AMDA | BFA Film and Television Arts: Screenwriting | Performance Arts School in Los Angeles

Undergraduate Degree in Film and Television Arts.

- Accelerated Option Allows for Degree Completion in 2.5 years
- Access to AMDA’s Mainstage Production Opportunities
- Culminates in an Original Showcase Production in Los Angeles

Program Description +−

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Film and Television Arts provides a comprehensive education designed to prepare students for successful careers in the entertainment industry. The core curriculum covers essential aspects of filmmaking and production, including screenwriting and directing, cinematography and editing, production and sound design. The study of film aesthetics and a contemporary focus on the history of cinema helps each filmmaker in defining their own individual voice and path in contemporary filmmaking in an environment where students from Acting for Camera, Filmmaking, and Screenwriting concentrations work together on exciting film and television projects. With access to professional studio backlots and soundstages in Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles, students gain invaluable hands-on experience. Graduates leave with diverse portfolios, industry-ready skills, and the confidence to pursue careers as actors, filmmakers, screenwriters, and other creative professionals in a competitive and dynamic field

Concentration in Screenwriting: The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Film and Television Arts: Screenwriting program offers comprehensive training in crafting compelling narratives for film, television, and new media. The curriculum includes courses in screenwriting foundations, character development, script analysis, and genre writing, along with film studies and production. Students will graduate with a Short Film Screenplay, Feature Film Screenplay, Senior Thesis Screenwriting Project, TV Pilot Script, Pitch Deck, and Industry Ready Treatment. With full access to professional Hollywood studio backlots, students gain hands-on experience in a real-world environment. Career opportunities include roles as screenwriters, script editors, content creators, and story developers in film, television, and digital media.

Program Learning Outcomes +−

Students completing the BFA Film and Television Arts: Screenwriting program should be able to:

- Creative Development: Generate original, compelling content across various media, demonstrating creativity and innovation in film and television arts.
- Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate technical knowledge of equipment and processes used for filmmaking, including pre-production, production, and post-production elements.
- Collaborative Production: Engage effectively in a collaborative production process, working with peers and professionals from different concentrations to create cohesive projects.
- Historical and Critical Analysis: Apply historical insights and critical analysis to the creation and interpretation of screenplays and films from a variety of periods, styles, and genres.
- Professional Practice: Apply standard entertainment industry business practices regarding preparation, communication, and professionalism, preparing students for successful careers in the film and television industry.
- Script Development: Write and refine several screenplays, including short films, feature-length films, TV pilot scripts, and industry-ready treatments, demonstrating mastery of narrative structure and character development.
- Genre Writing: Analyze and write scripts across various genres, demonstrating an understanding of genre conventions and the ability to innovate within them.
- Pitching and Presentation: Develop pitch decks and presentations, effectively communicating story ideas and engaging with industry professionals to advance screenwriting projects.

