How to Apply to the 6 AFI Disciplines (2024)
The AFI Conservatory offers six disciplines: Directing, Editing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Producing, and Production Design. Prompts for specific disciplines change each application cycle. Discipline-specific creative materials must adhere to these guidelines:
Films
Essays
Required materials
AFI is known worldwide for its intensive Directing MFA program. Famous directors who graduated from AFI include David Lynch (Twin Peaks, Mullholland Drive, Blue Velvet), Darren Aronosky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream), and Andrea Arnold (Big Little Lies, American Honey).
Films submitted with your application must have a clear beginning, middle, and end, as well as a conflict and a resolution. The biggest change implemented for the 2022-2023 application cycle is extending the one pre-made narrative film from a five-minute maximum to a 10-minute maximum. This film can explore any topic, and applicants are urged to show their collaborative skills and unique talents.
The exercise film must explore the theme of “conflict.” Applicants are encouraged to present a strong thematic through line and explore how conflict manifests in their life; genre does not affect the final decision. Both films require a one-page maximum essay about what you learned as a director and a collaborator.
AFI encourages students from all backgrounds to apply. @andy_ma says: “Got a bachelor's degree in physics [from] a top university in China, and a master's degree in computer science from NYU. Have been making films since December 2019. Later, I [went] back to China [to make] films in my hometown. This year, I [had] a much stronger portfolio and received a bunch of interviews. And finally, [...] I was accepted [to] AFI.”
For inspiration, review the sample films that helped @Pguillen get accepted.
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Required materials
About the program
While known for its top-notch Directing MFA program, AFI also offers outstanding training in the other disciplines, particularly screenwriting. Notable alumni include Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit, Minority Report) and Brad Falchuck (American Horror Story, Glee, Nip/Tuck).
AFI Screenwriting students take workshops that replicate a writer’s room and learn how to master the screenplay lifecycle. The interview typically explores your interests as a storyteller. Applicants can provide a short synopsis if the sample is an excerpt from a longer script. Brief notes providing cultural context are also permitted.
@Lauren_kt says about the interview: “They asked about my general experience, why I was transitioning from photography to screenwriting, whether I wanted to write television or features, and what I wanted to write going forward.”
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Required materials
The AFI Cinematography discipline prepares filmmakers to translate the essence of a story into stunning visuals. Fellows learn how to navigate the production lifecycle by shooting on both digital and film, making up to 28 films per year and a 35mm visual essay. Famous alumni include Robert Elswit (There Will Be Blood, Nightcrawler), Rachel Morrison (Black Panther, Cake), and Wally Pfister (The Dark Knight, Inception).
For the still photographs requirement, applicants can submit 1-2 formal portraits in addition to street photography or anything taken outside of a film set. Black and white images are allowed, but applicants are urged not to use noticeable special effects.
Cinematography MFA applicants also must submit a ten-sixty film. Many applicants are unsure about what to submit. First, know that AFI’s Cinematography program is somewhat more focused on the technical aspects of film; applicants are welcomed to submit a more experimental sample. The ten-sixty must be made of moving image film, not stills. No audio or dialogue, special fonts for subtitles, fancy transitions, or color affects are allowed. Music is permitted. The Admissions Department also urges students to prioritize creativity over production value.
@Tom H says: “I interviewed with Steven Lighthill and Emilia Cordova. The interview was fairly relaxed and conversational. Some of the formal questions they asked were 'What was the last book you read and how did it influence you?' and 'If you could shoot any project, what would it be and why?' The rest came up organically from the conversation.”
For an example of the ten-sixty format, watch this film by @spencerseye.
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Required materials
AFI Editing fellows graduate with enviable skill sets in one of the film industry’s most valuable, in-demand positions. Film editing helps create award-winning narratives filled with emotionally captivating scenes. AFI students learn these principles by cutting three cycle films in year one and editing and assisting with thesis films in year two. Notable alumni include Katy Skjerping (Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Wife), Affonso Gonçalves (Carol, Beasts of the Southern Wild), and Sarah Broshar (Ready Player One, The Post).
