USC School of Cinema- Television’s Writing for Film and Television Program is arguably the most respected screenwriting program in the country, housed within the world-renowned Cinema School, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Each year, out of thousands of applicants, 26 undergraduate students are admitted for the four-year BFA screenwriting Program and 32 graduate students are admitted for the MFA screenwriting Program. Our writers come from all over the world. Many come from allied fields, having done work as playwrights, journalists, and filmmakers before beginning their training here.

We believe that strong, complex, compelling characters create screenplay structure--not the other way around. We believe that the function of a screenwriting curriculum is to nurture and strengthen the individual voice, as well as to provide the practical tools for this craft. We encourage experimental narratives, and television pilot writing. Our students graduate with writing samples for both TV and Film.

The Program is celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary this year. Our alumni include Andrew Marlowe (Air Force One); John Singleton (Boyz N’ The Hood); Shonda Rhymes (creator, Grey’s Anatomy); Josh Schwartz (creator, The OC); Jamie Vanderbuilt (Basic); David Veloz (Natural Born Killers); Matthew Ryan Hodge (United States of Leland); Matthew Weiner (The Sopranos); Jeff Davis (creator, Quantico); Brian Peterson and Kelly Saunders (staff, Smallville), Steven Chbosky (currently adapting RENT); Lisa Parsons (staff, Arrested Development); and Brad Riddell (American Pie: Band Camp) among others.

The Scripts from USC

Both graduate and undergraduate students attend a year-long workshop in which they create a thesis script, which is subject to rigorous peer and staff review. Many students have had additional scripts reviewed for inclusion.

Many students have rounded out their portfolio with written samples in television comedy and one-hour drama as well as 'spec'. Though some are already "signed," the majority seek representation.

To Learn More About the Screenwriting Program at USC

Please visit our website at http://www-cntv.usc.edu/