Students applying to film schools are often required to submit a video sample. It is one of the most important elements of a film school application because it showcases a student’s talent and potential in filmmaking.

However, it may be confusing to figure out what makes a successful application video, as it is not a regular short film, and usually has specific requirements depending on the school. Getting it wrong might hurt your chances of getting into your dream school, even if you’re qualified for the program.

To get a sense of what film schools are looking for, here are some tips from the admissions teams and a film student from three top US film schools, Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts Admissions
Carlee Correia and Jessica Houston

1. Follow the Rules
If it’s a two-minute short film, please make it a two-minute short film, and if you have any questions like “Can I use this music?” or “Can I go over the time?” Definitely email us, and we will tell you that you can use the music, but you cannot go overtime. It doesn't hurt to ask questions, reach out, and really show interest.

2. Just Do You
Don't try to please us and show us what you think we're looking for. Because we're not looking for that. We're actually looking for who you are as a person. Students write what they think we want to hear, or look up “accepted film samples” on YouTube. It’s okay to do that, but you shouldn’t try to replicate what somebody else already did.

3. Story Over Technical Ability
You really don't have to have technical ability. If you look at our prompts for film production, it's all about the story and the character. It can be the most beautiful thing we’ve seen in the world, but if it doesn’t have a good story, that's not going to cut it. We’re not asking for technical, we're asking for story and passion. 

When should I start planning my application video?

We recommend that you start planning your application video in your junior year and complete it by the summer before senior year, so you can focus on other application materials (ex. personal statement, writing sample) in senior year.

To maximize the creative potential shown in your application video, you can start developing professional skills in narrative filmmaking in our Filmmaker Development Program.

USC School of Cinematic Arts Admissions
Victoria Esquer

4. Be Eager to Collaborate
We want to see if the student is going to be able to collaborate, because this is huge in the industry. So something that really successful applicants have in common is that keen sense of collaboration, and interest in storytelling. That’s what the faculty are focused on when they review your application.

5. Get Outside Perspective
Students should make sure they take the time to ask questions and have people review their visual sample.

NYU Tisch School of the Arts (Admitted Student)
Arabella Sharkey

6. Make it Personal
The best thing would be picking an idea that’s meaningful to you as a person, and not a generic story. It helps them see you as a person.

7. Stay Confident
The application process can be stressful and create lots of self doubt. Even though I did lots of work, prep, and research, I was really doubting myself, and was scared that I wasn’t good enough. But it’s important to stay confident, and know that even if your application isn’t perfect, it’s still okay. We’re all students and are still learning.