Lipscomb Creates Master of Arts in Film and Creative Media

Nashville is on its way to becoming a new hotbed in the film industry, with the television show Nashville being filmed here and a several recent and soon-to-be filmed movies choosing Music City as a home base. That’s not including the wide range of music videos and commercials that are filmed in the city.

For students wanting to get into the burgeoning film industry, Lipscomb University is meeting a need for training with a newly created Master of Arts in Film and Creative Media. The 36-hour curriculum can be completed in a 17-month time frame, beginning this fall. The inaugural class will receive 20 percent off the cost of the program. Applications are due by Aug. 2.

“The master’s degree in film and creative media prepares graduate students to operate within all digital media, making their skills more marketable in today’s multi-platform world,” said Mike Fernandez, chair of the Lipscomb University Department of Theatre and acting director of the new program. “These students will be able to do so much more than just feature films. They will be prepared to film commercials, music videos, training and education videos as well as content for social media,” he said.

The program will require a one-year internship with a production company. AFFIRM Films/Sony Pictures Entertainment, Veritas Entertainment, Cartoon Pizza and Klausner Creative have signed on as Lipscomb’s first internship partners for the program. Through these internships, students will have the opportunity to work in different areas of film, including development, pre-production, production, post-production and distribution.

In addition, spring 2014 is expected to bring the first Lipscomb University Film Festival. It will be held on campus, featuring the works of creative media graduate students. Industry professionals will serve as judges.

Discussions are currently happening regarding the development of an undergraduate film program as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Creative Media with concentrations in directing, film production, gaming and animation. The program is now accepting applications and expects an inaugural class of 10 students this fall. For more information, visit lipscomb.edu/film or call 615.966.5186.