WRITING 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 1st is the deadline to apply to summer programs. October 1st is the deadline to apply to winter programs.
Q: What kind of applicants are you looking for?
A. We’re looking for talented writers who love film and TV and are serious about their Christian faith.
Q: What can I expect to accomplish in the Writing Seminar?
A. Do NOT expect to complete a feature or television script during your two weeks with us. The two-week program is designed for you to take it all in. You will apply what you’re learning through the assignments in the Writing Workshop, which are designed to prepare you to work on a full length script with your small group mentor. We strongly encourage you to participate in the ongoing writing programs for guidance.
Q: How much writing experience do Act One students typically have?
A. Our students range from beginners with no experience to working screenwriters. 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 percent of applicants are accepted to the program.
Q: What will the Writing Seminar schedule be?
A. Students will attend class, up to ten hours a day 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 any obligations for the entire two weeks.
Q. What will the schedule of the Writing Workshop be?
A. Students will work on assignments throughout the week and meet for class on Saturdays. Additional class sessions may be scheduled for the TV Track in the evenings. It is possible to work full time during the Writing Workshop, but expect to spend up to 20 hours per week on writing assignments.
Q. What will the schedules of the Mentoring Programs and TV Track be?
A. The mentor will set the exact dates and times of the mentorship based on what works for everyone involved, but expect to meet at least twice a month for six months, in addition to writing up to 20 hours per week. TV Track usually meets in the evenings over a period of four to five months. More schedules and information will be provided to students enrolled in the Writing Seminar and Writing Workshops.
Q: Do I need to live in Los Angeles to take the Writing Certificate?
A: Although students do not need to live in the LA area for the flagship Writing Seminar, it is highly recommended and often necessary to live in LA to take part in all other Act One programs. Workshop participants need to be in LA for the 8 Saturdays class is in session. An online version of the Feature Track Mentoring Programs may be offered, but will not be ideal. It is required for TV Track students to be based in LA to take the course. Many out-of-town students plan to transition to LA after taking the Writing Seminar.
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 Writing Certificate?
A. All meals and housing are included for the retreat portion of the two-week Writing Seminar. Out-of-town students will need to arrange for transportation to and from the retreat center. Depending on travel schedules, additional nights on either end of the first week may be arranged with a local hotel at an extra cost. 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 be offered to 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: Can I work while attending the Writing Seminar?
A. No. If you are working, plan to arrange for the two weeks off. However, the Writing Workshop and Mentoring Programs are designed to be taken on an on-going basis, and you may work as needed.
Q: Does Act One provide financial aid?
A. Partial financial aid may be available for those taking the Writing 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 Writing Certificate. More information is available on the application. In addition, one Writing Program Coordinator Position is offered per program in exchange for a 50% discount on the Writing Seminar. For more information on the Coordinator Position, click here.