MA in Film and Media
The Master of Arts in Film and Media program provides an in-depth curriculum designed to develop the professional and creative skill sets required to succeed in the film, television, and media industries. Students are exposed to the latest technologies and explore a range of storytelling techniques, while being taught key production, business, and distribution strategies. This is a professional program that emphasizes experiential learning, collaboration, thinking outside the box, and the integrity of hard work. All of our courses are taught by successful creators, filmmakers, and executives who are passionate about teaching and mentoring the next wave of filmmakers and storytellers.
Courses and workshops feature current case studies that help expose students to the latest tools, equipment, resources, approaches, and relevant issues in specific fields. The Johns Hopkins MA in Film and Media program brings the industry to Baltimore, as our students grow their professional network while creating a two-way bridge between the local burgeoning film scene and industry hubs in Los Angeles, New York, and abroad. Courses are held at the JHU/MICA Film Centre, Baltimore’s film studio and recording center in the Station North Arts and Entertainment District.
Students choose at least one concentration from the fields of Business of Film (Production), Sound Design, Writing, and Immersive Storytelling & Emerging Technologies. While each student specializes in at least one of these above tracks, students may take courses across a range of subject areas including: screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, sound mixing/post-audio design, editing, VR/AR experiences, podcasting, documentary production, and creative collaboration.
Admissions Criteria for All Advanced Academic Programs
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Master of Arts in Film and Media program requires the following:
- Resume/CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose: Please provide a statement, up to one page in length, describing your personal background and/or a part of your life experience that has shaped you or your goals. Feel free to elaborate on personal challenges and opportunities that have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree at Johns Hopkins.
- A sample of your work as a filmmaker/artist/storyteller: Please send us a sample of your work that introduces us to who you are as a filmmaker, artist, and storyteller. We want to know about you and what you're capable of creating. Your sample should be:
(1) a selection from one of your screenplays or short stories [five to fifteen pages in length, with fifteen as the maximum]; or
(2) a short film you directed, produced, edited and/or served as cinematographer; or
(3) a photographic, digital, or audio portfolio; or
(4) a project/paper you did in school that means a great deal to you—something you truly feel represents you and what you're capable of!
** If you don't have a sample of your work that you feel is appropriate, or prefer to try something new, we suggest you create something that responds to the following prompt in an innovative fashion:
Prompt: Write or create a scene with two to four characters (human or otherwise) that includes sunflowers and a Ford Mustang. The scene should end with this line: "It's a good thing your mom is out of the country."
Program Requirements
Students in the MA in Film and Media program must complete:
- Three required core courses
- Eight electives, from which students will complete four or more courses within one concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses - Required: | 9 | |
| Graduate Filmmaking Studio I | ||
| Graduate Filmmaking Studio II | ||
| Capstone for Film & Media | ||
| One Required Concentration | 12 | |
| Concentration: Immersive Storytelling and Emerging Technologies | ||
| Sample of Courses - Customizable | ||
| Foundations of Immersive Storytelling: Theory & Practice | ||
| Virtual Production: A New Era of Filmmaking | ||
| Artificial Collaboration: AI & the Creative Process | ||
| Workshop for the Immersive Storyteller: Skills & Training | ||
| Production for Creative Technology | ||
| Concentration: Writing | ||
| Sample of Courses - Customizable | ||
| Episodic Writing Workshop 1 – The Pilot | ||
| Episodic Writing Workshop II - The Writers' Room | ||
| Screenwriting Workshop | ||
| The Art of “The Pitch”: Developing Skills and Mastering Professional Practices | ||
| Script to Screen | ||
| Concentration: The Business of Film | ||
| Sample of Courses - Customizable | ||
| Directing Workshop | ||
| Sales, Acquisitions and Marketing | ||
| Advanced Cinematography Workshop | ||
| Producing the Narrative Short | ||
| Advanced Documentary Production | ||
| Scheduling and Budgeting for Film & TV : Producing with Movie Magic | ||
| Editing Fundamentals: Narrative, Emotion, and Flow in the Short Film | ||
| A Filmmaker’s Guide to Protecting Your Work: Intro to Intellectual Property & Entertainment Law | ||
| Social Impact Documentary Filmmaking | ||
| Podcasting Fundamentals | ||
| Concentration: Sound Design | ||
| Sample of Courses - Customizable | ||
| Sound on Film I | ||
| Mixing Sound for Picture | ||
| Designing Sound for Film and Media | ||
| Recording Sound for Film | ||
| Electives | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |