FILM & TELEVISION

Screenwriting, Directing and Producing

Overview

Core Requirements

Production: Every student must complete at least two (2) short films during their first academic year (one MOS and one sync sound film).

Writing: Every student must complete at least one (1) original feature-length screenplay AND one (1) original television pilot (in any format) plus pitch deck, ideally during their first academic year.

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

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

Writer/Director Track

In addition to the above Core Requirements: thesis film (write, direct, and deliver a polished 10–15-minute thesis film). While most students will also edit their films, students have the option to secure an outside editor at their own expense or to collaborate with a student editor – in close consultation with production faculty for approval.

Writer/Producer Track

In addition to the above Core Requirements:

One (1) additional script, which can be either: a polished feature-length screenplay OR one (1) additional TV pilot with pitch deck. This additional script may be an adaptation (source material must be preapproved by your Screenwriting professor). Additionally, Writer/Producer Track students must produce one (1) 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 in film, television and digital media.

The first year of the program will introduce students to the skills and technology they need to transition to the second year of study at our satellite campus in Fayetteville, GA, which is home to the Georgia Film Academy and is located adjacent to Trilith Studios. Ultimately, this two-year program will graduate students prepared for dynamic career opportunities in Georgia’s vibrant production environment, in Hollywood, or elsewhere in the global entertainment industry.

Courses will include writing, directing, producing, cinematography, sound, production design, editing, digital post-production, acting for the camera, and costume design, as well as possible internships and special topics courses led by industry professionals.

MFA by the numbers

2

Year Program

18

First Year Students Accepted

62

Total Credit Hours

16,000

Approximate In-State Annual Tuition

41,000

Approximate Out-of-State Annual Tuition & Fees

Our Facilities

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

Explore Facilities

Contact

For more information about the MFA Film Program, please contact Anne Hurne.

Anne Hurne

Administrative Assistant

MFA program Film, Television & Digital Media

Grady College

Email: Anne.Hurne@uga.edu

WANT TO GET STARTED?

This is the only MFA program for film production at a public university in Georgia and is offered to students at the same tuition rate as 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.