How do I apply?
To apply for the undergraduate program at the Chapman School of Film and Television, you will need to acquire the Chapman University Application and the School of Film and Television Supplemental Application.

The University Application requires transcripts, one recommendation, a personal essay, and entrance examinations such as the SAT, ACT, or TOEFL.

The School of Film and Television Supplemental Application must be submitted along with the University Application to the University Admissions Office.  This includes two additional essays and a portfolio list (not the materials, just a documenation of what you could provide if asked). 

The School of Film and Television Admissions Committee will review all files completed by the deadline. The deadlines are as follows:
November 30th  - Early Action Deadline for Freshmen
January 31st  - Application Deadline for Freshmen
March 1st  - Application Deadline for Transfers

If you are currently a Chapman student looking to change your major to one within the film school, please contact our front office at 714-997-6765 to obtain the appropriate information.

What types of work should I document in my creative portfolio list?
The creative portfolio list that you send in with your application should consist of material that demonstrates creative promise.  Your portfolio might include some of these items, along with brief notes of explanation detailing your involvement, inspiration, objectives, etc.  These items are acceptable for inclusion in a portfolio list regardless of the degree program for which you are applying.

• Art - Photographs or reproductions of paintings, drawings, sculptures, or crafts  
• Film or Video - A 5-10 minute VHS videotape containing excerpts (clips) of your productions. You may also include one or more short pieces in their entirety. Work may be narrative, documentary, journalistic, or experimental.  
• Graphic Design - Sample brochures, posters, flyers, advertisements, or other promotional materials  
• Multimedia - Any work designed and created for computer usage, such as graphics, multimedia presentations, web page design, interactive catalogs  
• Music - Recordings, scores of original compositions; recordings of instrumental or vocal performance.  
• Photography - Sample still photographs, preferably demonstrating a range of subject matter or technique.  
• Theater/Dance - Plans and sketches of costume design or set design; reviews of productions in which you have performed as an actor/dancer, or for which you supplied direction or choreography.  
• Writing - Screenplays, theatrical plays, short stories, poetry, newspaper or magazine articles, essays, speeches, editorials.

Who will review my application file?
Both the University Admissions Office and the School of Film and Television Admissions Committee review all applicants to the School of Film and Television. Students must be accepted by the University and the School of Film and Television.

How many students are accepted each year?
The number of students accepted each year varies, however, typically an incoming class is comprised of 125 freshmen and 50 transfer students.

Can I take film classes if I am not a film student?
Chapman students who are not film majors are allowed to take film studies courses, but not film production classes. Classes that non-film majors can take include FTV 140 Introduction of Film Aesthetics, FTV 244 History of Film to 1945, FTV 245 History of Film 1945 to present. Feel free to consult the School of Film and Television to inquire about other classes you may take.

How many students are in the School of Film and Television?
Currently, the School of Film and Television has around 900 students, with 700 of those being undergraduates and 200 graduates. The majority of students, both undergraduate and graduate, are pursuing film production.

Are there additional costs I should budget for?
Keep in mind film is an expensive major. In addition to tuition, film students also pay lab fees to cover the cost of such things as film stock, film processing, etc. Lab fees can be found in the course descriptions. Also, students are responsible for developing budgets for each of their film productions. Budgets vary depending on the type of production a student chooses to undertake. While lab fees cover film stock and processing, they do not cover additional costs such as costumes, props, craft services, etc. Furthermore, if a student chooses to make a film independent of a class, he or she will assume full responsibility for the cost of the project.

If I have not worked with film or video before, will I be behind?
No. We do not expect any of our new students to have had previous experience in film or video. Most new students to the program are not familiar with filmmaking or editing equipment, thus the first semester of classes are designed to acquaint students with the filmmaking and editing process. 

  Is it difficult to transfer into the program?
While our program is designed for four years, it can be completed in two. However, it does require a focused time commitment from the student. Film classes typically involve projects that will require time outside of class. For a transfer student who is taking four or five film classes, projects can start to pile up. Thus, many transfer students choose to complete the program in five semesters rather than four. Another reason for this decision is Senior Project. Production students are required to complete a Senior Project in order to graduate. This project is clearly time consuming. As a result, some transfer students do not feel they have enough time to focus on Senior Project while trying to complete the program in two years. If you do plan on transferring you should contact the Admissions Office at (714) 997-6711 to determine what classes will count for Chapman credit.

Are tours available of the School of Film and Television?
Yes. While the University tour of the campus does include a stop at the School of Film and Television, we also do our own one-on-one tours. Also if you would like to observe some of our classes, we can arrange that as well. If you would like to schedule a tour of our facilities and talk with a representative of the School please call (714) 997-6765 or email at DodgeCollegeInfo@chapman.edu.

Does the School of Film and Television have an open house?
Yes. Chapman University holds an Open House twice a year in which the School of Film and Television participates.

What is the difference between film production and film studies?
Film production teaches students how to create a film. Production involves cinematography, editing, directing, and sound design. Film studies analyzes film theory and criticism.

Do I start film classes as a freshman?
Yes. Students begin taking film classes and making films in their first semester. All new students to the program are required to take Introduction to Visual Storytelling. Known as “boot camp” for film students, Visual Storytelling offers an overview of all aspects of film production.

Can I make my own film?
Yes. Our program is designed to allow students the opportunity to make as many films as they can. Each year, students participate in over 800 productions. We encourage students to undertake their own films as well as participate on the crews of others. With so many films available to work on, our students typically gain more on-set experience than students in other film schools.

Are films shot with film cameras or digital cameras?
While the School of Film and Television does have digital cameras, the focus of the production program is on the creation of 16mm films. New students typically utilize digital and video cameras to shoot their first projects, however, advanced film productions are shot on film. In addition, each year a handful of 35mm projects will be produced.

Does the school own my films?
No!  Unlike other film schools which retain partial or full ownership over work created by students in their programs, the films you produce as individual projects become your property -–even though you may have used Chapman equipment and facilities to create them. 

When are classes available?
Introductory undergraduate courses are available throughout the day. More advanced courses begin at 4:00 pm and again at 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Graduate courses are normally taught at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Few classes are taught on Fridays, allowing students a three-day weekend to shoot. 
 
Do you have an internship program?
Yes! Internships are an important part of our program. To succeed in the industry you must get your foot in the door, and that is what our internship program is designed to do. Graduates of the program typically have received jobs as a result of an internship. Thus, we encourage all students to participate in as many internships as possible.