Curriculum +−

Sample Curriculum

First Semester Sample Curriculum

Screenwriting: Foundations 1.5

On Camera Acting I: Technique 2.5

Acting I: Techniques 2.5

Film Aesthetics (Art of Motion Pic) 2.5

First-Semester Seminars 0.5

Introduction to Filmmaking and Production 2.5

Introduction to Editing and Media 1.5

Ideation: Entertaining Ideas 1.5

Foundational College Writing 3.0

Second Semester Sample Curriculum

Improvisation I: Foundations 1.5

Screenwriting: Development 1.5

On Camera Acting II: Scene Study (Note: Directing Actors) 2.5

Screening Series (Film History) 1.5

Directing: Foundation 3.0

Foundational Communications 3.0

Screenwriting the Short Film 2.0

Third Semester Sample Curriculum

Screening Series (American Cinema) 1.5

Script Analysis for Film and TV 2.0

Directing Actors 2.0

Intro to Producing 2.0

Screenwriting III: Original Works 2.0

Characters: from Page to Screen 3.0

Foundation Critical Thinking 3.0

Fourth Semester Sample Curriculum

Screenwriting: Feature Development I 3.0

Screening Series (World Cinema) 1.5

Comedy Writing for Film and TV 3.0

Select one of the following courses: 1.5

Combat for Camera

Finding Your Voice

Foundational Quantitative Reasoning 3.0

Arts & Humanities (Lower) 3.0

Fifth Semester Sample Curriculum

Screenwriting: Feature Development II 3.0

Shoot for the Edit 2.0

Screening Series (Film Authorship: The Auteurs) 1.5

Writing the Original Pilot 2.0

Select one of the following courses: 1.5

Stage Combat I: Unarmed

Improvisation for the Camera

Foundational Physical & Biological Sciences 3.0

Social & Behavioral Sciences (Lower) 3.0

Sixth Semester Sample Curriculum

Both sides of the Table 1.5

Screening Series (Film Genre) 1.5

Screenwriting: Adaptation for the Screen 2.0

Capstone Development SCRN 2.0

Finding Your Voice 1.0

Information and Digital Literacy 3.0

Social & Behavioral Sciences (Upper) 3.0

Seventh Semester Sample Curriculum

Creating Short Films 3.0

BFA Capstone Screenwriter Project 3.0

Screening Series (Film Art) 1.5

Pitching 101: Selling Yourself and Your Projects 1.0

The Writer’s Room Lab 3.0

Arts & Humanities (Upper) 1.5

Eighth Semester Sample Curriculum

Professional Practice 2.0

Screenwriting is Rewriting: The Polish (Capstone Project) 3.5

Film Festivals + Distribution 2.0

Commercials & Branded Content 2.0

Film + Digital Content Industry Capstone 2.0

Live TV/Film Production 2.0

Finding Your Voice Elective 1.5

Admission Requirements +−

Domestic

International

Please note that applying to AMDA is a multi-step process. Be sure to follow ALL steps below to ensure the submission of a successful application.

Submit Your Application +−

To apply, you must be at least 16 years old and/or in the final two years of high school/secondary education*.
Apply Now

AMDA also accepts applications from CommonApp. If you have already applied through one of our partners, you do not need to apply again through our website.

* If you are not yet 16, we would encourage you to consider attending the AMDA High School Conservatory.
Creative Work Submission +−
Admission and scholarship for Filmmaking and Screenwriting programs require Creative Submissions consisting of a Creative Sample and a Self-Portrait Video. Written pieces may be submitted as .doc or .pdf files. Portfolio images may be sent as .jpg. For video submissions, please upload your video to YouTube and update the privacy to UNLISTED (click here for instructions). Do NOT set the video as Private. Send both pieces to docs@amda.edu with your name and program in the body of the email.

Creative Sample:
Self-Portrait Video:

Create a 2-minute audio/visual introduction that reveals something personal about you and why you want to be a filmmaker or screenwriter. Share when you fell in love with cinematic storytelling - whether through the experience of discovering a specific film you saw or when you realized a blank page could become a screenplay. Trust your creative instincts and voice as a young artist in shaping your story. Use a cellphone or any camera that you have access to and let us learn something unique about you that isn't in other parts of your application. Horizontal framing is preferred.
Phone interview with Admissions +−

This interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you, your educational background, and your interest in attending AMDA. We will be calling you, but if you would like to schedule an appointment for this interview, please email admissionsteam@amda.edu with the best day, time, and phone number to reach you.
SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +−

Towards the bottom of the application, space is provided for you to write a personal essay (500 words minimum) on the following topic: "Describe a challenging experience in your life and what you learned from it." Remember, this is an important part of your application, so answer thoughtfully!

If you submitted your application but still need to submit your essay, click the button below.

Submit Your Essay
Submit One Letter of Recommendation +−

Please request and submit one letter of recommendation from teachers, school leaders, guidance counselors, coaches, or anyone familiar with your background and potential. Your recommendation letter must be written in English and signed and dated. To help with this process, please feel free to use AMDA's recommendation form by clicking the link below. Recommendation letters/forms may be submitted via email to docs@amda.edu or by mailing to the address on the form.

Recommendation Form
Submit Your Academic Records (Transcripts) +−
Send an official transcript from your high school and (if applicable) college. Official transcripts from every educational institution that you listed in your application must be forwarded to AMDA. Please select one of the following options for submitting your official transcripts:
1. If your high school or college uses the free service Parchment, please click below.
  
