Producing FAQ’s
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 information@actoneprogram.com or call us at (323) 464-0815.
Q: What is the deadline for the program?
A: The Regular Deadline for the 2012 Program is April 15, 2012 w/ an application fee of $30. But we have extended it to April 30, 2012. We now accept applications via email (see the application for more details).
Q: How soon will I hear back from you?
A: We accept applications on a rolling basis. Once your application is received, we will notify you of your status within 30 days. The sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll hear back on whether you’ve been accepted.
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 Summer Workshop?
A: The Summer Workshop is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of everything a Hollywood producer or executive needs to know to fast track their career. The Summer Workshop is also coupled with the opportunity to intern at a production company or studio throughout the summer. Internships are tailored to your goals and most companies who know Act One’s reputation offer larger projects and more hands-on experience than the typical college internship. Graduates of the Summer Workshop are often hired at the end of the summer or take on fall internships.
Q: If I elect to do an Internship during the Summer Workshop, what will be expected of me?
A: We expect our students to intern a minimum of 2-3 days/wk for 8 weeks at their internship. Interning one day a week is possible, but not recommended. Some students elect to intern 5 days/wk, but that makes for a very challenging schedule. Interning 2-3 days/wk is ideal because it leaves room for students to have part-time jobs, work on their own projects, attend classes and special events, complete homework, and take full advantage of the Act One alumni network. All internships are unpaid.
Q: How is my Internship placement determined?
A: After a student is accepted, he/she has an in-depth internship consultation with the Producing & Entertainment Executive Program Director. In that meeting, the student has the opportunity to further express his/her goals for the Summer Internship, articulate interest in specific companies or areas of the industry, and hear about the companies connected to the Act One community. Three top companies are identified, and the director works to set up interviews. We work hard to secure one of the top three choices for you, but all internships are subject to seasonal availability, so sometimes students are placed in their fourth or fifth internship choice.
Q: Will my Internship provider hire me at the end of the summer?
A: This does happen on occasion, but it typically takes 2-3 internship experiences to be considered for an entry-level position in entertainment. Usually it is a company connected to your internship provider that affords you your first paid opportunity, or second internship, or temp position. Six months from the start of the Summer Workshop is a good estimate to find paid work directly related to the entertainment industry. Getting established in Hollywood takes some time, so be conservative in your financial planning as you prepare to transition.
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: What will the Act One Retreat 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 week of the retreat.
Q: What will the schedule of the Summer Workshop and Internship be?
A: After the five-day Retreat June 11-15, 2012, Summer Workshop classes will be held every Saturday through August. There’s also the occasional special event during the week, at night. But the program is designed for working people, whether that be an internship, part-time or full-time position. Students can work up to 40 hours a week and still participate in all the Act One Summer Workshop.
Q: What will the schedules of the One Year Certificate Master Classes be?
A: The four master classes — Creative Development, Business of Hollywood, Physical Production, and Marketing and Distribution — will be offered in two-month installments starting October 2012 through May 2013. Each installment will have 3-4 sessions, on nights and weekends. Classes are designed so that students may work full time while taking the courses. There are no classes in September 2012 to give people a break from the Summer Workshop before the Master Classes begin.
Q: Do I need to live in Los Angeles to take the One Year Certificate?
A: Yes. Unlike the Act One Writing Program, the Producing & Entertainment Executive Program does not offer online courses. This is because it is nearly impossible to jump-start a career as a producer or executive without living in Los Angeles.
Q: Does Act One help students find housing?
A: After the June 11-15 Retreat, students are responsible for their own housing. Act One does not officially facilitate or find housing for students. That said, when often hear about available housing, and pass along that info to students. We also have an alumni Facebook page, where alums often post housing notices. Church classifieds and other students are usually your best bet for finding Summer housing.
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 Certificate Program?
A: All meals and housing are included for the Retreat, June 11-15, 2012. Out-of-town students will need to arrange for transportation to and from the retreat center. Some optional field trips to areas of 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, marital status, age, or disability.)
Q: Do I have to stay overnight at the retreat center while attending the Retreat or can I commute from my home in LA?
A: Due to the retreat-style format, it is not possible for students to commute. The number of class hours and overall experience require students to be present at all times. And once you see the view in Malibu, you won’t want to leave!
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 may be available for students enrolled in the One Year Certificate. Partial scholarships are reserved for students with “genuine need.” Please see the Application for more details.
Q: Does the Producing & Entertainment Executive Program have a work study position?
A: Yes. Every year, we facilitate at least one work study position. This position requires working full-time in the Act One office four weeks prior to the start of the Summer Workshop, and then part-time throughout the summer. In exchange, the work study student receives 50% off tuition. Only One Year Certificate students may apply for the work study position. Contact the Act One office for more info.
Q: When is tuition due?
A: A deposit is required upon acceptance into the program to hold your spot. After that, payments may be spread out over monthly installments for 12 months.
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 mail or fax?
A: No. Applications are accepted via email only. See the last page of the application for more details.
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 Summer Workshop. During the Summer Workshop, the focus is more on your internship experience than homework. Students in the One Year Certificate can expect more assignments from October 2012 thru May 2013 during the in-depth Master Classes.
