Film and Video Studies Admissions

Incoming Freshmen and Transfers

Apply to Mason through the Common Application, or directly through Mason's online application. You do not need to wait to get a response from Admissions before moving to step two.

Current Mason students: Skip Step One.

Submit a digital portfolio via SlideRoom that will be evaluated by our faculty. Your digital portfolio includes one short essay and creative work samples (described in detail below). Incomplete portfolios will not be considered.

Part 1: 

Write an essay (about 500 words) describing your interest in independently produced cinematic arts (television, film, interactive media, etc). Identify your goals in becoming a filmmaker at Mason. Please proofread your work.

Film at Mason is a community that fosters creativity, analysis, diverse perspectives, professional practice, and socially-conscious filmmaking. We are looking for a sense of your individual interests and what you want to say as a storyteller. Please include any films, series, or artworks that inspire you. Experience in filmmaking is not required, but if you have it, please talk about it.

Part 2: 

Submit 1) a sample or samples of your recent (within the past three years) creative work, and 2) a descriptive statement. Your creative sample might demonstrate your voice and vision or reflect your artmaking and learning experiences, including collaborations with others. 

1. Sample(s):

Provide one or two links to videos, or upload up to 6 still images. These might be short videos, a demo reel, photographs, website screen grabs, animation, drawing, collage, graphic novel excerpts, comic book cells, poetry, or screenplays.

2. Descriptive Statement (100 words):

Describe your sample and discuss why you’ve chosen to submit this piece. If applicable for collaborative pieces, clarify your creative and technical roles. Credit copyrighted media for which you do not have the rights in the statement or in the credits for video work.