@Jinna Dee was admitted for fall 2022. During an interview with Robert Ivison and Anne Goursaud, they were asked these five questions:
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Required materials
AFI Producing MFA graduates possess the industry knowledge and connections to help make almost any film a reality. The Producing program teaches AFI students how to collaborate with writers and directors, develop a film budget, master the post-production process, problem solve at every stage, and more. Noteworthy alumni include Anne Garefino (South Park, The Book of Mormon), Deniese Davis (Insecure, A Black Lady Sketch Show), and Steve Golin (The Revenant, Spotlight).
@Yang Qian says: “Here are some [interview] questions I remember:
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Required materials
About the Program
From theme parks to Hollywood film sets, AFI Production Design MFA graduates design immersive cinematic worlds. Fellows develop a minimum of three narrative projects (30-50 minutes of on-screen content) and an entire thesis production in year one. Year two is spent building an original portfolio to secure coveted film industry jobs. Many alumni are members of the Art Directors Guild, such as Jihwan (Eric) Jeon (Euphoria, Girlboss, Insecure) and Sam Rashba (Being the Ricardos, The Cleaning Lady).
Production Design applicants are encouraged to provide before and after shots demonstrating their creative work. AFI also asks applicants to clearly define their roles and scope of work.
@yvette407 says: “The interview went very smoothly. They first asked why I wanted to study Production Design [at AFI] and my understanding of it. After that, we also discussed a bit about my portfolio and some recent TV [and] films. The interview was pretty much like a chat and not as intense as I thought it [would] be.”
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Click here to fill out the online application.
For more tips and insights into the AFI application experience, search the FilmSchool.org Application Database. Review dozens of applications from students who have been accepted, rejected, and waitlisted into AFI, in addition to 3,500+ applications from other film schools worldwide.
Films
- Do not exceed the TRT (total run time).
- Only one film example is allowed per link.
- The AFI Conservatory is a narrative filmmaking school, and submitted films should show narrative ability.
- Please submit YouTube or Vimeo links. Ensure links are NOT password protected, and all professional accounts are up to date.
- Keep all links on Vimeo or YouTube active until August 2024.
- All films should be in English or subtitled in English.
- Film links cannot be updated after an application is submitted. This makes it fair to all applicants.
- Any use of LLM Artificial Intelligence technology must be disclosed. Failure to disclose the use of AI technology will disqualify applicants from admissions consideration or result in early dismissal if enrolled.
Essays
- All essays should have the applicant’s name, discipline, Fall 2024 and page number as a header.
- Do not exceed page requirements.
- Essays must be in PDF format.
- Please use a conventional font (Times New Roman), size 12; double-spaced; and 1-inch margins.
- Any use of LLM Artificial Intelligence technology must be disclosed. Failure to disclose the use of AI technology will disqualify applicants from admissions consideration or result in early dismissal if enrolled.
Directing
Required materials
- Directing Assignment: Direct an original short moving image project addressing the 2024 prompt “Necessity” with a total run time of no longer than 5 minutes. The AFI Conservatory will accept only fictional narrative submissions (i.e., commercials, documentaries, and experimental films outside of the three-act structure are not permitted). The Admissions Committee will evaluate applicants’ Directing Assignments based on storytelling ability and creativity, not production value — using smartphones and other low-budget equipment and materials is encouraged.
- Moving Image Sample: Provide an example of a moving image project directed solely by the applicant that reflects talent and creative ability. Applicants may provide the best 10 continuous minutes from a long-form feature or a short with a total run time of no more than 10 minutes, in English or subtitled in English.
- Moving Image Sample Essay: Applicants must describe the why behind their Moving Image Project and the lessons they learned creating the project in one page maximum. (Please note any usage of AI technology such as ChatGPT or risk disqualification.)
