United States

Chapman University

J.D./M.F.A. in Film and Television Producing

University degrees: Postgraduate

Course length: 2 years full-time

Master the legal aspects of film and television producing through hands on project collaboration

About the Program

Offered in conjunction with Chapman University’s School of Law and Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, the four-year J.D./M.F.A. in Film and Television Producing is designed for those who seek careers as entertainment attorneys; legal counselors at production companies, agencies, guilds or studios; or as producers or other executives in the entertainment industry.

The four-year J.D./M.F.A. program provides a strong emphasis on the legal aspects of film and television producing, such as drafting and negotiating contracts, the attorney’s role in the filmmaking process, intellectual property protection, and copyright law. You’ll collaborate with fellow students’ writers, actors, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, sound and production designers, while studying the fundamentals of film production to gain first-hand knowledge of how these functions come together to produce a film.

During summer internships you’ll have the opportunity to put your classroom learning and hands-on experience into context, gaining valuable experience in the field while forming important mentoring relationships. You will then use these skills to develop your M.F.A. thesis project — an original short film or media project you’ve personally produced.

Upon graduation, you’ll have two highly marketable professional degrees and a fully developed portfolio.

Learning Outcomes

M.F.A. in Film and Television Producing:

  • Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, develop and market creative material appropriate for film, television and the internet.
  • Through critical essay and writing assignments, students demonstrate an understanding of the development of film language, including aesthetic perspectives.
  • Through closely-mentored projects, students demonstrate the knowledge and collaborative skills necessary to produce a film or media project from start to finish.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the business elements of producing, including production management, intellectual property, rights and issues, financing, marketing and distribution.

Juris Doctor:

Effective client representation integrates doctrine, theory, skills, and legal ethics. Effective client representation involves several skill sets, including

  • Advocacy
  • Negotiation
  • Counseling
  • Interviewing

Effective client representation also involves the exercise of professional judgment consistent with the values of the legal profession and professional duties to society, including recognizing and resolving ethical and other professional dilemmas.

Through close faculty mentorship in coursework, clinics, competitions and externships, law students will be able to effectively represent clients in a variety of legal situations at a level of competency appropriate for an entry-level practitioner. Assessing this outcome will require measuring the students’ abilities to 1) appraise client situations and make appropriate legal recommendations, 2) negotiate productively, professionally, and ethically on behalf of clients, and 3) advocate effectively, professionally, and ethically on behalf of clients in a variety of settings.

  • Effective legal analysis begins with knowledge and understanding of substantive law, legal theory, and legal procedure. Students must be able to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to derive and apply legal rules in a variety of contexts. Students will be able to formulate clear and effective legal analyses based on knowledge acquired through research, case and statutory analysis, practical experience, and analysis of other legal materials.
  • Effective legal writing differs depending on the document, such as an appellate brief, trial brief, transactional document, letter, or memo. However, all effective legal writing requires:
    • Understanding and appropriately and effectively using legal authority
    • Precise use of language
    • The communication of legal and factual analysis clearly to a designated audience

Students will be able to compose legal documents in a variety of settings appropriate to the legal profession. Through multiple writing projects, and individualized assessment of their written work, students will learn to write precisely, clearly, professionally, ethically, and persuasively.

Programs, Courses, Workshops