PRODUCING PROGRAM FAQ
Q: How do I contact Act One?
A. Act One can be reached at 2690 N. Beachwood Dr., Hollywood, CA 90068.
You can also email us at info@actoneprogram.com or call us at (323) 464-0815.
Q: What is the deadline for the program?
A. April 1 is the deadline to apply to summer programs. October 1 is the deadline to apply to winter programs.
Q: What kind of applicants are you looking for?
A. We’re looking for talented producers, creative executives, lawyers, applicants with MBA’s and other advanced degrees, and those who have worked in finance or marketing. We look for applicants who love film and TV and are serious about their Christian faith.
Q: What can I expect to accomplish in the Producing Seminar?
A. The two-week program is designed to be an intense overview of the industry. You will apply what you’re learning through the projects in the Producing Workshop and specialized tracks. We strongly encourage you to participate in the ongoing producing programs for guidance.
Q: How much producing or executive experience do Act One students typically have?
A. Our students range from beginners with no experience to working professionals. According to the surveys we conduct at the completion of each program, students of all experience levels find the program challenging and valuable.
Q: How old are most Act One students?
A. Act One students are typically between 22 and 45. At minimum, applicants must have completed their junior year of college.
Q: How competitive is the application process?
A. Very competitive. As few as 25% of applicants are accepted to the program.
Q: What will the Producing Seminar schedule be?
A. Students will attend class up to ten hours each day, with a few hours of quiet time for worship and reflection scheduled intermittently. A detailed itinerary will be provided the first day of class. Due to the intense schedule, students should completely clear their schedules from all other obligations for the two weeks of the seminar.
Q. What will the schedule of the internship and Producing Workshop be?
A. Students will work typically 25-40 hours per week at their internship throughout the week and meet for class on Saturdays.
Q. What will the schedules of the specialized programs be?
A. The Business of Hollywood, Creative Development, Physical Production, and Marketing and Distribution will be offered in three-month installments in which students will meet with an instructor 6-8 times during evenings or weekends. Classes are designed so that students may work full time while taking the courses.
Q: Do I need to live in Los Angeles to take the Producing Certificate?
A: Although students do not need to live in the LA area for the flagship Producing Seminar, it is necessary to live in LA to take part in the Producing Certificate. Many out-of-town students plan to transition to LA after taking the Producing Seminar so that they can continue on to the internship and Producing Workshop.
Q: How is Act One funded?
A. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Act One is funded primarily through grants and donations. The instructional fees cover only a portion of the cost of taking on a new student. Given the caliber and direct-from-the studio-lot experience of our faculty, many graduate programs at top universities do not compare to the curriculum we offer.
Q: What additional costs should I anticipate during the 14-month Producing Program?
A. All meals and housing are included for the retreat portion of the Producing Seminar. Out-of-town students will need to arrange for transportation to and from the retreat center. Depending on travel schedules, additional nights may be arranged with a local hotel at an extra cost. Some optional field trips to areas of interested (interest) may be offered, and admission prices to events may apply as necessary. All other programs are designed to accommodate commuters living in LA, and classes will be primarily held on evenings and weekends.
Q: Why do you need my resume/future plans/etc.?
A. Act One’s primary focus is training students who are seeking careers in the mainstream entertainment industry and/or the production of independent films targeted at mainstream audiences. Because classes are limited in size, knowing your career journey and future plans helps us to choose applicants who will most benefit from our focus. (Please note that Act One does not discriminate based on Christian denomination, gender, race/ethnicity, age, or disability.)
Q: Do I have to stay overnight at the retreat center while attending the Producing Seminar or can I commute from my home in LA?
A. Due to the retreat-style format, it is not possible for students to commute during the first week of the seminar. The number of class hours and overall experience require students to be present at all times. However, students are welcome to commute for week two of the seminar.
Q: Does Act One provide financial aid?
A. Partial financial aid may be available for those taking the Producing Certificate. (“Genuine need” implies that participation in the program is contingent upon financial aid.) Please see Tuition & Financial Aid for more information.
Q: Does Act One provide scholarships?
A. Partial scholarships are available for the Producing Certificate. More information is available on the application. In addition, one Producing Program Coordinator Position is offered per program in exchange for a 50% discount on the Producing Seminar. For more information on the Coordinator Position, click here.
Q: What kind of professional recommendation are you looking for?
A. We prefer professional letters of recommendation from people of influence or high standing who know you well and can speak to your character as an employee or leader.
Q: Do you accept applications by fax?
A. No. You must mail applications by USPS or another carrier (FedEx, UPS, etc.).
Q: If I postmark my application by the deadline, will you accept it?
A. No. We must be in receipt of all applications by the deadline.
Q: How much homework will students be assigned in the Producing Program?
A. All students are assigned extensive reading and viewing assignments prior to the start of the Producing Seminar. To see the list of current required reading for the Producing Program, click here.