Ā Ā Ā Ā Would you be surprised if I tell you that this video helped me get accepted into USC film school? I wouldn't be surprised if you said yes. Every year, hundreds (or maybe thousands) of students all over the world submit their application to USC's School of Cinematic Arts (SCA), but only a small percentage of those applicants succeed. So, how the heck did this amateur video of mine stood out from the rest? I don't think I'm ever going to find out the exact answer to that, unless I break into the Admissions office and secretly pour *veritaserum into their water dispenser. If you have been dreaming of attending SCA but have never done any professional work in the film industry, don't get discouraged because Admissions do not base their decision solely on your video sample. Here are some ideas to consider when applying for SCA's Film and TV Production program:
1. Show that you can be a good storyteller in your essay.
Ā Ā Ā Ā You'll only get to "sell yourself" in a thousand words. How can you possibly talk about your awesomeness without writing a whole book? Think of a way in which you could give them (the Admissions) a glimpse of what defines you as a person. They want to know the real you! Tell them about your passions, your dreams, your most significant experiences, but you can't just say "I really love watching movies" because that's already expected! Don't tell them who you are, "show" them through words. In my essay, I told the story of how my experiences in the US as an immigrant have helped me realizeĀ whyĀ I want to become a filmmaker. There were so many things that I wanted to say about myself, but ultimately I decided to focus on what I can do with my talents to make a difference in the world, and how I think USC can help me fulfill my vision.
Ā Ā Ā Ā I heardĀ from a very reliable sourceĀ (during the student orientation) that the essay is the most important factor in the application. So make this essay a reflection of yourself! Talk about the things that you haven't mentioned in any other parts of the application to give them a better idea of who you truly are. Remember to be honest, and creative. Have your friends read your draft, and if it makes them laugh or cry (or both), then that's a good sign!
2. Submit a video that exhibits your potential.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Only two people were credited in my video sample: I, and the other actor. I didn't have a crew (if you couldn't tell), or even a script! And I did not intend to make the video specifically for my application. In 2012, my folks moved out of our studio so I had it all by myself. I figured it's the perfect time to launch my YouTube channel (youtube.com/nvisualize). I came up with a web series called "Confessions of a Pinay Immigrant". The style of my series is more popular among YouTube comedians like NigaHiga, Community Channel, and Shane Dawson, but instead of talking about random everyday issues, I wanted to focus on culture because I believe that media can be used not only to entertain, but also to influence how other people view the world. I chose this particular video because it's both funny and informative. Plus, I had loads of fun filming and editing it!
Ā Ā Ā Ā Even with the lack of professional camera, lighting, or editing software, you can still produce videos that possess an artistic value. Unlike companies, schools look for potential. If you've produced videos for your previous class projects or for personal enjoyment, then you probably have a better chance of getting accepted, but professional experience is definitely not a requirement. After all, you want to go to school because you know you still have so much to learn!
3. Be consistent throughout your whole application.
Ā Ā Ā Ā If in one of your application materials you said that you want to produce documentary films that inspire social change, but then you wrote a script for a slapstick comedy as your creative writing sample, then the Admissions might think that you're just playing around. Every single part of your applicationāessays, video and writing samples, short answers, recommendation lettersāneeds to support one another. They certainly do not have to be repetitive, but they also cannot be conflictive. In my essay, I said that I'm passionate about helping people overcome cultural conflicts, and so I submitted a video sample about language barriers, and then my creative writing sample was a film treatment about how two groups of people from conflicting cultural backgrounds tried to work together to keep an epileptic girl alive. Also, I mentioned that my goal is to become a film director and producer, and so i showed them that I could create contents that have substance. If you want to be a cinematographer then the Admissions might look for good compositions in your video sample, or if you want to be an editor, then they might look for some epic effects!
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā I wish I could tell you the real formula to easily get accepted, but I can only speak for what I have experienced. It might be as simple as "be yourself" (more like "no BS"), because if you focus on what you think the Admissions want to see in your application, you might end up pretending as someone that you're not. What if the real you is actually more awesome?
Ā Ā Ā Ā Best of luck! And remember, whether you get accepted or not, your successful career still relies on your character.
Ā *Definition of veritaserum:Ā http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Veritaserum
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