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Students on a set at Regent, a university that offers an MFA in Film & Television Production.

MFA in Film & Television Production

Tell the Story with Passion

Are you ready to show the world what you can do in media? Regent University’s Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production program provides a challenging foundation in the narrative and technical aspects of production. Through this terminal degree, you will learn essential and classical elements of developing a story. You will also develop advanced producing and directing techniques and create live-streaming and internet broadcasts using our state-of-the-art high-definition television studio.

On Campus
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Refine Your Creative Abilities

Be equipped for a professional career in the expanding television landscape.

Increase Your Earning Potential

Advance in media leadership roles with higher salary opportunities.

Display your Skill

Enjoy immersive workshops and a thesis project that will help build your portfolio. 

Align Yourself With Excellence

Regent is ranked among top national universities by U.S. News & World Report, 2023. Presented from a Christian worldview, the in-demand film and television production degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach. Enhance your professional credentials with an MFA degree, gained online or on campus.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

On completing the MFA in Film & Television Production, you can: 

  • Move seamlessly between single- and multiple-camera formats. 
  • Develop, direct, and produce fiction and nonfiction narratives, comedy and drama pilots, documentaries, and webisodes. 
  • Enter the global media market as a content creator. 
  • Capitalize on the new and wide-reaching technologies to create stories with international reach and impact. 

Career Opportunities

  • Film/Television Producer 
  • Marketing Media Director 
  • Camera Operator 
  • Television Director 
  • Technical TV/Media Production Specialist 
$85Thousand
Approximate Annual Median Salary of Producers & Directors, 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required for those who plan to check out equipment for media projects. Covers in an intensive time frame: video camera, grip/electric, audio, set safety and protocol.
Provides students with an introduction to the process of developing a script from concept to page. Emphasis is placed on creating a sellable product in the entertainment marketplace.
The pre-production phase of a project, including script breakdown, scheduling and budgeting, as well as theories and practical application of management skills.
Responsibilities and duties of the producer in various media formats including film, television, web media, live events and emerging technologies. Students examine theories of leadership and practical application to various media projects.
A hands-on course in directing narrative feature film and television, using single-camera style shooting. Master the aesthetics, theory and practice of camera placement, shot execution, and directing the actor. Students create and develop their directing style.
Development and practice of editing theory and style, including the practical impact on filmmaking. Analysis of the evolution of editing aesthetics in planning and visualization.
The beautiful as applied to cinema. An ethics and theology of entertainment. The spiritual challenges of the visual storyteller’s vocation. Understanding the challenges of creating narratives intentionally from a Christian worldview.
Historical study of scripted television programming from its infancy to the present day with a specific emphasis on dramatic and situational comedy programs. Outlines the ways story structure has adapted to technology and cultural norms and shaped culture.
Legal issues that entertainment producers encounter, including ownership, copyright, contracts, clearance and releases.
Study of various ethical perspectives specific to the disciplines of film and television. Students deepen their understanding of the practical application of Biblical principles and faith-based ethical standards within a complex industry. Cross-listed with CTVU 316.
Historical study of traditional and new forms of documentary and non-fiction television and film in both the topical news events and entertainment spheres. Students additionally work through all stages of production from conception through post-production to accomplish a short documentary. Cross-listed with CTVU 440.
Forms of media production as they relate to raising, financing and creating a marketing plan for a project. Examination of traditional theatrical distribution as well as new distribution avenues, including web and mobile technologies.
Students work on the crew of any Cinema-Television MA, MFA or Regent-endowed project, gaining hands-on production experience. Repeatable for credit. Qualification for crew positions based on experience and level of completed coursework. Cross-listed with CTVU 382.
Detailed overview of the different financing structures employed in the mass media market. Topics covered include bank financing, studio financing, network financing, IPOs, limited partnerships, debt swap financing, negative pickup deals, foreign sales and presales.
Students develop a concept and characters for a one-hour drama or half-hour comedy, create a series bible, write a pilot episode, and learn what it means to break the story of subsequent episodes.
Students develop and present a series of concepts and characters, then collaborate with directors, cinematographers, and other key creative and crew personnel to put into pre-production a single camera, scripted or unscripted series.
Students write a comprehensive, research paper and produce their single-camera, scripted or unscripted series. Prerequisites: CTV 796.
A breakdown of Aristotle’s Poetics as applied to cinema. Includes a history of narrative from the fable through post-modern storytelling, and an exhaustive analysis of all the elements that go into a satisfying and socially redemptive story. Geared toward the production of complete, worthy, and commercial feature film projects.
Understanding the specific requirements of visual storytelling meant to go directly to the small screen. Students will produce scripts and concepts for Web stand-alones and series, as well as Internet-based features.

