NYU Tisch: How to Apply for 2026, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as an NYU Film Student

NYU Tisch’s Masters of Professional Studies in Virtual Production is a one-year graduate program ideal for filmmakers intrigued by fusing traditional filmmaking techniques with evolving digital media. Graduate students work at the Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center, an expansive facility in Industry City, where they learn how to design, plan, and execute films that blend LED volumes, motion capture, and live-action performance. In addition, they rotate through directing, producing, and technical roles, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how how to develop and manage virtual environments.

Direct access to working professionals gives graduate students deeper insight into how emerging filmmaking methods are transforming the industry. Every course is anchored in hands-on production, encouraging students to experiment, troubleshoot, and create together. For international students, the degree's STEM designation may open the door to extended training opportunities in the U.S. Click here to watch the 2025 information session on the MPS in Virtual Production.

Take a look at the year-long program breakdown:

Year 1​

The program begins with "Introduction to Virtual Production," where graduate students learn how writing, design, performance, and real-time tools come together. Masters Seminar I: Writing & Developing the Virtual Production Thesis allows graduate students pitch their thesis and explore visual planning and pre-visualization. Technical Direction for Virtual Production teaches system workflow, problem-solving, and on-set collaboration. Producing the Virtual Production covers budgeting, scheduling, and production planning. Art Direction & Production Design guides graduate students through designing and building a fully realized virtual environment.

During the second and final semester, graduate students shoot a 2–5 minute media project in the core course Masters Seminar II: The Thesis. To support the thesis, graduate students further explore editing, color, VFX, and audio mix in Finishing / Post Production / Sound Design. They also gain industry experience by taking Producing the Virtual Production II (Internship & Research, while "Resume and Reel Building" helps build on that experience by providing guidance on creating a professional portfolio and website. To stay abreast of emerging AI trends, graduate students take Special Topics: Generative AI for Virtual Production to explore AI tools for filmmaking and production.

How to apply​

Read the application requirements taken directly from NYU Tisch's website:

1. Fill out the General Application: Learn more about the General Graduate Application requirements by reading "NYU Tisch General Admissions Requirements for Graduates for 2026 Entry."
2. Creative Portfolio: You must prepare a creative portfolio (detailed below) and submit it with the NYU Tisch Graduate Application online.
   • Introductory Video (2 minute-max.): Create a short video where you introduce yourself and address one or more of the following prompts:
     • What excites you about this emerging field?
     • Where do you see yourself in ten years?
     • How did you get to this point in your artistic endeavors?
   • Portfolio: The Office of Admissions wants to see samples of the work you’ve created in your academic and/or professional career thus far. You do not need to create new material for this portion of the application. Portfolio materials cannot be removed or edited once uploaded. Choose ONE of the following.
     • Film or reel of up to 5 minutes
       • The Office of Admissions will accept film (all genres and styles welcome), animation, VFX, previs, proof of concept, game footage, motion design/motion graphics, and/or performance art. Clearly cite your role in each clip within your submission via credits, title cards, or labels on your footage.
     • Artistic or Technical Portfolio of up to 10 images
       • Artistic: The Office of Admissions will accept pitch decks, photography, digital media, mixed media, illustration, drawing, painting, production/costume design samples, graphic design, motion design, motion graphics, immersive media, images of experiential exhibits (sculpture, fabrication, installation etc).
       • Technical: Include any of the following: github portfolios, examples of creative technology or application development (prototypes, front end or backend applications), user experience flows, plugin development, games, technical specification documents, AR/VR/XR examples.
     • Writing sample of up to 10 pages, PDF format: The Office of Admissions will accept articles, short stories, plays, screenplays, presentations, interviews, research outcomes, excerpts with context, creative writing, or a combination. Where appropriate, include a brief description of the project, explanation of your role (if the project involved a team), and/or the context of the project.
   • Academic transcripts: Provide copies of official transcripts from all collegiate institutions you have attended.
   • Resume / CV: Provide a professional resume listing academic background, work experience, honors, affiliations with professional organizations, papers presented at conferences, published work, etc.
   • Statement of Purpose (1-3 pages maximum): Please address the following topics: tell us about yourself, your experiences, and what strengths you believe you would bring to this program. What achievements are you most proud of? Why do you wish to complete this master’s program in Virtual Production and what do you see yourself doing upon completion of the program?
   • English Language Proficiency Exam (if Applicable): Read "Admissions Requirements and Guidelines for NYU Tisch International Applicants" for more information on these requirements.
   • 2 letters of recommendation: Provide two letters of recommendation from academic and professional sources.

Failure to follow these guidelines is grounds for immediate disqualification. For technical assistance, please contact admissions.virtualproduction@nyu.edu.

Ready to apply?​

Click here to begin your application.