Random, I know, but very curious to know...

I was wondering what people think about 'looks' and the chances of getting into film school?

Does anyone have an opinion on whether your physical apearance, especially for a woman, could have an effect on your chances of getting accepted?

For example, if your being interviewed, is it possible that they might say "we wont invest in her because she is too attractive to compete as a director in the industry?" Or vice versa???

I don't know why, but I feel like physical appearance can heavily influence their decision.???No?

I mentioned on another thread that I got hell from a reader of one of my blogs for going "dolled up."

I hope that if the gentlemen interviewing me found me attractive, that subjective opinion doesn't hurt my chances for admission as a writer, or any woman's as a director, or any position beyond talent. It would be pathetic if it did...it's bad enough to get dismissed as talent, which happens all of the time, with the industry, but to have it factor negatively in academia? Ridiculous.

amen to that.

Why would you be discriminated upon if you were attractive? Thread starter, do you mean if you were unattractive? Hollywood is a superficail business? Name one ugly director besides Tarintino can you?? Directors are off-camera, so you are less likly to be off cause of that aspect??? W/E...

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

Sorry for flame. Go for film if that is what you want. Good luck.

Film_Jock,

I just logged on to see your posts - and they're all negative. What's the deal?

Zip it.

Jayimess ,that is exactly what I am afraid of, and like you, I really hope that it doesnt factor in negatively. And Film_Jock, no I really actually mean attractive. Yes, Hollywood is filled with beauties, but most of them are on screen and many male directors are beautiful, but the woman directors, relatively (to Hollywood standards) not so much (my opinion). And yes, it would be so pathetic and shameful if your looks whether good looking/not factored in and eclipsed over your talent.

Maybe more of the talented and attractive women are actresses instead???

yeah, and thats what i am afraid of. See sometimes when your an attractive woman, you are pressured into acting over the more controlling aspects of the art, like directing, writing, etc. etc. So what Im thinking is film schools see this as a detriment to a succeeding director/writer and so they wont "recruit" you. I hope its not really like this, but its sadly possible.

I mean, you could always try to look "directorish." Directors tend to have a kind of arty, intellectual look to them, even when they are attractive. I'd like to think it doesn't matter for an interview, but psychology tells us that appearance makes a world of difference. Dress the part, as they always say. I guess, LOOK the part.

If this is a concern why not wear Holloween makeup to interviews? J/K

Because that's retarded. I'm serious. Behave yourself, Film_Jock. If you don't have anything intelligent to say, you will find yourself saying nothing.

Yes, Titaniumdoughnut, you are right. The artsy look always helps. I customize the way I dress all the time, so it shouldn't be any different this time. It gives them a taste of who we are. And Film Jock? How old are you?

Under 28

So Films_Jock this is all an act right?

The title of this thread, taken by itself is hilarious to me. It makes it seem like an anomaly. Like "Physically attractive and in Film School...possible?". I find it funny because I've noticed recently that most directors (male directors anyway) are either ugly or strange looking, or unkempt. Tarantino, Wim Wenders, Jim Jarmusch, Scorcese, Truffaut, Polanski (also child molestor) Woody Allen- all have strange/ghastly mugs. Granted, there are exceptions, but it seems like all the beautiful people become rock stars and all the creatures become directors.

Given what I see in the mirror, I'm confident that I'll be a success in this field.

Hahaha Larry...

So the topic of the thread is hilarious but very understandable right?

Anyways, im interviewing soon, so wish me luck everyone.

This is a graduate school fourm. Are you sure you fit the criteria?

Film Jock, this is a valid topic. Please don't ridicule the respondents! If you're not interested or knowledgeable on this question, move along.

Tima, Winter, and myself have all been chosen for interviews at some of the best graduate film programs in the country, so we ARE qualified.

Filmmaking is a boys' club, everyone knows that. The deck is stacked against women, but we were chosen for interviews even though our applications clearly indicated the presence of a uterus.

The question is, are looks a factor?

I get brushed aside as an actress CONSTANTLY, by people inside and outside of filmmaking...

I'm currently serving as Guest Director on a 400 level group project at my alma mater, and it's the first time in history that a female has directed this class project.

Yesterday was our first day of production, and it poured rain, so we had to cancel our extras for an outdoor scene. We needed one extra, though, and I was the only one who fit the demographics, so I had to jump into a period costume while my crew set up a scene.

When I came out in a dress and heels, three males on set told me I looked great, and asked why I never pursued acting. They still respect me, and listen to me and our female A.D., but still had that "film+girl=actress" mental image.

I bartend once a week, and I mentioned I was shooting a film this weekend to some of my patrons this Thursday. Most, if not all people assumed I'm an actress, and were surprised to find out I'm a writer/director.

It's just the way things are.

I just hope the interviewers don't go, "Hey, we're down to the final selections, let's take this ugly guy over this girl. Nobody will take her seriously, anyway."

We're all in panic mode as the finish line comes closer, scrutinizing every little detail as how it might impact our applications, no matter how insignificant it may seem to someone else.

I'm not regretting my choice of wearing an orange top under my jacket to my UCLA interview, but if I get rejected, I might start to.

YOUR face? You cant even SEE your own face. you arnt responsible for that ****. its there to amuse others.