Film and Creative Media (MFA)

• Video sample or screenwriting sample (Requirements can be added to the "Work Sample" section of the application):
• The video sample may be a 2-3 minute reel of work, in which you were the camera operator, director or editor. The screenplay sample can be a short—up to 10 pages, or the first 10 pages of a feature screenplay.

For animation focus applicants you must submit a portfolio using the following guidelines. 

• All portfolio links should be included on the "Portfolio/Work Sample" section of the application.
• Provide links to a personal YouTube or Vimeo channel for movie files.
• Provide link to a personal webpage showing work samples.
• Please submit at least 10 works and no more than 15 works.
• Digital slides will be accepted on Google Drive or Dropbox (Please provide a link on the "Portfolio/Work Sample" section of the application.)
• Digital slides must have a corresponding slide list with the following information: the title of the piece, medium, size of the artwork and the date of completion.

• There can be multiple images on a single page, but nothing too small, please. Sketches and exploratory work, along with the final piece are encouraged. Rendered drawings are not as important. Here is a list of what we would like to see in order of importance, specifically, for the Animation graduate program:

• Animation reel or animation tests
• Figure drawings/gesture drawings (or sketches of people doing things around you)
• Animal drawings or sketches
• Sketchbook pages that you like
• CG models (figures or objects)
• Paintings and architectural renderings
• Character designs
• Caricatures or illustrations

• Portfolio assets or a Google Drive link with the assets should be included/attached to the Portfolio/Work Sample section of the application.

An applicant who is not a United States citizen or permanent resident must follow the same admissions procedures as applicants who are U.S. citizens in addition to other specific requirements. Click the button below to visit our Graduate Admissions site for more information.

International Student Admissions Information

FCM 5022 Media Entrepreneurship
This course explores how the film and media business works in today’s ever-changing marketplace and provides students with the tools to have what it takes to compete as a professional working in the industry. Students create a business plan and pitch for one of their own projects.

FCM 5033 Film Production I
This course introduces students to major aspects of visual storytelling. Students will learn concepts to help achieve maximum psychological impact by studying the director’s decisions in camera placement, blocking, staging and visual image design, as well as fundamental aspects of linear (continuity) editing and sound production.

FCM 5073 Film Production II
This course further explores visual storytelling with more advanced camera and editing techniques. Students will create portfolio-worthy content and explore storytelling in other forms such as documentary and advertising and branding content. More advanced skills are required so successful completion of Cinematography and Lighting is required. 

FCM 5263 Producing I
This class will approach film production from prep to post from the perspective of the independent film producer while still considering the studio process. Students will learn how to break down and budget a script, schedule a shoot, create and fill out paperwork such as deal memos, call sheets, contracts, location scouting and holding auditions.

FCM 5272 Acting for Directors
This course focuses on the process of directing and evaluating actors for the camera. Student directors work on camera technique, auditions, cold readings, blocking, etc. for both film and television performances. Students will learn by directing their own pieces as well as performing for other directors.

FCM 5303 Post Production
This course will work through a number of topics relating to digital post-production, including editing, sound design and basic compositing, color correction as well as compression, and exporting high-quality video for broadcast television, film and web.

FCM 5312 Film Sound
This class will focus on film and television audio. The course will cover live sound capture and post-audio production. Students will learn the nuances of audio acquisition and mixing on a film/TV set as well as finishing sound for a project including; foley, sound design and multi-layer mixing. 

FCM 5323 Film Directing
This class focuses on the skill set and knowledge needed for film/TV directors. The course teaches students to make professional decisions concerning their approach to a film project in a comprehensive way as well as working with the details of a singular scene. Additionally, students will build on their knowledge of working with actors to get the best performances out of them.

FCM 5343 Cinematography & Lighting
This course will give an overview of the art and science of cinematography. The course will concentrate on cinematic theory, use of lenses, use of focus, working with lights, thorough knowledge of how a camera works, mise en scene, properly framing shots, storytelling using a camera and the responsibilities of a camera team on a film shoot.

FCM 5352 Assistant Directing & Set Management
Although they are often overlooked, two of the most important departments and skill sets on a film/TV production are the assistant director team and overall set management. Students will acquire the knowledge necessary for all positions in the assistant director’s team, learn protocol used on professional sets and overall set management. Additionally, students will do exercises and attain practical experience on film/TV sets to master these disciplines.

