United States

Chapman University

M.B.A./M.F.A in Film and Television Producing

University degrees: Postgraduate

Course length: 2 years full-time

Designed for those who seek management or executive level positions at production companies, talent agencies, studios or television networks.

Offered in conjunction with Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts and the designed for people who seek management or executive level positions at production companies, talent agencies, studios or television networks.

This three-year program provides a broad education of business in general and how it all works. As part of the M.B.A. component, you’ll study business concepts such as economics, accounting, marketing and financial management. These concepts will then be applied to student productions when you begin the M.F.A. program in your second year.

As part of the M.F.A. degree, you’ll study the fundamentals of producing. You’ll also come away with a deep understanding of film and television financing, marketing, distribution and exhibition, as well an awareness of the global business environment. You’ll put these skills to good use as you develop your M.F.A. thesis project — an original short film or media production you’ve personally produced.

Upon graduation, you’ll have a project portfolio, along with a thesis book for a proposed film or media production that includes detailed plans for rights acquisition, story development, pitching, budgeting, packaging, marketing, distribution and exhibition.

Learning Outcomes

M.F.A. 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.

M.B.A. 

  • Each student will effectively apply paradigms and theories in accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing and operations to solve business problems.
  • Each student will possess the quantitative and technical skills to analyze data, interpret results and propose defensible solutions for improving business performance.
  • Each student will be able to evaluate the economic potential of business opportunities, devise actionable strategies, and communicate recommendations persuasively.

Programs, Courses, Workshops