Want to get those amazing stories out of your head and on screen? Hollins is the ideal launchpad for pursuing that dream, no matter where you live.
The Hollins master’s program in screenwriting and filmmaking, initiated in 1999, has since established itself as a reputable screenwriting institution, well known among those in the film and television industry. Evolving toward a focus on screenwriting and the business of filmmaking, with a uniquely hybrid online/IRL approach, the program gives students across the US access to top instructors and guest speakers currently working in the industry. With its dynamic and rigorous environment, writers are able to hone their craft, improve their education on producing and development, and emerge ready to transition from student to professional. The program also seeks to improve access for writers via pathways to internships, job opportunities and collaborative partnerships with studios and production companies in Los Angeles, New York and emerging film regions such as Georgia, North Carolina and Texas.
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Program instructors are visiting film and TV writers, distinguished scholars from other institutions, and professors from the ranks of Hollins’ permanent faculty. Designed for students interested in writing for film and television, as well as those inclined toward the producer side of the industry, the program offers courses in feature and television writing as well as a producer’s track. Electives on subjects ranging from adaptations to pitching, genre specific feature/TV writing, animation and collaborative courses with Hollins other departments, such as the esteemed Children’s Literature program, Playwriting and more, round out course offerings.
Commencing in the fall, the MFA will typically be completed in two years. Consisting of six terms, fall and spring are taught entirely online, while the six week summer term culminates in two weeks on campus.
Generally, students take at least two courses (eight credits) in each term. Additionally, students must complete a thesis course, commencing at the beginning of the second year. Elective courses may also be offered on-line during the Fall and Spring terms.
Past visiting filmmakers, screenwriters, scholars and guests speakers have included:
- Michael Colleary (FACE/OFF, LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER)
- Jonell Lennon (PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, THE L WORD)
- Jon Macks (head writer of THE TONIGHT SHOW )
- Amy Adrion (Half the Picture, Doc)
- Lauren Wells (WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, SERIES)
- Jessica Yingling (CEO, RomCom Pictures)
- Craig Borten (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, Oscar Nominee)
- Amy Aniobi (INSECURE, SILICON VALLEY)
- Brian Nelson (HARD CANDY, ALTERED CARBON)
- Lisa McQuillan (BLACKISH)
- Scott Kosar (THE MACHINIST)
- Sabrina Dhawan (MONSOON WEDDING)
- Ana Lily Amirpour (THE BAD BATCH, A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT)
- Brian Dreyfuss (CEO, Featured Artists Agency)
- Phillip Eisner (EVENT HORIZON)
- Robert Duvall (THE GODFATHER, APOCALYPSE NOW, TENDER MERCIES)
Ready to write your next chapter? Reach out to Program Director Hunter Phillips or apply now!
Check out the Curriculum!
Questions?
Program Director Hunter Phillips is happy to answer your questions or provide additional information!
Our Faculty
Our faculty consists of professors from world-renowned film schools, including UCLA, NYU, and the University of Texas at Austin. Other instructors include professional film and television writers and some of the most innovative creators of digital media on the scene today.
Courses
For those wanting to pursue a professional career in filmmaking, the Screenwriting M.F.A. program offers an intensive, six-week program each summer. Students generally complete the degree requirements in three to five summers.
Speakers & Events
