Q: How do I contact Act One?
A: Act One can be reached via email at information@actoneprogram.com. We are more than happy to schedule phone calls to go into more details about our various programs and services.
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/schedule for the Summer Program?
A: Classes and workshops are held every Saturday from 9AM to 6PM, from 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: No. Our producing program is available to attend either in-person or online from anywhere in the world. In-person students do receive the extra benefits of being in town for extra weekday meetings at studios with executives around town.
Q: Does Act One help students find housing?
A: No. 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: What is the Spiritual Retreat?
A: The opening weekend of our program is an in-person spiritual retreat at a retreat center in the mountains. This is a very important part of our program and every student is REQUIRED to attend the retreat in person.
Q: How much does the Spiritual Retreat cost?
A: There is no additional cost for the Spiritual Retreat. The camp fees are included in the Act One Course Fee. The only additional costs for students would be for traveling to Los Angeles for the retreat.
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.
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.