The Film Production master of fine arts at Full Sail University is for graduate students who want to pursue their artistic vision as a filmmaker. This degree program gives them the resources, knowledge, and mentorship to create with confidence and experience diverse roles on a film set.

It was also named MovieMaker Magazine's list of Best Film Schools in the US and Canada 2021 for its "priceless hands-on-experience, while also connecting students with industry professionals through virtual alumni mixers and networking workshops.".

Full Sail's Film Production Program Director, Anne Russell, shares what you can expect in the video below.

Goal-Setting and Mastery

"You'll start the Film Production program by taking Mastery: Personal Development and Leadership, a four-week course where you'll learn important leadership skills, how to conduct research, and how to demonstrate mastery of a subject," Anne explains. This course not only lays the foundation you need for success, personal motivation, and intellectual commitment, it's also your opportunity to map out your filmmaking goals.

"This course is also your first opportunity to find your interests and goals and share them with your instructors," says Anne. "This enables our faculty to personalize your curriculum and cover the topics, genres, and skills you are most interested in learning."

Advanced Film Production Techniques

In the second month of your master's degree, you'll begin learning advanced production skills and techniques in indie filmmaking. Courses cover topics like script production and analysis, directing talent, and story development. 

The Business of Film

You'll also learn about the business side of the industry to understand things like marketing films through festivals, press kits, trailers, and film art. This course also dives into negotiation, financing, and international marketing for filmmakers.

Film Thesis Project

"During most months, you will work on short, in-class video projects that span a wide range of topics," says Anne. "Additionally, you'll spend several months working on a larger thesis project with your cohort and other students in the Film Production program."

Thesis courses are broken into pre-production, production, postproduction, and film assembly. In the latter courses, you'll get familiar with the tools and technology you need to edit a high-quality film.

Collaboration and Experience

Throughout the program, you'll be surrounded by other students working on their own thesis films and various short film projects. This is your chance to collaborate, volunteer for different positions, and gain valuable on-set experience.

Along the way, you'll receive valuable feedback from your peers, mentors, and instructors to evolve and refine your work.

"The films you create will help contribute to your mastery of filmmaking and help you articulate your unique artistic vision," Anne explains. "Utilize every contribution to put your heart, soul, and creativity into your work."