Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree - Motion Pictures & Television

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

MFA Motion Pictures & Television Degree Requirements

Successful completion of 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