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9206$5,520
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9503$2,850
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9503$2,850

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9209$8,280
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9506$5,700
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9506$5,700

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6706$4,020
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9206$5,520
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9503$2,850
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9503$2,850

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA)$6709$6,030
Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA)$9209$8,280
Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD)$9506$5,700
Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC)$9506$5,700

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800 (Fall & Spring)
$650 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Technology Recommendations for MFA and M.A. Film-Television (FTV) Majors

In the School of Communication & the Arts, technical tools are important for effectively accomplishing class projects. While we don’t endorse any platform in particular, we offer the following guidelines:

1. Am I required to buy a camera or other equipment?

No. Some students buy their own, but Regent University’s FTV Equipment Office stocks cameras and other equipment needed for FTV class assignments.

2. Am I required to buy a computer or software for editing?

Regent strongly recommends that FTV students purchase their own system for editing class projects. FTV courses require students to shoot and edit their own class projects.

3. Does Regent provide computers or software for editing?

Regent recommends that you purchase your own system for editing class projects. For general coursework, there are several computer labs on campus, but there are no general editing labs.

4. Can I use the computer I already own?

An older computer might run new editing software, but performance will be slow and possibly unstable. If your system is more than three years old, or does not meet minimum software requirements, you should consider a new computer system.

5. Can I use the editing software I already own?

Your system must be able to input, edit and output HD video in various formats. It must also be able to create titles and layer several tracks of audio (dialogue, sound effects and music). Depending on your needs, this can be as basic as the free software that often comes bundled with computers, or as elaborate as the professional systems on the market.

6. Is there an advantage to buying a new system?

Buying a new system gets you a warranty from the manufacturer. Manufacturer warranties are usually one year, and for an additional cost, can be up to three years. A newer system is faster and more stable, which can make you more productive with less waiting and frustration.

7. What are the recommended desktop and laptop configurations?

Because requirements are so complex and varied, we strongly advise that you follow your software’s recommended — not the minimum — configuration for whichever system you choose.

8. PC (Windows XP) or Mac (OS X)?

Both platforms are viable for post-production work — assuming proper configurations in both cases. However, Apple editing software only works on Macs. Avid and Adobe software work on both Macs and PCs.

9. Laptop or desktop computer?

While laptops offer portability, properly configured systems are costly and offer limited upgrade capability. In general, properly configured desktops are less costly than laptops and easier to upgrade.

10. What editing software do I need?

Depending on your editing needs, there are several good choices. Refer to #5 above.

11. Do I need a DVD burner for my computer?

Regent recommends that you have a DVD burner for completing assignments and for data backups, but it’s not required. External, name-brand USB DVD burners can be purchased for under $30.

12. Do I need an external hard drive?

YES! The faster and higher the capacity the better. USB 3 for PCs and Thunderbolt or USB 3 for Macs.

13. Does Regent University provide support for my computer and/or software?

No. Computer or editing software problems should be handled by the manufacturer or dealer. Regent recommends that you buy an extended service agreement with help-desk support if you’re not comfortable troubleshooting on your own.

“I chose Regent because of its Christian principles, as I wanted to learn how to integrate my faith with telling stories; also because of its amazing film program and facilities. Yes, my expectations were definitely met.”

Michelle Bello, M.A., 2011 Cinema Arts/Television, Directing

“It is more of an amazing example of what God has for us when we allow Him to take the reins and trust that what He has in store is far better than what we can imagine for ourselves.”

Loni Albertson, MFA, 2007 Custom Animation Production Supervisor for Marketing, Illumination Entertainment

“My identity isn’t in whether or not I get a role; what’s important is that I’m being a good witness, that I’m being a light and loving support to other actors.”

Ashley Dakin, MFA, 2013

“We were taught practical skills for the workplace in Regent's classroom. Now I can see how they work in a professional environment.”

Ryan Clemens, MFA, 2010 Acting

“Regent has been very supportive. They do what it can to help get good work noticed and out there.”

Beecher Reuning, MFA, 2015