FCM 6313 Concepts in Creative Media
This course is designed to prepare storytellers and artists to work in these contexts. By the end of the course, students will be able to think critically across several forms of media distribution, formulate the intent of their creative work, articulate relationships to art/design practice and theory, and respond insightfully to creative outcomes. The goal is not just to make creative media-rich outcomes but also to think critically about their production.

FCM 5213 Writers in Development
This course will focus on script coverage, screenplay format, loglines, screenplay treatments and the short screenplay. The course will concentrate on the finer points of character development, story elements (dramatic action, conflict, obstacles) and screenwriting tools (theme, loglines, treatments and the pitch).

FCM 6123 Writing for Animation
This course is an introduction to the art and craft of screenwriting for animation. Through readings, discussions, viewings, creative writing and storyboarding assignments, we will explore the elements of plot, character, setting and dramatic structure for a variety of storytelling styles and genres, Master the intricacies of screenplay formatting and explore animation's unique relationship between the screenplay and the story reel and the importance of storyboarding as part of the writing process.

FCM 6142 Sound & Voice Performance in Animation
This course is a collaborative course with the Film Sound class. Students will work together to design and create the sound scape and voice performance for animated pieces. Students from both courses will gain valuable insight and experience the workflow for each side of this collaborations. The end product will involve elements of lip sync, expressions in animation that match voice and sound effects that match performance.

FCM 6203 Directing Animation
Taught by Disney director Tony Bancroft (Mulan), you will learn the things that you don’t normally learn in animation or film schools. Learn how to build your team, the importance of the three-act structure in film, character development throughout a film or series, creating funny characters and leading characters, and how to work with every element/person within the animation pipeline. 

FCM 6213 Business of Animation
This course explores how to finance, distribute and market animation to multiple platforms and ancillary businesses, including related strategies and plans. In addition, we will explore the role of the animation professional in these industries and how to seek employment. Lectures will be enhanced by regular guest speakers from top animation production and media companies.

FCM 6222 Acting for Animators
This course focuses solely on acting shots, such as character dialogues and pantomime acting choices. Students will gain a solid understanding of performance. Techniques, theories and ideas all culminate in this class to prepare you for a job creating memorable performances. Focused exercises will help students develop their acting muscles and specific skill sets required to create unique and memorable dialogue shots and body movement.

FCM 6303 Character Design Master Class
In this character design course, there will be an emphasis on creating memorable characters with interesting personalities and shapes to tell a story. The goal is to visually communicate our characters from life observations, reference and our imaginations. As we continue the course, students will get used to the idea of iteration and refinement in designs, better serving the story and direction. Exploration, getting out of your comfort zone, and visually communicating through drawing will be major components to our class. Expression, posing, performance and finished color will be a strong focus for end deliverables. 

FCM 6313 Concepts in Creative Media
This course is designed to prepare storytellers and artists to work in these contexts. By the end of the course, students will be able to think critically across several forms of media distribution, formulate the intent of their creative work, articulate relationships to art/design practice and theory, and respond insightfully to creative outcomes. The goal is not just to make creative media-rich outcomes but also to think critically about their production.

FCM 6323 Animation Production
This course will concentrate on facilitating the student’s production of animated projects. The topics of idea generation, experimentation, problem solving, planning and time management, and the process of critical analysis will be applied to the student’s work, with the choice of animation technique, content and form left to the individual. Students will learn the importance of bringing projects to completion. Be prepared to work about 6 hours outside of class each week and to spend even more finishing the final project.

FCM 6403 ZBrush Techniques
Students digitally sculpt figures with an emphasis on gesture, form and proportions. The course is for both technical art directors and artists. The forms created in this course will be used in the rigging course to follow. This is a project-based class.

FCM 6413 Animation Post Production
This is a beginner/intermediate grad-level class in post-production techniques for animation. Compositing is the art of combining several elements of a visual effect in one frame. It combines the efforts of several artists to make things look as if it was all shot at the same time, under the same lights, with the same camera. This class introduces the fundamental techniques of digital compositing, using Adobe After Effects. Students will learn how to assemble their 3D renders, 2D cells, matte paintings and digital video to create polished, professional-caliber animated shots. Students will finish with a fundamental understanding of how to combine different pieces of animation into finished watchable storytelling.