- Directing Assignment Essay: Applicants must describe the why behind their Directing Assignment and the lessons they learned creating the project in one page maximum. (Please note any usage of AI technology such as ChatGPT or risk disqualification.)
About the program
AFI is known worldwide for its intensive Directing MFA program. Famous directors who graduated from AFI include David Lynch (Twin Peaks, Mullholland Drive, Blue Velvet), Darren Aronosky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream), and Andrea Arnold (Big Little Lies, American Honey).
Films submitted with your application must have a clear beginning, middle, and end, as well as a conflict and a resolution. The biggest change implemented for the 2022-2023 application cycle is extending the one pre-made narrative film from a five-minute maximum to a 10-minute maximum. This film can explore any topic, and applicants are urged to show their collaborative skills and unique talents.
The exercise film must explore the theme of “conflict.” Applicants are encouraged to present a strong thematic through line and explore how conflict manifests in their life; genre does not affect the final decision. Both films require a one-page maximum essay about what you learned as a director and a collaborator.
AFI encourages students from all backgrounds to apply. @andy_ma says: “Got a bachelor's degree in physics [from] a top university in China, and a master's degree in computer science from NYU. Have been making films since December 2019. Later, I [went] back to China [to make] films in my hometown. This year, I [had] a much stronger portfolio and received a bunch of interviews. And finally, [...] I was accepted [to] AFI.”
For inspiration, review the sample films that helped @Pguillen get accepted.
- Not enough Applications have been added to our Database to calculate Acceptance Data. Log your own application to help improve our statistics.
-
Become a Supporting Member to see the lowest reported GPA, SAT, GRE, and other test data.
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Screenwriting
Required materials
- Screenwriting Sample: Provide a screenplay in a professional format no longer than 20 pages that features the applicant as the sole screenwriter. Supply the best excerpt from a longer work — the first 20 pages or another section — with sufficient context for the Admissions Committee to follow the storyline.
- Screenwriting Assignment: Write a scene in a professional format no longer than five pages addressing the 2024 prompt: “Good news — I think.” The scene must contain at least three characters and introduce the main character, execute a turn, and provide an ending that incites curiosity. Both scripts should include a title page with the applicant’s name and email address, and 2024-2025 SCR.
About the program
While known for its top-notch Directing MFA program, AFI also offers outstanding training in the other disciplines, particularly screenwriting. Notable alumni include Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit, Minority Report) and Brad Falchuck (American Horror Story, Glee, Nip/Tuck).
AFI Screenwriting students take workshops that replicate a writer’s room and learn how to master the screenplay lifecycle. The interview typically explores your interests as a storyteller. Applicants can provide a short synopsis if the sample is an excerpt from a longer script. Brief notes providing cultural context are also permitted.
@Lauren_kt says about the interview: “They asked about my general experience, why I was transitioning from photography to screenwriting, whether I wanted to write television or features, and what I wanted to write going forward.”
- Not enough Applications have been added to our Database to calculate Acceptance Data. Log your own application to help improve our statistics.
-
Become a Supporting Member to see the lowest reported GPA, SAT, GRE, and other test data.
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Cinematography
Required materials
- Moving Image: Supply one example of an original work no longer than 20 minutes showcasing the applicant as the sole cinematographer, in English or subtitled in English. The example must demonstrate the applicant’s abilities and artistic promise.
- “Ten-Sixty” Assignment: Create a “Ten-Sixty” narrative film answering the 2024 prompt: “Coercion.” This assignment requires 10 shots in a total run time of 60 seconds. Applicants cannot include audio, dialogue, words, significant text, transitions, color effects, or supplement the assignment with stills. Applicants may include music. The Admissions Committee will judge applicants’ storytelling abilities — using smartphones and other low-budget equipment and materials is encouraged.
