Just had my interview for the Production/Directing program and have some info to pass on. First off, everyone was very nice. Tony the Graduate advisor was great. He made me feel comfortable etc. My wife and I alloted two hours to drive 30 miles on a Saturday and got there within just ten minutes of the interview. I literally ran across campus to get to East Melnitz and then actually met them outside as they were just finishing lunch- they were in great spirits.

I sat and spoke with a current grad student about the program and she gave me a personal run-down of how things worked. She was from England. She said it was very intensive. She was a very nice person and very knowledgable.

Then I met three people, two men and one woman. The woman, Becky, asked me personal questions about my life and where I was from etc. You should have this info prepared- I really didn't.

Then they asked for my top 5 films and which one I would have loved to direct. You should have this info prepared- I didn't. After the interview I wanted to say "Almost Famous" and "Back to the Future" instead of "Pulp Fiction" and "Dead Poets Society" but hey.

They asked what was my first experience as far as making movies was etc. They asked what was the largest crew I had ever worked with and if I wasn't in the room what would they say about me: good and bad. I told them that the crew would say that I was hardworking but that I could be too intense at times, (at least on this particular set.)

Then they posed a few hypotheticals to me about working with a DP who had never touched a camera or who just seemed not to care, what do you do? There's really no right answer- I think they wanted me to be creative and find a way to work around the bad footage- (how do you do that?) Or say that my story is so compelling hopefully the audience won't care.

The 2 minute pitch went well and it seemed that they appreciated that I just got right into it. They broke it down a little bit and asked me how my main character had really changed through the event. But overall they said it had good potential.

I can't believe it but by God I really wasn't that nervous. I hope this helps everyone. I've been watching this post ever since I got my email- the info has been invaluable.

Tony said the production/directing candidates should be getting emails by this Wednesday- but don't hold him to that.

Good luck everyone, thanks!