Jul 03, 2024

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog (Catalog goes into effect at the start of the Fall 2024 semester)

Film and Television Production and Leadership Graduate Certificate

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The Arts Leadership Program in the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts will offer a Synchronous Online Graduate Certificate in Film and Television Production and Leadership beginning Fall 2025.

This new certificate program will combine academic and professional training for students preparing to integrate the fine and performing arts into the areas of film and television production and leadership.

The graduate certificate program at the University of Houston, with a focus on producing film, television and new media, aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the film production industry, specifically within the context of Houston and Texas.

The certificate is open to all graduate students at UH as an optional addition to their graduate degree plan, and is also offered as a stand-alone certificate to working professionals in the field who possess a graduate degree and may be seeking further training and accreditation. Combining the proposed certificate with the existing M.A. in Arts Leadership degree specifically, will more fully prepare students for professional work in the film and television industry including positions in project development, producing, financial development and management, marketing and, communications and production crew work on set.

Admission Requirements

Prospective UH Graduate Students must fulfill the below requirements:

A graduate degree from an accredited institution with an overall 3.0 (B) average on the last 60 hours of course credit
A completed UH Graduate School Application form, including:
- A statement of interest in and preparation for the program
- One (1) letter of recommendation
- A resume of academic and work experience
- Official transcripts from each college or university attended since high school

Prospective UH Graduate Students must then submit the application form via email to fsfernando@uh.edu with MGM Graduate Certificate Application as the subject line.

Fall Application Deadline: August 1
Spring Application Deadline: December 1

Current UH Graduate Students applying for the Graduate Certificate in Film and Television Production and Leadership Program must have completed a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a related field which can include (but is not limited to) art, art history, arts leadership, architecture, anthropology, education, history, music, theatre, dance, Spanish, social work, sociology, world cultures and literature.

Current UH Students must submit the application form to fsfernando@uh.edu with Graduate Certificate in Film and Television Production and Leadership Application in the subject line.

Application Deadline for Current UH Graduate Students: Rolling

Certificate Requirements:

Credit hours required for this certificate: 15.0

In order to receive the Graduate Certificate in Film and Television Production and Leadership, certificate courses cannot double count between the certificate and any other graduate program on or off the UH campus.

Individual courses can, however, be taken as elective courses in any UH graduate degree program.

15 credit hours from the following must be completed:

Recommended Courses:

ARLD 6301-New Media Production and the Industry (3 credit hours):

This 3-credit online synchronous course introduces students to the techniques and technologies of new media production in the film and television industry. Students will learn about the various digital formats used in the industry and gain hands-on experience working with new media production tools. The course will also examine the impact of new media on the industry (SAG, DGA WGA) and explore the ways in which it is changing the way films and television shows are made and distributed.

ARLD 6302 - Writing for Film and Television (3 credit hours):

In this 3-credit online synchronous course, students will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting and television writing as well as concept pitch process. They will examine the various elements of a script, including character development, 3 act story structure, and dialogue. Students will learn how to write compelling and engaging scripts for film and television and will have the opportunity to workshop their own work and receive feedback from peers.

ARLD 6303 - Film and Television Financing (3 credit hours):

This 3-credit online synchronous course will examine the various ways in which films and television shows are financed, including the role of investors, banks, and studios. Students will learn about the legal and financial aspects of financing, as well as the key considerations that go into securing funding for a project (FCC). The course will also explore the importance of budgeting and forecasting in the film and television industry.

ARLD 6304 - Film and Television Marketing (3 credit hours):

In this online synchronous 3-credit course, students will learn about the key marketing strategies used in the film and television industry. They will examine the role of advertising, social media (IG, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok) , and public relations in promoting films and television shows. Students will also learn about the importance of market research and audience analysis in the marketing process and will have the opportunity to create their own marketing campaign for a film or television show.

ARLD 6305 - Advanced Film Production and International Filmmaking (3 credit hours):

In this online synchronous 3-credit course, provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the advanced aspects of software tools used in the production of feature films, while also delving into the global landscape of international film production. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to explore international film production, including cultural considerations, co-productions, and the global marketplace. By the end of this comprehensive program, participants will be well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of film and television production, from creative inception to successful marketing, all while gaining valuable insights into the international film industry. This course is ideal for aspiring filmmakers, writers, producers, and anyone passionate about the art and business of cinema.

ARLD 6391- Internship (3 credit hours)

(optional and predicated on local productions scheduled in Houston. This face-to-face course can be substituted for the Advanced Film Production and International Filmmaking course for students available to be on set in the greater Houston area).