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A scene from 2007 Student Oscar winner Rundown

A scene from 2007 Student Oscar winner Rundown

FSU /  Film School / Programs / Apply to The Film School / Admissions FAQ

Admissions FAQ


Frequent Questions and Answers


  1. I have printed the information on curriculum and an application from the web site. Should I contact the Film School to send me more information?

    There is far more information available on our web site than we would send you by mail. If you are unable to print the application, then contact us and we will send you an application form.

  2. Can you provide me with a phone number and/or e-mail address so that I could talk with someone in the Film School?

    Phone for Film School Main Office: 850.644.7728

    E-mail for Graduate Program Information: mfainfo@filmschool.fsu.edu

    E-mail for Undergraduate Program Information: bfainfo@filmschool.fsu.edu

  3. Do you have a job placement program; how much help will I get in locating a job after graduation?

    The film industry is not conducive to traditional job placement programs. Many of our students find that doing an internship following completion of our program is an excellent way to locate a position. Our alumni are an excellent resource in helping graduates determine where to locate an internship or job. In fact, we have a Mentorship Program that assigns a successful alumni mentor to every current student. The weekly Warren Report, an in-house newsletter, frequently lists announcements of entry-level positions. The Warren Report is available to all via this web site. Since the film industry is extremely fast-paced, it is often difficult to locate either an internship or a job until you are actually in the city where you want to work. The majority of our graduates are working in film within a few months of graduation.

  4. Can I do an internship as part of the Film School curriculum?

    Both the BFA and MFA programs have a lock-step curriculum (meaning that majors are required to take required film classes designated during each semester) and therefore do not usually provide an opportunity for film students to intern during the program’s course of study. However, many students enroll for an additional semester and complete an internship prior to graduating from Florida State University. It is also possible to complete the degree requirements for a film degree and do a not-for-credit internship after graduation.

  5. Can I visit the program and sit in on classes?

    We offer an information session and tour for prospective undergraduate applicants. Generally speaking, auditing classes is prohibited.

  6. If I send you a copy of my resume, can you tell me what my chances are of being accepted to the Film School?

    If you are eligible for admission to the University and are interested in the Film School, we urge you to submit an application. It is not possible for us to look at a résumé and tell you what your chance of acceptance might be. Our Admissions Committee spends the majority of the Spring Semester each year reviewing and ranking applicants to select those who will be invited to interview. They look at the total applicant: grades, test scores, experience, creative background, evidence of ability to collaborate, drive and passion for filmmaking.

  7. Do you have quotas on how many males or females you invite into the program?

    No. The final selection process involved is comparative in nature. It attempts to select from the competing candidates those individuals whom the faculty believe show the greatest promise for a lifetime career in the film and video arts and industries, with regard to goals, talent, prior experience and training, initiative, energy, commitment, tenacity and a capability for professional team work.

  8. Since you are a State of Florida University, do you have to accept a certain percentage of Florida students to your program?

    No.

  9. Can you give me information about housing?

    Most undergraduates live in dorms on campus, at least during the first year. Information about dorm availability can be obtained from the Housing Office. Graduate students frequently live in Alumni Village or in apartments. The Graduate Dorm has not proved to be a satisfactory residence for our graduate students.

  10. Do I need a car while attending the Film School?

    Though it is not required, a car can be a great asset, even to those who live in dorms. There are many shoots in off-campus locations, and the public transportation system in Tallahassee is minimal.

  11. How far is the Tallahassee airport from campus?

    About 15 minutes driving time.

  12. Can I get Financial Aid?

    Information on Financial Aid is available at http://www.ais.fsu.edu/finaid

  13. Are there scholarships available through the Film School?

    The Film School presently has no scholarships available. A limited number of Assistantships are available at the graduate level.

  14. If I want to work in episodic television production, is this a program I should consider?

    The Film School programs have a main focus on the production of theatrical narrative film. Though there are many similarities between episodic television production and narrative film production, there are several important differences. While the programs will develop and emphasize skills that can be utilized across many disciplines, the programs do not discuss the practical applications of those skills in the context of broadcast Television.

  15. Will projects be shot in film or video?

    Most projects are shot in film, including the thesis project at both the BFA and MFA level. Students in both programs will also shoot at least one project in digital video. The preparation and implementation of the digital project, including the equipment, is designed to mirror that of film production.

  16. Do I pay for my own production expenses?

    As a state-funded program that provides equal opportunity for all students enrolled, we pay all production costs. Students are not permitted to use their own funds for production, with the exception of incidental expenditures for production of their own projects. Students are responsible for the cost of textbooks and other consumables used in the classroom environment.

  17. Can I major in Recording Arts if I am admitted to the Film School?

    Not yet, but we plan to add a specialization in recording arts in the future. Sound for film, however, is an important part of our current curriculum.

  18. Can I learn to make music videos in this program?

    The Film School’s main focus is on the production of theatrical narrative film. Though there are some similarities between music video production and narrative film production, there are several important differences. While the programs will develop and emphasize skills that can be utilized across many disciplines, the programs do not address the practical applications of these skills in the specific context of music video production.

  19. What is the cost of tuition at FSU?

    As a state funded school tuition tends to increase a bit each year. Check out the information at for current estimated fees.
    (undergraduate) (graduate)


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