FCM 6423 Character Rigging
This is a beginner/intermediate grad-level course in 3D character rigging. The course will focus on the demonstration and application of industry-standard character rigging techniques. Rigging a character is time consuming and requires thoughtful planning. Students work through the process of rigging a proxy character. Emphasis is on creating a solid skeletal structure, including position, freezing and orienting joints, and building on top of this. Students are introduced to MEL scripting, Maya plugin and script installation to show the power of these aspects. Students will finish the class with a solid understanding of the various techniques and methodologies used in the field of 3D character rigging.

FCM 6433 2D/CG Animation Pipeline
This course will expand students’ skills and experience with digital and “tradigitial” animation and film/video tools. Character performance will be the overarching topic for this course. Students will learn how to use the fundamentals of animation to improve their animation performance and push the acting techniques. Posing, expressions, timing and staging will all be discussed. Additionally, students will learn up-to-date techniques and technology to keep pace with current industry practices.

FCM 649V CEA Studios Internship
This course is designed to be an internship with the College of Entertainment & the Arts Studio which creates both live-action and animation content. Students can take this course up to three times with 1 or 3 credit hours. Students will work with professionals on projects throughout the semester they are enrolled.

FCM 6513 Advanced Storyboarding
This course takes a step-by-step approach to story development. Students will be assigned a literary property or a film script and first use research to develop the visual elements that support the story's structure. They will determine the character and location designs, storyboard the idea and cut it to a dialog track and temp score. Each student will pitch their ideas on a regular basis, receive feedback and refine their work accordingly, developing comfort in articulating the story.

FCM 6962 Thesis Research & Development
Students lay the academic foundation for their areas of thesis investigation in this course. Under supervision, each student identifies a direction, conducts research for visual inspiration and begins drafting the thesis statement and paper. Work completed in this course is ultimately presented at the students' candidacy reviews.

FCM 6972 Visual Development & Pre-Production
This studio course continues the animation thesis sequence. Students begin making the visual portion of their thesis. Animation tests, character designs, storyboards, animatics and a focused thesis statement are all vital elements of this stage in thesis completion.

FCM 699V MFA Thesis

FCM 5002 Story & Structure
This course explores the basic dramatic principles of story, character and structure from multiple narrative viewpoints. The coursework consists of extensive readings in theories of narratology with application to drama, film and other media.

FCM 5102 Cinematic Aesthetics
This course focuses on aesthetic experience in various media. Special emphasis is placed on the visual work of the director. Relevant film theories of the 20th and 21st centuries will be examined.

FCM 5162 Redemptive Media
This course is a critical study of theories and practices behind the creation of overtly religious or redemptive films and media. Study will focus on quality connotations and audience reception as well as examining the overall impact these works have on contemporary culture.

FCM 5193 Television History
A critical survey of film history from inception to present, primarily through an American lens. Begins with the medium's origins in other media including radio and film, and highlights key contributions to the field as well as seminal programs in television history. Students will produce at least 15 pages of finished critical prose.

FCM 5332 Film Theory
This course develops an advanced understanding of film as a complex cultural medium through the discussion of key theoretical and critical approaches. The course combines weekly viewings with lectures, group discussions and written assignments.

FCM 5503 Pedagogy of TV & Film
This course provides scholarship- and research-based background and instruction in pedagogy for MFA students interested in teaching at the university level. While film and television pedagogy is not deeply studied—which means there aren’t many readily available texts regarding how to teach them (whether production or theory)—general best practices for college teaching are applicable.

FCM 6002 Intro to Graduate Study
Provides instruction in and support for academic work in film and television studies with support from outside speakers. Topics covered include research methods, approaches to the field and professional development. Students will produce both academic writing and professional documents.

FCM 6023 Film & TV Seminar
Studies in various topics in film studies. Topics may include but are not limited to identity and representation, authorship, adaptation and specific genres. Students will produce at least 15 pages of finished critical prose. May be repeated once for credit.

FCM 6033 Global Film Seminar
A critical survey of world cinemas, including film history in Western Europe and major movements and directors in non-Western cinema. Students will produce at least 15 pages of finished critical prose. Can be repeated once for credit.

