School ofWriting For Film,Television & Digital Media

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SCHOOL OF WRITING

ContentsProgram Overview ................................................ 5

What We Teach ...................................................... 7

The School of Writing Difference ......................... 9

Faculty ................................................................... 11

Degree Options ..................................................... 13

Our Facilities ......................................................... 15

Student & Alumni Testimonials ........................... 17

Alumni Success .................................................... 19

Career Paths ......................................................... 21

Additional Learning Experiences ......................... 23

Awards and Accolades ......................................... 25

Online Education .................................................. 27

Academy Life ........................................................ 29

San Francisco ....................................................... 31

Athletics ................................................................ 33

Apply Today .......................................................... 35

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SCHOOL OF WRITING

ProgramOverview

IMMERSE YOURSELF • Study feature fi lm and television writing with

Academy and Emmy Award-winning writers, pro-ducers, and development executives

• Learn visual storytelling from the ground up. Our students understand basic production realities, including how directing and acting enhance the work of the writer

• Explore the world of creative development, and learn how to option and package projects for the marketplace

• By the time you graduate, you will have written a range of scripts that showcase your industry preparedness

Get real-world feedback from experienced industry professionals.

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What We TeachLearn to create engaging characters that connect your stories to an audience.

FEATURE FILM & TELEVISION COMEDY/DRAMA SEMINARSWork with award-winning writers, producers, and development executives to build the spine of your story or series.

CHARACTER & BACKSTORYLearn how to create engaging characterswho can drive a story forward.

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SCHOOL OF WRITING

WRITING FOR “SHOT IN A DAY”Get your best work on camera. Write shorts that are produced on our sound stages with profession-al actors and a professional crew.

PRODUCTION CENTRALGain hands-on experience in writing festival-worthy short films. Work with a director-producer team that will take your film into production.

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The Schoolof Writing Difference

THE WRITING PROGRAM• Our program is run by a multiple Academy Award

winner and 11-time Oscar nominee

• Our faculty’s written work has been aired on major networks and released by major studios

• Our program is production-focused, with multiple opportunities to develop projects with production teams and get your work green-lit.

• Study on campus in San Francisco or onlinefrom anywhere in the world

Be on set as your best work is produced and heads to festivals around the world.

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Faculty

School of Game Development

Our award-winning faculty will help you take your ideas and screenplays tothe next level.

Jana Sue MemelExecutive Director

Jana Sue Memel is an Academy Award-winning producer and writer. She has produced over 25 movies on top of over 65 half-hour live action shorts that have played as television series in more than 30 countries. She began her career as a literary agent at the Gersh Agency and then at ICM. She is a member of the Writer’s Guild and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

SCHOOL OF WRITING

Stuart ThomasAssociate Director

Stuart Thomas is an award-winning writer with over 50 produced credits across theater, fi lm, and television. He is currently writing projects under commission from the BBC, The Comedy Unit (UK), On the Rocks Films, The Queen’s Theatre, and Zac Productions (UK). His latest feature, Out Here, is entering production in the UK.

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BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS (BFA) The BFA program in Writing for Film, Television& Digital Media will teach you the skills you needto develop engaging characters and scripts. Ourprogram is designed to offer personalized attention to your ideas, with an emphasis on industry expectations and standards. Study in a rigorous, supportive writing workshop environment. Explore original and adapted feature films, television comedy and drama, short films, and writing for other forms of digital media.

MASTER OF FINE ARTS (MFA)The MFA program in Writing for Film, Television &Digital Media will fine-tune your ability to delivercompelling stories, characters, and scripts that grab the reader’s attention. The MFA is an intensive program that concentrates exclusively on writing, pitching, and the business side of being a professional writer. Complete a portfolio of feature and television scripts that can be used to market your skills as a writer.

Degree Options

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SCHOOL OF WRITING

Team up with passionate filmmakers to bring your scripts to life.

Our Facilities

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY SOUNDSTAGESYou dream it, we build it: new sets designed weekly.

INDUSTRY STANDARD PRODUCTION EQUIPMENTYour green-lit projects are shot using high-endcamera equipment and lighting.

PROFESSIONAL ACTORSWork with a casting director to find the right actors for your roles.

FULL POST-PRODUCTION FACILITIESFestival-bound projects are edited and scored onthe latest software.

