FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - WRITING PROGRAM

Q. How do I contact Act One?
A. Act One can be reached at 2690 N. Beachwood Dr., 1st Floor, Hollywood, CA 90068 . You can also email us at info@actoneprogram.com or call us at (323) 464-0815.

Q. What is the time line for application to the 2008 Summer Writing Program?
A. The application deadline was March 13, 2008. Dates for 2009 will be announced in the coming months.

Q. What is the time line for application to the 2008 Saturday Writing Program?
A. The application deadline for the Saturday Writing Program was January 10, 2008. Dates for 2009 will be announced in the coming months.

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. How much will the program cost me?
A. Tuition for the 2008 Summer Writing Program is $2195.  Tuition for the 2008 Saturday Writing Program is $2495.

Q. What is the deadline to apply for Act One?
A. For Act One to consider your application, we must receive the Application Form, Application Supporting Materials, and the Application Processing Fee by 5 pm (PST) on the posted deadline for each program.

Q. How much writing experience do Act One students typically have?
A. Our students range from beginners with no experience to MFA graduates of leading film schools and working screenwriters. According to the surveys we conduct at the completion of each program, students of all experience levels find the program valuable.

Q. How much education do most Act One students have?
A. Act One students are typically college graduates and many have advanced degrees.  At minimum, applicants must have completed their second 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 schedule be?
A. For the Summer Writing Program, the program will open with a weekend retreat, then students will generally attend classes from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.  Students in the TV track will have additional classes.  A detailed itinerary will be provided on the first day of class.  The Saturday Writing Program will also open with a weekend retreat, then students will generally attend classes from 9 am to 5pm three Saturdays each month.

Q. Why does Act One cost so much?
A. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Act One is funded primarily through grants and donations. The tuition covers only a fraction of the cost of taking on a new student.

Q: Does Act One provide financial aid?
A: Partial scholarships may be available for students in genuine need. (“Genuine need” implies that participation in the program is contingent upon a scholarship.) Please keep in mind that the need for financial aid may affect your chances of being accepted.

Q: Should I send an explicitly Christian writing sample?
A: We don't recommend it. Act One trains Christians to write for mainstream film and television.

Q: Do I need to format my writing sample as a screenplay?
A: Yes.  You are competing for acceptance against writers who are doing so.

Q: Do you accept applications by fax?
A: No. You must mail applications, either by USPS or another carrier (FedEx, UPS, etc.).

Q: How much homework will students be assigned?
A: During the Summer Writing Programs, students will have about four to six hours of homework per week. TV Track students will have an additional hour to two hours of homework per week. During the Saturday Writing Program, students should expect six to ten hours of homework per week.

For all other questions, please contact Act One at info@actoneprogram.com or (323) 464-0815.