  Parchment Request
2. If your high school or college does not use Parchment, please send the transcript request form to your guidance counselor/transcript office and request that they send your transcript(s) to AMDA using the address on the form.
  
  Transcript Request
Important Note: The minimum grade point average (GPA) required for AMDA's programs is 2.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent in other grading systems.

Please note that applying to AMDA is a multi-step process. Be sure to follow ALL steps below to ensure the submission of a successful application.

Submit Your Application +−

To apply, you must be at least 16 years old and/or in the final two years of high school/secondary education*.
Apply Now

AMDA also accepts applications from CommonApp. If you have already applied through one of our partners, you do not need to apply again through our website.

* If you are not yet 16, we would encourage you to consider attending the AMDA High School Conservatory.
Creative Work Submission +−
Admission and scholarship for Filmmaking and Screenwriting programs require Creative Submissions consisting of a Creative Sample and a Self-Portrait Video. Written pieces may be submitted as .doc or .pdf files. Portfolio images may be sent as .jpg. For video submissions, please upload your video to YouTube and update the privacy to UNLISTED (click here for instructions). Do NOT set the video as Private. Send both pieces to docs@amda.edu with your name and program in the body of the email.

Creative Sample:
Self-Portrait Video:

Create a 2-minute audio/visual introduction that reveals something personal about you and why you want to be a filmmaker or screenwriter. Share when you fell in love with cinematic storytelling - whether through the experience of discovering a specific film you saw or when you realized a blank page could become a screenplay. Trust your creative instincts and voice as a young artist in shaping your story. Use a cellphone or any camera that you have access to and let us learn something unique about you that isn't in other parts of your application. Horizontal framing is preferred.
Phone interview with Admissions +−

This interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you, your educational background, and your interest in attending AMDA. We will be calling you, but if you would like to schedule an appointment for this interview, please email admissionsteam@amda.edu with the best day, time, and phone number to reach you.
SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +−

AMDA would like to get to know you better. Please submit your essay in response to the prompts below.

Required for ALL programs: Describe a challenging experience in your life and what you learned from it. (500-word minimum)

Submit Your Essay
Submit Letter of Recommendation +−

Please request and submit letters of recommendation from teachers, school leaders, guidance counselors, coaches, or anyone familiar with your background and potential. Your recommendation letter must be written in English and signed and dated. To help with this process, please feel free to use AMDA's recommendation form by clicking the link below. Recommendation letters/forms may be submitted via email to docs@amda.edu or by mailing to the address on the form.

Required for ALL Programs: Submit a minimum of 1 letter of recommendation.

Recommendation Form
Submit Your Academic Records (Transcripts) +−
The minimum grade point average (GPA) required for AMDA's 2-year and 4-year programs is 2.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent on other grading systems. The following requirements are effective as of November 30, 2018.
1. Official transcripts and academic records or certified copies of your academic records MUST be mailed to AMDA at the address below in an unopened, sealed envelope.
2. International applicants who have already graduated from high school and/or who have taken any post-secondary college-level course work must send their Academic Records (transcripts and diplomas from all educational institutions attended) with proof of graduation.
3. International applicants who have not yet graduated from high school must submit an in-progress academic record (transcript) up to and including the most recent term or year that they have completed, along with an official letter from their high school stating the applicant's intended graduation date, and including a notarized translation if the records are not in English.
4. If your transcripts and academic records are not in English, you must submit an official, notarized, word-for-word, literal translation for all academic records (transcripts and diplomas). Translations can be done in your home country by a bona fide translator.
5. Final, official academic records must be received by AMDA in a sealed envelope before the start of classes-along with any translations-as noted above. Documents can be received by registered mail or by courier, to ensure there is a tracking number, sent electronically via Parchment by the school, or hand-delivered at AMDA's class registration. Official certified copies of all academic records can be submitted in lieu of original records.
AMDA mailing and email address:
AMDA – Records Department
211 West 61st Street
New York, NY 10023
docs@amda.edu
- If your academic transcripts follow a different grading system from the U.S. grading system, please read the following additional instructions +−
  1. Contact an approved international credential evaluation agency and request a complete evaluation for all your academic records (transcripts and diplomas) from every educational institution that you listed in your application. AMDA accepts official evaluations done by any of the following NACES-approved credential evaluation agencies: myiee.org, spantran.com, gceus.com, ierf.com, wes.org or ece.org. Students are responsible for all fees associated with NACES-approved evaluation services.
    
