» Master the legal aspects of film and television producing through hands on project collaboration

In conjunction with the Dale E. Fowler School of Law, the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts offers a joint program leading to both a JD degree and an MFA in Film and Television Producing degree. Offered to full–time students, the program requires at least four years of study and acceptance to both the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts and the School of Law. The JD/MFA in Film and Television Producing gives students the opportunity to obtain two highly marketable professional degrees designed for individuals seeking careers as entertainment attorneys, legal counsel at production companies, agencies, guilds or studios, as producers or as executives in the entertainment industry.

The Dodge College of Film and Media Arts offers an MFA in Film and Television Producing that consists of 48 credits and is completed by full–time students in four semesters, while the Fowler School of Law offers a JD program that consists of 88 credits and is typically completed by full–time students in six semesters. The two programs, combined into the joint degree, require the completion of only 123 credits, a savings of 13 credits, resulting from the cross–application of completed coursework in the two schools.

Students must satisfy the minimum requirements for each degree program including course requirements, GPA, residency and other requirements listed in the graduate catalog.

Requirements for the degree

first year (35 credits)

fall requirements (15 credits)

spring requirements (14 credits)

summer requirements (6 credits)

second year (27 credits)

fall requirements (12 credits)

spring requirements (12 credits)

summer requirement (3 credits)

third year (30 credits)

fall requirements (12 credits)

spring requirements (12 credits)

summer requirements (6 credits)

fourth year (31 credits)

fall requirement (16 credits)

spring requirements (15 credits)

MFA in Film and Television Producing:

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, develop and market creative material appropriate for film, television and the internet.
• Through critical essay and writing assignments, students demonstrate an understanding of the development of film language, including aesthetic perspectives.
• Through closely-mentored projects, students demonstrate the knowledge and collaborative skills necessary to produce a film or media project from start to finish.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the business elements of producing, including production management, intellectual property, rights and issues, financing, marketing and distribution.

Juris Doctor:

Effective client representation integrates doctrine, theory, skills, and legal ethics. Effective client representation involves several skill sets, including

• Advocacy
• Negotiation
• Counseling
• Interviewing

Effective client representation also involves the exercise of professional judgment consistent with the values of the legal profession and professional duties to society, including recognizing and resolving ethical and other professional dilemmas.

Through close faculty mentorship in coursework, clinics, competitions and externships, law students will be able to effectively represent clients in a variety of legal situations at a level of competency appropriate for an entry-level practitioner. Assessing this outcome will require measuring the students’ abilities to 1) appraise client situations and make appropriate legal recommendations, 2) negotiate productively, professionally, and ethically on behalf of clients, and 3) advocate effectively, professionally, and ethically on behalf of clients in a variety of settings.

• Effective legal analysis begins with knowledge and understanding of substantive law, legal theory, and legal procedure. Students must be able to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to derive and apply legal rules in a variety of contexts. Students will be able to formulate clear and effective legal analyses based on knowledge acquired through research, case and statutory analysis, practical experience, and analysis of other legal materials.
• Effective legal writing differs depending on the document, such as an appellate brief, trial brief, transactional document, letter, or memo. However, all effective legal writing requires:
  • Understanding and appropriately and effectively using legal authority
  • Precise use of language
  • The communication of legal and factual analysis clearly to a designated audience

Students will be able to compose legal documents in a variety of settings appropriate to the legal profession. Through multiple writing projects, and individualized assessment of their written work, students will learn to write precisely, clearly, professionally, ethically, and persuasively.

MFA in Film and Television Producing:

Alex Rose

Russell Schwartz

Harry Ufland

Madeline Warren

Eric Young

Juris Doctor:

Please refer to the Law School's faculty directory for affiliated faculty

In order to apply to the JD/MFA in Film and Television Producing program, you must be a first year student in the Law School and obtain at least a 2.6 GPA in your first year.

Application:

• Statement of Intent
• Resume
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Creative Supplement

Other Required Materials:

• Official copy of your undergraduate transcript from your degree granting institution

No additional information should be sent to Dodge College or the Office of Admissions outside of what is required on the application. Any outside work sent to either office will not be reviewed as part of the admission process.

View additional application details