Current USC Transfer Students Application Procedure

The primary goals of the Film & Television Production program are to develop the student’s ability to express original ideas and to instill a thorough understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of motion pictures and television. Students learn all aspects of the art of storytelling and develop the ability to take audiences on emotional journeys using a wide array of cinematic skills. Students learn to access this unique power by working in many forms - from traditional large-screen films to those designed for the smallest cell phone screens, to episodic content across multiple formats. Courses in production provide individual and group filmmaking experiences and the opportunity to learn all aspects of filmmaking in a collaborative environment.

The faculty admissions committee evaluates applications for originality, clarity, personal insight and artistic excellence. There are no admission interviews but applicants may be contacted for more information or clarification of submitted materials. The committee ensures that all applicants are judged equitably by limiting evaluation to the items listed.

*Note to transfer applicants: To be considered for admission, you must first obtain 48 transferable semester units (excluding AP & IB credits). This total may include units in progress during the fall or spring semester. As such, the average time for degree completion for transfer admits is 2.5 years at USC.

Access the Film & Television Production B.A. Program SlideRoom Application here.

  1. Cinematic Arts Personal Statement (Must be uploaded in PDF format only)

    The Cinematic Arts Personal Statement will be read by the admissions committee as a measure of creativity, self-awareness and vision. We are looking for a sense of you as a unique individual and how your distinctive experiences, identities, values, and/or views of the world have shaped who you are and what you want to say as a creative filmmaker. We want to know about the kind of stories you want to tell. Bear in mind that enthusiasm for watching films, descriptions of your favorite films and the involvement in the filmmaking process is common in most candidates. As a result, we encourage that you focus on your individuality. Note that there is no standard format or correct answer. (500 words or less)

  2. Writing Sample - Choose One If your writing sample is for a narrative film, make sure the sample tells a story. If you are submitting from a larger piece, the scene should stand on its own with a beginning, middle, and end. (Must be uploaded in PDF format only)
      1. A description of a four-minute film that contains no dialogue. It can be fiction or non-fiction. The story has to be communicated visually. (400 words or less)
      2. A dialogue scene between two people in screenplay format. (400 words or less)
  3. Creative Portfolio List (Must be uploaded in PDF format only)

    The portfolio list is a written record of the applicant's creative materials. It should include a concise description of each project, the month and year the project was completed, the applicant's creative role and the purpose of the project. The material, which does not need to be film or television related, should give an idea of the range and depth of the applicant's creative ability. You may include links to previous film samples and photo essays. Formal recognition - such as awards, publications, jobs and exhibitions - should be noted. The name of the institution or publication should be included when listing creative materials prepared for a class or publication. An example of the portfolio list is below:

    • July 2023, A Day in the Life, digital video, 12 minutes. Position: writer/director. A documentary on a homeless Iraq vet who has lived on the streets since his return from the military. Created for senior-year multimedia term project, San Raphael High School, Miami, Florida.
    • March 2023, Doorways, a series of 5 black-and-white photographs. Position: photographer. "Second Prize Winner" in the Des Moines Sunday Journal photo contest.
    • February 2022, Cellomorphosis, short story. Position: writer. A variation on the novella by Franz Kafka; published in Writing, vol. IV, 2022, at Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts.

    We're not looking for a specific number of projects, but rather a demonstrated commitment to creative work.

  4. Creative Team Question (500 words or less)

    Describe how you handled a difficult situation that you have faced with other people in your creative life.

  5. Video Introduction

    6. Submit a 30-60 second video of yourself speaking directly to the camera, in a single take with no edits, introducing yourself and explaining what will make attending SCA a successful experience for you and others.

  6. Media Sample (Upload in Portfolio Section)
    • Submit a 2-minute short film based on the prompt: "This is the last chance..." Previous work cannot be used; you must create a film for this application.
    • Submissions can be any genre, narrative, documentary, or experimental. The reviewing committee is interested in seeing your storytelling ability. Creativity is what's important, not scale. We understand the time and production limitations. This exercise does not require large expenditures or a huge production; cell phones may be used for this project if desired. The project should be in English or be subtitled in English.
    • Applicants must perform at least 3 of the 6 jobs, which are: 1) Director, 2) Producer, 3) Writer, 4) Editor, 5) Sound Recording and Design, 6) Cinematography and Production Design.
    • (If you'd like to show us additional creative work, your Creative Portfolio section can include links to previous film samples.)
    • In addition: Please submit a critique of your film and a crew list (in PDF format only).
    • The critique should be brief, 150 words or less, and in the form of notes you would give the filmmakers as if you had not made the film yourself. We want to see your objectivity and ability for self-reflection. Please do not describe your film or your intention. The film should speak for itself.
    • The crew list should include the names of the crew members performing the 6 jobs outlined above.
    • Videos must be uploaded directly into SlideRoom, please do not simply provide a link. To upload your video to SlideRoom, click the "Add Media" button below.

Disclaimer of Liability: Applicants are solely responsible for the creation and production of their admissions film submissions. The University does not provide supervision, equipment, insurance coverage, or production resources for this process, and assumes no responsibility for the safety or conduct of applicants during the making of their films. Applicants are expected to exercise good judgment, comply with all applicable laws, and take appropriate precautions to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. By submitting a film, applicants acknowledge that they have undertaken the project voluntarily and at their own risk, and that the University bears no liability for any injury, loss, or damage arising from the creation of the submission.

Use of AI-generated tools: This application is designed to reflect you-your creativity, critical thinking, and individuality. To make sure we're seeing your authentic work, using AI-generated tools for any part of the written or media portions is not permitted. Using AI to create content would be considered plagiarism.

As part of the Film & Television Production program applicant review process, applicants may be selected to have a remote interview with faculty or staff. Not every applicant will be interviewed, and an interview is not required for admission. The window for the interview time may vary, so please keep an eye on the inbox of the email address used in your application for a request to schedule one (emails may go to your junk folder). Please respond to such requests within 72 hours.