FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS FILMMAKING MASTER OF FINE ARTS
BECOME A FILMMAKER As the film industry undergoes one of the greatest paradigm shifts in its 130-year history, the need for talented filmmakers is on the rise. While viewers continue to see movies in theaters, there is a growing demand from powerhouses like Netflix and Amazon for high-quality visual content that can be streamed to both big and small screens. $50 BILLION PROJECTED GLOBAL BOX OFFICE REVENUE FOR 2020 Statista 487 SCRIPTED TV SERIES AIRED IN 2017 Adweek Just as the methods for consuming content are evolving, so are the ways in which people learn and make films. Fairleigh Dickinson University s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in film is uniquely structured so you can benefit from the liberation of distance learning as you prepare to thrive at the forefront of the film industry. Our mix of online coursework, hands-on projects and brief on-campus workshops will free you up to spend more time making films and less time on campus. Working closely with our faculty of accomplished filmmakers and using the latest cameras and equipment, you will develop the expertise to usher a film from idea through final production. To further enhance your experience, we ll help you tap our vast network of industry connections to land internships and job opportunities. Join us so you can find your voice while mastering your craft. APPLY NOW fdu.edu/mfafilm $8 BILLION NETFLIX S CONTENT BUDGET FOR 2018 The Hollywood Reporter 71% OF THE COMBINED POPULATION OF THE U.S. AND CANADA WENT TO THE MOVIES IN 2016 Motion Picture Association of America 1.32 BILLION MOVIE TICKETS SOLD IN THE U.S. AND CANADA IN 2016 Motion Picture Association of America
MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN FILM Earn your master s in just two years with FDU s 61-credit, low-residency program. You ll gain a deep understanding of current digital film production practices and film history, develop expertise in your selected area of focus, and emerge prepared to thrive in this highly competitive field. Choose a track Producing: Build the dexterity to successfully orchestrate a film production by balancing the demands of both the business and creative sides of the operation. Screenwriting: Master the art of writing original and adapted screenplays for use in film and television. Directing: Harness your creative voice while building the advanced visualization and communication skills to lead every aspect of the creation of a motion picture. Cinematography: Master the techniques and technologies needed to compose and capture moving images, and lead a crew in order to realize your creative ideas. Editing: Develop the technical and artistic ability to create a compelling final cut by evaluating approaches, viewing and sorting shots, and making the decisions necessary to assemble a film, TV episode or commercial. Convenient Low-Residency Structure Maintain control over your schedule. Most of your coursework can be completed online, so you ll only have to be on campus for a few short-term workshops. Year 1 Residency I 4 credits Term 1 (distance learning and creative projects) 9 credits Residency II 6 credits LEARN FROM INDUSTRY PROS Our inspiring faculty include award-winning directors, producers, screenwriters, editors and cinematographers who continue to work in the field, creating an up-to-date learning environment. Get to know your professors by working closely with them in small classes. You will also benefit from one-on-one mentoring with a professor whose professional experience aligns with your own career goals. Due to the close-knit nature of the program, the relationships you forge here will likely extend far beyond graduation. Term II (distance learning and creative projects) Year 2 Residency III Term III (distance learning and creative projects) Residency IV (slightly extended time on campus for filming thesis project) Term IV (distance learning editing thesis project) Key Resources 2 fully equipped cinema sound stages Digital cinema screening room Top-of-the-line cameras, including a Sony F5 HD/4K Super 35mm A wide array of professional lighting, grip and sound equipment 12 credits 6 credits 12 credits 8 credits 4 credits The highly selective nature of this program allows our faculty to provide you and a small group of talented peers with a truly hands-on experience, and to do so with a non-traditional, lowresidency approach. Students spend more time making films and less time on campus. Howard Libov Director, MFA in Film
FILMMAKING COURSEWORK Our program is designed to instill the most current techniques and practices within the rapidly evolving film industry. In addition to traditional classes, you will collaborate with fellow classmates on a rigorous capstone project, through which you will conceive, develop, write, plan, design, shoot, edit and produce a film for festival exhibition. You will also complete an internship practicum. Here is a sampling of courses you can expect to take, depending on which track you choose. Producing Producing Workshop The Art and Craft of Producing: Line Producing/Dramatic Analysis Script and Coverage The Business of Producing Physical Production - Thesis Screenwriting The Art and Craft of Screenwriting/ Dramatic Analysis Acting Techniques for Screenwriters The Great Screenplays Writing for the Thesis Film Creating the Pilot for TV and Original Content Directing Directing Workshop The Art and Craft of Directing/ Dramatic Analysis Topics in Directing: Acting Scene Study Thesis Production - Directing Cinematography The Art and Craft of Cinematography History of Cinematography Seminars in Cinematography Thesis Production - Cinematography Editing Editing Workshop The Art and Craft of Editing/ Dramatic Analysis Thesis Production - Editing Whenever you are in residence on campus, you will participate in short-term intensive workshops led by film industry leaders. Examples include: Approaches to Editing the Feature Film Coverage and Continuity in Film Directing Commercials and Client-Driven Productions Distributing Films LED Lighting Technology Post-Production Sound Design Producing Commercials State Production Tax Incentives Screenwriting Workshop The Director and the Actor The Importance of Casting Working with Grips What Makes It Sellable Working with Unions Writing Comedy
RESULTS-ORIENTED APPROACH While pursuing your MFA, you ll have abundant career-boosting resources at your fingertips. Faculty will offer guidance on compiling a reel or strengthening your professional network. FDU s Career Development Center offers assistance with fine-tuning your résumé, sharpening your interview skills, or tracking down exciting internships with broadcast media and production companies throughout New Jersey or in New York City just a short train ride from campus. Industry Connections We continually cultivate relationships with noteworthy film companies and organizations to provide you with professional connections and career guidance. Our partners are a great resource for internship and employment opportunities. 4Wall Entertainment, Inc. Garden State Film Festival Panavision ARRI Group Golden Door International Film Festival PROJECT FX Film Festival Black Maria Film Festival Bloomsbury Publishing Plc HD Pro Guide StoneDog Studios Butter Tree Studios JVC StudentFilmmakers Canon U.S.A. Inc. The Light House, Inc. The Tiffen Company, LLC Cinematcher Matthews Studio Equipment, Inc. Unique Photo Cineo Lighting Frezzolini Electronics Inc. New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission Sony Vitec Group featuring Litepanels /Anton/Bauer/ Sachtler INCREDIBLE VALUE Several scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to help ensure that you receive an exceptional and affordable graduate education. 12% PROJECTED OVERALL EMPLOYMENT GROWTH FOR PRODUCERS, DIRECTORS, EDITORS AND CAMERA OPERATORS THROUGH 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics 8% PROJECTED OVERALL EMPLOYMENT GROWTH FOR SCREENWRITERS THROUGH 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Completed FDU graduate admissions application Bachelor s degree from an accredited college or university Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better Official graduate and undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended Digital portfolio Two letters of recommendation English-language proficiency exam scores (if applicable) Your Portfolio Your digital portfolio may contain live action film material, screenplays or other written narrative work. You may also include work from other disciplines such as animation, playwriting, photography, graphic design or fine arts. For details about how to submit your portfolio, contact libovh@fdu.edu. Earn Your MFA. Keep Your Life. APPLY NOW fdu.edu/mfafilm Fairleigh Dickinson University School of the Arts Howard Libov Director, MFA in FILM libovh@fdu.edu