Film MFA Creative Materials

All elements of the application will be examined carefully for talent in narrative filmmaking. Prior work in film and video, while useful in demonstrating strength of an applicant's abilities, is not required for application.


ALL applicants MUST submit the following in 12-point Courier font:

1. Autobiographical essay: No more than six double-spaced pages. (Tell us something about yourself and your background, including your artistic experiences, creative influences, and professional objectives.)

2. Film scenario: Read the following openings, choose one and imagine the scene that might follow it. The scene you write may or may not include dialogue, depending on your own discretion. It should be no less than two, and no more than three, pages long.

a.    INT. YOGA STUDIO - DAY

A MAN, late 30's, settles into a difficult pose on a YOGA MAT.  At the far side of the room, the YOGA TEACHER quietly helps other students.  Catching something out of the corner of his eye, the Man turns to see the person next to him and almost topples over in surprise.

b.    EXT. STORE PARKING LOT - LATE AFTERNOON

A YOUNG WOMAN of about 22 stands in the parking lot of a shabby-looking grocery store. She has a haggard expression, and wears a work apron under a heavy down jacket. She is just about to light up a cigarette when she freezes. Peering ahead, she sees a BLACK LIMOUSINE coming towards her.

c.    EXT. FIELD - DAY

The TWO TEENAGERS head quickly through an empty field, dragging SUITCASES behind them.  Ahead stands an abandoned BARN.  Entering the barn, they take a moment to adjust to the dark, and then they see a MAN standing there in front of them.

Screenwriting/Directing applicants must ALSO submit the following:

1. Dramatic writing sample: No more than 10 pages. (This can be a complete short screenplay or play, or the first ten pages of a longer play or screenplay. It must be original; it may not be speculative screenplays or adaptations.) Please do not submit writing in prose form.

2. Feature film treatment: On one double-spaced page for a film you might wish to write, or direct. The treatment must concisely relate a complete dramatic story sufficient to sustain a feature-length film, including all major plot developments and a clear statement of the resolution. The story should not be the same as the one in your dramatic writing sample or your optional video submission.

3. Applicants should indicate a preferred concentration in Directing or Screenwriting, but will not be held to it.


Creative Producing applicants must ALSO submit the following:

1. Current resume

2. Two feature film treatments: Each treatment should be one double-spaced page for a film you might wish to produce. The treatments must concisely relate a complete dramatic story sufficient to sustain a feature-length film, including all major plot developments and a clear statement of the resolution.


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Optional video (not required): All Film applicants may submit a DVD (Region 1) or VHS tape (NTSC) with no more than 30 minutes of film/video work. It is advisable to put the best work at the beginning of your visual submission. If you submit a DVD or VHS tape, you must include a note describing the contents of the DVD/tape and indicating your contributions to each work.

An interview may be scheduled at the discretion of the Program.

The above is only a list of Creative Material requirements. You must also submit your Application, Undergraduate Transcript, three Letters of Recommendation and Application Fee. Please see the Apply page for all information.