- Photography Portfolio:Provide 8-12 stills on a merged PDF, with only one image per page. Applicants must include a few formal portraits. Applicants cannot submit montages, set stills, screenshots, or frames from a motion picture. The Admissions Committee takes into account the presentation of applicants’ images.
- Images must be 15 mb or smaller. All films must include a description of the format and camera(s) used, as well as context for where the project was completed (e.g., an institution of higher education), and if AI technology was used.
- Cinematography Reel: Submit a reel of no longer than three minutes.
- 1 short sample of documentary work within AFI’s 1-20 minute time-frame
- A second original moving image submission (20 minutes maximum) featuring you as the sole Cinematographer
About the Program
The AFI Cinematography discipline prepares filmmakers to translate the essence of a story into stunning visuals. Fellows learn how to navigate the production lifecycle by shooting on both digital and film, making up to 28 films per year and a 35mm visual essay. Famous alumni include Robert Elswit (There Will Be Blood, Nightcrawler), Rachel Morrison (Black Panther, Cake), and Wally Pfister (The Dark Knight, Inception).
For the still photographs requirement, applicants can submit 1-2 formal portraits in addition to street photography or anything taken outside of a film set. Black and white images are allowed, but applicants are urged not to use noticeable special effects.
Cinematography MFA applicants also must submit a ten-sixty film. Many applicants are unsure about what to submit. First, know that AFI’s Cinematography program is somewhat more focused on the technical aspects of film; applicants are welcomed to submit a more experimental sample. The ten-sixty must be made of moving image film, not stills. No audio or dialogue, special fonts for subtitles, fancy transitions, or color affects are allowed. Music is permitted. The Admissions Department also urges students to prioritize creativity over production value.
@Tom H says: “I interviewed with Steven Lighthill and Emilia Cordova. The interview was fairly relaxed and conversational. Some of the formal questions they asked were 'What was the last book you read and how did it influence you?' and 'If you could shoot any project, what would it be and why?' The rest came up organically from the conversation.”
For an example of the ten-sixty format, watch this film by @spencerseye.
- Not enough Applications have been added to our Database to calculate Acceptance Data. Log your own application to help improve our statistics.
-
Become a Supporting Member to see the lowest reported GPA, SAT, GRE, and other test data.
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Editing
Required materials
- Two Editing Samples: Provide two original samples of work showcasing the applicant as the sole editor, in English or subtitled in English. The total run time must be no longer than 20 minutes per sample. Each sample must have its own link and reflect applicants’ editing abilities and knowledge of dramatic narrative storytelling skills.
- Note: Editor reels are not allowed
About the program
AFI Editing fellows graduate with enviable skill sets in one of the film industry’s most valuable, in-demand positions. Film editing helps create award-winning narratives filled with emotionally captivating scenes. AFI students learn these principles by cutting three cycle films in year one and editing and assisting with thesis films in year two. Notable alumni include Katy Skjerping (Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Wife), Affonso Gonçalves (Carol, Beasts of the Southern Wild), and Sarah Broshar (Ready Player One, The Post).
@Jinna Dee was admitted for fall 2022. During an interview with Robert Ivison and Anne Goursaud, they were asked these five questions:
- Tell me about yourself. Why choose editing? What are your thoughts about it?
- What characteristics do you think you are unique from other students?
- What is the biggest challenge you've faced? How did you overcome it?
- Which aspect do you want to choose [to study] in post-production and why?
- What makes you want to come to AFI?
- Not enough Applications have been added to our Database to calculate Acceptance Data. Log your own application to help improve our statistics.
-
Become a Supporting Member to see the lowest reported GPA, SAT, GRE, and other test data.
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Producing
Required materials
- Vision statement: In a maximum of two pages, applicants must outline a story they wish to create as a feature or TV show. Story ideas can be original or based on an adaptation of a novel, play, magazine article, current news event, or historical event. Vision statements must address the following:
- Be mindful of the clarity of the storyline and delineation of the character arcs.