SCHOOL OF WRITING

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Student andAlumni Testimonials

“The School of Writing for Film, Television & Digital Media offered me the chance to not

only learn the theory of screenwriting but the actual art of it. I’ve always wanted to write big action-oriented stories, and Academy of Art University taught me the tools I’d need to eloquently convey those stories, while still being able to incorporate my own style.”

Jorge GraneraBFA alum

“I absolutely love the WRI program because all the classes I get or have to take are writing-specific. I’m no longer a student learning screenwriting. I’m an actual screen-writer who writes short films, features, and web series.”

Kelcie GruenbergBFA alum

Our 50,000-plus Academy alumni are some of the most successful andsought-after professionals in art, entertainment, and design today. But we’rejust getting started. Our current pool of creative and innovative students arepreparing to redefine the future.

SCHOOL OF WRITING

“Working with Academy Award winner Jana Sue Memel has been an amazing experience. She provides a nurturing environment that helps me reach my fullest potential. She truly cares about her students and wants the best for them. She will stop at nothing until that is achieved. I have been honored and grateful to work with Jana and know I am a better screenwriter because of it.”

Malia JakisMFA student

“The professors really go above and beyond to help you reach your potential. The class discussions are raw and real, getting you ready for the industry. Most importantly, you have so many opportunities to connect with fellow filmmakers and continue to work on real-world projects outside of class.”

Jonathan BooneMFA alum

“The WRI program at the Academy was a non-stop challenge and always a rewarding experience. Not only can you follow multiple tracks in writing for film, TV comedy, or

TV drama, but also for web content. You have countless opportunities to showcase your work. The connections I’ve made with fellow filmmakers and professionals alike are invaluable.”

Spenser QuerryMFA alum 17

SCHOOL OF WRITING

Alumni SuccessWith more than 50,000 alumni around the world, we strive to keep our artistcommunities engaged and supported in their professional lives.

SYDNEY FREELANDWriter-Director

Writer-director Sydney Freeland graduated as a screenwriter from Academy of Art University’s School of Motion Pictures & Television. One of the Academy’s most successful alums, Sydney was a Fulbright Scholar and became a United States Artists Fellow in 2014, receiving an unrestricted $50,000 award and recognition as one of America’s most accomplished artists.

Sydney won the 2014 Grand Jury Prize and HBO Outstanding First Feature award at LA Outfest; a 2010 Sundance Screenwriting Fellowship; a 2010 Sundance Directing Fellowship; a 2010 Eccles Directing Fellowship; a 2009 Sundance Native American Lab Fellowship; and a 2007 Disney Scholarship. She was also a 2008 Disney Fellowship semi-finalist.

Freeland began developing her first feature, Drunktown’s Finest, while she was still an MFAstudent at Academy of Art University. Sydney’s recent digital series, Her Story, was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama.

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TELEVISION STAFF WRITERWork on the writing staff of a television show.Break stories and write/rewrite scripts. Collaborate with other writers and producers to develop compelling storylines for new and existing characters.

SCREENWRITERCreate the blueprint for feature films. Originate the story, characters, and dramatic action in a motion picture or television series. Write scripts for feature films. Sell ideas and spec scripts as a freelancer. Get hired for an open writing assignment. Develop compelling story ideas, effectively pitch and sell those ideas, and deliver imaginative scripts that meet industry expectations.

DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVEWork with writers in preparing their moviesfor production.

SHOW RUNNEROversee all creative aspects of a television series.

MANAGER OR AGENTWork with writers in bringing their films tomarkets and planning their careers.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERWrite and curate social media posts for entertain-ment companies.

Career Paths

SCHOOL OF WRITING

As a graduate from our writing degree program, you will have the skills necessaryfor a range of career opportunities. Our faculty, facilities, and hands-on learning approach are here to provide you with the tools you need to succeed as a profes-sional writer.

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AdditionalLearning Experiences

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ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

Academy of Art University has a hands-on program for every interest at every level. If you are looking to upgrade your career, explore something you have never tried before, or hone existing skills, we have a program for you.

PRE-COLLEGE ART EXPERIENCE (PCAE) This dual-scholarship program allows current high school students to take art and design courses at no tuition charge. In addition, they earn scholarship dollars towards future undergraduate studies at Academy of Art University.

Visit https://www.dev.academyart.edu/academics/pre-college-art-experience-program or call 415.274.2200 for more information.

STUDY ABROAD One of the best ways to learn about the world is to see the world. Take advantage of one or all of these exciting Study Abroad opportunities.

The Liberal Arts Seminar in Europe is a three-week intensive traveling course visiting some of Europe’s greatest cities and collections.

