How to Apply to USC SCA’s Film & Television Production MFA for 2024 Entry
USC SCA's Film and Television Production MFA degree program teaches talented filmmakers to hone their skills in the six core divisions of film: Producing, Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Production Design, and Sound. Graduate film students learn how to translate original ideas into sophisticated visuals produced for the big screen and mobile devices.
This two-year program prepares students to embark on ambitious creative projects and become leaders in the film industry. All filmmaking equipment is provided by USC SCA, and the advanced cumulative project replaces the thesis. Take a look at the year-over-year degree program breakdown.
Film students begin by taking higher-level production courses that offer a robust mix of pedagogy and hands-on filmmaking experience, such as:
Film & Television Production MFA students perfect their filmmaking skills. You must declare an area of specialization (Producing, Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Production Design, or Sound) and register to undertake an advanced-level project.
Prepare to submit the following:
An interview is not required for acceptance, but select applicants may be asked to have a remote interview with faculty or staff. Interview requests are sent to the email address used in your application. You must respond to interview requests within 72 hours or less.
Filmschool.org member @whoisTGW says:
"First time applying. As someone who just started pursuing film less than 3 years ago, don't worry about what you THINK they want and how you won't stack up to everyone. Be true to yourself in every part of your application. USC will see that. My only advice is to be genuine. Focus on what makes you YOU, and make that the focus of your application. Don't make you loving film the focus of your entire application."
Click here to start your application.
This two-year program prepares students to embark on ambitious creative projects and become leaders in the film industry. All filmmaking equipment is provided by USC SCA, and the advanced cumulative project replaces the thesis. Take a look at the year-over-year degree program breakdown.
Year 1
Film students begin by taking higher-level production courses that offer a robust mix of pedagogy and hands-on filmmaking experience, such as:
- CTPR 507 Production I: Collaborate with other USC SCA students to learn the fundamentals of motion picture creation while shooting on digital cameras.
- CTPR 508 Production II: Shoot short films with a hand-selected film crew. Budget $2,000 for lab fees and miscellaneous expenses.
Year 2
Film & Television Production MFA students perfect their filmmaking skills. You must declare an area of specialization (Producing, Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Production Design, or Sound) and register to undertake an advanced-level project.
How to apply
Prepare to submit the following:
- Cinematic Arts Personal Statement (PDF only): The Cinematic Arts Personal Statement will be read by the admissions committee as a measure of creativity, self-awareness and vision. In 1,000 words or less, demonstrate who you are as a unique individual and how your distinctive experiences, identities, values, and/or views of the world have shaped your identity as a person and as a filmmaker. Explain the type of stories you want to tell and why. Bear in mind that enthusiasm for watching films, descriptions of your favorite films and the involvement in the filmmaking process is common in most candidates. USC SCA encourages you to focus on your individuality.
- Writing Sample (PDF only): Write one of the following (no more than two pages):
- A description of a four-minute film that contains no dialogue. It can be fiction or non-fiction. The story has to be communicated visually.
- A dialogue scene between two people. Provide a one-paragraph introduction describing the two characters in screenplay format.
- Describe a concept for a feature-length movie, fiction or documentary, which you would like to develop.
- Creative Portfolio List (PDF only): The portfolio list is a written record of your creative materials. It should include a concise description of each project, the month and year the project was completed, the applicant's creative role and the purpose of the project. The material, which does not need to be film- or television-related, should give an idea of the range and depth of the applicant's creative ability. Formal recognition (i.e., awards, publications, jobs and exhibitions) should be noted. The name of the institution or publication should be included when listing creative materials prepared for a class or publication. An example of an entry on the portfolio list is below:
- July 2019, A Day in the Life, digital video, 12 minutes. Position: writer/director. A documentary on a homeless Iraq vet who has lived on the streets since his return from the military. Created for senior-year multimedia term project, San Raphael High School, Miami, Florida.
- Collaboration Question: In no more than 2 pages, tell the admissions committee about a collaborative project that left you "proud and fulfilled." State your creative role and why the collaboration was successful. Shift into describing a collaborative project that left you "unsatisfied." State your creative role and why the collaboration posed a challenge. Summarize what you learned and how both projects will shape future collaborations.
- Video Introduction: Submit a 30-60 second video of yourself speaking directly to the camera, in a single take with no edits, introducing yourself and explaining what will make attending SCA a successful experience for you and others.
- Media Sample (choose one; upload in portfolio section):
- Video Option: Create a narrative video that is no longer than five minutes in which you had a major creative role. The video can be live-action or animation, fiction or documentary, but it should reflect your aesthetic tastes and intellectual and emotional interests. You must specify what role(s) you played. Submit only one video. Multiple submissions will cause your application to be rejected.
- Photo Option: Prepare a series of eight photographs you have taken which, when viewed in a specific sequence, portray a unique and original character or which tell a simple narrative story. Also include a one-page narrative about the character being portrayed in the photos. The images may either be black-and-white or in color. Please upload the photos in order of sequence. The one-page narrative must be uploaded in PDF format only.
- Video Introduction: In a 30-60 second video, speak directly to the camera about why you chose USC SCA for your graduate film program. The video must be shot in a single take without edits.
Is an interview required for acceptance to the Film & Television Production MFA degree program?
An interview is not required for acceptance, but select applicants may be asked to have a remote interview with faculty or staff. Interview requests are sent to the email address used in your application. You must respond to interview requests within 72 hours or less.
Filmschool.org admitted student perspective
Filmschool.org member @whoisTGW says:
"First time applying. As someone who just started pursuing film less than 3 years ago, don't worry about what you THINK they want and how you won't stack up to everyone. Be true to yourself in every part of your application. USC will see that. My only advice is to be genuine. Focus on what makes you YOU, and make that the focus of your application. Don't make you loving film the focus of your entire application."
Ready to apply?
Click here to start your application.
