Loyola Marymount University: How to Apply for 2025, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as an LMU SFTV Film Student

Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television (LMU SFTV) remains one of the top West Coast film schools. In 2024, The Hollywood Reporter ranked LMU SFTV no. 5 among the top U.S. film schools for the second consecutive year. And In 2022, FilmSchool.org named LMU SFTV runner-up for Best Producing Program.

The film school emphasizes teamwork and welcomes filmmakers with all levels of experience. The 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and top-notch facilities help film students build lasting connections and tell stories that inspire, educate, and unite audiences. 70% of undergraduates complete a film industry internship. Even more impressive, 83% of undergraduates finds industry jobs within six months of graduation.

LMU SFTV also consistently strives to embrace new trends and technology. In 2024, the film school launched its Producing and Screenwriting with AI course, and next March, students can attend the AI-focused Innovators Film Festival.

What is it like to study film at Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television?​

LMU SFTV is located in the Silicon Beach neighborhood of Los Angeles, situated between Playa Vista and Westchester. The campus is surrounded by stunning views of the Pacific and is just a short bus or car ride away from Santa Monica.

LMU's film program has five key learning outcomes for all students:

1. Film History and Context: Learn the historical and sociocultural foundations of American and global film, television, and new media.
2. Storytelling: Become highly adept in all methods of visual storytelling, such as screenwriting, camera placement, lighting, blocking, performance, and post-production methodologies.
3. Technical Proficiency: Develop expertise in the specialization of your choice.
4. Voice and Creativity: Develop creative work that builds on the film industry canon and reflects your unique voice as a filmmaker.
5. Collaboration: Network and expand your skill set by engaging in group exercises and/or thesis projects.

The Westchester and Playa Vista campuses offer 24/7 access to cutting-edge filmmaking facilities and equipment. Film students use editing suites and advanced color correction suites outfitted with iMac Pros, reference monitors, 4K TVs, and Tangent Element Coloring Surfaces, and more; projects are accessible at any campus. Film students can also shoot on 35mm and screen their films at the Mayer Theater, a 126-seat venue at the Westchester campus.

The University is not only centrally located to Hollywood, but also helps students connect with industry players by hosting numerous events. In 2023, LMU SFTV hosted the Sundance Film Festival panel "What's Next?" to examine the future of the industry with 10 students in attendance. In 2024, LMU SFTV collaborated with the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) to host "LMU Greek Cinema: Homage to Dionysus," a celebration of 24 years of Greek cinema at the University. In addition, the 2024 Justice on Trial Film Festival was held on campus.

LMU SFTV emphasizes community and supporting minority filmmakers. Industry Women+ was created to help develop a more inclusive and equitable film industry. Female and gender non-binary film students have a safe space to participate in round-table discussions, attend Q&A sessions with industry experts, and undertake screenwriting mentorships.

For an inside look at attending LMU SFTV and what life is like after graduation, read FilmSchool.org’s interview with graduate Ashley Seering:


FilmSchool.org also spoke with graduate Adriano Mirchou about how he navigated his career after film school:

Notable LMU SFTV alumni​

LMU SFTV is known for producing Hollywood heavy hitters who develop box office hits and impactful independent features.

Christian Buenaventura (MFA’05, Recording Arts) worked as a dialogue editor on iconic horror series, such as HBO’s "True Blood" and FX’s "American Horror Story." Buenaventura won Best Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie, or a Special ("American Horror Story" Season 2, Episode 1: "Welcome to Briarcliff"). Buenaventura also received nominations for Outstanding Sound Editing in a Movie or Special ("American Horror Story: Double Feature," "True Blood" Season 3, Episode 7: "Hitting the Ground”).

Patricia Whitcher (MFA’83, Directing and Producing for Film and Television) was the executive producer for Marvel films such as "Thor," "The Avengers," and "Captain Marvel." Whitcher also served as a unit production manager on "Avengers: Age of Ultron," and "Spider-Man: Homecoming."

Shay Hatten (BFA’16, Screenwriting) is best known for screenwriting "John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum," "Army of the Dead," and "Army of Thieves." At only 23, Hatten scored a deal to write the fifth film in the John Wick franchise, "Ballerina," starring Ana de Armas.

