Overview
The Production Design program offered by Chapman University encourages designers to discover their own conceptual approach to design for film while collaborating with fellow production and visual effects specialists in the realization of short movies with high production values.
In the first year, you will design two films in collaboration with fellow M.F.A. producers, directors, and cinematographers, creating your designs into reality on sound stages and out on location, and learning to work within budgets. In addition, you will also be taking a full curriculum of classes in production design: Traditional Cinema Set Design, Digital Design, Set Decoration, Illustration/Storyboarding and Graphic Design for Film.
In your second year, you will design two thesis level films, again in collaboration with students from the graduate film production program. These two films are more advanced productions with larger budgets and more extensive shooting schedules than the films designed in the first year. There is also a full curriculum of production design classes in the second year: Costume Design, Design for Visual Effects, and Advanced Set Design and Digital Design.
Applicants to the program typically have an undergraduate degree in Design or Art. Theatrical design, architecture, interior/environmental design, film production, or fine art; although, the student who has an undergraduate degree in literature, art history, or other similar disciplines in the humanities should not be dissuaded from applying. Production design in its essence is a visual interpretation of dramatic literature. Drawing and design skills are paramount to sophisticated development of film design, but fundamentally what we do is develop a story, so knowledge of culture and sophistication of story structure is central to the design process.
Learning Outcomes
In mastering the curriculum of the M.F.A. in Production Design, students will gain competence in the following areas:
- Articulate the role of the production designer and the design team in film and television, in relation to other key creative participants on a professional production.
- Through closely mentored presentations and projects, develop and demonstrate an understanding of how multiple disciplines are combined to inform the production design process.
- Be able to apply the practical and technological tools necessary to conceptualize and present design ideas in a professional setting.
- Demonstrate an in- depth knowledge of the business of production design.
Get more details
Visit official programme websiteProgramme Structure
Courses include:
- Evolution of Narrative Film I
- Production Design Workshop I
- Perspective Drawing
- Digital Production Design Studio
- Set Decoration
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
-
Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Design Film, Photography & Media View 372 other Masters in Design in United StatesAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any academic requirements for this programme.
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- Statement of Intent
- Resume
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Creative Supplement
- Official copy of your undergraduate transcript from your degree granting institution
Tuition Fee
-
International
46928 USD/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 23464 USD per semester and a duration of 24 months. -
National
46928 USD/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 23464 USD per semester and a duration of 24 months.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.
Due for update
Updated over a year ago
Check the official programme website for potential updates.