Master of Arts in Film and Television Production
The Master of Arts in Film and Television Production (FTMA) is a 36-credit program offered at SHU’s Stamford Graduate Center at Landmark Square. FTMA students acquire the artistic and technical skills necessary to create substantive and professional film and television productions or artifacts using the latest digital technologies, equipment, and software. Students will develop a theoretical, aesthetic, and historical understanding of film and television as narrative media and as industries. Students will learn all of the aspects of film and television production from narrative, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, lighting, and post-production to directing, producing, marketing, and distribution. The degree has a professional focus and a pedagogical approach through which students “learn by doing” in hands-on courses that produce real-world projects and are taught by established film and television scholars and industry professionals. The FTMA program will provide the education necessary for students to compete nationally for jobs in film and television, and to join the region’s thriving film and television production industry. Each FTMA student will leave with a portfolio of professional artifacts in her or his area of concentration (film or television).
Our goal is to inspire and empower students to find their independent, artistic, and intellectual visions by creating their own content. Students immerse themselves in the form and techniques of film, television, and transmedia storytelling. FTMA offers small class sizes centered on in-class lectures, workshops, and hands-on productions. Every student works closely with a mentor or industry professional, who also serves as that student’s artistic and academic advisor for the entire year-long program.
Students tailor their professional skills based on their individualized goals while our faculty guides them toward completing meaningful projects and developing professional partnerships. FTMA students complete the one-year program with real work experience and a finished professional reel ready for the job market.
Goals and Objectives
Specific learning goals and objectives for students in the MA in Film and Television Production Program include:
- Acquiring the social, artistic, and technical skills necessary to create substantive and professional film and television productions or artifacts.
- Acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in today’s job market and work environment, including effective communication and time management, teamwork and problem-solving, and planning, organizing, and leading in a professional context.
- Becoming proficient in the use of the industry-standard digital technologies, equipment, and software used to produce and distribute professional film and television content.
- Developing a theoretical, historical, and practical understanding of the social and ethical dimensions of the film and television as storytelling media and modes of communication.
- Understanding the economics and structure of the film and television industries, from the production process through distribution.
Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended are required. A personal statement describing career goals and reasons for interest in the program, along with a short creative writing sample, two letters of recommendation, and a professional résumé are also required.
Degree Requirements
There are foundational course in theories and methods, a sequence of advanced production courses, an internship, and a capstone portfolio project completed in close consultation with a faculty mentor or an FTMA-partnered professional mentor from the student’s field of interest.
FTMA Required Courses (36 credits)
| CM 505 | The Art of Storytelling in Film & Television | 3 |
| CM 515/615 | Directing for Film & Television I and II | 3 CH each |
| CM 525/625 | Writing for Film & Television I and II | 3 CH each |
| CM 535 | Producing for Film & Television I | 3 |
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| CM 594/694 | Capstone in Film Production I and II | 3 CH each |
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| CM 595/695 | Capstone in Television Production I and II | 3 CH each |
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| CM 620 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN PRODUCING II | 3 |
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| CM 621 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN FILM PRODUCTION: EDITING | 3 |
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| CM 635 | Commercial & Promotional Production | 3 |
| CM 698/699 | Digital Portfolio & Mentorship I and II | 3 CH each |