Application Deadline

Degree and Certificate Qualifications
Applications may be submitted to the First Year program in the disciplines of Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design or Screenwriting. A Bachelor's degree is required to receive a Master of Fine Arts degree after the successful completion of the program. Those without an undergraduate degree who successfully complete all the requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion. All applicants pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree who have received a degree from a foreign institution must submit a credentials comparison evaluation of their undergraduate work to verify a Bachelor's degree equivalency. The evaluation is required and while it can be submitted after acceptance to the AFI Conservatory, it must be submitted before the end of the first term of attendance. It is the responsibility of the Fellow to obtain the credential evaluation. For more information, please contact the Registrar's Office at 323.856.7714

Applicants
Candidates must possess and demonstrate experience and/or educational background related to the discipline to which they are applying. The ability to work independently and to take the initiative in a mature fashion are essential qualities for admission.

Materials
Applicants must submit:

• 2006-2007 Application Form (original AND three copies)
• Narrative Statement (original AND three copies)
• Résumé (original AND three copies)
• Supporting Materials (will NOT be returned; send copies only)
• Academic Transcripts from Prior Institution(s)
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• TOEFL and TSE, if Applicable
• $75 Non-Refundable Application Fee (Check or money order only in US dollars made payable to AFI)
• Name of Discipline(s) Printed on OUTSIDE of Package

Application materials and related submission information may be obtained HERE or by calling the AFI Admissions Office at 323.856.7628.

AFI Conservatory Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes AFI different from a university program?
A: Each and every program is unique unto itself. AFI is based on a Conservatory model, which focuses the educational experience in a hands-on production environment. For example, during the First Year, each Directing, Producing and Cinematography Fellow has the opportunity to make three narrative projects; Editors work on up to six projects; Production Designers work on up to six; and Screenwriters write one of the narrative projects produced as well as commence work on a feature screenplay. Unlike a large university, AFI has an intimate Conservatory environment with highly accessible faculty and administration.

Q: I do not have a Bachelor of Arts degree. May I still be considered for admission?
A: Yes. However, you must meet all program requirements and you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of your program.

Q: May I apply to more than one discipline?
A: Most successful applicants are committed to one discipline, but you may apply to more than one. You must submit a separate application (including a discipline-specific narrative statement, submission materials and application fees) for each discipline to which you wish to apply.

Q: May I be enrolled in more than one discipline?
A: No. The program emphasizes collaboration, but the AFI Conservatory is designed for those who want to advance their craft in a specific discipline.

Q: What submission materials are best to send with my application?
A: Only include materials which best represent your talent and ability in your specific discipline. AFI focuses on narrative filmmaking. Providing samples that include narrative material is most helpful. If applying to the Directing discipline, one production sample should be narrative in format.

Q: How many individuals apply and how many are accepted?
A: The AFI Conservatory receives hundreds of applications each year. Enrollment is limited to 28 Cinematographers, 28 Directors, 14 Editors, 28 Producers, 14 Production Designers and 28 Screenwriters.

Q: May I visit AFI?
A: Yes and you are encouraged to do so. Campus tours are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. You may call the Admissions Counselor at 323.856.7714 to schedule an appointment. Regular hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year.

Q: Are scholarships available?
A: While limited AFI scholarships are available, applicants are encouraged to research scholarship funding from non-AFI sources or local foundations in your area. Many outside (non-AFI) scholarships can take up to a year to process, so apply for those scholarships one year prior to your desired entry into the program.

Q: I applied last year and was not accepted. Should I reapply?
A: Although the applicant pool changes each year, it is recommended that you reapply only if your experience or submission materials have improved your qualifications.