BFA Film & Television Arts: Screenwriting

Bachelor of Fine arts Degree in Film and Television Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Film and Television Arts provides a comprehensive education designed to prepare students for successful careers in the entertainment industry. The core curriculum covers essential aspects of filmmaking and production, including screenwriting and directing, cinematography and editing, production, and sound design. The study of film aesthetics and a contemporary focus on the history of cinema helps each filmmaker in defining their own individual voice and path in contemporary filmmaking in an environment where students from Acting for Camera, Filmmaking, and Screenwriting concentrations work together on exciting film and television projects. With access to professional studio backlots and soundstages in Hollywood, students gain invaluable hands-on experience. Graduates leave with diverse portfolios, industry-ready skills, and the confidence to pursue careers as actors, filmmakers, screenwriters, and other creative professionals in a competitive and dynamic field.

Concentration in Screenwriting

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Film and Television Arts: Screenwriting program offers comprehensive training in crafting compelling narratives for film, television, and new media. The curriculum includes courses in screenwriting foundations, character development, script analysis, and genre writing, along with film studies and production. Students will graduate with a Short Film Screenplay, Feature Film Screenplay, Senior Thesis Screenwriting Project, TV Pilot Script, Pitch Deck, and Industry Ready Treatment. With full access to professional Hollywood studio backlots, students gain hands-on experience in a real-world environment. Career opportunities include roles as screenwriters, script editors, content creators, and story developers in film, television, and digital media.

Students completing the BFA Film and Television Arts program should be able to:

• Creative Development: Generate original, compelling content across various media, demonstrating creativity and innovation in film and television arts.

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate technical knowledge of equipment and processes used for filmmaking, including pre-production, production, and post-production elements.

• Collaborative Production: Engage effectively in a collaborative production process, working with peers and professionals from different concentrations to create cohesive projects.

• Historical and Critical Analysis: Apply historical insights and critical analysis to the creation and interpretation of screenplays and films from a variety of periods, styles, and genres.

• Professional Practice: Apply standard entertainment industry business practices regarding preparation, communication, and professionalism, preparing students for successful careers in the film and television industry.

Concentration Learning Outcomes for Screenwriting

• Script Development: Write and refine several screenplays, including short films, feature-length films, TV pilot scripts, and industry-ready treatments, demonstrating mastery of narrative structure and character development.

• Genre Writing: Analyze and write scripts across various genres, demonstrating an understanding of genre conventions and the ability to innovate within them.

• Pitching and Presentation: Develop pitch decks and presentations, effectively communicating story ideas and engaging with industry professionals to advance screenwriting projects.