Film and Television Production

Overview

Key facts

On rare occasions, if an applicant’s portfolio material is exceptionally strong, the Film and Television Production Selection Committee at San Diego State University may waive scores that fall below these minimums and accept the student on a provisional basis.  For international applicants for whom English is not their first language, a TOEFL paper score of 550 (or 213 online version) or higher is required. Students who reach our short list can expect to be interviewed by phone or skype before a final decision is made. In the case to international students for whom English is not their first language, this interview also serves to determine oral language proficiency.

Occasionally, students from other disciplines or academic backgrounds other than television and film inquire about application to the TFM Program. For these students, it should be pointed out that a critical component in the application package is the portfolio – the strongest evidence you can offer of your artistic, creative and craft potential. The selection committee looks specifically for originality of concept and treatment, ability to shape narrative material with skill and nuance, and the level of craft skill. The TFM Masters Program seeks applicants whose aspirations and talents fall under the rubric “Independent Filmmaking.” While the portfolio most often takes the form of film/video sample, some submit screenplays, storyboards or other evidence of skill and creativity with respect to the moving image; but it should be stressed that we prefer evidence of motion image art.