The Fine Art Intensive in Italy takes you to Florence, Italy, for seven and a half weeks during Summer semester.

The School of Fashion at awards scholarships to study in Paris with Studio Berçot and L’École de laChambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.

The Illustration Department also has a summer semester in Florence emphasizing culturalawareness in painting and drawing. For more information about these Study Abroad opportunities, including cost and visa matters, visit www.academyart.edu/academics/study-abroad

CONTINUING EDUCATION Time for a career upgrade? Want to follow yourpassion? Learn, be inspired, and expand your creative potential by taking hands-on courses from industry-experienced faculty. Flexible art and design courses are available online and in San Francisco.

Visit https://www.academyart.edu/academics/continuing-education or call 415.274.2200 formore information.

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Academy of Art University is committed to the highest standards of achievement in art and design. Here’s a small sampling highlighting some recent accomplishments of our outstanding students, faculty, and alumni.

Awardsand Accolades

ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

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ONLINE BENEFITS• A support staff of over 100 Academy of Art employees offers 900+ online courses and 1,500 instructional videos per semester, spanning 35

online majors, and teaching students from 50+ countries

• Course content is proprietary, created in-house by industry experts, and exclusive to the Academy

• The classes are a mix of lecture content, video, written content, recorded audio, interactive slide- shows, and hands-on work• The innovative curriculum is created by instructional

designers and industry professionals• A student-run Facebook group, AAUHOO, has more

than 4,000 members and invites you to join this thriving online community• We’re constantly building new courses, reworking

old ones and adding features to our LMS based on student feedback

Visit academyart.edu or call 415.274.2200 for more information.

Take any online course at the Academy, and experience the visual, interactive, and dynamic courses we’re known for. You will have the same quality instructors, the same hands-on learning opportunities, and the same attentive support as our onsite students. The difference? The flexibility to earn your art and design degree on your terms.

Online Education

Taking classes online really benefited me as a student in allowing me to hone in on each of my skills and develop them before I got a job in the industry.

— Mark Cofer Graduate School of Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media Alumn 2014 Hollywood Film Composer and Academy of

Art University Instructor

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ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

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A substantial part of an artist’s growth and inspiration occurs outside the classroom or studio. At Academy of Art University, we understand this. Here are some resources and opportunities that are available to all students.

ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

Academy Life

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“What I like best about the School of is that the instructors don’t just teach—they constantly provide resources and opportunities for active learning.” Fei F. Ou 2015 Game Development BFA student

EVENTS Campus Life is designed to inspire, educate, and promote fun. Our events are created in coordination with student-run groups and organizations. Make the most of your university experience: grow, learn, laugh, and run with us.

Visit https://www.academyart.edu/students/clubs-organizations/events for more info.

URBAN KNIGHTS RADIO Listen live online to our athletics teams, hear unique talk shows, and dance to your favorite tunes on UrbanKnightsRadio.com, an iHeartRadio partner.

HOUSING Housing is guaranteed for all new, full-time onsite students. We have 17 diff erent housing options to choose from located in the heart of San Francisco.

DINING Stay healthy with delicious and fi lling meals in one of our dining halls with fl exible meal plans and Knight Kash. Use the Knight Kash on your student ID for dining on campus and at select off -campus vendors.

ACADEMIC CLUBS Join students with similar interests to discuss ideas, promote your work, form collaborations, and share information.

FITNESS & RECREATION Campus Recreation classes and workshops—and access to our free gym, pool, basketball courts, and skateboard ramp—will help youstay active healthy.

VIRTUAL BOOKSTORE All required textbooks are available at ourvirtual bookstore.

CULTURAL CLUBS Everyone needs a break from the studio. With dozens of clubs and organizations, fi nd a new creative outlet and build lifelong relationships.

ESPORTSOur active gaming community hosts andattends regular gaming events for both casualor competitive players.

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One of the world’s great creative capitals, San Francisco has been our home since 1929. Our neighbors include giants in everything from advertising, animation, and architecture to communications, game development, and web design.

Simply put, Academy of Art University is an absolutely amazing place to be acollege student.

