Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television

Overview

The School of Film and Television (SFTV) at Loyola Marymount University sits on a hilltop campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, minutes from the studios, production companies, and post-production houses that define the city's entertainment industry. SFTV has built a reputation for producing thoughtful, ethically grounded filmmakers who combine strong technical skills with a commitment to storytelling that serves communities and audiences.

LMU's Jesuit tradition informs the program's emphasis on social justice, ethical responsibility, and the power of media to shape culture. This philosophical foundation distinguishes SFTV from purely craft-oriented programs, and it attracts students who view filmmaking as both an art and a social practice.

The school's facilities include soundstages, a Foley stage, screening rooms, and post-production suites. SFTV maintains strong ties to the Los Angeles production community, and its location gives students access to internships, industry events, and networking opportunities throughout their studies.

Programs Offered

• BFA in Film and Television Production -- directing, cinematography, editing, sound, and producing
• BFA in Screenwriting -- narrative and television writing with a focus on character-driven storytelling
• BA in Film, Television, and Media Studies -- a critical studies track combining theory, history, and analysis
• BFA in Animation -- 2D and 3D animation with ties to LA studios
• MFA in Film and Television Production -- a graduate production program
• MFA in Screenwriting -- graduate-level screenplay development
• MFA in Writing and Producing for Television -- a specialized program for the television industry pipeline

What Students Should Know

LMU's SFTV is smaller than USC or UCLA, and this works to students' advantage in terms of equipment access and faculty mentorship. Class sizes are intimate, and students build close relationships with faculty who are working professionals in the industry. The MFA in Writing and Producing for Television has a particularly strong placement record, with graduates moving directly into writers' rooms and production offices.

The school's location in Los Angeles is a significant asset. LMU students regularly intern at studios, networks, and production companies during their studies, and the school facilitates these connections through its career services office and industry partnerships. The alumni network, while smaller than USC's, is concentrated in LA and active in supporting new graduates.

Tuition at LMU is approximately $55,000 per year. The university offers merit and need-based financial aid, and SFTV has its own scholarship programs for film students. The campus location offers lower living costs than central LA neighborhoods near USC or the Westside.

Notable Alumni

LMU SFTV alumni include Barbie Kligman (showrunner), Ed Zwick (director of Glory and Blood Diamond), Francis Lawrence (director of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), and numerous working writers, producers, and below-the-line professionals in television and film.

See Also

For understanding how television writing programs connect to the industry, see Television Writing Careers. To plan your thesis film budget, use the Production Budget Calculator.