Objectives
The School of Film and Television’s major in Film and Television Production is designed to enable students to express their ideas on the screen-whether that screen is in a theater, at home, or held in one’s hand. Beyond the existing television and theatrical feature landscape, new forms of media empower a single person to be both a worldwide broadcaster and a very selective receiver. Digital technologies have created new ways of working that transcend the traditional distinctions between film and television. The Film and Television Production major combines the best of both of these fields.
Students admitted to this rigorous major become quickly immersed in the art of storytelling for the screen. They encounter and study great works of world cinema, both past and present, and ponder the ramifications of the emerging media of the future. They receive expert hands-on training in writing the screenplay, directing actors, cinematography, sound recording and design, and editing. In the process, each student learns about the challenging relationship between art and technique, and how both serve each other. Students learn the practical aspects of mounting a production: budgeting, location scouting, casting, set design and construction, post production, and the importance of safety in all aspects of what they do. Complete premier state of the art equipment and technology are available 24/7–all in service of story. Through teamwork, students learn an appreciation for all of the artists who labor to serve the story, and the camaraderie that comes from working as part of a crew engaged in a large, collaborative creative enterprise.
Students also learn to find their individual voices, and express their own points of view, on projects driven by their own creative choices. Beginning with their work on a series of short and intermediate films, students forge the fundamental skills of visual storytelling. Each student’s experience culminates with a final project in which advanced students create their own thesis films.
Film and Television Production Student Learning Outcomes
Film History and Context
By studying a diverse canon of great films and filmmakers, students will gain a broad understanding of the history and socio-historical contexts of American and global film, television, and emerging media to inspire them to create transformative works of their own.
Storytelling
Students will master the methods of visual storytelling–through screenwriting, camera placement and movement, lighting, blocking and performance, post-production picture and sound–to create content with unique cinematic expression and engaging dramatic structure.
Technical Proficiency
Students will demonstrate mastery of the components and processes in at least one of the following areas of specialization: Creative Producing, Fiction Directing, Non-Fiction Directing, Cinematography, or Post-Production.
Voice and Creativity
By analyzing past historical works and applying technical and storytelling skills, students will be able to produce works with a strong personal voice that show vision and imagination.
Collaboration
Students will work constructively to problem solve and collaborate in diverse teams to create impactful media.
M.F.A. in Film and Television Production Requirements
First Semester Requirements |
12 semester hours |
Program Requirements |
39 semester hours |
Thesis Requirements |
9 semester hours |
Overall Total |
60 semester hours |
M.F.A. in Film and Television Production Guidelines
- Proper sequencing of major requirements is indicated by prerequisites of individual courses and as noted in the outline below. Consult assigned academic advisor.
- First semester courses (PROD 500 , PROD 541 , PROD 566 , and SCWR 501 ) must be completed with a grade of B- or higher. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification from the program, based on review of an exceptions committee. Students who receive a grade lower than a B- in any class may not continue with the standard sequence until they repeat the course when it is next offered. A course may be repeated only once. If a passing grade of B- is received, the student may continue with the standard course sequence in the program.
- Thesis requirements are specific to the student’s selected Specialization, detailed below. Consult the Graduate Director regarding requirements for Advancement to Candidacy and Thesis Submittal.
- Probation/Dismissal: See Academic Standing in Academic Degree Requirements and Policies .
- SAFETY: Since the School of Film and Television is fully committed to safety and sensible risk management, every student will be required to adhere to all safety and risk management policies. The School considers violation of the Safety and Risk Management policies infractions of the LMU Student Honor Code. In accordance with the Honor Code guidelines and process, disciplinary measures may range from warnings, to failure in the course to expulsion from the University. Additionally, any footage acquired during the commission of a violation of these policies will be disallowed from the project. Students in violation of SFTV policies also risk suspension of privileges. Privileges include access to SFTV Production and Post Production resources and equipment and participating at the end of the semester screenings. When a violation occurs, the instructor, the appropriate department chair, HOPA, and the graduate director will meet to determine whether and to what extent the student shall incur temporary loss of privileges, or they may jointly make a recommendation to the dean for permanent loss of privileges.
