How to Apply to Dodge College’s Film and Television Producing MFA for 2025 Entry
The MFA in Film and Television Producing at Dodge College is perfect for students who want to learn how to navigate the business side of film while enhancing their creative abilities. Hands-on student productions help students master principles, theories, and techniques explored in classes taught by producers and industry executives.
By the end of the program, students will develop and defend a two-part thesis and produce advanced films. Click here to learn more about the program objectives and course offerings.
Take a look at the program overview:
FTP 674 - Entertainment Law prepares students to circumvent and effectively tackle legal issues on and off set. Towards the end of the first year, students build their skills and grow their network by taking FTV 690 - Independent Internship.
30 credits are taken across the fall, spring and summer.
Students conclude the program by taking FTP 698 - Thesis in Producing II in the spring. Students will create and orally defend their thesis project to demonstrate mastery of rights acquisition, story development, pitching, budgeting, packaging, marketing, distribution, and exhibition of motion pictures and television.
18 credits are taken across the fall and spring.
Graduates also have the option to pursue a dual degree through the Joint MBA/MFA in Film Producing program and the Joint JD/MFA in Film Producing program.
The Joint MBA/MFA* is offered through the Argyros College of Business and Economics and Dodge College. The program combines financial management, marketing management, and accounting fundamentals with filmmaking, specifically for graduates interested in a management or executive role at a film production company, a studio or television network, or a talent agency.
The Joint JD/MFA* is offered through the Fowler School of Law and Dodge College. The program explores drafting and negotiating contracts, copyright law, and other legal aspects of film. Students are prepared to act as legal counsel or producers on film studios, at talent agencies, and at production companies.
(*Each program has its own set of admissions requirements. Only first-year Fowler School of Law students can apply for the dual JD/MFA.)
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley College
Log line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.
By the end of the program, students will develop and defend a two-part thesis and produce advanced films. Click here to learn more about the program objectives and course offerings.
Take a look at the program overview:
Year 1
Students learn the ins and outs of production and managing narrative films in courses such as FS 502 - Evolution of Narrative Film I and FP 531 - Production Workshop I. To become well-rounded and prepared to collaborate with every key player on set, students also take SW 527 - Fundamentals of Screenwriting and FTP 566 - Story Development for Producers.FTP 674 - Entertainment Law prepares students to circumvent and effectively tackle legal issues on and off set. Towards the end of the first year, students build their skills and grow their network by taking FTV 690 - Independent Internship.
30 credits are taken across the fall, spring and summer.
Year 2
In the second and final year of study, students develop a creative portfolio to actualize their artistic aspirations and gain a foothold into the industry. FTP 562 - The Development Process of Film and Television covers all the fundamentals of producing major motion pictures, not limited to developing current events, movies of the week, and how producers best collaborate with screenwriters and studio-network executives. FTP 564 - Film and Television Financing explores how producers can develop a budget and save money during the producing and marketing phase.Students conclude the program by taking FTP 698 - Thesis in Producing II in the spring. Students will create and orally defend their thesis project to demonstrate mastery of rights acquisition, story development, pitching, budgeting, packaging, marketing, distribution, and exhibition of motion pictures and television.
18 credits are taken across the fall and spring.
Consider a dual MBA/MFA or JD/MFA program
Graduates also have the option to pursue a dual degree through the Joint MBA/MFA in Film Producing program and the Joint JD/MFA in Film Producing program.
The Joint MBA/MFA* is offered through the Argyros College of Business and Economics and Dodge College. The program combines financial management, marketing management, and accounting fundamentals with filmmaking, specifically for graduates interested in a management or executive role at a film production company, a studio or television network, or a talent agency.
The Joint JD/MFA* is offered through the Fowler School of Law and Dodge College. The program explores drafting and negotiating contracts, copyright law, and other legal aspects of film. Students are prepared to act as legal counsel or producers on film studios, at talent agencies, and at production companies.
(*Each program has its own set of admissions requirements. Only first-year Fowler School of Law students can apply for the dual JD/MFA.)
How to apply
- Prepare your application materials: Follow the steps outlined in “Dodge College’s General Admissions Requirements for Graduates in 2024-2025.”
- Submit the Creative Portfolio:Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrate your potential in production, focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation, like so:
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley College
Log line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.
- Transformational Moment Video Essay: Create a short video essay between two (2) and five (5) minutes in length. Your video should describe a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of the human condition as a result of this experience. The Admissions Committee is primarily looking for your strengths at conveying a story visually and for evidence of your creativity rather than your technical abilities.
- Project Description Essay: Submit a two page essay that describes a large project or event that you planned where you were required to work within a team. Explain some of the challenges you faced, how you handled them, and how the project ultimately turned out. Also describe how you might handle a large project differently next time. Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.
