Applying

Application Process

Beginning your application

The next application period is for Fall 2025. We will be publishing the Fall 2025 supplemental requirements by September 13, 2024.

deadline to apply will be February 1, 2025 - - No longer accepting Applications for the 2024-2025 Academic Year

Click here to Apply
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Steps to Apply

All MFA programs in Film, Television and Digital Media are full-time programs. Applications will be completed and submitted online, in addition to mailing in an official copy of your transcript.

We are no longer requiring mailing portfolios.

Application Instructions PDF

UCLA Animation Workshop STORYBOARD SPECS

While we take all your submission materials into account, the board, more than any of your exhibits, will be used to gauge creativity and ideas; for an applicant, these are far more important than technical proficiency.

UCLA Animation Workshop PORTFOLIO SPECS

Portfolio exhibits may include a variety of work; please limit quantity – instead, send a strong representative sampling that best exemplifies you as an artist.

  • If any submission materials include a joint project, list your role/credits
  • Do not send over-sized work

Board submission guidelines for a project you might create at the Workshop:

  • Send a complete board of a story (not a scene or section from one)
  • Length: 1– 5 minute concept (no longer)
  • Size:8 1/2" x 11" or 8 1/2" x 14" inches

Suggested creative work to include:

  • Life drawing:
    • human and animal
    • quick sketches
    • long poses

Format:

  • Any board template, including handmade, is fine (doesn’t have to be…professional); panels in a 16:9 format (note: the sample is 4:3, due to origins)
  • Selection of work that showcases your creativity – some examples:
    • sculpture
    • theater design
    • paintings
    • architectural renderings
    • street art
    • fashion design
    • photography
    • character design
    • animation art
    • additional storyboard (please label that it’s a portfolio exhibit)
    • writing
    • other?
  • Color is not necessary
  • Focus on ideas and story
  • Non-narrative concept is fine; the board should show a sense of structure
  • Whether narrative or non-narrative, your board will help us determine what kind of mind you have for animation
  • Check the sample
  • Label the board for a proposed project accordingly e.g. “proposed MFA project” (especially if sending another board as a portfolio exhibit)
  • An example to check out:
Sample Storyboard

Short Animation or Film Sequences:

  • Short animation or film sequences:
    • if URL, make sure the link is working
    • if a collaboration, indicate your role/credit

Any further questions?

Feel free to Email the Workshop Staff or explore our Frequently Asked Questions page here on this site.