FCM 6113 TV & Film Genres
A stylistic analysis of popular film genres, including western, horror, romantic comedy, crime/gangster, musical and science fiction. The course also centers on the evolution of television genres in the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will produce at least 15 pages of finished critical prose.

FCM 6133 History of American Animation
This course is a survey of the history of American animation. It examines technological, conceptual and aesthetic landmarks from the early 20th century to the present. Students will produce at least 15 pages of finished critical prose.

FCM 6986 Thesis
After completion of a minimum of 27 credit hours toward the 36 hours for the M.A. in Film Studies, students will develop their thesis prospectus, receive feedback from their thesis advisor and continue on to a final paper and defense. This course spans two semesters.

FCM 5063 Writing for TV I
This course focuses on traditional television sitcoms and dramas. Students will learn formatting for television scripts. Students will also gain an understanding of voice and tone when writing for television. A revised and completed television script for a pilot will be the final project for this class.

FCM 5083 Screenwriting I
This course teaches students to write feature films in the traditional screenplay formats; it facilitates a deeper understanding of the screenwriting process and enables students to develop character, story and linear structure.

FCM 5153 Writing for TV II
This course is an extension of Writing for TV I and focuses on writing a pilot script for sitcoms and dramas. Students will continue perfecting their writing for television, develop an idea for a television show, and create and perfect a pitch and pitch deck. Students will use pitch their ideas to the LA writer that will be leading that years Writers Room Intensive. One project will be selected to write in the writers room. 

FCM 5173 Screenwriting II
This course will be an extension of Screenwriting I. Designed to develop a deeper understanding of the screenwriting process, special emphasis will be placed on creating compelling plots and memorable characters. Students will write a full-length screenplay during this course. 

FCM 5213 Writers in Development
This course will focus on script coverage, screenplay format, loglines, screenplay treatments and the short screenplay. The course will concentrate on the finer points of character development, story elements (dramatic action, conflict, obstacles) and screenwriting tools (theme, loglines, treatments and the pitch).

FCM 5403 The Adaptation
Adapting existing works into screenplays is a recognized form of screenwriting by The Academy, which awards an Oscar for best adapted screenplay. Having a solid adaptation as part of your portfolio makes you more attractive to executives or agents seeking screenwriters. This course will take you through the process of discovering good material for adaptation, structuring and writing the story in a new form and seeking and obtaining the rights of a piece of work for adaptation. 

FCM 5413 Writers Room Intensive
The Writers Room Intensive is a two-week course run like a writers room for a television series. Students will have the experience of writing two episodes of a television series based on a pilot and treatment determined before the course begins. Students will spend 8-hour days writing with the oversight of the professional LA writer during the Study in LA summer program. 

Get an MFA while developing your film or television series!

Learn from industry professionals about how to think like an independent filmmaker using the newest formats, technology and distribution systems, and tell stories that the world needs to hear.

How It Works:

After careful review of your portfolio submission, your recommendations and your undergraduate transcript, the review committee will make an admission decision for your acceptance into the MFA in Film and Creative Media.

If you are accepted to the animation program, you will meet with the graduate program director to build a customized plan of study that allows for artistic exploration while developing the technical proficiency to undertake your thesis project—a pilot episode or teaser short film and a complete pitch package for the project to take to the world. With shared classes between Film and Animation students, you will have multiple opportunities to collaborate across disciplines.

Note that the program of study decided between you and the program director will be followed as closely as possible for the duration of your program. Some flexibility will be allowed if certain courses are not available when needed or if your areas of interest change as you experience new aspects of content creation.

What could a program of study in Live Action Film/Televison Production look like for you?

Fall Year 1

FCM 5213 Writers in Development
Starting in the fall semester, you will establish proper screenplay format, character development, character arcs, three act structure, short form storytelling, logline development and setting goals for a story you wish to tell. Writing is the main component to this course and all MFA students (Film and Animation) are required to take this course.

FCM 5033 Film Production I
This required course for all MFA students covers the foundation for shot composition, camera techniques, working with actors, post production and a touch of lighting for two live action projects. The third project will be a choice between a music video or the development of an animation project that will be completed in the spring in FCM 5073 Film Production II.

