Screenwriting : Writing Sample For Film School by Tony Cella

Tony: Depending on how many scripts you've written, I'd give them your most arty, adventurous one.

I agree. I'd go for the one that you feel is your best example of what you write and how you like to write.

I'm half-way finished with the first draft of an indie-comedy about a roller derby team, which is one of my stronger narrative pieces. At the same time, I have a low brow indie-comedy that's garnered the interest of a director and a production company. The second feature has a weaker story-line, but has been compared to Kevin Smith's better work and received praise for its authentic dialogue. The roller derby would be better for my portfolio, but the one that's heading toward production is more heavily revised and has been polished. Which would you go with?

Tony: Roller Derby one

Thank you both for the advice. Anyone else?

Disclaimer: I have no personal experience reading for an admissions process. Quality in any genre will win over a fair reader. In fact, taste could work in your favor. If the reader "hates" horror, but you send him a great horror script, even that harsh critic will be impressed. "Man I hate horror, but that guy won me over! Even I have to say this is a helluva horror script." You're Aces. For an application, make it about your best work. Not about the genre. No matter what happens, you'll know that you put your best work out there. No regrets! You can't control what your competition is writing and you can't control the taste of your readers. You can only control the quality of your own work, so you gotta let it ride with your best script.

That said, yeah, like Phillip said, I'd try to avoid formulaic storytelling for an application. Which doesn't mean to avoid genre conventions.

@Regina Lee: That's a good point. I'm surprised by the open mindedness because M.F.A. creative writing programs are notorious for only accepting literary fiction, as opposed to genre or commercial work. @Oliver White: Good video. Thank you.

@Tony, again, I have no experience in Academic Admissions so do not let me ruin your life!! I know a woman in USC Undergrad Admissions. Not MFA. She says, like most schools, they need a diverse class. So let's say 500 writers apply with a horror script, well, your horror script will not stand out that much in this year's applicant pool. Still, you can't control what other people are doing. You can only control your own work.

Haha. I won't let anyone else take credit for my failures, Regina. Don't worry.

Tony I am a film school graduate form Chapman University. I wrote an original drama script, so go for it, write your best.

I think they are looking for excellent writing more than specific genres.

I would reccomend go with the one you are most passionate about that represents you most since this one will likley have your best writing.

Thanks for the advice everyone.