»Welcome to Creative Producing

A producer is the driving force behind any production, seamlessly blending creativity with leadership to bring stories to life — entrepreneur, creative powerhouse, team-builder and inspiring leader, all rolled into one.

From the initial spark of an idea to the final frame on screen, producers are the visionaries who develop compelling narratives, assemble rock-star teams, and orchestrate every detail of the production process.

They lead with precision, navigating the creative and logistical challenges of filmmaking while inspiring collaboration on set. From finding a great idea to developing a script, from raising money to managing schedules, producers are the only people on every piece of entertainment from the very beginning to the very end.

At Dodge College, our Creative Producing program empowers students to step into this dynamic role.

Through hands-on learning and more actual moviemaking than you’ll find at any other film school — helped by close mentorship from industry professionals and access to Hollywood’s very top studios and companies — students gain the skills to thrive in both the creative and business aspects of production.

From pitching projects to managing budgets to leading teams to marketing the final product, our program equips you with all the skills and experience to launch a high-flying career in the film and television industry.

You won’t just learn how to produce — you’ll become a leader and a visionary.

Earning a B.F.A. in Creative Producing at Chapman University is your gateway to becoming a Hollywood A-lister. You’ll make films all the time, be on-set with directors, actors and other ambitious creatives in a fast-paced program that will teach you everything about:

• The entire production process: From development to distribution, you'll master the art of turning ideas into reality, through constant filmmaking with your fellow students. You’ll spend time on dozens of sets, working with hundreds of other equally enthusiastic students, throughout your years here.
• Storytelling and script development: What makes a blockbuster movie? It all begins with a great idea! Learn how to strike gold with the help of Oscar- and Emmy-winning professors.
• Financing, marketing, distributing and releasing films: What’s a rolling break? What are gross profits? You need to know the nuts-and-bolts of movie money to get your project off the ground.
• Entertainment law: Understand the legal frameworks that protect intellectual property and drive deals in the industry.
• Domestic and international entertainment: Explore the global landscape of filmmaking, preparing you for success in diverse markets.

At Chapman, you'll benefit from a liberal arts curriculum that broadens your horizons and inspires your creative work.

You’ll be mentored by industry-active faculty, collaborate with peers on real-world productions, and graduate ready to lead in Hollywood — and beyond.

Your senior year in the Creative Producing program culminates in two dynamic capstone projects, each designed to prepare you for the competitive world of film and television production. You’ll graduate with both hands-on skills and a professional portfolio.

Producing Films or TV Pilots

• Collaborate with two directors from our Film Production program to produce original films or TV pilots.
• Take charge of the entire production process, from pre-production through post-production, gaining invaluable real-world experience.
• Learn to manage budgets, schedules, and creative teams while bringing a vision to life — skills essential for success in the industry.

Portfolio Development

• Build a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your ability to identify and develop projects into marketable films or television shows.
• Include detailed plans for rights acquisition, story development, pitching, budgeting, packaging, marketing, distribution and exhibition.
• As a producer, your portfolio is your calling card — your ability to recognize potential and transform ideas into compelling productions is what defines your career. This portfolio equips you with the tools to do just that.

These capstones are more than academic exercises — they are your launchpad into the industry.

With a focus on both the creative and business aspects of producing, you’ll master how to:

• Develop, pitch, and produce compelling film and television projects from start to finish.
• Identify and nurture creative material that resonates with audiences.
• Collaborate effectively with directors, writers, cinematographers and other key players on set.
• Manage the financial, logistical, and legal aspects of production with confidence.
• Negotiate intellectual property rights and secure funding for your projects.
• Craft innovative marketing strategies to connect your work with global audiences.
• Oversee domestic and international distribution to maximize a project’s reach and impact.

Graduates of this program have worked at Warner Bros., Disney, Netflix and throughout the media and entertainment industry.

Our unique Career Center, staffed by three full-time industry experts, is designed to help you succeed at every stage of your career. From sourcing internships — oftentimes paid — at such companies as A24, Blumhouse, Amazon Studios, HBO Max and more, to preparing for life in the business, we provide hands-on guidance tailored to your goals. Your journey here doesn’t end at graduation.