FCM 5002 Story & Structure OR FCM 5303 Post-Production
Finally, you will take either Story & Structure or Post-Production, depending on what is best for your interests. This will be decided between you and the graduate program director.

Spring Year 1

FCM 5343 Cinematography & Lighting
In the spring, you will build your cinematography and lighting skills. The art of cinematography and lighting is in understanding the technology behind it. You will learn about and practice these concepts with hands-on trials, practice and projects. Even if you don’t desire to become a cinematographer yourself, education is never wasted. This course improves your ability to problem solve and make decisions in whatever role you perform.

FCM 5083 Screenwriting I
You will continue writing this semester, too. In the previous semester, you gained knowledge of screenplay format, developing characters, writing more visually and creating log lines for your stories. This semester you will build on those skills to create a strong short film and begin the process of writing your feature film. Or, this could be your last writing course if you discover that writing is not your forte, and that’s OK! The understanding of story and structure is what every role needs.

FCM 5272 Acting for Directors
Gain real knowledge and understanding of your actors in this course. You will be a better director if you understand the experience and needs of your actors. You will both direct and act in this course.

Summer Year 1

FCM 5263 Producing
This first summer is all about the process of filmmaking that happens before principal photography and after. Skills required in producing enlighten students to the tedious details that, if addressed early, will create a better production set experience for all involved, save money, time and resources, and will bolster insight to the link between story and budget.

FCM 5403 The Adaptation
Adding to your writing portfolio, students can move from Screenwriting I to The Adaptation to learn the art of adapting existing intellectual property to screenplays for film and television. Students who write well but struggle with story structure will find this class to be incredibly insightful and useful in better understanding structure.

FCM 5173 Screenwriting II
Whether taken now or in the fall, this course for writers will exercise your writing muscles, taking you to the next level of critique, problem solving and rewriting. The course is intense and fast paced, but one that will challenge you and reward you.

Other Summer Options
Other summer options available for students include film studies courses and courses that build knowledge of the relationship between directors and composers as well as how a director decides upon the sound for the film and how to communicate that clearly to a composer. Or, there may be a course in production design that helps filmmakers visualize the whole of mise en scene and not just lighting and camera composition. 

Fall Year 2

FCM 5022 Media Entrepreneurship
Now it’s getting serious. In Media Entrepreneurship, a collaborative course with the animation students, you will learn how to create a pitch deck or show bible for a live film or animation concept. The beauty of this collaboration is that students may discover a collaboration that leads to higher-level concept in which students involved can participate. These projects may be pitched at the Cannes Film Festival the following May, they may lead to a pitch in Los Angeles or perhaps to a well-executed thesis project that lives on through the film festival circuit. There are so many possibilities for great projects.

FCM 5053 History of Film OR FCM 5193 History of TV
History of Film or History of TV are courses to round out the education of a filmmaker. Understanding the history of storytelling, visual content and its connection to shaping our society is an important academic pursuit to every creator of visual content.

FCM 5312 Film Sound
Sound is too often an afterthought for young filmmakers who spend much of their time writing about and developing the visual design of a project. Film sound will open up another element of excellent storytelling, giving students a greater understanding of recording sound on set, basic mixing skills, recording Foley sound and working with voiceover actors. This course will collaborate with the animation voiceover acting course for a few projects.

FCM 5063 TV Writing
For those still writing, you will now move into TV writing courses. TV Writing I will introduce you to the world of writing for television with slight differences in formatting from writing for film, discovery of your voice and how to identify and write in someone else’s voice. Most jobs in television writing when you first start out, are writing in the voice of the showrunner/executive producer. You will also begin to understand how to write collaboratively.

Spring Year 2

FCM 6962 Thesis Research & Development
This semester also means research and development on your thesis project. This is the first step toward completing the required thesis project. This is the first step toward completing the required thesis project. Keep in mind that at the end of the fall semester of your second year, you will go through a review and may only move forward if you receive approval for your final project and show improved directing, producing or storytelling skills to this point.

Thesis review happens at the end of fall semester. Approval of your thesis project is required to move forward into Visual Development & Pre-Production for your thesis.

