What Can You Do with a Master’s in Film & Television?
While formats and distribution methods change, the moving image remains the most vital way to tell stories in our culture. Is an advanced degree the ticket to your success in this fast-paced, wildly creative field?
We sat down with Director Sara “Sally” Ross and Artistic Director Todd Barnes of the Film & Television graduate program (FTMA) at Sacred Heart University–Connecticut’s only on-campus, graduate film school–to discuss how bolstering your craft and technique will make you a next-generation visual artist.
There will always be a need for well-trained visual storytellers.
Sally Ross (SR): Feature films, documentaries and scripted television help us to find unity and hope, raise up the voices of those whose stories need to be told or just escape our troubles for a while. New immersive media such as VR/AR/XR are not just for gaming anymore. Immersive storytelling – and emerging ways to tell short-form stories online – can produce powerfully emotional stories that are an incredible tool for generating empathy.
With social justice a cornerstone of our University mission, Sacred Heart is equipped to be at the forefront of both representation and message. Our students make films from their diverse experiences. Producers are hiring more diverse crews and film festivals are taking more diverse content.
With new technology comes new opportunities.
Todd Barnes (TB): The field of work for FTMA graduates widens every year. Whereas 20 years ago, a film and television graduate student would hope to become a feature film director or create TV shows or commercials, now there are thousands of places to explore your talents. Our students have moved to LA to join the traditional industry, worked crew in Brooklyn, started a production company here in Fairfield and more. We prepare students to work in all aspects of the field from crew to creative and everything in between.
You’ll master skills and build an all-important portfolio.
Both Ross and Barnes agree that breaking into the film industry requires a lot of hard work. While a graduate degree is not required to work in the industry or on a set, it does give you a competitive edge over others vying for the same jobs by giving you the opportunity to build a professional portfolio before beginning your career. As you earn your graduate degree, you’ll complete the elements needed to put together a comprehensive professional portfolio that you can use in interviews and pitches following graduation.
Writing screenplays, being present on a set, working with a crew, standing behind the camera — when you earn your graduate degree in film, you’ll gain experience working in every area of film and TV production. You’ll see what it’s really like to work in the industry. The experience you’ll gain will empower you with the skills you need to be a valuable part of any team and give you the confidence you need to break out on your own and make your unique mark on the field.
You’ll make lasting connections and build your network.
In the film industry, having the right connections can make a solid impact on the direction and success of your career. Through a graduate program in film production, you will have the opportunity to develop important connections with industry professionals that can help guide you to success. You’ll also make connections through film festivals and other opportunities to showcase your work. Perhaps most importantly, your professors and fellow students will become a close-knit, lifelong support system who will be a source of wisdom and encouragement throughout your career.
What sets Sacred Heart University’s program apart?
At SHU, we are dedicated to offering the best resources available to help you build your career in the film and television industry. Our faculty in the School of Communication, Media & the Arts includes award-winning screenwriters, editors, producers, and directors, who bring their collective experience and world-class expertise to the classroom. Our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities enable students to learn, study and create with the same caliber of instruments that they will use in their professional careers.
Located a short train ride from New York City in media-savvy Fairfield County–CT’s “Creative Corridor”–Sacred Heart’s tight-knit and passionate community of filmmakers will give you the support and encouragement you need to reach your fullest potential.
Our program offers two distinct paths: the Master of Arts (MA) is an intensive year of film and television production. The MFA option is a terminal two-year degree culminating in a capstone project.
Think the Master’s or MFA in Film & Television at Sacred Heart University might be for you?
Curious about earning your graduate degree in film & tv? Talk to Ed Nassr, associate director of graduate admissions & recruitment, at nassre@sacredheart.edu or schedule a virtual appointment today!