Cinema Arts, M.F.A. (2023-24)

Program Requirements (52-66 Credits)

66 credits are required for the concentrations in directing, cinematography, screenwriting, post-production, and digital animation and visual effects. 52 credits are required for the concentration in producing.

Students must complete requirements in one specialization.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Create a body of work that reflects an understanding and command of the short form narrative or documentary and the principles of visual storytelling.
2. Ability to successfully collaborate with fellow students, crew and cast in pursuit of common creative and production objectives.
3. Ability to manage the film production process including the resources of time, money, technology, and people.
4. Exhibit an ability to learn how to learn from the study of film history, film theory, and master artists and technicians in the field.

Cinematography Track

1. Demonstrate a command of industry standard equipment and technology—including camera, grip, lighting and color correction—and successfully apply them to the execution of student film productions.

Admissions Requirements

• Fall Application Deadline – January 15, Rolling Admission
• Spring Application Deadline – The program does not accept applications for spring.

Supporting Documents for Matriculation

Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree outside the United States need to submit a ‘Course by Course International Transcript Evaluation.’ See Graduate Admissions for more information.
2. Resume.
3. Statement of purpose – Write a three- to four-page (double-spaced, 12-point font) statement explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in cinema arts. This is your opportunity to articulate your goals, interests and career plans as they relate to pursuing an MFA in cinema arts. We are trying to gain a sense of who you are and the distinctive experiences and interests that have motivated you to pursue this degree.
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. Creative Portfolio – submit at https://feirsteincinema.slideroom.com. Prepare and submit a portfolio of creative work via the online application system, Slideroom. Please note that, upon submitting your creative portfolio, Slideroom will charge a small fee for applicants to use this service. (You may pay this fee with a credit or debit card.) Portfolio submission materials will not be returned to applicants. We recommend submitting copies only. Portfolio Requirements for all cinema arts applicants, please submit one of the following:
   1. A short film that you have personally directed, or for which you were a principal creative contributor and credited as such (i.e. as writer, producer, cinematographer, editor, vfx designer/supervisor), not to exceed 15 minutes, or
   2. An original treatment for a feature film, in 10 pages or less (double-spaced, 12-point font), which can include photographs or visuals not to exceed one third of total treatment, plus one additional written page explaining why you want to make this project and create this specific story, or
   3. A short script (correctly formatted) that you have individually written, not to exceed 12 pages in length.

E-mail resume and statement of purpose to FeirsteinDocs@brooklyn.cuny.edu.

Additional/Optional items: You are welcome to submit up to five additional items on Slideroom (either visual pieces—such as videos, photos, visual documentation of creative work, or written pieces—provided you played a key role on those works). Clearly describe exactly your role on each item that you submit on Slideroom.

While you are required to submit a portfolio of your creative work on Slideroom, you are permitted to supplement your portfolio by listing a URL to an online portfolio of your creative work on your resume, or CV.

Required Tests

• F-1 or J-1 international students must submit English Proficiency Exam. TOEFL- 79, IELTS- 6.5, PTE- 58-63, Duolingo 105-160.

Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.

Contact

Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema

Feirstein@brooklyn.cuny.edu
718.237.3410
25 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210

Or contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions

222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210
P: 718.951.4536
E: grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu

Office Hours

Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:

BC Admissions Appointment Tool