    If you choose Spantran to do your evaluation, please use the Spantran Application For AMDA
    
    If you choose IEE to do your evaluation, please use the IEE Application for AMDA
  2. You will also need to follow any specific translation instructions the agency may require on their website.
  3. Completed evaluations MUST include proof of graduation, graduation date and a calculated U.S. GPA equivalent.
  4. Once the evaluation is completed, it must be sent in an unopened, sealed envelope to the address indicated above or emailed directly by the evaluation agency to docs@amda.edu.
- If your academic transcripts follow the U.S. grading system, please read the following additional instructions +−
  Transcripts from every educational institution that you listed in your application must be forwarded to AMDA. You can do this in either of these 2 ways:
  1. Contact your guidance counselor or your school's transcript office and have them send your transcript(s) to AMDA using the transcript request form.
  2. Request your transcripts free of charge via Parchment Service if your school is a participating member.

Submit Proof of English Proficiency +−

English is the language of instruction for all AMDA programs. The better your command of English, the more likely you are to succeed. Therefore, all international students from non-English speaking countries are required to provide proof of an acceptable level of English proficiency. This can be done in one of several ways:

You may provide proof of English language proficiency by passing any one of the following 11 AMDA -approved English language proficiency examinations +−

Testing must have been completed no more than two years prior to the date of your application to AMDA. Test results must be received by AMDA directly from the testing service. Below is a list of the approved examinations and minimum scores for "Direct Admission" into AMDA's 2-year AOS or Certificate programs and 4-year degree granting programs.

Test Name	Minimum Score for AMDA's 2-Year AOS or Certificate Programs	Minimum Score for AMDA's 4-Year Degree Granting Programs
Duolingo English Test	95	100
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) AMDA New York School Code for TOEFL is C064 AMDA Los Angeles School Code for TOEFL is 8571	70 iBT	79 iBT
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)	6	6.5
Cambridge English Language Assessment	B2	C1
EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency	Pre-1	Pre-1
Elash 2 Test	137	150
International Test in English Proficiency (iTEP)	3.7	3.9
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)	73	76
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)	50	53
SAT: (previous Sat)	500 on the SAT Critical Reading	500 on the SAT Critical Reading
SAT: (redesigned SAT)	550 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing exam	550 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing exam
ACT	20 on the ACT English exam	20 on the ACT English exam
Cambridge Certificate of Education in one of the following exams: GCSE, IGCSE, CSEC, O-Levels, AS-Level, or A-Levels	"C" or Better in English	"C" or better in English
International Baccalaureate (IB)	"5" or better on the "English A" Higher Level (HL) Examination.	"5" or better on the "English A" Higher Level (HL) Examination.

