The new Mason Student Services Center, located in SUB I, Suite 1003 (Lower-Level Lobby on the Fairfax Campus), will serve as the central resource to assist new and continuing students with questions related to registration and academic records, enrollment, financial aid, billing, and student accounts, eliminating the need for students to visit multiple offices.
Film and Video Studies Scholarships and Awards
Film and Video Studies awards scholarships annually to sophomore, junior/incoming transfer, and senior Film students. Pitch Prizes are awarded every semester to students creating capstone works.
Film and Video Studies wants eager, talented students to have the opportunity to hone their craft. We offer financial aid and scholarships so those with the drive to build a career in film, can make that dream a reality.
Each year, we award scholarships to sophomore, junior/incoming transfer, and senior students. We also award Pitch Prizes every semester to seniors who are creating capstone works.
We fund our scholarships through contributions, ticket sales, and sponsorships to annual events such as Mason Film Festival fundraisers and ARTS by George! You can donate to fund Film and Video Studies scholarships.
Film and Video Studies Academic Scholarships
Awards and Eligibility
Applicants must be seeking a BA in Film and be a rising sophomore or above.
Scholarship recipients must:
- Remain Film majors to receive the full amount
- Be enrolled in at least 12 credits of coursework per semester.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.0 in Film courses.
- Agree to two hours of service during the school year for Film program events (Admissions, Festivals, or other events).
Funding is contingent on the program's and college's budgets, and is not guaranteed for a recipient's entire career at George Mason. Award amounts might also change.
Contact Film and Video Studies if you have questions or for more information about Film scholarships.
Academic Scholarship Application
Scholarship Application
Criteria
A committee of Film and Video Studies faculty and local film professionals will award scholarships based on:
- Thoughtful and original essay and well-presented creative work.
- Good writing and communication skills (**Please check your spelling and grammar, and proofread your essay before you submit it.)
- Grade point average and demonstration of academic excellence at Mason or if a transfer student, at other institutions.
- Résumé with demonstrated work experience and/or service.
The panel also considers merit in academic and extracurricular activities within College of Visual and Performing Arts courses when reviewing applications from current students.
Helpful Tip: Treat this as if you were writing a grant, persuading the panel that you possess particular skills and strengths in your essay and your creative project (whether it's a script, demo reel, or short film).
Instructions
- To apply, submit all required elements by March 1, 2025.
Scholarship Application
Section 1. Personal Information
Section 2. Eligibility (GPA/Student Standing)
Section 3. Essay (500 words max)
Tell us why filmmaking is important to you. Describe a recent project (script, film in progress, or completed film) on which you are the writer, director, cinematographer, editor or producer. How does this project demonstrate your values and goals in being a filmmaker?
Section 4. Short Response (50-100 words max)
Briefly describe how this scholarship will make a difference for you.
Section 5. Résumé (one page)
Section 6. Creative Work (based on concentration)
- Directing / Producing / Cine / Editing-Sound Concentrations – Include a 3-5 minute film reel or clip of the film you described in your essay. Include a link to Vimeo or YouTube.
- Screenwriting Concentration – Include 5-8 pages of the script of the film you described in your essay.
Submission
Click here for application
Deadline is March 1, 2025.
Other Sources of Aid
Film and Video Studies Pitch Prizes
Students enrolled in FAVS 498 can enter Pitch competitions, scheduled at the end of the Spring semester. The contests are juried by local industry professionals. Award winners receive cash prizes to help them offset the expenses of senior capstone projects.
Career Services Unpaid Internship Scholarship
The Unpaid Internship Scholarship is open to all students who have secured an unpaid internship for summer or fall. Applicants must:
- Be an enrolled, degree-seeking student continuing at George Mason the following fall
- Have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- Write a 500-word essay about how the internship will help them develop the skills employer are seeking and how the internship relates to their career goals.
- Submit a letter of recommendation.
- Complete the application form for "Unpaid Internship Scholarship" in Handshake.
Students can receive up to $1000-$3000 in scholarship money depending on the term. Scholarships are given out each semester. For application deadlines, visit Career Services’ website.
George Mason University (Internal) Scholarships
The university offers several different types of scholarships for both incoming and current students. For a full list, visit the university’s Financial Aid website.
George Mason University Alumni Association (GMUAA)
George Mason University Alumni Association (GMUAA) awards five scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students each academic school year. Visit their website for important dates and other information.
Outside (External) Scholarships
Outside scholarships are offered through private agencies and organizations such as high schools, community organizations, scholarship foundations, employers and government agencies. Criteria for these scholarships generally include academic performance, financial need, underrepresented groups, volunteerism, heritage, community affiliations or other unique factors important to the sponsoring individual or organization. Students are encouraged to apply to as many external scholarships as possible: Outside Scholarship List