MA Creative Production + Screen Finance

This programme will preach art but teach commerce, training creative and entrepreneurial producers not how to make a movie but how to get a movie made. The MA in creative production is aimed at individuals who have a strong idea for a film, documentary, drama or TV series and want to learn the intricacies of the commercial side of this creative industry.

What is it?

The primary philosophy of this programme is to educate creative and entrepreneurial producers, to preach art and teach commerce; not only how to make a movie but how to get a movie made. The aim is to synthesise those elements of creativity and the business of film making so that graduates go on to become the creative producers of the future.  Delivery of the programme is in modular block form – four, two or three week blocks over a year – which will allow the student time to both develop their creative project and for other commitments.

Who is it for?

This one‐year (12 months) MA is targeted at film school graduates, particularly those with post‐qualification experience, business executives who wish to develop a deep understanding of the Film, Television and Animation industries and also at existing industry professionals who want to understand screen financing and the business and legal side of the industry, including sales, marketing, distribution and exhibition, in tandem with the skills of project acquisition and script development. The intention is to pass on the skills and contacts to build and develop the major media companies of the future in Ireland and elsewhere.

The programme will also focus on giving the students a rounded insight into the Irish, European and international film landscapes. There will be a balance between Irish and international film environments on the programme. We will cover all the latest trends in the business of film through the content of the programme and actively as we engage with the market –  collaboration, partnerships and co-productions are an integral parts of the film financing process and that philosophy is shared by this programme.

Future careers

Opportunities exist in the screen industries (film, television and animation) both within existing production companies and for setting up new ventures.

What modules will I study?

Creative Development, Producers as Entrepreneurs, Practice Based Research, Production Practice and Industry Internship, Major Project or Thesis.

What are the Entry Requirements?

A primary honours degree at 2.2 standard or higher

• in a film or creative discipline or
• in any discipline, with a minimum of two year’s relevant industry experience

or

Applicants who do not meet the academic entry requirements, but can demonstrate significant professional experience at an advanced level within the field of film, television or animation production or finance may also be considered for admission in exceptional circumstances (under the Recognition of Prior Learning policy).

Applicants must also provide:

• A summary, proposal and treatment for an intended feature film, television, documentary or animation project that could be developed and includes proof of concept and chain of title where appropriate – applicants must be able to show they have the necessary permissions, access and/or clearances to use any original or copyrighted material that is referenced in an application.
• CV, statement of intent and suitability.

Applicants may also provide:

• A digital portfolio of work (in .pdf form no more than 4mb) demonstrating an interest in and aptitude for, feature film, television, documentary or animation production.

Assessment of Eligibility for Entry onto the course:

• Completed CV and Application Form
• 2 Copies of relevant documentation (See above)
• Evaluation of proposed project
• Interview by members of the academic team

In exceptional circumstances, provisions may also be made for students with prior relevant education qualifications and/or significant prior experience of working within the finance or screen industries context to RPL one or more modules.