By successfully completing an ESL pathway program at one of our partnering institutions or at another accredited ESL pathway program* +−
*Please note: All independent ESL pathway programs must be accredited by the Commission on English Language Accreditation (CEA) or by the American Council of Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). This does not apply to ESL programs affiliated with regionally or nationally accredited institutions of higher education.
- If you choose to enroll into an ESL pathway programs, you should apply to both the ESL school for "Direct Admission" and to AMDA for "Conditional Admission". Conditional Admission is also known as "Conditional Acceptance". Your initial I-20 for the F-1 visa will be issued by the ESL school.
- To obtain Conditional Acceptance at AMDA, you must complete all other components of the admissions process, except for the proof of English language proficiency. Your personal essay and audition may be submitted whenever you believe you are adequately fluent in English to prepare them competently. This will most likely be in the final months of your English language training at the ESL school.
- To obtain Direct Acceptance at AMDA, you must submit a certificate of completion or official transcript from the ESL pathway center confirming that you have successfully completed your English language training for academic purposes. This will also allow you to obtain a new AMDA I-20 and successfully transfer your SEVIS record to AMDA for F-1 visa and U.S. immigration purposes. Once you complete this part of the process, you will be able to begin taking classes at AMDA as a full-time international student.
- AMDA's 2-year AOS or Certificate programs require the successful completion of an "Intermediate Advanced" level of ESL training for academic purposes. AMDA's 4-year degree granting programs require the successful completion of a "High Advanced" level of ESL training for academic purposes.
You may also offer proof of English language proficiency by providing any one of the following +−
- A high school diploma from a four-year U.S. high school with a letter from the institution verifying that you graduated without ESL support. Please note, GED Diplomas are not accepted.
- Completion of a transferable non-ESL English composition course- with a grade of "C" or better-from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S institution of higher education (a 2-year college or a 4-year college or university).
- An official transcript from an international/non-U.S. high school, college or university which you attended for a minimum of three years. The institution must be accredited by its home country's Ministry of Education (MoE) or Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). The transcript must also be accompanied by a letter from the institution verifying that the language of instruction was English.
- An associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from the U.S. or overseas campus of an accredited U.S. institution of higher education.
- A high school diploma or post secondary degree from one of the following countries:
  - Anguilla
  - Antigua & Barbuda
  - Ascension
  - Australia
  - Bahamas
  - Barbados
  - Belize
  - Bermuda
  - Bhutan
  - Botswana
  - British Virgin Islands
  - Canada (Except Quebec)
  - Cayman Islands
  - Dominica
  - England (UK)
  - Eritrea
  - Fiji
  - Gambia
  - Ghana
  - Gibraltar
  - Grenada
  - Guyana
  - Ireland (Northern) (UK)
  - Ireland (Republic of)
  - Jamaica
  - Kenya
  - Kiribati
  - Lesotho
  - Liberia
  - Malawi
  - Marshall Islands
  - Mauritius
  - Montserrat
  - Namibia
  - Nauru
  - New Zealand
  - Nigeria
  - Papua New Guinea
  - Puerto Rico (US Commonwealth)
  - Rwanda
  - Saint Helena
  - Saint Kitts & Nevis
  - Saint Lucia
  - Saint Maarten
  - Saint Vincent & The Grenadines
  - Scotland (UK)
  - Sierra Leone
  - Singapore
  - Solomon Islands
  - Swaziland
  - Tanzania
  - Tonga
  - Trinidad & Tobago
  - Turks and Caicos Islands
  - Tuvalu
  - Uganda
  - US Virgin Islands
  - Wales (UK)
  - Zimbabwe

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Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Film and Television Arts: Screenwriting

Program Description +−

Program Learning Outcomes +−

Curriculum +−

Sample Curriculum

First Semester Sample Curriculum

Second Semester Sample Curriculum

Third Semester Sample Curriculum

Fourth Semester Sample Curriculum

Fifth Semester Sample Curriculum

Sixth Semester Sample Curriculum

Seventh Semester Sample Curriculum

Eighth Semester Sample Curriculum

Admission Requirements +−

Submit Your Application +−

Creative Work Submission +−

Creative Sample:

Self-Portrait Video:

Phone interview with Admissions +−

SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +−

Submit One Letter of Recommendation +−

Submit Your Academic Records (Transcripts) +−

Submit Your Application +−

Creative Work Submission +−

Creative Sample:

Self-Portrait Video:

Phone interview with Admissions +−

SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +−

Submit Letter of Recommendation +−

Submit Your Academic Records (Transcripts) +−

If your academic transcripts follow a different grading system from the U.S. grading system, please read the following additional instructions +−

If your academic transcripts follow the U.S. grading system, please read the following additional instructions +−

Submit Proof of English Proficiency +−

You may provide proof of English language proficiency by passing any one of the following 11 AMDA -approved English language proficiency examinations +−

By successfully completing an ESL pathway program at one of our partnering institutions or at another accredited ESL pathway program* +−

You may also offer proof of English language proficiency by providing any one of the following +−