AFI follows the Conservatory model where Fellows learn by doing. Graduates finish with either a Master of Fine Arts Degree or Certificate of Completion*. The Master of Fine Arts Degree or Certificate of Completion* is a 60-plus credit hour program awarded in six disciplines:
Cinematography | Directing | Editing | Producing | Production Design | Screenwriting
The AFI Conservatory’s program is highly structured, involving continuous production work during which Fellows experience both the creative and physical collaborative process. During the course of two years, Fellows team with classmates to write, produce, design, direct, shoot and edit four to 10 films — adding up to 120 short narratives produced at the AFI Conservatory each year.
Fellows pursue their chosen discipline’s professional curriculum as well as deepen their overall understanding through participation in frequent Master Seminars with world-renowned visiting filmmakers.
As an AFI Fellow you will…
Learn From The Masters
Small class sizes ensure that every AFI Fellow receives one-on-one instruction from a faculty member comprised of professional filmmakers with decades of experience guiding projects from script to screen. A steady stream of guest lecturers means an opportunity to learn the ropes from Masters like Steve McQueen, Brian Grazer, Julie Delpy and Agnes Varda.
Find Your Voice
The AFI Conservatory doesn’t believe there is a formula for making films. Fellows are instead encouraged to find and develop a unique voice as they are trained in the art of storytelling.
Have Access to State-of-The-Art Technologies
Full access to cutting-edge equipment, facilities, mentors (second year mentor, faculty mentor, alumni mentor), production coordinators, faculty and alumni network — everything you need to succeed during and after your time at the AFI Conservatory.
Be Part of Unparalleled Alumni
Join an alumni roster that includes: Darren Aronofsy; Zal Batmangli; Jay L. Cassidy; Todd Cherniawsky; Caleb Deschanel, ASC; Drake Doremus; Bill Duke; Brad Falchuk; Scott Frank; Carl Franklin; Rodrigo García; Anne Garefino; Joseph Garrity, Affonso Gonçalves; Susannah Grant; Amy Heckerling; Patty Jenkins; Janusz Kaminski; Mimi Leder; Jonathan Levine; Heidi Levitt; Matthew Labitique, ASC; David Lynch; Terrence Malick; Wally Pfister, ASC; Gideon Raff; Steven A. Rasch; Robert Richardson, ASC; Sharon Seymour; Scott Silver; Masanobu Takayanagi; Amy Vincent, ASC; Nicole Yorkin; Ed Zwick and many more.