Shorter is better: The First Graduate Program Devoted to the Short Film

In fall 2010, the School of Visual Arts (SVA) will pioneer the first ever graduate program devoted exclusively to the short film. Long overshadowed by its more glamorous sibling, the feature film, the short film is integral to the existence of an evolving and pertinent film industry, particularly as a conduit for the emerging filmmaker. In fact, many established and successful directors, including George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese, first began by making short films (1:42:08, Amblin' and The Big Shave, respectively). It served as a way for them to develop their abilities as filmmakers, and gain entrance into the industry.

Today, for the first time since the 1930’s, the short film has become a hot commodity. The shifting and changing media landscape has made short films one of the most relevant and malleable mediums available to filmmakers. Indeed, television, the internet, and mobile devices have all generated a market for shorts that goes beyond film festivals. What’s more, the widespread use of digital media and editing equipment has made the genre an economical and accessible way to articulate and experiment with ideas that might otherwise be deemed too challenging or untenable.

SVA's MPS Live Action Short Film program, chaired by Bob Giraldi, is a one year, 36 credit program, in which students will develop the intellectual and practical tools for filmmaking, including the conception of an idea, pre-production, photographing, editing, and marketing the final product.

The program places an emphasis on the filmmaker as collaborator. Students will develop a familiarity with every tool of filmmaking, and work with one another as directors, writers, crew members, and editors. This collegial way of working is an excellent model for both a supportive artistic atmosphere and a professional filmmaking environment. The course of study ultimately culminates in a competitive, thesis-based short film festival, hosted by SVA at their West 23rd Street theater.

The MPS Live Action Short Film program celebrates the truly independent art of filmmaking, honoring first-time filmmakers, instructing them about the history of short film, and outfitting them with the creative, technical, and critical tools needed to impart their artistic visions.