Applicant FAQ

1. Why aren’t you taking hyphenates? I want to be a writer-director.

We designed First Team to create opportunities for as many USC alumni as possible and to emphasize the teamwork necessary to succeed in the industry. We believe our writing, directing, and producing alumni offer special skill sets from each discipline. First Team participants benefit from other alums’ talent and knowledge – and the program helps propel three careers.

If you want to be a writer-director, writer-producer, producer-director, we suggest developing other projects outside of the program as a hyphenate and work on one First Team project in the capacity you enjoy the most. You may create more synergy for your own career and discover things about your strengths you didn’t know.

2. I’m very excited about this program. What happens next?

We are only accepting applications through our website. There are no interviews. If we need more information (bios, résumés, samples, etc.) we will contact you via email and request a PDF. Once we review all the applications, we’ll notify the participants by email. If for some reason a participant cannot participate in the program, is not (or does not become) a member of the SCA Network, or fails to pay the First Team participation fee by the deadline, we will go to our waiting list. We will notify our waiting list selectees via email or phone. Please see our website for all deadlines on our program-at-glance page.

3. Do I have to be a member of the SCA Network to apply to First Team?

No. Any SCA alumni may apply to USC First Team. However, if you’re selected to participate in the program and you’re not already a current member of the SCA Network you’ll need to join promptly.

Go to the SCA Network website to see if you’re eligible to be an SCA Network member. Their address is cinema.usc.edu/network.

4. This is a great program. How can key creatives get involved?

We know there are many talented key creative alumni. Right now, we’re focusing on the development process. We very much want to get projects off the ground. This will take time. Once our teams assemble, we’ll have a better understanding of their needs. If and when our teams need key creatives, you better believe we’ll be coming to our SCA Network! At this point, it’s premature to make decisions about production and post-production, but have no fear, we have several ideas in mind to bridge this gap when the time comes.

5. Why do you have a limited number of individual slots?

We are limited by several factors, including the ratio of applicants from the different disciplines, available meeting space, the range of industry affiliates, the need for quality assurance, and the demands of our day jobs. Henry, Kam and Barbara are all working professionals. We’re very excited about First Team, but we are donating our time.

6. How will you choose the teams we’ll be assigned to?

Actually, our participants choose their own team members. There are no assigned teams. At the kick-off event, we’ll simply facilitate folks meeting each other. To get more information on how to maximize your experience, please see our Applicant information and Rules of Participation pages

7. Why aren’t you taking TV projects?

The television development process works in a very specific way, and it’s very writer-centric. You can’t encumber a TV pilot with a director or producer; the project just wouldn’t go. As TV changes, the development model may change, too.

8. I don’t have any projects that will work for First Team this year, but I still want to be involved. May I volunteer to help?

Absolutely, you may volunteer to help. We’ll need some extra hands at the kick-off event. Please let us know if you’d like to be added to our volunteer database.

9. I met so many great people at the kick-off event, I want to be on five teams!

You can, just not through this program. Individual participants can only be a part of two USC First Teams. You many choose to be involved with one feature and one new media project OR two new media projects. We know how time-consuming developing a quality, industry-ready project is. We want to showcase your very best work.

10. What is the time commitment for the teams?

We understand our alumni have been working hard making a living and pursuing their dreams. We see USC First Team as an adjunct to your existing career plan, an extra boost to what you are already doing. You’ll probably need to burn some midnight oil to push your project to completion, but you are in charge of your career. You decide how much you want to work on this project. You should ask your prospective teammates how much time they want to devote to the project. We think it’s important to find teammates who want to work as hard as you.

Beyond the Kick-off Networking event, you’ll also need to attend the momentum seminars. Please see the program at-a-glance page.