MFA in Screenwriting

Program Overview

The MFA in Screenwriting at MSMU is a low-residency program that combines online coursework with in-person opportunities. It provides intensive training in writing for movies and television, with a focus on multiplicity, adaptiveness, and a broad creative spirit. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the film and media industry, including as screenwriters, TV writers, and filmmakers.

Program Outline

Outline

#Program Content

• Intensive study in writing for movies and television.
• Coursework in narrative forms such as novels, playwriting, and adaptation of those forms for the screen.
• Training in techniques of production, editing, directing, cinematography, and writing for interactive media.
• Skills in creating a budget, seeking funding, and understanding the business aspects of the film, television, and media industries.
• Prepares students for the "new" Hollywood – decentralized, streaming-oriented, and independent filmmaking.
• Focuses on multiplicity, adaptiveness, and a broad creative spirit.
• Strong teaching faculty from both Creative Writing and Film, Television, and Photography programs.
• Ample opportunity to create multiple film projects while in residency.
• #Program Structure
• Low Residency Format: The majority of courses are completed online with real-time discussions.
• In-Person Opportunities: Some courses offer the option to attend 2 out of 6 class sessions in person per semester for deeper conversations and equipment training.
• Flexibility: Faculty are flexible and work with students to accommodate scheduling needs.
• Degree Requirements: Completion of 48 units.
• Program Duration: 2-3 years.
• #Modules
• FLM Foundations (12 units):
• Digital Video Production
• Short Film Development
• Editing 1
• Sound Design 1
• CRW Foundations (12 units):
• Writing for the Screen 1
• Adapting Literary Works for the Screen
• Auteur Theory
• Novel Writing 1 or 2
• Core Courses (12 Units):
• 6 units from CRW and 6 units from FLM.
• Options include:
• Screenwriting 2
• Developing the TV Series
• Professional Screenwriting & the Art of the Rewrite
• Playwriting 1
• Memoir
• Novella
• Playwriting 2
• Production Workshop A: Screenwriting
• Writing the Interactive Story
• Writing for Television
• Thesis Proposal and Thesis (12 units):
• Thesis 1
• Thesis 2
• Thesis 3
• Final Review and Oral Defense:
• Thesis Advisory Panel formed with coordinators/advisors from CRW and FLM.
• May include additional advisors or readers.
• Final Thesis Project consists of two long format pieces (e.g., feature film, television pilot) and a 3-5 minute video example of written work.
• #Sample Course Schedule
• Year 1:
• Fall: Writing for the Screen, Auteur Theory, Adapting Literary Works for the Screen
• Spring: Editing 1, Digital Video Production, Playwriting 1
• Summer: (Optional)
• Year 2:
• Fall: Novel Writing 1, Novella, Thesis 1
• Spring: Developing the TV Series, Screenwriting 2, Production Workshop A: Screenwriting
• Summer: (Optional)
• Year 3:
• Fall: Short Film Development, Sound Design 1

Teaching

• Small Class Sizes: Each entering class has 5-10 students for an intimate learning experience.
• Faculty Expertise: Strong teaching faculty from both Creative Writing and Film, Television, and Photography programs.
• Interactive Learning: Lively discussions and real-time interactions in online classes.
• Flexibility: Faculty work with students to accommodate scheduling needs.

Careers

• Potential Career Paths: Screenwriter, TV writer, playwright, novelist, filmmaker, multimedia writer, content creator.
• Opportunities: Work in film, television, streaming platforms, independent productions, and interactive media.
• Outcomes: Graduates well-prepared for the current film and media landscape, with the ability to handle multiple aspects of getting a story on screen.

Other

• Continued Learning: Students encouraged to take or audit The Business of Screenwriting course (1 unit) before or after graduation.
• Small Class Sizes: fosters vibrant interactions and close bonds with classmates and networking opportunities.
• Workplace as Lab: Encourages students to bring their professional experience to class and apply learnings in real-time.