You won’t find anything like the Act One Producing & Entertainment Executive Program anywhere else in the world. Our program is unique. Our program is deep. Our program is career and life changing.
You can go to film school. You can learn how to shoot, edit and cast a film. You can spend four years learning all that the books have to offer you regarding film. That doesn’t guarantee a career. You still need the nuts and bolts, the business and the ethics, the creative developments and the insights into how to make things happen in the industry.
You will only find that here. During out 11-week summer course, we offer:
- intensive lectures, taught by industry pros (see our faculty page here)
- intimate discussions and Q&A’s with writers, directors, producers, agents and more—and they are available only to you
- a comprehensive overview of everything you will need to know day one on the job
- a fast track to a career in the industry through connections you will make as an intern in a studio, production company, agency and more (we don’t guarantee employment, but has been known to happen)
- a curriculum that includes creative development, financing, pre-production, production, marketing, distribution, and exhibition
Those are the practical things we offer. They will help you get ahead in your career. But the cherry on top, the crem-de-la-creme is the community you will join. As an Act One alum, you become a part of a vibrant, supportive, family of artists in Hollywood and the world. This tribe you will join is filled with Christ-loving, Bible believing people, bent on making a difference in secular entertainment (and Christian entertainment too).
So, to give you a synopsis of everything we just said, we offers a comprehensive overview of the industry, access to established Hollywood professionals and a highly coveted internship where practical industry experience is gained.
Come and learn how to excel at your craft, deepen your faith and connect to an authentic community of Christians pursuing careers in the mainstream entertainment industry
Dive right in, as this summer program is the foundation for launching your career.
COURSE DESCRIPTION.
Over the 11-weeks, producing basics (budgets, script coverage, development, finance, and more) will be taught in-person, on location in Hollywood. The 11 weeks include:
- 80+ Hours of In-person, Classroom Instruction (10 Weeks/Saturdays, 9-6pm)
- Internship with Hollywood production company, studio, agency, etc.
- Group outings to industry locations
- Reading assignments
COURSE SCHEDULE
To be announced!
DATES
-
- 2-Day Conference: June 16-17, 2017
- 10-Week In-person Courses: June 24 – August 26, 2017
DEADLINES
- Application Deadlines:
April 15, 2017Extended to MAY 22, 2017
- Additional Events: Periodically throughout the summer, special classes, panels, screenings and other events will take place on select weeknights.
- Internship: Throughout the summer – anywhere from 1 to 5 days a week, depending on student’s availability.
FEES & TUITION
APPLICATION FEE: $50.00
COURSE FEE: $1,999.00
NOTE: Deposit of 50% tuition cost is required upon acceptance into the program to hold your spot. The remainder of tuition balance MUST be paid by June 1st, 2017.
REQUIREMENT
1. RESUME: A current professional resume.
2. PERSONAL STATEMENT: No more than 3 pages detailing the following:
Briefly describe your spiritual journey and your belief in Jesus Christ.
Why do you, as a Christian, want to work in the entertainment business? In what capacity do you see yourself most effective and passionate, and why?
Cite examples of movies or TV shows that are most like what you aspire to help create, and tell us why.
What do you hope to learn from the Producing Program and what are your plans upon completion of the Producing Program?
3. REFERENCE LETTERS: please upload two professional reference letters. Any questions about your application can be directed to lara@actoneprogram.com
APPLY FOR PRODUCING PROGRAM.
FAQ’S
Q: How do I contact Act One?
A: Act One can be reached at 7080 Hollywood Blvd, Ste 1100, Los Angeles, CA, 90028. You can also email us at information@actoneprogram.com or call us at (323) 464-0815. We are more than happy to schedule phone calls to go into more details about our various programs and services.
Q: What is the deadline for the Summer Producing Program application submission?
A: May 22, 2017
Q: What is the application fee?
A: $50
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 and the sooner you can begin to prepare for the program.
Q: What kind of applicants are you looking for?
A: We’re looking for students who are interested in becoming producers, creative executives, entertainment lawyers, etc. Often, our strongest candidates are those with, or currently getting an MBA, or other advanced degrees and those who have worked in finance, marketing or advertising. As well, we tend to look for candidates who have had some experience with production, but this is not a requirement. Ultimately, we are looking for applicants who love film and TV and are serious about their Christian faith.
Q: What can I expect to accomplish in the Summer Producing Program?
A: The Summer Program is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of everything a Hollywood producer or executive needs to know to fast-track their career. The Summer Program is also coupled with the opportunity to participate in a coveted, industry internship – often at a production company, network or studio. 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.
Q: If I elect to do an Internship during the Summer Producing Program, 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 the entertainment industry. 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 Program 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 is the structure of the Summer Producing Program?
A: You begin June 16 with an 2-Day Retreat. After the retreat, you will have Workshops on Saturdays throughout the rest of the summer, and an internship during the week.
Q: What is the structure/schedule of the Opening 2-Day Retreat?
A: The 2-Day Conference is held June 16-17. During the Retreat, students will attend seminars up to ten hours each day. Due to the intense schedule, students should completely clear their schedules for the two days.
Q: What is the structure/schedule for the rest of the Summer Program?
A: After the Retreat, students move on to the Workshops which will be held every Saturday from 9AM to 6PM, from mid June through the end of 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 Program.
Q: Do I need to live in Los Angeles to go through the Producing Program?
A: Yes. Unlike the 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: Students are responsible for their own housing. Act One does not officially facilitate or find housing for students. That said, we 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 housing.
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: Does Act One provide financial aid or scholarships?
A: Act One does NOT offer traditional financial aid.
Q: When is tuition due?
A: A deposit is required upon acceptance into the program to hold your spot.
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: How much homework is assigned during the Producing Program?
A: All students are assigned extensive reading and viewing assignments prior to the start of the Summer Program. During the Summer Program, the focus is more on your internship experience than homework.
APPLY FOR PRODUCING PROGRAM.