»Welcome to Writing for Film and Television

Bring your stories from concept to script to screen in our BFA in Writing for Film and Television program.

Whether you’re refining a script on your own or collaborating in a writers’ room, you’ll dive into character development, story structure, and the craft of writing across multiple formats — including short films, feature-length screenplays, and episodic television.

By the time you graduate, you won’t just have a portfolio that includes feature-length scripts — you’ll also have the industry connections and creative foundation needed to break in and write stories that resonate with audiences around the world.

Screenwriting students working on laptops in a classroom

In this program, you will:

Write at least two feature length scripts, plus other work that you can include in your portfolio.
Develop your own unique storytelling voice.
Collaborate with storytellers in other Dodge majors.
Connect with industry veterans with years of experience.

Two screenwriting students sitting on steps and looking at a laptop

By the time you graduate, you'll be prepared to:

Create characters and worlds that resonate with audiences.
Craft stories alongside other writers.
Use your skills and connections to break into the entertainment industry.

Kelly Galuska ’06

Four-time Emmy nominee Kelly Galuska has written for such shows as "Big Mouth," "Archer" and "BoJackHorseman," and was an executive producer on FX's "The Bear."

Kelly's Story

Writing for Film and Television is about...

Crafting Characters

Three-dimensional characters are the cornerstone of any story. Learn how to come up with them, write them and do them justice.

Structuring Stories

Mastering narrative structure and pacing is fundamental to the screenwriting craft. At Chapman, you’ll learn how to compose stories that hit the all the right notes at all the right moments.

Sharing Your Creativity

Translating your experiences and values into stories and sharing them isn’t just fun — it can make people laugh, cry and think about important topics that they’ve never thought about before.

Finding Your Voice

Screenplays need distinctive voices. The best screenwriters make it look easy, but finding yours can take practice. At Dodge, you’ll write every day on your own and in teams to hone your storytelling voice.

Internships

Our Orange County location means that we are a stone’s throw away from the heart of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles where our students regularly land internships with companies such as DreamWorks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, Lionsgate, Blumhouse and more.

Study Abroad

Take your passion for storytelling worldwide in one of our many study abroad programs. We’ll work closely with you to find one that aligns with your schedule and goals.

Clubs and Organizations

As an aspiring writer, what’s the best way to continuously improve your writing chops? Getting feedback and support from other aspiring writers, including your peers!

At Dodge, you’ll be able to do just that. We’re home to a community of emerging screenwriters, and you’ll be able to join student-run organizations such as:

Primetime Television Club:Craft your own characters and worlds, work with student directors and actors and get your work published online.
The Film Society: Highlights discussions on minority, international, independent, and art house films, expanding your knowledge of film studies.
Delta Kappa Alpha:Connect with passionate future filmmakers in this chapter of the national, cinema-focused professional fraternity. (And don’t let the “fraternity" moniker fool you: DKA is open to everyone regardless of gender.)

...and there's more!

Work on film sets and learn the entire production process alongside student producers, directors and actors.
See your scripts adapted for the screen and shown on campus.
Get career guidance for life (yes, really!) at our Career Center.

Admission and Tours

Interested in taking the next step? Learn how to apply or check out our transfer prerequisites.

Want to learn more about Chapman? We are always available for Dodge College tours and information sessions. We’d love to meet you!

Related Majors

Talk to a Current Student

Want to learn more about the program or student experience? Reach out to a current Writing for Film & Television student! They would be happy to answer whatever's on your mind.

Contact Dodge Admission

Phone: (714) 997-6996

Email: dodgeadmit@chapman.edu

Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

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Dodge Facilities

We’ve replicated the facilities where leading industry professionals work and made them available to students 24/7.

Dodge Facilities