Master's Programme in Film and Television - Film and Television Producing

Study objective

The goal of the Master’s Programme in Film and Television, major in Film and Television Producing is to deepen the student’s skills in his/her chosen direction – towards independent audiovisual entrepreneurship, a research or development project in the film producing field, a deeper understanding of artistic leadership or equivalent advanced competence planned together with the student.

After the studies, the student possesses the skills needed to realise and lead high-quality film and television productions and has acquired special competence in his/her personal area of specialisation that makes possible work in a changing profession and visionary development of operating methods in the field.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction in the Master’s Programme in Film and Television, major in Film and Television Producing is Finnish. However, part of the courses are taught in English. The degree can be completed in English.

Career opportunities

Graduates become film producing entrepreneurs, screenwriters and producers working in television. The student’s degree can also include an internship period in working life, either in a film or television production. He/she can also find a tutor producer working in the profession, with whom the student can discuss his/her authorship and career. The students maintain close contacts with people in the field.

Education content

The teaching staff and students plan the education content by means of the PSP discussions. The starting point for the education is the student’s own desire to develop and direct his/her professional skills in the field of film and television producing as well as the modules built around this. At the beginning of master’s studies, a plan is made concerning the projects included in the studies and realised at the school and the general topics, realisation method and schedule for the reports and essays written in conjunction with the studies.

Master’s students become familiar with the specialisations of their fellow students and participate in courses dealing with these areas.

The main responsibility for planning studies and formulating a suitable module lies with each individual student. Although the study plan is unique for each student, the student does not compile it alone but in cooperation with the teaching staff.

Studies in the master's programme include departments joint courses (30 ECTS) which are obligatory. These courses deal with entrepreneurial and working life skills, analytical skills, and provide research skills. 

The studies include at least one minor. For example, Documentary Film, Screenwriting and Entrepreneurship are popular minors. As every MA with a major in Film and Television Producing is unique and based on a plan drawn up in cooperation with the student, minors that differ from those recommended are also possible.

For further details on the education content, see the study guide for the academic years 2018-2020.

Internationalisation

Producer students in MA studies take part in international events in the field of film. If desired, the student has the opportunity to take part in an exchange or complete an international internship. The department has many international projects through which the student can also internationalise. The majority of teaching is provided in English, because the study option is also open to international degree and exchange students.

Programme-specific Admission Procedure and Evaluation Criteria

What we look for in an applicant?

We expect the applicants to have analytical ability, vision, the ability to understand an image, expression, group work and interaction skills, creativity, motivation, general knowledge, stress tolerance and suitability for the field. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate a systematic approach and visionary proposal concerning the advanced specialisation and content of their studies.

Evaluation criteria

The criteria we use to evaluate the applications (in the first stage) are portfolio, motivation letter, previous studies and/or professional activities.

In the second stage, the evaluation criteria consists of the interview.

First stage and required application documents

In the first stage of the evaluation the selection committee evaluates the applications based on the application documents. Study Option’s requirements for the application documents are listed below. Please also note requirements for the application documents presented in the general application instructions. Attach each application document to the electronic application form in PDF form.

Portfolio

Written work or images and links to works with motion pictures in which the applicant has played a key role in terms of artistic work or production can be added to the portfolio. Regarding each work, we would like the applicant to write a short description of this role.

The electronic portfolio, including the preliminary assignment, must be uploaded to the application system as one PDF file before sending the application.

CV

The main purpose of the CV is to show that the applicant has acquired sufficient basic knowledge in film and television producing by providing a list of the applicant’s work experience in the field (work task, time period, employer and the employer’s contact details) and education (educational institution, degree/course, link to the educational institution’s curriculum). Experience and education in other fields should be mentioned.

Motivation letter

We would like applicants to explain in their motivation letter what knowledge and skills they aim to achieve in their studies, and how they will be implement these in practice in the five years following their graduation. Further, we would like applicants to write about the world of film and television producing in 2024, and about how people just like them will be successful in that world with the education provided by Aalto University in particular.

The maximum length of the motivation letter is 4,000 characters.

Preliminary assignment

The preliminary assignment attached to the portfolio is an imaginary poster of a film, TV series or other audiovisual product that the participant will make in 2024.The preliminary assignment attached to the portfolio is an imaginary poster of a film, TV series or other audiovisual product that the participant will make in 2024.

Language of the application documents

The application documents must be submitted in Finnish (Swedish) or English.

Second stage

Some of the applicants are invited to the second stage. Second stage is an interview, during which the applicants’ previous experience, motivation and their expectations related to the studies are discussed.

The invitation to the second stage is sent to the applicants at latest 7 days in advance.