Cinematography Specialization
Spring Semester
- PROD 675 Thesis Portfolio 3 semester hours
- Advanced Elective: Select three semester hours from PROD 580 Music Video Production, PROD 598 Special Studies (topics specified by Chair), PROD 666 Advanced Editing, PROD 680 Advanced Directing Seminar, PROD 684 Visual Design or PROD 685 (topics specified by Chair, including Post Production Supervisor Workshop (2 semester hours), PROD 685 DIT Workshop (1 semester hour). Nine total semester hours are required for the degree. Other courses by permission only. 3 semester hours
- FTVS Elective–Film, Television, and Media Studies: Select one course (or three3 semester hours) from FTVS 500 or 600 level. 3 semester hours
Final Deliverables–Cinematography Specialization
- 2-4 minute cinematography reel (reviewed by Thesis Committee)
- 25-60 minutes of content produced from project collaborations with students in PROD 650, PROD 490/PROD 492, and/or WPTV Thesis Projects. Other projects (e.g. music videos, PROD 600, Thesis films with students at other graduate institutions, professional work shot during the applicant’s final year) accepted at the discretion of the Thesis Committee. Must include a minimum of three projects.
- Online portfolio/website (reviewed by Thesis Committee)
- A completed personal marketing package
Creative Producing Specialization
Spring Semester
- PROD 675 Thesis Portfolio 3 semester hours
- Advanced Elective: Select three semester hours from PROD 598 Special Studies (topics specified by Chair), PROD 631 Web Series Development, PROD 635 Film and Television Development, SCWR 551 Feature Screenwriting, or SCWR 635 Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis, SCWR 598 Writing Original Pilot. 3 semester hours
- FTVS Elective–Film, Television, and Media Studies: Select one course (or three semester hours) from FTVS 500 or 600 level 3 semester hours
Final Deliverables–Creative Producing Specialization
- Work as a Producer on at least two PROD 650, PROD 600 or WPTV Thesis projects, managing the project from pre-production through post-production. Submit links to finished films and a three-page reflection on the experience.
- Complete a Thesis Project, consisting of a bible, pitching materials, business marketing strategy, pitch presentation for industry, and a look book.
- A web series idea composed of either a written treatment and visual pitch OR a completed digital proof of concept (POC).
- A rip/tone reel or visual sales tool for a web series, TV show or feature.
Directing Fiction Specialization
Spring Semester
- FTVS 513 Seminar in American Film 3 semester hours
- SCWR 620 Writing the Production Thesis Screenplay 3 semester hours
- Advanced Elective: Select three semester hours from PROD 598 Special Studies (topics specified by Chair), PROD 631 Web Series Development, PROD 635 Film and Television Development, PROD 664 Visual Effects, PROD 666 Advanced Editing, PROD 680 Advanced Directing Seminar, PROD 684 Visual Design, PROD 685 Advanced Production Seminar (topics specified by Chair), PROD 687 Actor Workshop, PROD 688 Directing the Camera (Spring only), SCWR 551 Feature Screenwriting: Writing and Producing for TV, or SCWR 635 Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis. Nine total semester hours are required for the degree. Other courses by permission only. 3 semester
- FTVA 688 Intern Practicum 0 TO 3 semester hours (enroll in 0 semester hours)
Fall Semester
- FTVS 514 Seminar in International Film 3 semester hours
- PROD 650 Thesis Project I: Pre-Production and Production 3 semester hours (must earn B- or higher)
- Advanced Elective: Select three semester hours from PROD 598 Special Studies (topics specified by Chair), PROD 631 Web Series Development, PROD 635 Film and Television Development, PROD 664 Visual Effects, PROD 666 Advanced Editing, PROD 680 Advanced Directing Seminar, PROD 684 Visual Design, PROD 685 Advanced Production Seminar (topics specified by Chair), PROD 687 Actor Workshop, PROD 688 Directing the Camera (Spring only), SCWR 551 Feature Screenwriting: Writing and Producing for TV, or SCWR 635 Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis. Nine total semester hours are required for the degree. Other courses by permission only. 3 semester hours
Spring Semester
- PROD 670 Thesis Project II: Post-Production 3 semester hours