FCM 6972 Visual Development & Pre-Production
It’s hard to believe this time has gone by so fast. But look how much you’ve grown. Once your thesis project is approved and you have passed the review, you will be in the midst of finalizing the visual development and production of your thesis project.

FCM 6313 Concepts in Creative Media
You will also have opportunities to learn more about the creation and application of creative media such as AR and VR for visual storytelling, marketing and character design for gaming. This course is a combination of film and animation students who wish to prepare for the technological changes coming to these industries.

FCM 5153 TV Writing II
Continuing in the education of writing for television students, TV Writing II consists of developing your own show, further developing your own voice and writing the pilot and outline for your original show idea. At the end of this course students will pitch their story ideas to the Hollywood writer who will be running the Writers Room Intensive during the summer. Whichever show is chosen, the class acts as a writers room for that show.

Summer Year 2

FCM 6972 Visual Development & Pre-Production
You will continue in the development of your film or television thesis project by finalizing your pre-visualization material, fundraising and working through all of your pre-production details.

Visual Development & Pre-Production must be passed with a B or higher to move forward to the final stage of the thesis project. Students who do not pass will have summer to revise their project and resubmit to move on to final stage.

FCM 5363 Advanced Film Business
Maybe you want to travel to Los Angeles for an internship there, or stay in Nashville for a possible internship. The LA program is for both live action film students and animation students. It’s a summer-long program, and internships may or may not be paid. However, it is a great opportunity to explore Los Angeles if you are considering moving there. And who knows? It could lead to a job, or you may decide to stay in Los Angeles while you complete your animation thesis in the fall. That is certainly an option.

FCM 5A9V Directors & Composers
If you didn’t take it last summer you may want to this summer. Directors & Composers is a critical course before finalizing the thesis film, taught by film composer Ben Blasko from the Lipscomb Music Department. Ben enjoys bringing guest composers into the class throughout the summer for additional exposure to the world of a composer. During this course you will learn how to communicate with a composer, think about the music behind your images and develop solid ideas with Ben’s feedback and guidance for your final film thesis project.

Fall Year 3

FCM 699V MFA Thesis
You finally made it! In this last semester, you will be fully engaged in the completion of your final project. You will also be taking your final Film/Animation studies course.

FCM 5243 Digital Entertainment Law
This may be a challenging course, but it is also one that is very important for content creators.  As laws change on a consistent basis due to ever-changing technological advances, it is critical for you to have a base knowledge of the law in the entertainment industry so you ask the right questions when necessary and know enough to protect yourself.

At the end of the semester, you will have participated in the planning of a screening event for final thesis films from live action and animation graduates, inviting professors, students, family and the community. This event is a grand celebration of all the hard work you have put in over the past several years.

Get an MFA while developing your animated series or film!

Learn from industry experts about how to think like an independent filmmaker using the newest formats, technology and distribution systems, and tell stories that the world needs to hear.

How It Works:

After careful review of your portfolio submission, your recommendations and your undergraduate transcript, the review committee will make an admission decision for your acceptance into the MFA in Film and Creative Media with a focus in Animation.

If you are accepted to the animation program, you will meet with the graduate program director to build a customized plan of study that allows for artistic exploration while developing the technical proficiency to undertake your thesis project—a pilot episode or teaser short film and a complete pitch package for the project to take to the world. With shared classes between Film and Animation students, you will have multiple opportunities to collaborate across disciplines.

Note that the program of study decided between you and the program director will be followed as closely as possible for the duration of your program. Some flexibility will be allowed if certain courses are not available when needed or if your areas of interest change as you experience new aspects of content creation.

What could a program of study in Animation look like for you?

Fall Year 1

FCM 5213 Writers in Development
Starting in the fall semester, you will establish proper screenplay format, character development, character arcs, three act structure, short form storytelling, logline development and setting goals for a story you wish to tell. Writing is the main component to this course and all MFA students (Film and Animation) are required to take this course.

FCM 5033 Film Production I
This required course for all MFA students covers the foundation for shot composition, camera techniques, working with actors, post production and a touch of lighting for two live action projects. The third project will be a choice between a music video or the development of an animation project that will be completed in the spring in FCM 5073 Film Production II. 

FCM 6303 Character Design Master Class
And finally, you will take the Character Design Master Class with a former Disney supervising animator, Tom Bancroft or John Pomeroy.

