Master of Fine Arts

The Peter Stark Producing Program is an innovative two-year (four semester) full-time graduate program designed to prepare a select group of highly motivated students for careers as independent film and television producers or as executives in motion picture and television companies.

A producer is the person who causes the film to be made. A good producer causes it to be made well.
- Lawrence Turman, Chair

Approximately 25 Peter Stark Program students are enrolled each Fall. There are no Spring admissions. The curriculum places equal emphasis on the creative and the managerial, in order to enhance and develop artistic skills and judgment while providing a sound background in business essentials. Each course is continually updated to ensure that the Stark program remains responsive to the needs of our students and the ever-changing motion picture, television and communications field.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 44 units of 400-level and 500-level courses is required for the Peter Stark Producing Program leading to the M.F.A. degree. There are no prerequisites. The department does not set the tuition cost or fees. Here is a link to the Estimated Costs for the 2012-2013 academic year. When calculating estimated costs for our program, please refer to the Graduate Cinematic Arts unit fee. Students are required to take a production course in their first semester.

CTPR 504 Fundamentals of Production (4 units) introduces the fundamental principles of motion picture production, emphasizing visual and auditory communication. This course covers the basic aspects of filmmaking through lectures and hands-on production using digital video. Each student works on several collaborative projects, serving as writer, producer, director, cinematographer, sound designer and editor. Projects are shot using digital cameras and edited on non-linear systems. Approximately $1,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, including lab and insurance fees.

In CMPP 541L, second semester students work in teams, making two 7- minute films. Equipment is provided by the School. There will be lab and insurance fees for these two classes of approximately $800 per class.

In lieu of a traditional thesis, the completion requirement is a fully-developed film project with an attendant schedule, budget and marketing plan and distribution plan.

An internship period between school years gives students an opportunity to observe actual producing and executive operations with participating independent producers and film companies. The internships last eight weeks, are paid, and are subject to availability, academic performance and good standing in the first year of studies.

The completion of a film and television industry internship of at least eight weeks is a requirement for graduation.

Required Courses

Year One, First Semester
Course Number	Course Name	Units
CMPP 550	Script Analysis for the Producer	2
CMPP 568	Producing for Television	2
CMPP 589a	Graduate Film Business Seminar	4
CTPR 504	Fundamentals of Production	4
		12
Year One, Second Semester
Course Number	Course Name	Units
CMPP 541L	Producing Workshop	4
CMPP 560	Script Development	2
CMPP 563	Producing Symposium	2
CMPP 589b	Graduate Film Business Seminar	4
		12
Year Two, First Semester
Course Number	Course Name	Units
CMPP 561	Motion Picture Marketing	2
CMPP 565	Scheduling and Budgeting	4
CMPP 566	Finance	2
CMPP 571	Producing the Screenplay	2
		10
Year Two, Second Semester
Course Number	Course Name	Units
CMPP 564	Digital Media and Entertainment	2
CMPP 569	Seminar on Non-Mainstream Producing	2
CMPP 570	Advanced Television	2
CMPP 592	Individual Project Seminar	4
		10

Grade Point Average Requirements

An overall GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for graduation. Courses in which a grade of C- (1.7) or lower is earned will not apply toward a graduate degree. A grade of C-, D or F in any course may be cause for termination.

Time Limit

Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master's degrees at all times. The degree must be completed three years after the beginning of graduate work at USC.