- Advanced Elective: Select three semester hours from PROD 598 Special Studies (topics specified by Chair), PROD 631 Web Series Development, PROD 635 Film and Television Development, PROD 664 Visual Effects, PROD 666 Advanced Editing, PROD 680 Advanced Directing Seminar, PROD 684 Visual Design, PROD 685 Advanced Production Seminar (topics specified by Chair), PROD 687 Actor Workshop, PROD 688 Directing the Camera (Spring only), SCWR 551 Feature Screenwriting: Writing and Producing for TV, or SCWR 635 Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis. Nine total semester hours are required for the degree. Other courses by permission only. 3 semester hours
- FTVS Elective - Film, Television, and Media Studies: Select one course (or three semester hours) from FTVS 500 or 600 level. 3 semester hours
Final Deliverables–Directing Fiction Specialization
- Completed fiction film 8-15 minutes in length
- Festival plan and promotional materials
Directing Non-Fiction Specialization
Spring Semester
- PROD 626 Pre-Production for Documentary Thesis 3 semester hours
- Advanced Elective: Select three semester hours from PROD 598 Special Studies (topics specified by Chair), PROD 635 Film and Television Development, PROD 639 Producing Master Class, PROD 664 Visual Effects, PROD 666 Advanced Editing, PROD 680 Advanced Directing Seminar, PROD 684 Visual Design, or PROD 685 Advanced Production Seminar (topics specified by Chair), PROD 687 Actor Workshop, PROD 688 Directing the Camera; SCWR 635 Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis. Nine total semester hours are required for the degree. Other courses by permission only. 3 semester hours
- FTVS Elective–Film, Television, and Media Studies: Select one course (or three semester hours) from FTVS 500 or 600 level. 3 semester hours
- FTVA 688 Intern Practicum 0 TO 3 semester hours (enroll in 0 semester hours)
Spring Semester
- PROD 670 Thesis Project II: Post-Production 3 semester hours
- Advanced Elective: Select three semester hours from PROD 598 Special Studies (topics specified by Chair), PROD 635 Film and Television Development, PROD 639 Producing Master Class, PROD 664 Visual Effects, PROD 666 Advanced Editing, PROD 680 Advanced Directing Seminar, PROD 684 Visual Design, PROD 685 Advanced Production Seminar (topics specified by Chair), PROD 687 Actor Workshop, PROD 688 Directing the Camera; SCWR 635 Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis. Nine total semester hours are required for the degree. Other courses by permission only. 3 semester hours
- FTVS 513 Seminar in American Film 3 semester hours
Final Deliverables–Directing Non-Fiction Specialization
- Completed non-fiction film 8-20 minutes in length
- Festival plan and promotional materials
Spring Semester
- FTVS 513 Seminar in American Film 3 semester hours
- Two Advanced Electives: Select six semester hours from PROD 567 Practicum in Color Correction, PROD 598 Special Studies (topics specified by Chair), PROD 642 Cinematography II, PROD 664 Visual Effects, PROD 685 Advanced Production Seminar (topics specified by Chair, including Post Production Supervisor Workshop (2 semester hours), DIT Workshop (1 semester hour)), RECA 568 Advanced Post-Production Sound, or SCWR 635 Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis. Nine semester hours are required for the degree. Other courses by permission only. 6 semester hours
- FTVA 688 Intern Practicum 0 TO 3 semester hours (enroll in 0 semester hours)
Fall Semester
- FTVS 514 Seminar in International Film 3 semester hours
- PROD 666 Advanced Editing 3 semester hours
- Advanced Elective: Select three semester hours from PROD 567 Practicum in Color Correction, PROD 598 Special Studies (topics specified by Chair), PROD 642 Cinematography II, PROD 664 Visual Effects, PROD 685 Advanced Production Seminar (topics specified by Chair, including Post Production Supervisor Workshop (2 semester hours), DIT Workshop (1 semester hour), RECA 568 Advanced Post-Production Sound, or SCWR 635 Advanced Motion Picture Script Analysis. Nine semester hours are required for the degree. Other courses by permission only. 3 semester hours
Final Deliverables–Editing Specialization
- 2-5 minute editing reel (reviewed by Thesis Committee)
- Online portfolio/website (reviewed by Thesis Committee)
- Trailers for completed films (reviewed by Thesis Committee)
- 25 to 60 minutes of edited content for Graduate Thesis films (PROD or WPTV). Other projects (e.g. feature film, music videos, PROD 490 /PROD 600 ) accepted at the discretion of the Thesis Committee. Must include a minimum of two projects.
- Post-production schedules, budgets, and workflow maps/outlines for each project.
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