Spring Year 1

FCM 5073 Film Production II
You will continue the project you developed at the end of Film Production I, seeing it to completion.  This film will be submitted for the “5 Minute Film Festival”, Lipscomb’s signature event for cinematic arts in the spring, with winners gaining the opportunity for entry into the Nashville Film Festival, an Academy Award-qualifying film festival.

FCM 6123 Writing for Animation
You will continue writing this semester, too. In this course taught by award-winning co-creator of “Veggietales” Mike Nawrocki, you will learn how to structure the elements you need to build toward your final thesis project. Through exploration of story and structure, you will test ideas and ultimately develop a script you can use to create your final thesis project. 

FCM 6423 Character Rigging
The Rigging course develops your skills in character movement and pipeline efficiency when creating animation. This class will be a combination of learning CG rigging in Maya as well as rigging puppets in ToonBoom Harmony—both industry standard software packages. You can choose which software you want to learn based on your desire to pursue CG animation or 2D “Tradigital” animation pipelines.

FCM 6222 Acting for Animators
You will also study acting as it relates to an animator’s character performance. This course focuses solely on acting shots, such as character dialogues and pantomime acting choices. You will gain a solid understanding of performance through focused exercises that help you as an animator to develop your acting muscles and specific skill sets required to create unique and memorable dialogue shots and body movement.

Summer Year 1

FCM 6403 ZBrush Techniques
Get to know ZBrush. This course not only teaches the ZBrush software but also allows you to fully develop your characters for CG, sculpting a character and then moving through iterations to develop a retopologized mesh ready for rigging and animation.

FCM 6513 Advanced Storyboarding
Advanced Storyboarding is an exciting course where you will be assigned a literary property, or you may use a script from a film grad collaborator, and research relevant material in picture libraries, print and photo archives. From this basic research, you will create and develop the visual elements that lead to a final production storyboard of five minutes in length. Each week you will “pitch” material as it is being developed. Welcome to the world of public speaking. Yes, this is a very important skill to develop.

FCM 6203 Directing Animation
You can also choose to take Directing Animation from one of the masters. Taught by Disney director Tony Bancroft (Mulan), you will learn the things that you don’t normally learn in animation or film schools—like how to build your team, the importance of the three act structure in film, character development throughout a film or series, creating funny characters and leading characters, and how to work with every element/person within the animation pipeline.  

Fall Year 2

FCM 6433 2D/CG Animation Pipeline
Just how do the 2D and/or 3D pipelines work? Is there ever collaboration? In this course, instructors from both worlds will lead you through the creation of characters for either 2D or 3D animation. Puppet animation, whether for 2D or 3D animation, allows animators to focus on the movements and acting of the character. Although the end results may look different, the pipeline for creation is similar, and this course allows you to explore which pipeline you want to pursue for your thesis by getting practical experience.

FCM 5022 Media Entrepreneurship
Now it’s getting serious. In Media Entrepreneurship, another collaborative course with the live action film students, you will learn how to create a pitch deck or show bible for an animation concept. They too will be working on building a pitch deck and/or show bible. The beauty of this collaboration is that students may discover a collaboration that leads to higher level concept in which students involved can participate. These projects may be pitched at the Cannes Film Festival the following May, they may lead to a pitch in Los Angeles or perhaps to a well-executed thesis project that lives on through the film festival circuit. There are so many possibilities for great projects.

FCM 6142 Sound & Voice Performance
This class will be a collaboration with creators from the MFA with a focus in film that are learning about sound production. Both animation and film students will practice directing performance. Additionally animation students will learn about creating the facial expressions, mouth movements, etc. for the voices of their characters. It takes a village!

FCM 6962 Thesis Research & Development
This semester also means research and development on your thesis project. This is the first step toward completing the required thesis project. Keep in mind that at the end of the fall semester of your second year, you will go through a review and may only move forward if you receive approval for your final project and show improved animation or storytelling skills to this point.

FCM 649V CEA Studios Internship
During this semester, you will also continue to sharpen your animation skills by working on various paid CEA projects available through CEA Studios. This is an opportunity to prove your value in the animation pipeline and make some money while pursuing your MFA.

