» How to Apply to Graduate Programs

1. List of Scholarly Work
Please show your academic writing experience (published or unpublished). List the title of paper, date it was written and a 1-2 line description. No more than 2 pages. Single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

2. Statement of Purpose
In 1-2 pages (double spaced) please identify your primary research interests. What scholarly approaches to film and media studies are you most interested in and why? If possible, please articulate your idea for your MA thesis.

3. Scholarly Writing Sample
Submit a scholarly writing sample that demonstrates a high level of ability to write theory, criticism, or historical narrative. It should be 12-15 pages of coherent, complete essay, and does not have to be about film or media.

Formatting: The writing sample should be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides and include a works cited or bibliography page.

4. Optional Work
If you have any work that has been published in a peer reviewed publication, you may include it on your application as well.

The Deadline for this program is February 1, 2024.

1. Creative Portfolio List
Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrate your potential as a director, focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation.

Formatting Example:
Title: Roger's Car
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley College
Log line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.

2. Transformational Moment Essay
Submit a one (1) page essay describing a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of the human condition as a result of this experience.

Formatting: Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

3. Thesis Film Essay
The MFA Directing program requires students to direct three short films. In no more than 250 words, tell an original story for a thesis film that would run approximately 15-20 minutes in length. Bear in mind your budget and shooting schedule will be limited.

Formatting: Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

4. Narrative Scene
In no more than three (3) pages write a compelling comic or dramatic scene - any genre - based on this scenario: Two people who are close experience a sudden calamity that changes their relationship. This may be written in short story or screenplay format. We are looking for strength in your storytelling ability; there is no preference in format.

Formatting: Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides. 

5. Self Introduction Video Essay
Create a self-introductory video essay between two (2) and five (5) minutes in length. Your video should visually highlight something about yourself, your personality, your interests, etc. The only rule is that you may NOT appear in the video in any way (including any photographs of yourself), so be creative. We are primarily looking for your strengths at conveying a story visually and for evidence of your creativity rather than your technical abilities.

6. Narrative Work — complete one (1) of the following
We prefer that you submit an original narrative film (option 1), unless you have not directed a narrative film, in which case you should submit a photo narrative (option 2).

1. Original Narrative Film: You may submit as many of your complete narrative movies (not short reel clips) as you wish. If you have mentioned narrative work in an essay or on the creative resume, please provide those samples by uploading them or providing a direct link. All narrative films must include a complete end credit title roll, or a complete credit roll at the beginning of the film.
2. Photo Narrative: In no more than twenty (20) still photographs, tell a story based on this prompt: A character is wandering in a city and encounters a situation that drastically changes his/her life. The photos should be uploaded in the order you wish to convey your story. The submission should be photographs only, and cannot have any writing or descriptions included. We are looking for your ability to tell a visual story without the use of dialogue or description.

1. Creative Portfolio List
Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrate your potential in cinematography, focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation.

Formatting Example:
Title: Roger's Car
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley College
Log line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.

2. Transformational Moment Essay
Submit a one (1) page essay describing a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of the human condition as a result of this experience. Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

3. Cinematography Reel
Submit either an entire body of work or a compilation of work, up to 20 minutes.

1. Creative Portfolio Listing
Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrate your potential in editing, focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation.

Formatting Example:
Title: Roger's Car
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley College
Log line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.

2. Transformational Moment Essay
Submit a one (1) page essay describing a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of the human condition as a result of this experience. Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

3. Visual Media Work
Provide examples of visual media material that you served as the primary editor on. Films, documentaries, commercials and music videos are all acceptable options. Please include all credits for the work you did on the pieces you submit.

If you don't have any visual work, please submit the following

Photo Narrative: In no more than twenty (20) still photographs, tell a story based on this prompt: A character is wandering in a city and encounters a situation that drastically changes his/her life. The photos should be uploaded in the order you wish to convey your story. The submission should be photographs only, and cannot have any writing or descriptions included. We are looking for your ability to tell a visual story without the use of dialogue or description.

1. Creative Portfolio Listing
Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrate your potential in sound design, focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation.

Formatting Example:
Title: Roger's Car
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley College
Log line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.

2. Transformational Moment Essay
Submit a one (1) page essay describing a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of the human condition as a result of this experience. Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

3. Sound Reel
Submit a reel of sound work. This can be music, film work etc. Please also include an explanation of what work you did on the project.

1. Creative Portfolio Listing
Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrate your potential in production, focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation.

Formatting Example:
Title: Roger's Car
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley CollegeLog line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.

