FILM & TELEVISION

Screenwriting, Directing, and Producing

The MFA in Film, Television and Digital Media program is designed to prepare a new generation of graduate students with experience in contemporary production practices, specifically in writing, directing, producing, and management.

Unlike traditional MFA programs, this MFA spans six semesters out of seven, over two years. First-year students begin in Summer, taking classes in Summer, Fall, and Spring. After the Summer break, Second-year students take three consecutive semesters to finish the program.

Overview

Core Requirements

Production: Every student must complete (write, direct, produce, and edit) two sync sound short films during their first academic year.

Writing: Every student must complete at least one original feature-length screenplay AND one original television pilot (in any format) plus pitch deck during their first academic year.

Full details about program requirements can be viewed in our production handbook.

With guidance from faculty, students will choose one of the following tracks for their graduate thesis project by the end of their first year:

Writer/Director Track

In addition to the above Core Requirements, writer/director students will create a graduate thesis film (write, direct, and deliver a polished 10–15-minute film). While some students will also do postproduction work on their films, students have the option to secure an outside postproduction department – in close consultation with production faculty for approval.

Writer/Producer Track

In addition to the above Core Requirements, One additional script, which can be either a polished feature-length screenplay OR a TV pilot with a pitch deck. This additional script may be an adaptation (source material must be preapproved by your Screenwriting professor). Writer/Producer Track students must produce at least one thesis film directed by a filmmaker from within their cohort.

Rooted in Georgia’s Film Industry

At the end of two years, students will graduate prepared to build above-the-line careers as writers, directors and producers.

The first year of the program will introduce students to the skills and technology they need to transition to the second year of study. Ultimately, this program will graduate students prepared for dynamic career opportunities in Georgia’s vibrant production landscape, in Hollywood, or elsewhere in the global entertainment industry.

Courses will include screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, editing, sound design, and costume design, as well as possible internships, independent studies, and special topics courses.

MFA by the numbers

2

Year Program

20

First Year Students Accepted

62

Total Credit Hours

16,000

Approximate In-State Annual Tuition

78,000

Approximate Out-of-State Annual Tuition & Fees

Our Facilities

In addition to Franklin College and Grady College, our partnerships with Athena Studios and the Georgia Film Academy equip our students with state-of-the-art technology and resources.

Explore Facilities

Contact Us

Heidi Choi

MFA Film Operations Manager

MFA in Film, Television and Digital Media

Email: mfaftvdm@uga.edu

WANT TO GET STARTED?

This is the first dual-college graduate program at the University of Georgia. It is offered to students at a tuition rate comparable to other graduate programs at UGA, making it one of the most affordable programs of its caliber in the country.

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Images provided by Elizabeth Wampler, Nalani Dowling, Elise Nation, and Clare Methe.