Program Overview

Master of Film and Screen Arts Portfolio

The Master of Film and Screen Arts program requires applicants to submit a portfolio of creative work as part of their application. This portfolio serves as a sample of the applicant's screen work and filmmaking experience, as well as their creative interests and practice.

What is a Portfolio?

A portfolio presents a sample of an applicant's screen work and filmmaking experience, and their creative interests and practice. It helps the admissions committee understand the kind of filmmaker the applicant wants to be and how this aligns with the Master of Film and Screen Arts (MFSA) program.

Portfolio Requirements

To submit a portfolio, applicants must provide a single PDF document, labeled with their name, containing the following:

1. A link to a 30-second to 1-minute personal video introducing themselves and explaining why they want to pursue the MFSA.
2. Links to one or more film/video works on which the applicant has performed a key creative role (writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor, production design, SFX/graphics, sound recording/sound design, animator, or one or more of the above).
3. A one-paragraph creative statement for each film listed, explaining what the work is about, the key creative role performed, the challenges faced, and what was learned in the process.

Technical Film Submission Requirements

• All film links in the portfolio PDF must be accessible via an English-language website (Vimeo or YouTube preferred).
• Films can be in any resolution, genre, format, or length, and about any subject.
• If films contain non-English dialogue, they must be subtitled in English.
• All credits must be subtitled in English and accurately reflect the role performed.
• Films should not be submitted as separate links; instead, they should be included in the portfolio PDF with a creative statement for each one.

Creative Statements

For each film link provided in the portfolio PDF, applicants must include a one-paragraph statement explaining what the work is about, the key creative role performed, the challenges faced, and what was learned in the process. These statements should be honest and constructive, discussing how the work might have been improved if the applicant is not completely satisfied with it.

Personal Video

The personal video (30 seconds to 1 minute) is an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves and explain why they want to study in the MFSA. They should discuss what kind of filmmaker they want to be, what technical, creative, or narrative skills and techniques they want to learn more about, and what making screen stories means to them as a person and an artist. This video should be conversational and not read from a statement.

Submitting the Portfolio

Applicants may upload their portfolio as part of their online application to the university by the application deadline.