2. Transformational Moment Video Essay
Create a short video essay between two (2) and five (5) minutes in length. Your video should describe a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of the human condition as a result of this experience. We are primarily looking for your strengths at conveying a story visually and for evidence of your creativity rather than your technical abilities.

3. Project Description Essay
Submit a two page essay that describes a large project or event that you planned where you were required to work within a team. Explain some of the challenges you faced, how you handled them, and how the project ultimately turned out. Also describe how you might handle a large project differently next time. Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

1. Creative Portfolio Listing
Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrate your potential in production, focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation.

Formatting Example:
Title: Roger's Car
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley CollegeLog line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.

2. Design Portfolio
Submit a design portfolio. This may include architectural designs, art work, illustrations, paintings, sketches, photographs, stage designs, industrial designs, graphic designs or any other creative piece or medium that expresses what you have done. Up to 15 items may be uploaded.

1. Creative Portfolio Listing
Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrate your potential in screenwriting, focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation.

Formatting Example:
Title: Roger's Car
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley College
Log line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.

2. Transformational Moment Essay
Submit a one (1) page essay describing a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of the human condition as a result of this experience.

Formatting: Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

Formatting: Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides. 

4. Screenplay
Submit 20–30 pages of your best creative or dramatic writing. This could be the first act or other section of a feature screenplay (with context), a screenplay for a short film, all or part of an episodic script, a web series, a one-act play or an excerpt from a full-length play, a short story or an excerpt from a novel. This must be written by you without the collaboration of others and should be submitted as a PDF or Word document. Please make sure that your submission includes your name, title, and year it was completed.

1. Creative Portfolio Listing
Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrate your potential in television writing or production, focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation.

Formatting Example:
Title: Roger's Car
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley College
Log line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.

2. Transformational Moment Essay
Submit a one (1) page essay describing a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of the human condition as a result of this experience. Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

3. Narrative Scene
In no more than three (3) pages, write a completing comic or dramatic scene - any genre - based on this scenario: Two people who are close, experience a sudden calamity that changes their relationship. This may be written in short story or screenplay format. We are looking for the strength in your storytelling ability; there is not preference in format. 

Formatting: Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides. 

4. Screenplay
Submit 20-30 pages of your best creative or dramatic writing. This could be the first act or other section of a feature screenplay (with context), a screenplay for a short film, all or part of an episodic script, a web series, a one-act play or an excerpt from a full-length play, a short story or an excerpt from a novel. This must be written by you without the collaboration of others and should be submitted as a PDF or Word document. Please make sure that your submission includes your name, title, and year it was completed.

In addition to the requirements listed below, also be sure to have GRE or GMAT scores. Chapman's institution code is 4047. See our MBA/MFA page for additional information.

1. Creative Portfolio Listing
Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrate your potential in production, focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation.

Formatting Example:
Title: Roger's Car
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley College
Log line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.

2. Transformational Moment Video Essay
Create a short video essay between two (2) and five (5) minutes in length. Your video should describe a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of the human condition as a result of this experience. We are primarily looking for your strengths at conveying a story visually and for evidence of your creativity rather than your technical abilities.

3. Project Description Essay
Submit a two page essay that describes a large project or event that you planned where you were required to work within a team. Explain some of the challenges you faced, how you handled them, and how the project ultimately turned out. Also describe how you might handle a large project differently next time.

Formatting: Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.

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

1. Creative Portfolio Listing
Upload a one (1) to two (2) page list of activities that demonstrate your potential in production, focusing on creative accomplishments. Include in this list specific items that you could submit, if requested, to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Each listing should include a brief description of the work and your role in its creation.

Formatting Example:
Title: Roger's Car
Position: Writer/Director
16 minutes, Video 2020. Valley College
Log line: Unusual circumstances allow a sixteen-year-old to get his first car. I wrote this story for a creative writing class and produced the film with the help of my friends.

2. Transformational Moment Video Essay
Create a short video essay between two (2) and five (5) minutes in length. Your video should describe a transformational moment in your life that fundamentally changed you as a person. Explain how you gained wisdom and greater understanding of the human condition as a result of this experience. We are primarily looking for your strengths at conveying a story visually and for evidence of your creativity rather than your technical abilities.

3. Project Description Essay
Submit a two page essay that describes a large project or event that you planned where you were required to work within a team. Explain some of the challenges you faced, how you handled them, and how the project ultimately turned out. Also describe how you might handle a large project differently next time.

Formatting: Essays should be typed, single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, one-inch margins on all sides.