Overview

The Film Directing Program’s three year course of study is structured into 7 metier categories the faculty considers intrinsic to the exploration of narrative cinema: performance, structure and form, image and sound, theory and context, critique, professional development and interdisciplinary practice.

Overview

FDP students at California Institute of the Arts CalArts are required to create a deep portfolio of work. Within the first year, students make 3 to 4 shorts films in a series of structured blocks designed to immerse the student in a diverse range of filmmaking techniques and strategies.

In subsequent semesters, the program provides a rich slate of classes and workshops, independent studies, and rigorous mentorship for the students to continue developing and making films that hone an original approach to narrative filmmaking.

Each student’s residency culminates with an MFA thesis film that demonstrates a distinctive point of view, as well as the practical ability to lead a team of performance and production artists toward the shared goal of a finished work and the knowledge of the historical and political context the work exists within.

In support of the development of the thesis project, students work with their mentor and committee to develop their project. Before proceeding to the thesis project, FDP students must have a Preliminary Thesis Review and obtain Project Approval in the third semester of residency. Once the thesis film is completed, each filmmaker must then pass a Graduation Review in order to graduate. In addition, they must have fulfilled all Program course requirements.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Scene Study
Visual Design
Advanced Scene Study
Advanced Acting
One Act to Cinematic Event
Screenwriting: Long Forms
Cinematic Storytelling

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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Credits

90 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

California, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies View 215 other Masters in Film Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Upload your portfolio and/or plan your audition
Upload unofficial transcripts showing all academic work
Request at least two letters of recommendation be sent to CalArts
We do not require the SAT, ACT, or GRE as part of your application

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

60650 USD / year

≈ 60650 USD / year
Out-of-State

60650 USD / year

≈ 60650 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

60650 USD / year

≈ 60650 USD / year

Living costs

California

United States

1570 - 2658 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Film Directing.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

California

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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