The Master of Fine Arts degrees offered by the School of Film and Television at Loyola Marymount University are based on a professional academic program designed to cultivate original and creative work in film and television production and writing. The emphasis is on understanding and mastering visual storytelling in an atmosphere which promotes students’
exploration and expression of their ideas with ever increasing creative and technical skills.
The School of Film and Television is committed to a relatively small graduate program. Given the large number of qualified applicants, the review process is very selective. Graduate study in this program is a full-time, intensive endeavor; only the most motivated and serious students can be considered.
With storytelling grounded in humanistic ideals as the centerpiece for all of the School of Film and Television academic programs, the Screenwriting Program is, by definition, in the eye of the storm. Our production students discover that their films can positively shape the way the world sees itself through the power of story and image. They quickly learn that those images more often than not are set in motion by the written word.
With the new and unique Creating, Writing and Producing for Television and Feature Film Screenwriting MFAs along with the Production (Film and Television) MFA program, Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television is the premiere destination of students from around the country—if not in the world—seeking to become professional screenwriters and creative leaders within the industry. And being located in Los Angeles, we’re a primary destination for entertainment industry professionals looking to represent and employ our students.
Our graduate program puts the university mission of “educating the whole person” into action by training students to become working professionals whether writing feature films, writing and producing for television, or feature filmmaking. In the process, we also prepare students to be versatile and entrepreneurial to increase their odds
of success.
Entering graduate students are required to select ONE of three areas of emphasis: Creating, Writing and Producing for Television, Feature Film
Screenwriting MFAs or the Production (Film and Television) MFA
program. Current and prospective School of Film and Television graduate students consult with Mary Abshire, Administrative Assistant for Graduate Programs, for any questions they have about the program at 310.338.5991. Graduate students meet with their assigned Faculty Advisor at least twice each academic year for advisement with regard to selecting courses, progress towards degree, core and major requirements, etc. Students are notified of advisor assignments at the beginning of the fall semester.
Please see the School of Film and Television's section in the Graduate Bulletin for information concerning all aspects of your course of study toward a degree, including our new Production emphasis.