Thesis review happens at the end of fall semester. Approval of your thesis project is required to move forward into Visual Development & Pre-Production for your thesis.

Spring Year 2

FCM 6972 Visual Development & Pre-Production
It’s hard to believe this time has gone by so fast. But look how much you’ve grown. Once your thesis project is approved and you have passed the review, you will be in the midst of finalizing the visual development and production of your thesis project. This consists of animation tests, character designs, storyboards and animatics. These visuals will be used to pitch to the undergrad BFA students and film sound students who may wish to be a part of a thesis team in the execution of the final project. 

Visual Development & Pre-Production must be passed with a B or higher to move forward to the final stage of the thesis project. Students who do not pass will have the summer to revise their project and resubmit to move on to the final stage.

FCM 649V CEA Studios Internship
Spring will also be an opportunity for students to receive a stipend of $3,100 to work as an intern with CEA Studios. This is where the performance the semester before is critical. There are only two requirements: Show up and do a great job.

FCM 6313 Concepts in Creative Media
You will also have opportunities to learn more about the creation and application of creative media such as AR and VR for visual storytelling, marketing and character design for gaming.

FCM 6323 Animation Production
Let’s make one more film for your portfolio! In this course, you will learn the importance of strong collaboration within a team as you bring your project to completion. This process is time consuming and very rewarding to see your short film come to life!

Summer Year 2

FCM 5363 Advanced Film Business
You will continue in the development of your animation thesis project on your own. Your mentors are never far though, so feedback is always possible. You may also continue to intern for CEA Studios, or maybe you want to travel to Los Angeles for an internship there. This trip is for both live action film students and animation students. It’s a summer-long program, and internships may or may not be paid.  However, it is a great opportunity to explore Los Angeles if you are considering moving there. And who knows? It could lead to a job, or you may decide to stay in Los Angeles while you complete your animation thesis in the fall. That is certainly an option.

FCM 5A9V Directors & Composers
Directors & Composers is a critical course before finalizing the thesis film, taught by film composer Ben Blasko from the music department. Ben enjoys bringing guest composers into the class throughout the summer for additional exposure to the world of a composer. During this course, you will learn how to communicate with a composer, think about the music behind your images and develop solid ideas with Ben’s feedback and guidance for your final animation thesis project.

Fall Year 3

FCM 699V MFA Thesis
You finally made it! In this last semester, you will be fully engaged in the completion of your final project.  You will also be taking your final Film/Animation studies course.

At the end of the semester, you will have participated in the planning of a screening event for final thesis films from live action and animation graduates, inviting professors, students, family and the community. This event is a grand celebration of all the hard work you have put in over the past several years.

A number of graduate scholarships and assistantships are available. These are offered by individual departments and programs and may be awarded based on academic standing, work experience and financial need. All assistantships will include responsibility for administrative, teaching, or departmental duties, depending on the program.

As a graduate student, you are still able to file the FAFSA—and you should! By filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you may be eligible for a number of student loans. 

Federal Stafford Loan

A borrower must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment for at least six semester hours and must be working toward a degree or certificate. Loans must be actively accepted in myLipscomb in order to be applied as an expected payment to the student bill. Stafford Loans will not pay until the student has completed both Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov. Loans will not be credited to accounts until 30 days after classes begin or when a student begins the sixth credit hour, whichever comes last.

Graduate PLUS Loan

The Graduate PLUS Loan is available to independent graduate students. Both loans require credit approval by the Department of Education, as well as a FAFSA submission. Apply.

Private Loans

In addition to the federal loans outlined here, you may consider private loans made by banks and other financial institutions. It is recommended that private loans only be considered in instances where funding is needed in addition to any federal loans, as interest rates may be higher. Eligibility for these loans requires a credit check and students are often required to have a cosigner to qualify.

Through an agreement with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, Lipscomb University will guarantee some level of graduate tuition funding, applicable to all Lipscomb University graduate programs, for graduate students who qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Depending on program tuition rates, the graduate tuition funding may or may not cover the total tuition cost of the program.

The Yellow Ribbon Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post- 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses. View eligibility requirements.

Any questions concerning eligibility or benefits should be directed to the VA school-certifying official located in the lower level of Bennett Campus Center, Suite 140, or visit their website.