50 Credit Hours
MFA In Creative Producing
As a leader in the rapidly evolving field of visual media, Columbia’s Film and Video Department is proud to offer a new MFA in Creative Producing. This two-year program is designed for aspiring creative professionals with industry experience, or a related undergraduate degree, whose interest is in producing meaningful, commercially viable, internationally appealing screen entertainment in traditional and new media formats. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in traditional film studios, independent production companies, or as entrepreneurs.
creative producers are essential to virtually every project initiated in the visual media industry
The Role of a Creative Producer
Creative producers are essential to virtually every project initiated in the visual media industry. They combine artistic vision, business acumen and management skills to lead films and other media projects from concept through creation and distribution. Our MFA Creative Producing students collaborate with screenwriters and directors during a project’s development phase and lead a production team through scheduling, budgeting, hiring, and casting. Their role also includes managing talent, working with line producers, and maintaining accountability to financers. With an eye on the big picture, they are involved in each step of the process and bear ultimate responsibility for the project's creative character.
students work with a diverse group of student filmmakers, writers, composers, and directors
WHY COLUMBIA?
MFA Creative Producing students who wish to immerse themselves in the art and community of filmmaking have the advantage at Columbia—as part of the nation’s largest film and video program they work with a diverse group of student filmmakers, writers, composers, and directors that have expertise in multiple modes of presentation. In addition, they have access to the College’s new Media Production Center, a state-of the art facility designed to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration—a manifestation of the innovative model of arts and media education that is the hallmark of Columbia College Chicago. The MFA Creative Producing curriculum has been carefully developed to highlight the sophisticated and dynamic relationship between factual knowledge of the field and the creative, holistic aspects that are unique to the creative producer's role. Following a three-week “pre-semester” intended to equalize knowledge across the cohort, the course work focuses on core components of the profession, including story development, scriptwriting, line-production, business, marketing, and legal strategies. In addition to workshop-based classes, students begin to establish a professional network and develop a portfolio of short films in collaboration with other Columbia students.
while in Los Angeles, students gain invaluable perspectives on the business of filmmaking through active participation in the field
Semester In L.A.
In their final semester, students apply their studies to a real-world context through Semester in L.A., a eight-week immersion program located on the historic Raleigh Studios Hollywood lot. While in Los Angeles, students gain invaluable perspective on the business of filmmaking though active participation in the field. and distribution industry.
Transition to a Career in the Field
Students complete the program with a complete creative and logistical plan for a market-ready feature-length film. With this and other professional credentials in hand - including producer credit on at least one festival-bound short film - Columbia graduates make the successful transition from student to specialist in an exciting, burgeoning profession.