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Experienced Writing & Film Tutor -- MFA from USC, BA from Columbia
Ariana B.

5.0 (115 ratings)

549 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $100
Contact Ariana
Response time: 39 minutes

About Ariana

Bio

Hi there—I’m a Columbia and USC grad with over a decade of experience in writing and film. I’m here to help students become more confident in their creativity—whether you’re crafting a standout college essay, polishing your script, or tackling a tough writing assignment. I also enjoy helping students with acting, photography as well as every aspect of film production — from writing to storyboarding to cinematography to editing.

For years, I’ve successfully tutored people of all ages—from 9...

Hi there—I’m a Columbia and USC grad with over a decade of experience in writing and film. I’m here to help students become more confident in their creativity—whether you’re crafting a standout college essay, polishing your script, or tackling a tough writing assignment. I also enjoy helping students with acting, photography as well as every aspect of film production — from writing to storyboarding to cinematography to editing.

For years, I’ve successfully tutored people of all ages—from 9 to 90 years old. I’ve helped students get into their first-choice schools, complete academic work they’re proud of, finish creative projects, and build skills in writing, acting, filmmaking, and even camera use. I support students in achieving goals that matter to them.

I’ve studied creative writing and film extensively — I earned my BA in English Literature from Columbia and my MFA in Film Production from USC. My own college essay helped me gain admission to several top-tier schools, and I love helping students do the same. I’ve also written and directed award-winning films that have been featured at festivals around the world. My own creative experiences allow me to empathize with students and help them work through any blocks or struggles. In addition, my SAT score placed me in the 98th percentile overall and 99th in writing.

I tutor:
-✍️ College admission and personal essays
- 🎬 Anything and everything to do with film and screenwriting (film editing, photography, cinematography, script structure, revisions, acting, directing, storytelling)
- 🧠 Academic essays, grammar, editing, and creative writing

My approach is supportive and tailored to your needs—I believe the best work happens when you feel safe to be inspired. If you're looking for a non-judgmental space to improve your writing or creative skills, let’s talk. I’d love to hear what you’re working on and see if we’re a good fit!

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Education

(2) Columbia University NY
English Literature
(1) University of Southern California
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $100
  • Rate details: If a student misses, arrives late to, or leaves early from a lesson, the full scheduled time will still be charged, as that time has been reserved exclusively for them.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Acting

Acting

I’ve been a professional actor for decades and have trained at acting schools around the world—including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). I’m familiar with a wide range of acting techniques, from Method acting (and its many variations) to classic British approaches. This breadth of knowledge and experience allows me to adapt my coaching to what works best for each student’s unique style and goals.
Creative Writing

Creative Writing

Given that I have my MFA in Film Production where I specialized in screenwriting, that I have also worked in script development at a production company, and that I earned my BA in Literature where I took several creative writing courses, I have been fortunate to cultivate an extensive background in creative writing.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I have a BA in Literature and a Master’s degree in Film Production, where I specialized in writing. With years of experience helping students craft strong, compelling essays, I bring both academic expertise and a deep understanding of storytelling to my work.
Fiction Writing

Fiction Writing

Given that I have my MFA in Film Production where I specialized in screenwriting, that I have also worked in script development at a production company, and that I earned my BA in Literature where I took many fiction writing courses, I have been fortunate to cultivate an extensive background in fiction writing. I have also successfully helped many students with their fiction projects..
Film

Film

I have an MFA from USC in Film Production where I learned about every aspect of filmmaking and film theory. I also took many courses on film theory and filmmaking at Columbia. I have worked in just about every aspect of production—I worked as a writers PA on two shows and interned at another, I have done freelance work video editing, and I also worked in development for a year and a half for a production company helping writers make their scripts better. While at my MFA program, I helped other students extensively to make their work the best it could be.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

I have helped hundreds of students craft personal statements they're proud of -- essays that have helped them gain admission to their first choice colleges and graduate programs. Along the way, students become more confident writers and learn to express their unique voice and background. Since personal statements are so important to an application, I work closely with students to make sure their stories feel authentic and stand out. In the past, I have had UC readers directly review my students' essays, giving me firsthand knowledge about what admissions officers look for. These experiences have helped me guide students more effectively and efficiently throughout the process. Also, thanks to my master's degree in film production (where I specialized in writing), experience developing professional scripts in a film studio, and a career built around writing, I bring my own understanding of storytelling as I help others.
Photography

Photography

I have taken many classes for photography and cinematography--at UCLA, USC, and online. I majored in cinematography (and writing) during my MFA in Film Production at USC. For this degree, I studied not only cinematography but also many photographic techniques.
Theater

Theater

I have been a professional actor for decades. I have also attended acting classes all over the world--including at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. I am also knowledgeable about many types of acting--from the Method and its many iterations to the British techniques as well.
Video Production

Video Production

I have an MFA from USC in Film Production where I learned about every aspect of filmmaking and film theory. I also took many courses on film theory and filmmaking at Columbia. I have worked in just about every aspect of production—I worked as a writers PA on two shows and interned at another, I have done freelance work video editing, and I also worked in development for a year and a half for a production company helping writers make their scripts better. While at my MFA program, I helped other students extensively to make their work the best it could be.
Grammar
Literature
Proofreading
Reading
Writing
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Response time: 39 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (115 ratings)
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(115)
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Reviews

Amazing Tutor!

Ariana showed me multiple ways to get in touch with my character voices. I feel like I will draw from her teaching for years into the future. She is very knowledgable and insightful. Her observation skills allow her to see what works and what does not for her students, and she has a supportive manner in redirecting her student to what will work even better. I am grateful for her teaching.

Kevin, 1 lesson with Ariana

Tremendous help

Ariana is extremely insightful with a such wonderful perspective on playwriting and dramatic elements. She has a great sense of story building and an ability to articulate that into actionable feedback. Looking forward to more sessions.

Dani, 9 lessons with Ariana

Very helpful

Alana is awesome. Ariana did an excellent job to help my son to write this college essay. She made his story more vivid and detailed. She is just a fun person to work with.

Bin, 3 lessons with Ariana

Well prepared tutor

Ariana is very punctual, professional and well prepared tutor. She understands the needs of her students and helps the best possible way. Thank you! Highly recommended

Nick, 1 lesson with Ariana

Great class and a teacher that cares

Ariana was prepared, she heard my needs for the class and delivered what I wanted to know more about. The hour went fast and she was very kind. My request was a mix from storytelling in cinema to how to write and somehow we managed to go through all the material

Zahra, 1 lesson with Ariana
Hourly Rate: $100
Response time: 39 minutes
Contact Ariana