Film and Video Studies Admissions

Mason Fairfax campus
Apply for a Scholarship
Apply for a Scholarship

Complete the Film and Video Studies Scholarship Application in early Spring semester.

Mason studio A
Attend an Event
Attend an Event

Join us at one of our many screenings and events around the year!

You will learn about the creation, production and post-production of fiction, documentary and experimental styles of film and video and its parallel forms, including television, transmedia, mobile and web media, through the Interdisciplinary Bachelors of Arts degree.

Film students with camera
FAVS students are immersed immediately in their craft and given opportunities to explore their creativity through fiction, documentary and experimental styles of film and video. Photo: Maurice C. Jones.

In preparation for a wide range of careers in the film industry, majors take courses in Film and Media Studies, English, Communication, Theater, Game Design, Art, and other subjects. Film and Video Studies students are invited to leverage the extraordinary connections, alumni network, and arts partnerships to both complete the required internship and gain real-world experience.

Application to Film at Mason is a two-step process

Step One

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.

Step Two

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

Part 1: Film at Mason is dedicated to the study and production of independent film. We are looking for a sense of who you are as a unique individual and what you want to say as a storyteller. *Note: enthusiasm for watching films, descriptions of your favorite films/media and the involvement in the filmmaking process is common in most candidates. As a result, we encourage you to focus on your individuality. Write a 500 word essay describing your interest in independently produced film and media and your goals in becoming a filmmaker.

Part 2: Choose ONE of the following. *Note: must be a different idea than what you submit for Part 3.

  • 350-word treatment for an original fiction film.
  • 350-word plan for a documentary film (i.e. a story involving participants and representing real life).
  • 350-word proposal for a television pilot or series.

Examples are available from current/past students

Part 3: Submit a sample of your creative work along with a descriptive statement. Your creative sample should evoke your voice and vision.

  • Sample(s):

    • This can be (but not limited to) a short video, demo reel, photographs, website, animation, drawing, collage, graphic novel, comic book cells, poetry, or script.
  • Descriptive Statement (25-100 words)
    • Describe your sample of creative work (e.g. medium, context, etc.). If applicable, include collaborators, your specific role, and use of copyrighted media.

Portfolio Deadlines

Incoming Freshmen

  • Early Action Fall 2023: November 7, 2022
  • Regular Fall 2023: Feb 7, 2023

Incoming Transfers

  • Fall 2023: March 1, 2023

Current Mason Students

  • Change your major for Fall 2023: March 1, 2023

Open House

Please see our Undergraduate Open House page for current information on Open House dates.

The Mason Film Lab is an opportunity for FAVS students to gain experience on location, working with a large-scale crew and set.
The Mason Film Lab is an opportunity for FAVS students to gain experience on location, working with a large-scale crew and set.

Contact us

Email us or call us: 703-993-3287. Visit us at College Hall, C100, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS 5D8, Fairfax, VA 22030.