Cinema & Comparative Literature
FAQ: MFA in Film and Video Production
Q. What kinds of projects do students in the MFA program produce?
A. We are an artisanal program in which students work in a variety of
modes: non-fiction, experimental and fiction in 16mm film and digital
video. There is not a particular focus or type of film/video produced
by our students. In specific classes, creative and technical
approaches will be determined, for example in a nonfiction video
course, but overall, students work across modes during their time
here. Most courses require several short assignments designed
around specific parameters and a final project with fewer
restrictions. Students are responsible for all aspects of their
productions: writing, design, shooting, editing, sound, however the
close-knit community here means that students frequently help out as
crew members on one another's projects. There are no separate tracks
through the program based on industry craft positions.
Q. How long are the thesis projects and what form do they take?
A. Thesis projects are in any mode and are under 30 minutes long. In a typical year there will be a narrative project and several non-fiction or experimental projects presented for the MFA thesis. We do not support the production of feature length projects.
Q. What is the balance between history/theory courses and hands-on production courses in the MFA?
A. To support our belief that theory and history are important for any filmmaker, we have a fairly heavy requirement of non-production courses in the MFA. However, we are primarilly a production program. MFA students typically take 6 production courses in their first 4 semesters. The other courses are in non-production areas of the department or from other departments on campus. Iowa has a very strong film culture due in large part to the excellent Film Studies MA/ PhD program. The MFA benefits from a close association with these programs. And, the MA/PhD programs benefit from the active film and videomaker environment as well.
Q. What is the comprehensive exam?
A. The comprehensive exam consists of 2 parts: a written component and an oral component. The written exam is a 4 hour exam in a predetermined are of film/media theory. The oral exam is a presentation and defense of the candidate’s creative work to the MFA committee. Both of these happen during the candidates 4th semester.
Q. What is clearance?
A. At the end of the 4th semester, each candidate presents a proposal for a thesis project to the MFA committee. Once this project is approved, sometimes with modifications, the student is cleared to enter work on their thesis in the 3rd year.
Q. Which parts of my application will you look at most carefully?
A: We are interested in all aspects of your experience, so we pay attention to all parts of the application: GPA, GRE, statement of purpose, writing sample, life experience, letters of recommendation. We are looking for evidence of learning ability, creative thinking, a self-starting attitude, and an aptitude for independent work. Sometimes we find this evidence in one place, sometimes in another, so we attend to all aspects of your application.
Q. What is the student teacher ratio?
A. Student teacher ratio is hard to answer. Many courses have undergrads and grads in them. These courses are never more than 15 students so that would be a ratio of 15:1. We have 12 MFA candidates at a time (4 per year) and three faculty exclusively in the production area. That would be a ratio of 4:1.
Q. Where do Film and Video production MFA graduates get jobs.
A. By and large, our MFA grads get tenure track teaching jobs in Universities such as Penn State, Temple, Pacific University, University of Denver, Univerisity of Colorado, Hunter College, Grand Valley State, University of Kansas, etc. Iowa MFA grads have been very successful in attaining these positions.
Q. How many students are admitted each year?
A. We admit 4 students/ year from an international pool of about 35-40 applicants.
Q. I notice that your department name is Cinema and Comparative Literature. Do you offer programs that concentrate on Film Studies, or are all your programs joint programs between Cinema and Comparative Literature?
A: The current department was formed by bringing together three programs: Comparative Literature, Film Studies, and Film & Video Production. Each area has its own specialized degree programs (MA and PhD in Comparative Literature, MFA in Translation, MA and PhD in Film Studies, MFA in Film & Video Production), but all three areas benefit from the close ties and mutual respect fostered by our composite department. Film and Video Production students work most closely with their Film and Video Production faculty and student colleagues, but they regularly take courses in Film Studies or Comparative Literature.
Q: When will I hear about admission decisions?
A: The admissions process is lengthy, beginning in January and stretching throughout the month of February. Our goal is to provide a response by the end of February, though sometimes the process isn’t finished until early March.
Q: Will your admissions letter tell me everything I need to know about financial support?
A: No. Admitted applicants should expect to receive a second letter, detailing financial support, approximately one month after the first. Support can come in many forms: teaching or research assistantships in Film and Video Production, a teaching assistantship in another unit, scholarships of various sizes, fellowships, or a combination of these.
Q: Do you encourage admitted students to visit the campus?
A: Definitely. There’s no better way to get an idea of what the program is like than actually spending a weekday or two on the campus while school is in session. This will give you an opportunity to visit classes, check out the facilities, meet with faculty and students, and appreciate the extraordinary resources of Iowa City. For help organizing your visit, contact the Director of Film and Video Production
Q: If I have further questions, to whom and how should they be addressed?
A: The best approach is to send an e-mail with your questions to Leighton Pierce, Director of Film and Video Production [leighton-pierce@uiowa.edu]
