Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Motion Pictures & Television
Academy of Art University
Key Information
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance learning, On-Campus
Duration
6 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 1,276 *
Application deadline
Request Info
Earliest start date
Jun 2024
* per unit for international students | $1,218 per unit for domestic students. Additional fees apply
Introduction
The School of Motion Pictures & Television’s MFA program offers in-depth, advanced training in the various areas of film and television production. Depending on the area of specialization, the MFA program culminates in a thesis film or professional reel/portfolio. Areas of study include directing, producing, cinematography, editing, production design, and screenwriting. Students are prepared to compete for work in the industry or to teach, as the MFA is a terminal degree.
Unit Requirements
Degree Requirements
MFA Motion Pictures & Television Degree Requirements
- Successful completion of the Final Thesis Project
- Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
- 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic course
- 1 Cross-Cultural Understanding course
Program Outcome
Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Editing
- Demonstrate advanced–level achievement in editing through both thesis films and various other projects
- Demonstrate proficiency in post-production technology and techniques
- Demonstrate proficiency in at least three different editing programs
- Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel and website
- Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams
Screenwriting
- Propose a story that is marketable and/or appealing to a general audience for development into a thesis film (Midpoint Review only)
- Write shorts that are of sufficient quality to be approved for thesis production (Final Review only)
- Deliver a feature script or original TV pilot demonstrating command of story structure, character development, and dialogue and principles
- Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams
Cinematography
- Demonstrate advanced-level achievement in cinematography through thesis films and various other projects (Final Review only)
- Work effectively with various cameras, lenses, and accessories
- Design and execute creative lighting schemes
- Effectively manage a scene for coverage
- Apply principles of composition and camera movements to enhance the story
- Collaborate effectively with grip, camera, and electric teams
- Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel and website
Directing
- Propose a story that is marketable and/or appealing to a general audience for development into a thesis film (Midpoint Review only)
- Demonstrate advanced-level achievement in directing through completion of an approved thesis project (Final Review only)
- Guide a crew in preproduction, production, and postproduction to execute effective choices that serve the story
- Elicit engaging and believable performances from actors
- Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel and website
- Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams
Producing
- Propose a story that is marketable and/or appealing to a general audience for development into a thesis film (Midpoint Review only)
- Demonstrate advanced-level achievement by producing two or more thesis films (Final Review only)
- Acquire or originate and develop material for a project that can be pitched in a professional setting
- Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel or website
- Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams
Production Design
- Design the look of at least two thesis films based on the director’s vision, including choosing locations, creating settings, selecting props, and dressing sets. (Final Review only)
- Communicate design concepts through basic drawing skills and visual presentations
- Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel and website
- Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
Curriculum
Semester 1
- MPT 605: Film Language Studio
Major / 3 Units
- MPT 618: Writer-Director Intensive 1
Major / 3 Units
- MPT 625: Editing Concepts
Major / 3 Units
Semester 2
- GLA 603: Anthropology: Experiencing Culture
Graduate Liberal Arts / 3 Units / Recommended for summer
- GLA 605: Motion Picture Theory & Style
Graduate Liberal Arts / 3 Units / Recommended for summer
- MPT 616: Directing Actors for Motion Pictures
Major / 3 Units
- MPT 641: Visual Storytelling
Major / 3 Units
- MPT 688: Development: Finding Material and Influencing Writers
Major / 3 Units
Semester 3
- MPT 644: Directors Rehearsing Actors
Major / 3 Units
- MPT 651: A Director Prepares
Major / 3 Units
- MPT 664: Organic Blocking for Camera
Major / 3 Units
Semester 4
- ACT 640: Movement: Creating Physical Character
Elective / 3 Units
- GLA 714: Acting
Graduate Liberal Arts / 3 Units / Recommended for summer
- MPT 800: Directed Study
Directed Studies / 3 Units
Semester 5
- ACT 640: Movement: Creating Physical Character
Elective / 3 Units
- MPT 800: Directed Study
Directed Studies / 3 Units
Semester 6
- MPT 773: Entertainment Professional Practices
Major / 3 Units
- MPT 800: Directed Study
Directed Studies / 3 Units
- MPT 900: Internship
Directed Studies / 3 Units
Gallery
English Language Requirements
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