Loyola Marymount University SFTV: How to Apply for 2026, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as an LMU Film Student

Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television (LMU SFTV) remains one of the top West Coast film schools. In 2025, The Hollywood Reporter ranked LMU SFTV the no. 5 best U.S. film school for the third consecutive year, noting its emphasize on teamwork, inclusion of filmmakers with all levels of experience, and its recent partnership with Sony Electronics to develop the Social Impact Filmmaking Lab, offering recent graduates the chance to have their short films funded by Sony.

Film students have a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and top-notch facilities to tell stories that inspire, educate, and unite audiences. Rooted in Jesuit values, the University fosters a collaborative and supportive creative environment, where 70% of undergraduates complete a film industry internship and 83% secure 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.

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.

Key learning outcomes for all students include:

1. Film History and Context: Learn the historical and socio-cultural 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 University is not only centrally located to Hollywood, but also helps students connect with industry players by hosting numerous events. 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, along with the 2024 Justice on Trial Film Festival. And in 2025,

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 work with mentors.

For an inside look at attending LMU SFTV, read FilmSchool.org’s interview with Ashley Seering:


FilmSchool.org also spoke with alumn Adriano Mirchou about navigating 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 is around 6%. While LMU SFTV is selective, the admissions team emphasizes collaboration over competition, reflecting the University's Jesuit values.

LMU SFTV admitted 62% of FilmSchool.org applicants, as of the time of this update. Supporting Members can bolster their applications with exclusive access to accepted student demographics and other strategic data, applications from admitted students, and more.

2. Is LMU SFTV test optional?​

Yes. LMU SFTV is now fully test-optional for both undergraduate and graduate applicants. The admissions team focuses instead on creative potential, portfolio strength, and alignment with LMU’s mission and storytelling values.

For insights into previously accepted test scores, visit FilmSchool.org's Application Database.

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

Graduate applicants must sit for an interview.

Undergraduate applicants are not required to sit for an interview. However, the admissions team encourages optional one-on-one counseling sessions and information events for applicants who want feedback or personalized guidance on their application. To make an appointment, call 310-338-2750 or email 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.

The film school accepts students with a range of GPAs, according to the admissions team. While an exceptionally strong creative sample won’t entirely offset a lower GPA, LMU SFTV’s holistic review process ensures every applicant receives a fair and thorough evaluation. Become a Supporting Member to gain access to Filmschool.org's LMU SFTV comprehensive Admissions Statistics.

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

Each undergraduate and graduate degree program offers a small, tight-knit cohort with close faculty mentorship and collaboration across disciplines.

The admissions team recently shared insights on cohort sizes and student-to-faculty ratios in a forthcoming exclusive admissions interview, providing a detailed look at how the film school balances growth with personalized, hands-on learning.

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 film degree program each cycle.

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?​

Writing for the Screen MFAs learn to write features and documentaries, while Writing and Producing for TV MFAs learn to become writers and showrunners, focusing greatly on each stage of the production cycle. In addition, our forthcoming LMU SFTV admissions interview provides an in-depth overview of how each degree program approaches screenwriting and supports students' goals.

10. Can LMU SFTV students take internships?​

Yes. The Career and Professional Development Office arranges internships through HandShake. Film students can apply for internships in their second year of study during the fall, spring, and summer. They are also responsible for networking, applying, and attending interviews using resources provided by LMU SFTV.

LMU SFTV information sessions and tours​

In-person campus tours occur year-round and must be scheduled in advance. Virtual tours tours are offered on Tuesdays from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time. LMU SFTV hosts Zoom sessions to discuss attending LMU, financial aid, and more with LMU alumni and faculty at these panels:

Graduate Information Sessions

• SFTV Graduate Programs Virtual Information Session on Monday, November 10 at 6:00 p.m. PST

Editor's note: This article has been updated with instructions to apply for 2026 admission.​

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