Program Overview

Introduction to the Creative Producing Program

The Creative Producing program at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is designed to empower students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the film and television industry. This program focuses on both the creative and business aspects of producing, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the production process.

Program Overview

The Creative Producing program is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree that offers hands-on learning experiences, close mentorship from industry professionals, and access to top studios and companies in Hollywood. Through this program, students gain the skills to develop, pitch, and produce compelling film and television projects from start to finish.

Key Areas of Study

• The entire production process: From development to distribution, students master the art of turning ideas into reality through constant filmmaking with fellow students.
• Storytelling and script development: Students learn how to develop great ideas and scripts with the help of Oscar- and Emmy-winning professors.
• Financing, marketing, distributing, and releasing films: Students understand the nuts and bolts of movie money and how to get projects off the ground.
• Entertainment law: Students learn about the legal frameworks that protect intellectual property and drive deals in the industry.
• Domestic and international entertainment: Students explore the global landscape of filmmaking, preparing them for success in diverse markets.

Senior Project

The senior year in the Creative Producing program culminates in two dynamic capstone projects:

• Producing Films or TV Pilots: Students collaborate with directors from the Film Production program to produce original films or TV pilots, taking charge of the entire production process.
• Portfolio Development: Students build a comprehensive portfolio that showcases their ability to identify and develop projects into marketable films or television shows, including detailed plans for rights acquisition, story development, pitching, budgeting, packaging, marketing, distribution, and exhibition.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Creative Producing program are equipped to develop, pitch, and produce compelling film and television projects. They can identify and nurture creative material, collaborate effectively with key players on set, manage financial, logistical, and legal aspects of production, negotiate intellectual property rights, secure funding, and craft innovative marketing strategies.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program is led by industry-active faculty, including:

• Travis Knox, Associate Professor
• Russell Schwartz, Associate Professor
• Madeline Warren, Associate Professor and Chair, Undergraduate Programs
• Joe Rosenberg, Associate Professor

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students can gain filmmaking experience around the world through month-long, semester-long, and year-long study abroad programs, with scholarships available to help cover costs.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Chapman University has over 230 clubs and student organizations, including the Delta Kappa Alpha Professional Cinema Fraternity (DKA), which fosters lifelong character, collaborative and creative storytelling, ethical and productive business practices, philanthropic action, and fraternal bonds between students of the cinematic arts.

Related Programs

Students may also be interested in other programs offered by Chapman University, such as:

• Broadcast Journalism and Documentary
• Television Writing and Production
• Dodge Minors
• Animation and Visual Effects (BFA)
• Film and Television Production (BFA)
• Film and Media Studies (BA)
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Entertainment Marketing (BA)
• Screen Acting (BFA)
• Writing for Film and Television (BFA)

Conclusion

The Creative Producing program at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts provides students with a comprehensive education in the art and business of film and television production. With its focus on hands-on learning, industry mentorship, and global opportunities, this program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive world of entertainment.