Would Appreciate Input as to What I should try and Make

[Hairy Lime]

I'd go with option #1. Interesting narrative structure. Well executed it'll turn some heads.

 

[spencer]

I'd still write an essay. You either have an existing portfolio to pull your 'best'
work from, or you don't. Creating a project from zero, just as an attempt to get
in seems sort of redundant as thats what you're going there to learn.

The art of the school essay has some pretty good books behind it that'll take
you a long way.

There are essays involved, for sure, but there's one part that's either dramatic writing, storyboards, or a video. I figure if I show I have some frame of referrence, but mention in an essay that I'm VERY MALLEABLE when it comes to filmmaking that might give me an edge.

It also helps that my camera is nice.

 

[Greggl]

Its production value and having something compelling to say that would
have me worried. Back in the late 80's/early 90s when I was applying to
film schools, it was all essay and writing samples. I ended up at FSU for
a spell, but did get accepted to USC but was intimidated by LA (mistake
on my part).

I'd be wary of the whole 'acted by friends' aspect of a video project. Lets
face the fact that your application at most major schools is in the same pile
as the kids, nieces and nephews of industry folks as well as some rather
well off 'trust fund' film student wanna-bes.

In my experience, anyone holding the keys to these types of programs wants
to see cross media depth. They want to see a good writer that wants to learn
directing skills, a killer still photographer with an excellent portfolio that wants
to tackle narrative in motion... A visual artist that wants to be a storyteller, etc.
The non-film related activities and skills carry more weight than anything else.
Academia are just that.. at the end of the day, even film professors are
professors They have an instilled respect for the written word.

As always, your mileage may vary, etc. A killer piece of writing is just that, its
not translated through friend actors, limted access to locations, high school
production values or all the other compromises that need to be made on a film
done with 'indie' resources.

I'm not saying to avoid doing a media piece, but you're going to be up against
some killer writing... don't downplay it because the film part is more fun and
instantly expressive. You're applying to a college, first and foremost.

 

[spencer]

That's what the general consensus seems to be--a lot of people are saying that the people with the least experience are ideal, so film schools can "mold" you so to speak. But I mean, if schools are asking for videos and stuff, would a really well made video stand out against a pile of well written stories?

I mean, I can write a story, sure, but I also could take that story and make it into a film. If the film is better, I'll send the film, if not, the story will suffice.

Thanks again for all ofthe input, very much. Please keep it coming!