Here goes:

I'd like to start a thread which aims to match those who have questions about screenwriting programs with those who have answers. After all, there's no Peterson's for grad school.

UCLA, AFI, USC, NYU, et al--all Qs are welcome and As downright celeberated.

In an amazing coincidence, *I* happen to have some questions to start us off! They pertain to UCLA...

...I feel like I've done my research pretty dern well, and I can't make heads or tails out of the UCLA Screenwriting program. Their near-useless website makes it sound like you take 434 about 87 times, take some "critical studies" classes, and get the boot. Can this be true?

Is there no end-of-program pitch-fest like there is at USC and AFI? Is there no effort to make sure you graduate with a really polished screenplay?

For that matter, can screenwriting students take any production classes, as at USC? Do they get to work with production students, as at AFI?

I know the UCLA program has turned out some very successful writers... surely the school does something to help with foots and doors... surely... surely?

--IA

Here's what I was told, this is why USC kept my heart.

"It's an intensive writing program in a workshop setting. Are you prepared to write a feature every quarter?"

Of course I said, "Yessir!"

I asked them, "Do the screenwriters write for the production students?"

"Only if you seek it out independently. It would never be your assignment to do so."

I asked them, "Do I get to take any production classes?"

"I'm sure we could work it out so you could, but remember, you're going to be writing. A lot."

I know nothing of First Pitch/ First Look type events there, though I have noticed that AFI and Chapman both promote these type of events. That doesn't mean to say they don't exist at UCLA...

You sound like you want to be at USC, and I'm not just saying that because I go there. You have production tendencies, and USC has emphases within the writing program to nurture that. There is the writer-director track and the writer-showrunner track for television writers. You know we all have to take 507, of course, which is an intense semester of filmmaking, which assumes no prior knowledge of digital filmmaking, lighting, or Avid. Several screenwriters in my class are considering the WD tracks because they succeeded in and enjoyed 507...

At AFI, you are a screenwriter. Period.

Hope that helps.

Jayiness,

Your reply is invaluable, as always. Thank you for all the help you've given me (and, I'm sure, countless others) on this forum. I do have a few hang-ups about USC, but I think they may be better stated in a PM (forthcoming).

--IA

I walked around USC campus today. I always thinking "Hmmm I wonder if any of these people are from studentfilms.com"

I was editing at Zemeckis all day...you probably did see me!

And, you're welcome, IA. I'll look for the message.