Whether you’re starting from scratch with no prior screenwriting experience or you’ve already written many stories and want to hone your skills, we think you will find Chapman a place to explore, create and tell stories in ways that will challenge you beyond your expectations.  

Year 1

The first foundation year of the MFA in Screenwriting will challenge students with an intensive foundational experience in which the fundamentals of screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, producing, production design, and sound design will be instilled, regardless of their intended specialization. By the end of year one, they will also be cognizant of the evolution of the language of visual storytelling.

First Semester:
Evolution of Narrative Film I
Fundamentals in Screenwriting
Production Workshop I
Short Film Form

Second Semester:
Feature Analysis
Short Script Workshop
Feature Screenwriting I
Seminar in Adaptation

Summer Session:
Feature Screenwriting II
Internship

Year 2

First Semester:
Production Workshop III (script development phase in collaboration with production students)
Seminar in Television Writing – Drama
Thesis in Screenwriting

Second Semester:
Seminar in Television Writing – Comedy 
Development Process of Film and Television
Thesis in Screenwriting

For further information please contact our Graduate Program Chair, Alex Rose, at arose@chapman.edu or you may call the Graduate Assistants on (714) 628-2764.