Help Val Achieve Her Film School Dream

Hi there, I’m Val!

I’ve dreamed of being a filmmaker since I was a kid, growing up in the middle of nowhere in a small town in the Midwest. I spent my childhood behind the scenes in theater, helping to craft sets, props, and more. As I got older, I had the opportunity to move closer to the film scene and start making movies. My dream is to become a production designer for feature films, and AFI, the #1 film school in the country, is the place that will make that dream a reality.

Little Val painting her first set ^^

Adult Val with a mural I painted for a film set ^^

The Production Design MFA program at AFI is my perfect fit. It’s focused entirely on production design, giving me the technical skills, creative foundation, and industry connections I need to succeed. I’m especially excited about their expansive alumni network and the amazing resources that will help me take the next step in my career. The opportunity to learn from experts and collaborate with future filmmakers is a dream come true, but I’m facing a challenge: the financial hurdle.

Even after receiving scholarships, financial aid, and working multiple jobs to save every penny I can (and selling every body part I can legally part with-lol), there’s still a huge gap in funding. Tuition for one year is $72,000. Realistically, $7,500 would be an incredible start and get me one step closer to paying my first semester (though raising the $72,000 would be amazing). I’m working hard to make this happen, but tuition is due in soon (panics internally), and I need your support to keep this dream alive. All money raised here will go towards tuition!

I’ve spent years building up to this point—working side gigs, taking every odd job, and doing whatever it takes to save for my future in film. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve always believed in this dream. Now, I’m asking for your help to get to AFI, where I know I’ll receive the training and support I need to succeed in the film industry. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make all the difference.

This is more than just a degree—it’s the chance to create the movies I’ve always imagined and tell the stories I believe the world needs to see. I’m just a girl from a small town with big dreams, and this opportunity is everything I’ve worked for. I’m excited to learn, grow, and eventually bring my designs to the big screen. My cat Noodle is also pretty stoked to see California, and he’s definitely rooting for me!

If you’re still on the fence about helping me out, you can check out my design portfolio here: Portfolio

And watch some of the short films I’ve made here: My YouTube Channel

Thank you so much for your support and for believing in my dreams!