- Articulate the theme(s), character details and style.
- Describe why the story would connect with an audience – what sets it apart?
- Two short answers (1 page maximum for each) from this list of questions:
- Tell us something about an incident in your life when you acted in a way that surprised even you.
- What two qualities do you possess that would serve you well as a producer?
- What is one quality that you need help with to learn and grow to be a better producer?
- Is there something we should know about you, besides your love of film, that is not represented by your resume or undergraduate studies?
- 1 link to a visual work (10 minutes maximum) that best reflects your producing and filmmaking skills (please specify your role)
About the program
AFI Producing MFA graduates possess the industry knowledge and connections to help make almost any film a reality. The Producing program teaches AFI students how to collaborate with writers and directors, develop a film budget, master the post-production process, problem solve at every stage, and more. Noteworthy alumni include Anne Garefino (South Park, The Book of Mormon), Deniese Davis (Insecure, A Black Lady Sketch Show), and Steve Golin (The Revenant, Spotlight).
@Yang Qian says: “Here are some [interview] questions I remember:
- What are you doing in your life now?
- What kind of movies [do you] love to watch?
- How do you see yourself after AFI?
- Why AFI? Why Producing?
- What's your day like?
- Have you been to LA?
- Do you have any questions for us?
- What book are you reading now? (I think [this] was a me-specific question – I'm reading a book by [the] Chinese writer Liang Wendao <wozhi我执>.)
- Not enough Applications have been added to our Database to calculate Acceptance Data. Log your own application to help improve our statistics.
-
Become a Supporting Member to see the lowest reported GPA, SAT, GRE, and other test data.
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Production Design
Required materials
- Portfolio: Production Design applicants must supply creative materials that reflect mastery of the design process — not just the completed project. Before and after photos from the same angle of any location design transformations help show the AFI Admissions Committee how applicants develop spaces that bring stories to life. Portfolios must include at least one example for each of the skills below:
- Architectural, theater or industrial design hand drafting
- Graphic design (Photoshop and Illustrator)
- Computer drafting (Vector Works, Rhino, CAD, SketchUp)
- Hand and computer model-making skills
- Perspective, sketching and life-drawing ability
- Film/theater set decoration
- Set and prop construction experience
- A (public or unlisted) link to your personal design website
- A (public or unlisted) link to 1 moving image production featuring your design work
About the Program
From theme parks to Hollywood film sets, AFI Production Design MFA graduates design immersive cinematic worlds. Fellows develop a minimum of three narrative projects (30-50 minutes of on-screen content) and an entire thesis production in year one. Year two is spent building an original portfolio to secure coveted film industry jobs. Many alumni are members of the Art Directors Guild, such as Jihwan (Eric) Jeon (Euphoria, Girlboss, Insecure) and Sam Rashba (Being the Ricardos, The Cleaning Lady).
Production Design applicants are encouraged to provide before and after shots demonstrating their creative work. AFI also asks applicants to clearly define their roles and scope of work.
@yvette407 says: “The interview went very smoothly. They first asked why I wanted to study Production Design [at AFI] and my understanding of it. After that, we also discussed a bit about my portfolio and some recent TV [and] films. The interview was pretty much like a chat and not as intense as I thought it [would] be.”
- Not enough Applications have been added to our Database to calculate Acceptance Data. Log your own application to help improve our statistics.
-
Become a Supporting Member to see the lowest reported GPA, SAT, GRE, and other test data.
When you apply to AFI, add your application to our database to help us improve our acceptance data and help current and future applicants.
Ready to apply to AFI?
Click here to fill out the online application.
For more AFI Application data, consult the FilmSchool.org Application Database
For more tips and insights into the AFI application experience, search the FilmSchool.org Application Database. Review dozens of applications from students who have been accepted, rejected, and waitlisted into AFI, in addition to 3,500+ applications from other film schools worldwide.
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- Previous page: AFI General Admissions Requirements (2024)
