going to Hollywood DAWG!!!!"

Oh, Slevin, didn't we also talk about the GoGo song "Doin'Tha Butt" with the receptionist, too?

Seriously...what a great graduate interview...

Ha, ha, ha!!!! Yeah, I hate to make it seem all picture perfect but it was really cool...

Thanks Sleven,

Wish me luck guys

I'm sure you'll do fine, but best of luck anyway!!

Out of curiosity, any directing applicant for AFI hear any news?

Haven't heard anything post-interview.

Scott Harding told me I was going to be interviewed 2 weeks ago but he said they would contact me about the specific date, I haven't gotton called about the date yet! So still waiting... Do you all think I should contact them?