Usually requesting a reel is a good thing... They don't ask for them unless they're seriously considering you... But, they will be comparing you to other reels received. But your best foot forward, show diversity in the material, and remember that chapman is a narrative school so make sure whatever you send can tell a story. Best of luck!

Hey, hgsouth...I am also applying for directing and I am just curious...what did you major in? and what kind of experience do you have? Maybe now that people for the directing emphasis are being contacted, we can get a little closer to finding out what it is they are looking for.

Thanks!

I've applied to the directing track and I was asked to send my reel as well. No idea who will look at it, or what they will be impressed by seeing. The upside is that I'm still in the game, but then again I've been asked by Chapman to send my reel when I applied before and I ended up in the purgatory of the waitlist.

I spoke to a very cool grad assistant named Ben who was very helpful and pleasant. Nice to have that sort guy on the other end of the phone when you have to call and ask questions. Yet another reason to validate why Chapman is my main choice.

I interviewed for the producing program on Monday and after the interview they said I would know in 2-3 weeks. Today I looked on the webadvisor and my status had changed to admission approved. Can anyone confirm that this is an official acceptance?

Sounds like you were accepted. Call the main Dodge line (Calling Darryl or Ben basically). They may have changed their phrasing since last year.

I'm begging guys, can someone just give me an interview rundown for producers? Seventhshade...that means you. =)

I am in the cinematography MFA program, got accepted a month ago. NICEEEEE!

Yet AFI has not rejected me. two weeks ago I recieved a letter saying that I am an alternate candidate and that I should know by May 18th if a seat becomes available for me.....

....... there is life outside of AFI.... I sent in my deposit to chapman regardless....
good luck everyone.

Any other cinematography students for the Fall 08' feel free to get in touch with me.

Peace

Interview was very casual. I was asked questions about some of my experiences making films, why I wanted to be a producer, and then discussed different current issues about the media in general. My advice is to just be yourself and let your passion shine through. There's no need to lie or play up anything you've done or plan to do, just be passionate.

jsirkin ~ I majored in film and video studies as an undergrad. Really no industry experience. I just make a lot of videos for fun and for other activities I am involved in.

Winterreverie ~ I have a short 11 minute documentary I did for a church leadership program that I'm considering including. It revolves around two girls and how their abortions changed their lives, yet in the end brought them together as friends. It was for a church, so it focuses a lot on religious issues. I'm wondering if that will turn off the admissions committee? I think it turned out really well, and that's why I want to include it. It's a touching story, and is NOT heavy handed bible banging type stuff. What do you think?

I only have one short film that I've directed and I just want to put a few other things on the reel that showcase my overall ability.

Red- I think the interviews are different for each candidate. V2's interview was right after mine. Since the door was open she heard my interview and said that my interview was completely different from hers and we were both accepted into the program.

In my opinion they are looking for well organized people who have the ability to lead teams while still working collaboratively. I think successful candidates will have the ability to assess what is happening culturally and be able to zero in on projects that have strong potential in the marketplace.

I think they want to know why you want to be a producer and what, specifically, you've done that demonstrates you're ability to be a producer.

hgsouth,

Don't be afraid to express yourself in any form, and that means if you feel you made a good film with a church documentary, by all means, include it! I produced a series of videos for a church I've been a part of and included that in my portfolio. I don't think that turns anyone off.

Thanks Seventhshade

I don't know where I got the idea that religious stuff would turn off professors...probably from ultra-liberal University of Michigan Seriously though, Michigan was fine but I did notice some friction at times.

I have a qustion. I know Chapman's production program is amazing, but I haven't heard from anyone if the screenwriting program is. Does anybody know how it is? I heard the guy who wrote the sting teaches there.

Let me get back to you on the screenwriting... we're having some issues as of our last class this week and until we (see all first year sw meeting withe dept chair) resolve them I don't feel comfortable endorsing the program.

However, the instructors we have are wonderful. Tom Mankiewicz spends a lot of extra time with us (Imdb him), we have David Ward our entire thesis year, we work with former studio execs to really learn how write a pitch that will sell, Paul wolansky and Paul Galino are both fantastic, kind people. We've got a great team. Let me get back to you on monday or tuesday on the rest. One of the major selling points of Chapman to screenwriters may be changing and current writers are quite unhappy about it.

On the chapman main webpage, I went to the search window and typed in application status. It takes you to a page where you type in your email address you used in your original application and then sends you an email. Mine said

Application Term: Fall 2008
Program: MFA in Film and Television Producing
Location: Orange Campus
Application Status: Congratulations! You've been accepted to Chapman
University. Your official notification is forthcoming.

If you are questioning your application, then use this process. It's a little different than what the webadvisor says, but this one is definitely more reassuring. Any other applicants get accepted out there and if so, what programs? Who has accepted an offer? I am an alternate candidate to AFI's producers program and am still in the decision making process. I took the tour of AFI after I did Chapman and the facilities seemed way behind. Anyone have any thoughts about the schools?

i can't really express the differences i found in chapman and afi. you're right about afi being behind in terms of facilities. I also got the impression that the people at AFI took themselves too seriously. Chapman on the other hand gave me the impression that they were all a huge happy family.

Not sure if that makes sense. I personally want chapman more because of the vibe i get from the rest of the university, not just the film school.

Thanks so much for letting me know about screenwriting. i'm looking forward to hear about monday.

This question is for anyone who is currently studying at Chapman.

On their website, it says that students could study abroad by going to Cannes. How does that work? Do students have to apply to go? Is it an extra cost? Any info you could give would be great. Thanks!!

Seventhshade:

I got this, two things in one email body.


Application Term: Fall 2008
Program: MFA in Film and Television Producing
Location: Orange Campus
Application Status: Thank you for inquiring about Chapman University. You
are currently on our mailing list.

----------------------------

Application Term: Fall 2008
Program: MFA in Film and Television Producing
Location: Orange Campus
Application Status: Your application is complete and is currently being
evaluated. Please contact the Chapman University campus to which you
applied for further information.

Doesn't the first one sound like a rejection and the second one just sound like nothing?

foxwithcpu

What stage of the process are you in? Have you interviewed or been invited to interview yet? I'm not sure it means you've been denied. Hope is definitely still alive.