| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Feature Film Production MFA program is a rigorous film production program designed for practitioners who demonstrate a commitment to the expressive potential of filmmaking and the exploration of non-traditional distribution modes. The program emphasizes storytelling through cinema, encouraging students to find their personal style. It develops graduates who can compete in the worlds of national and international independent filmmaking.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Feature Film Production MFA is a terminal degree, the highest degree awarded to filmmakers or film artists. It is a highly selective and rigorous professional film production program designed for film practitioners and visual artists who demonstrate a commitment to the expressive potential of filmmaking and the exploration of non-traditional modes of distribution. The program aims to produce graduates with mastery of storytelling through cinema, encouraging them to find their personal style. It emphasizes story, performance, aesthetic choice, business, and creative thinking. The program develops graduates who can compete in the worlds of national and international independent filmmaking.
Outline:
- Modality: Students will pursue a modality – narrative, documentary, or experimental – for their thesis film, or body of work, during their first two semesters in the program.
- Core Required Courses: All MFA candidates must take the core required courses.
- Electives: Students will choose electives that best match their modalities and interests.
- Thesis Project: Upon completion of the degree, each student will have produced a micro-budget digital feature film or equivalent body of work that meets standards outlined in the Program Graduate Handbook. Students will also have prepared a marketing strategy for its distribution and exhibition.
- Funding: Graduates are responsible for funding their own thesis projects, including fundraising and soliciting investors where needed. Historically, graduates have produced feature films within the budget range of 5-25K. Budgetary needs can vary greatly depending on the scope and modality of the thesis. Consulting with the thesis committee regarding the appropriate budgetary scale is advised for all students. Budgets exceeding 50K are strongly discouraged.
Assessment:
- Thesis Project: The thesis project must be reviewed by the faculty adviser throughout the production process, and meet agreed upon criteria within a stated time frame.
- Screening/Exhibition: Once the thesis project is completed, candidates must have a screening or exhibition of the work and meet with the thesis advisory committee for final approval and oral defense.
Teaching:
- Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are active in the film industry.
Careers:
- Independent Filmmaking: The program develops graduates who can compete in the worlds of national and international independent filmmaking.
Other:
- Program Prerequisites: A BA or BFA in film production is preferred, however, degrees in the following areas are acceptable if accompanied by a strong video portfolio: Animation, Art, Cinema Studies, Communication, English/Creative Writing, Game Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Journalism, Photography, Radio/TV.
- Equipment Fee: Students in the Feature Film Production MFA program pay a $90 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. Courses containing a production element may charge an additional materials and equipment fee.
