Q: How do I contact Act One?
A: Act One can be reached via email at information@actoneprogram.com. Or you can use our Calendly link to schedule a call or Zoom. We are more than happy to schedule phone calls to go into more details about our various programs and services. Go to our Contact Us page for more info.
Q: What is the application fee?
A: $50
Q: Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in screenwriting and/or film and television?
A: No. Act One does not require applicants to have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree of any kind. We are looking for passionate filmmakers committed to following Christ in their words and deeds. We will consider applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Q: What kind of applicants are you looking for?
A: We are looking for applicants who are committed to their Christian faith and who are interested in having a career as a professional screenwriter for mainstream film and television. We are not interested in applicants who only write as a hobby. Ultimately, Act One wants to invest in passionate, committed, resilient individuals who want a career in film and television regardless of their educational background.
Q: How soon will I hear back from you?
A: 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: Is the entire program offered online?
A: Yes. The entire program is offered fully online. Classes are synchronous meaning there is a scheduled day and time for a real-time, live class session on Zoom. On occasion, classes are offered asynchronous allowing students to watch a pre-recorded class. All course material will be delivered on a learning management system which the student is given access to upon acceptance into the program.
Q: How old are most Act One students?
A: Act One students are typically between 21 and 45. At minimum, applicants must have completed their junior year of college.
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: 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 50% deposit is required upon acceptance into the program to hold your spot. The remaining balance is due by the first day of class.
Q: Does Act One sponsor a U.S. Student Visa?
A: No. Act One does not offer a sponsored F-1 or J-1 visa because we are a non-profit 501c3 ministry and not an accredited, educational program.
Q: What can I expect to accomplish in the Hollywood Writing Program?
A: Our program is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of everything a Hollywood screenwriter needs to know to have a career in the entertainment industry. Over the course of the program, students learn more than just the basics of screenwriting. Through interactions with our stellar group of accomplished, professional working faculty, students learn the “inside baseball” of being a professional screenwriter. Working with a mentor, students will conceptualize and outline an original idea for a feature film or television pilot. After completing our program, students are ready to start their first steps toward a career as a screenwriter.
Q: How much screenwriting experience do Act One students typically have?
A: Our students range from beginners with no experience to writers with multiple screenplays written and/or several published novels. According to the surveys we conduct at the completion of each program, students of all experience levels find the program challenging and valuable.
Q: What is the structure/schedule for the Program?
A: Classes and workshops are held every Saturday from 10AM to 1PM Pacific Time, and every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30PM to 7PM Pacific Time. The Summer program is offered June through August. We also offer an optional book group on Wednesdays at 12PM PT. 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 the Act One Program.
Q: Is there a Capstone Project or Thesis that is required to complete the program?
A: No. Students will be working with their mentor to prepare an outline, but it is not due at the end of the program.
Q: How much homework is assigned during the Hollywood Writing Program?
A: All students are assigned extensive reading, writing and viewing assignments during the program. Anticipate devoting approximately 3-5 hours per week outside of class time to homework assignments.
Q: Do I need to live in Los Angeles to go through the Program?
A: No. Our program is available online from anywhere in the world.