10 commonly asked questions about LMU SFTV​

1. Is it difficult to get accepted to LMU SFTV?​

According to EducationScientists, LMU's undergraduate film program has an acceptance rate of 19%. LMU's graduate film program’s acceptance rate hovers around 6%.

However, Filmschool.org members have enjoyed higher acceptance rates to LMU SFTV as high as 56%. To enjoy access to exclusive application data and student demographics for LMU and other film schools, become a Supporting Member.

2. Is LMU SFTV test optional?

In most cases, yes. The GRE is required for graduate applicants who do not have a GPA of 3.0 or better. For undergraduate applicants, SAT/ACT scores are 100% optional. FilmSchool.org's Application Database has comprehensive data about test scores accepted by the University.

3. Does LMU's film program require an interview for admission?​

Graduate applicants must sit for a virtual interview.

Undergraduate applications do not need to sit for an interview. However, the Office of Admission encourages applicants to schedule individual admission counseling appointments. To make an appointment, visit LMU's website, call 310-338-2750, or send an email to admissions@lmu.edu.

4. What is the average GPA of an LMU student?

The average LMU student has a highly competitive GPA of 3.81, according to PrepScholar.com.

However, LMU SFTV accepts students with a range of GPAs. Become a Supporting Member to access Filmschool.org's LMU SFTV Admissions Statistics, including the lowest accepted GPA.

5. What is the average size of LMU SFTV’s graduate film class?​

Each year, LMU SFTV admits around 50 students in Film and Television Production, and around 30 students combined in Writing and Producing for Television and Writing for the Screen.

6. Does LMU SFTV offer study abroad programs?​

Film students can learn how to tell more diverse, globally-informed stories at various locations abroad. Here are a few past study abroad programs:

• Italy: SFTV Summer semester in Bologna
• Australia: Swinburne University of Technology (Production)
• Canada: Champlain College in Montreal (Animation; Game Design; Internship)
• Germany: LMU Film Production in Bonn
• Germany: LMU International Documentary minor in Bonn
• Hungary: LMU Screenwriting in Budapest
• Ireland: University College Cork (Film Studies)

Click here for an overview of LMU’s study abroad programs for film students.

7. Can graduate applicants apply to more than one program?​

Graduate applicants can apply to only one program per academic year.

8. How much does the graduate thesis film cost?​

The cost of the thesis film depends on its length, shooting location(s), talent fees, and using additional equipment, among other factors. LMU SFTV provides:

• A wide assortment of cameras, lighting, and grip equipment
• Post-production suites including editing bays, color-correction stations, sound mixing facilities, and ADR/Foley studios
• Access to use LMU's Westchester and Playa Vista campuses as filming locations

Students are fully responsible for the following expenses:

• Meals for cast and crew during shoot days
• A small fee for permits
• Transportation needed during shoot days (e.g. truck rental)
• Special props, set items, and costumes
• Special cameras or production equipment that differs from LMU's existing equipment inventory

LMU SFTV alumni have made thesis films for as little as $1,000. The University recommends students spend less vs. more to prepare for working on tighter film budgets after graduation.

9. What are the differences between the Writing for the Screen MFA and the Writing and Producing for TV MFA?​

The Writing for the Screen MFA prepares students to write features and documentaries.

The Writing and Producing for TV MFA prepares students to become show runners (writer-directors and/or writer-producers). For more insight on the best writing program for your goals, email sftvgradprograms@lmu.edu.

10. Can LMU SFTV students take internships?​

Yes. The Career and Professional Development Office arranges internships through HandShake. Students can take internships in the second year of study and the summer semester. They are also responsible for networking, applying, and attending interviews using resources provided by LMU SFTV.

The Office of Admission urges graduate film students to wait until after the first year of study. to apply for internships.

LMU SFTV information sessions and tours​

Applicants can participate in Zoom sessions to discuss life at LMU, financial aid, and more with LMU alumni and faculty at these panels:

SFTV Graduate Information Sessions

• Wednesday, November 6 from 1-2:00 p.m. PST (Register)
• Wednesday, November 13 from 5-6:00 p.m. PST (Register)

In-person campus tours occur year-round and must be scheduled in advance. Virtual tours tours are offered once per week.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with 2024-2025 application instructions.

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