Film and Video Studies Admissions

Apply for a Scholarship

Complete the Film and Video Studies Scholarship Application in early Spring semester.

Attend an Event

Join us at one of our many screenings and events around the year!

You will learn about the creation, production and post-production of fiction, documentary and experimental styles of film and video and its parallel forms, including television, transmedia, mobile and web media, through the Interdisciplinary Bachelors of Arts degree.

Photo: Maurice C. Jones. FAVS students are immersed immediately in their craft and given opportunities to explore their creativity through fiction, documentary and experimental styles of film and video.

In preparation for a wide range of careers in the film industry, majors take courses in Film and Media Studies, English, Communication, Theater, Game Design, Art, and other subjects. Film and Video Studies students are invited to leverage the extraordinary connections, alumni network, and arts partnerships to both complete the required internship and gain real-world experience.

Application to Film at Mason is a two-step process

Apply to Mason through the Common Application, or directly through Mason's online application. You do not need to wait to get a response from Admissions before moving to step two.

Submit a digital portfolio via SlideRoom that will be evaluated by our faculty. Your digital portfolio includes two short essays and creative work samples (described in detail below). Incomplete portfolios will not be considered.

Part 1: Write a 500 word essay describing your interest and influences in studying the history and craft of independently produced film and video and related media forms.

Part 2: Choose ONE of the following:

350-word treatment for an original fiction film.
350-word plan for a documentary film (i.e. a story involving participants and representing real life).
350-word proposal for a television pilot or series.

Examples are available from current/past students

Part 3: Submit a sample of your creative work and a descriptive statement.

Samples: This can be (but not limited to) a short video, demo reel, photographs, website, animation, drawing, collage, graphic novel, comic book cells, poetry, or script.
Descriptive Statement (25-100 words):
Describe your sample of creative work (e.g. medium, context, etc.). If applicable, include collaborators, your specific role, and use of copyrighted media.

Portfolio Review Deadlines

Incoming Freshman

Early Action Fall 2020: November 30, 2019
Regular Fall 2020: Feb 15, 2020
Spring 2020: October 15, 2019

Incoming Transfers

Spring 2020: October 15, 2019
Fall 2020: March 15, 2020

Current Mason Students

To be eligible to change your major by the spring semester: October 15, 2019
To be eligible to change your major by the fall semester: March 15, 2020