San Francisco

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ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

MUSEUMSAcademy of Art University Auto MuseumLegion of Honor de Young Museum Asian Art MuseumSan Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) California Academy of Sciences Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Cable Car MuseumPalace of Fine Arts Theatre ExploratoriumWalt Disney Family Museum Museum of Performance & Design Museum of Craft & DesignMuseo Italo AmericanoCartoon Art MuseumMuseum of the African DiasporaMuseo de la Raza

THEATRES & VENUESThe FillmoreBill Graham Civic AuditoriumThe WarfieldBottom of the HillRickshaw StopAlamo DrafthouseGreat American Music HallThe IndependentThe Fox TheatreSHN Orpheum TheaterThe American Conservatory Theater The Castro TheatreSFJAZZSan Francisco Conservatory of Music San Francisco OperaSan Francisco SymphonySan Francisco BalletAT&T Park

TRANSPORTATIONMUNIAC TransitBART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) Cal TrainGolden Gate Transit

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We are the Urban Knights—the only higher arts education institution in the U.S. to have an NCAA athletics program. Urban Knight Nation is proud to support our fierce student-athletes as they fight on to victory. Go Urban Knights!

Athletics

We are the Urban Knights—14 varsity athletic teams that represent Academy of Art University in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports. We are dedicatedto distinction, sportsmanship, pride, teamwork,credibility, and creativity.

As an artist-athlete in the Academy of Art University Intercollegiate Athletic program, you are empowered to realize your full potential academically, personally,and professionally while on the path to collegiate success. The Academy’s Urban Knights compete as members of the Pacific West Conference.

MEN’SBaseball Basketball Cross Country GolfSoccer Track & Field

WOMEN’SBasketball Cross Country GolfSoccer Softball TennisTrack & Field Volleyball

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NCAA PROGRAMJoin one of our teams or come out and support your fellow artist-athlete. We play in great venues throughout San Francisco, including Kezar Pavilion, Paul Goode Field, SF Bay Tennis Club, and Presidio Golf Course, among others. Let the Fan Bus take you to the games.

The NCAA is a trademark owned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

“What I like best about the School of is that the instructors don’t just teach—they constantly provide resources and opportunities for active learning.” Fei F. Ou 2015 Game Development BFA student

ARTIST ATHLETESThe Urban Knights have quickly made a name for themselves with numerous conference and national accomplishments including 10+ NCAA champion-ships. We are the first athletic program to win two NCAA National Championships (indoor and outdoor women’s track & field) in our first year of postseason eligibility. We have made over 40 postseason appear-ances in men’s and women’s cross country, women’s basketball, men’s indoor and outdoor track and field, men’s and women’s golf, and women’s tennis.Go Urban Knights!

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Apply year-round, and begin taking classes in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Our Admissions Representatives will help you every step of the way. They want to help you succeed, and are trained to make sure your application best reflects your abilities. Apply today!

Apply Today atacademyart.edu

TRANSFER STUDENTS 1. Complete the application 2. Submit electronic transcripts to: transcripts@academyart.edu Or mail transcripts in a sealed envelope to: Academy of Art University Attn: Undergraduate Admissions Office 79 New Montgomery St. San Francisco, California 94105

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at academyart.edu

Or call 1.800.544.2787

Or apply in person in San Francisco

(Monday-Saturday)

79 New Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94105

ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

YOUR COMPLETEDAPPLICATION MUST INCLUDE: • $50* application fee ($150 international)• $95* enrollment fee • International applicants require a $300* international student service fee • Fees can be paid by MasterCard, Visa, Discover. By mail: check or money order *all fees are non-refundable, non-transferable

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F A M I L Y O W N E D S I N C E 1 9 2 9

ActingAdvertisingAnimation & Visual EffectsArchitectureArt EducationArt HistoryFashion Fine ArtGame DevelopmentGraphic DesignIllustrationIndustrial DesignInterior Architecture & DesignJewelry & Metal ArtsLandscape Architecture

Motion Picture & TelevisionMultimedia CommunicationsMusic Production & Sound Design for Visual MediaPhotographyVisual DevelopmentWeb Design & New MediaWriting for Film, Television & Digital Media

Academy of Art University79 New Montgomery StreetSan Francisco, California 94105

info@academyart.edu1.800.544.2787www.academyart.edu

Accredited Member WSCUC, NASAD, CIDA (BFA-IAD, MFA-IAD), NAAB (B.ARCH, M.ARCH), CTC (California Teacher Credential).

*The following degree programs are currentlynot offering online courses: Acting, Auto Restoration, Knitwear Design, and Footwear& Accessory Design.

Visit www.academyart.edu to learn more about total costs, median student loan debt, potential occupations, and other information.

The Academy of Art University is located in downtown San Francisco and providesinstruction around the world through its online campus. We offer training in manyspecialized creative disciplines: