Master of Arts (MA) in Writing & Directing Film
San Francisco, USA
MA
DURATION
4 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 1,857 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* per unit for international students / USD 1,477 per unit for domestic students
The MA program in Writing & Directing for Film is a streamlined training in the development and direction of an original short film or extended scene. Students go through the development process and are mentored through preproduction, production, and postproduction on their thesis project/scene. Students also learn to brand themselves and their work in preparation for the marketplace.
Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Writer-Director Skills
- Direct a short film that showcases their abilities as a writer-director.
- Develop compelling ideas for short and feature film screenplays.
- Create defined and engaging characters.
- Write a well-structured short film script and feature outline.
- Elicit engaging and believable performances from actors.
Professional Readiness
- Make well-organized and effective choices that serve the story during the preproduction, production and postproduction process.
- Apply film marketing research to develop an effective social media marketing campaign and articulate a promotional strategy for their film.
MA Writing & Directing for Film Degree Requirements
- Successful completion of Final Portfolio Review.
- Minimum grade of C in all required 36 units.
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
- 1 Major Designated Graduate Liberal Arts course
Major Classes
- MPT 605 Film Language Studio
- MPT 616 Directing Actors for Motion Pictures
- MPT 618 Writer-Director Intensive 1
- MPT 625 Editing Concepts and Creative Solutions
- MPT 641 Visual Storytelling
- MPT 644 Directors Rehearsing Actors
- MPT 664 Organic Blocking for Camera
- MPT 677 Shot in a Day
- MPT 705 Breaking through the Noise of Social Media
- MPT 750 Fall Production Central
- MPT 752 Spring Production Central
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Use professional terminology to evaluate their work and work in the field.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
- Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs, and participation in collaborative, civic, and pro bono projects.
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