Film MFA
The most unique aspect of our MFA program is the integration of film production with the intellectual study of cinema through a regimen of film history, film culture, and film theory courses. You will be called upon to excel in both these areas. Students are encouraged to be creative and articulate, and above all, curious about cinema. The program doesnŐt impose an aesthetic or critical agenda, rather encourages them to explore the medium of film in an intelligent yet personal way, fully aware of its history and potentials. This exploration will culminate in the MFA thesis project, which consists of a film and a written statement.
The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach through exposure to the areas of video, photography, computer art, sound, music composition, creative writing, and drama. The objective is to develop a plan of study that puts together a course package designed to support each student's unique talents and interests and to compliment the required courses that constitute the rest of the curriculum.
Our MFA program is relatively small. Usually, there are 10-12 students actively participating in the program. Graduate and undergraduate students work very closely with one another, and with the faculty, in an intimate learning environment.
We maintain a video library of films (currently over 2,700 titles) for film research. Our production facilities include ten sync-sound camera/recorder packages (Aaton Super 16, Arriflex Super 16 and regular 16, CP16, and Eclair) 15 non-sync cameras, 6 eight-plate Steenbeck's, and 6 six-plate flatbed editors, location lighting and grip gear, sound transfer studio, 7 Final Cut Pro Non-Linear Editing Stations, mixing studio, oxberry animation studio, optical printer studio, and lighting studio.
To the Prospective Student
Although a background in 16mm film production is recommended, it isn't necessary in order to apply.
The MFA Film Program, in the Department of Transmedia, is 60 credit hours and requires a minimum of two years residency, though most commonly it takes three years to complete. The program consists of: 27 hours of designed production and film studies (theory and criticism) courses, 9 hours of film history/theory electives, 3 hours of Transmedia Graduate Seminar, 18 hours of studio and academic electives (a minimum of 6 hours from each of these two groupings) and 3 hours for the preparation of a written thesis statement to accompany the final film project culminating in an oral examination by your chosen thesis committee.
As a prospective candidate, you should also be aware of the costs involved in filmmaking. Although we provide all of the facilities needed to produce films, we do not provide any materials or lab costs. On the average, graduates spend between $2,000 and $5,000 per film, although it is possible to work with smaller budget. There are no minimum length requirements for any of your films. The philosophy of our program requires that the first year film be a narrative fiction production. We believe that the skills and concepts entailed in narrative work are central to developing a total filmmaker regardless of the form or genre you may choose to work in at a later time. In all, you are required to produce a minimum of 3 films, including your final graduate project film, and to present these films to the faculty at portfolio review sessions.
For those who have a strong academic and professional record, you should consider applying for a Syracuse University Fellowship. Fellowships are a University-wide competition, only candidates with outstanding or significant professional recognition in their field (Film), should apply. Please refer to the deadline listed in the catalog for fellowship application. There are a number of half assistantships and tuition scholarships. Financial awards are based on portfolio review, letters of recommendation, and previous experience. If you have questions about other forms of financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Office at 315 443-1513. The students who are interested in applying are strongly encouraged to visit the program.