Program Summary PDF Print E-mail

OVERVIEW

Every September,  MPI opens its doors to aspiring filmmakers who will spend the next twelve months learning the craft of filmmaking through The Motion Picture Production Program. During this period, students are required to take thirteen core film courses and select at least one elective track of focused study in either screenwriting, directing, or film production.

Upon successfully completing the rigors of the program students earn a Certificate of Achievement, transcripts that include grades and relevant film credits, and a showcasing of their thesis work on the big screen at the MPI Annual Student Film Festival. The alumni can then take advantage of MPI graduate services that include resume writing, career guidance, reel development, and teaching assistant opportunities.

THE MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION PROGRAM

The Motion Picture Production Program is a combination of technical and creative film courses. Hands-on training includes working with 16mm, 35mm and Hi-Definition cameras, tungsten lighting, DAT and Digitial audio recorders, and non-linear editing computer workstations. These skills are put into practice through individual and group film projects. Practical screenwriting and directorial skills are developed through the writing and directing of film projects.

Each semester student skills are advanced and their imagination challenged as these films become more complex.  Student progress is evaluated with written tests, physical demonstrations, and applied knowledge in the form of film assignments. Our goal is to make sure students have what it takes to thrive in the professional film industry.

DURATION

The school year is divided into four semester blocks. The thirteen core film courses are spread across the first three semesters (nine weeks each) that span a twenty-seven week period. The elective tracks begin the third semester and continue through the end of the fourth semester (sixteen weeks) and end on August 31st, 2009, the last day of the program.