Build Advanced Documentary Filmmaking Skills
During NYFA’s Master’s of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Documentary Filmmaking in Los Angeles, aspiring visual storytellers rapidly build skills in a hands-on, intensive environment. From their first day at NYFA, students study as documentary filmmakers, following our signature learn-by-doing approach.
Spending a majority of their time creating short films, students also study topics in new media, film studies, and the business side of the industry. As this program is a best fit for filmmaking students looking to continue their education, candidates for admission to the MFA program must have a Bachelor’s Degree.
Faculty Highlights
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Masters of Fine Arts degree (MFA) in Documentary Filmmaking at NYFA includes:
- An intensive series of courses that includes Producing, Directing, Development & Research, Cinematography, Production, and Production and Post Production Sound, Digital Editing, as well as Graphics and VFX
- Instruction by faculty and staff with extensive experience in the film, television, and entertainment industries
- Consistent access to equipment including professional-grade cameras and lighting kits
- The opportunity to attend exclusive guest lectures from industry Filmmakers, Directors, Producers, Photographers, Cinematographers, and more
The goal of the MFA program is to provide students with an advanced degree, as well as a professional skill set in documentary filmmaking and non-fiction storytelling.
To learn more about the MFA program, refer to NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.
The MFA in Documentary Filmmaking is composed of six semesters, and completed over the course of two-years. The accelerated two-year schedule is made possible by an extended academic year allowing students to complete three full-length semesters in each calendar year.
As the MFA program progresses, students produce projects of increasing complexity and depth, which may include Observational, Interview, and Social Issues Films. By the end of the third semester, students have produced eight documentaries. Students also complete a final thesis, intended to reflect the student’s strengths and growth as a documentary filmmaker. To learn more about the projects that documentary filmmaking students complete, visit our projects page.
The MFA curriculum is supported by History and Theory courses, including the History of Documentary and Cinema Studies. The classes are designed to support the documentary filmmaking curriculum, with coursework that closely relates to the field. To learn more, click here.
The MFA in Documentary Filmmaking is offered at NYFA Los Angeles.
NYFA Los Angeles
3300 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
3300 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.