The John H. Mitchell Business of Cinematic Arts Program

The Marshall School of Business & the School of Cinematic Arts

The John H. Mitchell Business of Cinematic Arts Program (BCA) offers students a unique opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Cinematic Arts. Students will take interdiscipliary coursework from both the USC Marshall School of Business and the School of Cinematic Arts. Internship courses allow students to work directly with renowned companies and gain real-world experience. The BCA program provides students with specialized expertise that will distinguish them as competitive 21st-century leaders and professionals in both the business and entertainment industries.

Casting Call

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN...

• The entertainment industry
• The business aspect of film and entertainment
• Pursuing one of the many career opportunities; for example, becoming a content development executive, director, producer, or agent

This program is targeted toward students who are interested in the business aspect of the film and entertainment industry. BCA's hands-on curriculum is taught by industry professionals. Students will be able to interact with high-quality talent in Los Angeles and will be exposed to the ins and outs of business entertainment.

The program is available to entering or first semester Marshall Freshmen only.
Space is limited to 55 students per year. Please see “How To Apply.”

The Cohort Experience

THE PROGRAM IS COMPRISED OF...

• Professional Networking Opportunities
  • Industry professionals come to speak
  • Interact with high-quality talent in Los Angeles
• Internship Course Requirement
  • Past employers:
  • Paramount Pictures, FOX, The Gersh Agency, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, Creative Arts Agency (CCA), Universal Music Group
• Unique Classes
  • Marshall requirements +9 BCA classes
  • All BCA courses are taught by working industry professionals.

The Script

Unique Curriculum & Class Opportunities

In addition to USC Marshall core classes, BCA students are required to take 24 units at the School of Cinematic Arts. This includes two lower-division courses which cover the history of cinema and television, and additional courses that include specialized business/entertainment classes that focus on topics such as entertainment marketing, film, TV, and media production and distribution in all forms, including streaming services.

CTCS 190: Introduction to Cinema (4 Units)
CTCS 191: Introduction to TV and Video (4 Units)
CTPR 410: The Movie Business: From Story Concept to Exhibition (2 Units)
CNTV 441: Internship in Cinematic Arts (2 Units)
CNTV 463: Television: Integrating Creative and Business Objectives (2 Units)
CNTV 467: The Future of Digital Media & the Entertainment Industry (2 Units)
CTIN 458: Business and Management of Games (2 Units)
CNTV 458: Producing and Marketing Feature Length Films (2 units)
CTPR 385: Motion Picture Production Techniques (4 Units)

Download a Sample Curriculum:

The Student Experience

Experience Business Firsthand

Mentorship program, alumni luncheons, industry/studio tours, socials, and workshops are available to all BCA students. Students also have access to the SCA Job Board, which lists exclusive entertainment internships and paid job opportunities.

Take advantage of all that Los Angeles and Hollywood has to offer. Internship courses allow students to work directly with renowned companies and gain real-world experience.

To prepare for careers in business entertainment, students are required to participate in and internship course, CNTV 441, during the second semester of their sophomore year. BCA students work closely with the faculty teaching the course to identify and select an internship.

Where have BCA students worked in Los Angeles?

Professional Networking

The BCA program also provides professional networking opportunities by bringing in guest speakers from the entertainment industry. Speakers discuss current trends and issues in the industry that give students a clear understanding of the future of cinema, television, the internet, and other forms of media.

Kevin Beggs
Lionsgate Studios TV
PRESIDENT

Doug Herzog
MTV Networks
PRESIDENT

Jeffery Godsick
20th Century Fox
EXEC. VP OF MARKETING

Jason Kilar
Hulu
CEO

"I was given the opportunity to work for the Scripted Cable Development department at NBC Universal, specifically overseeing the development of scripted content on USA, Syfi, E!, and Bravo. It was through this internship I really fell in love with the development process. I found it so exciting to be involved with the first step in birthing a show - to be the first green light in telling important stories."

"In the last year, I have worked at Lionsgate Entertainment as a Worldwide Television and Digital Distribution Intern and Universal Pictures (NBCU) as a Global Marketing Intern. During my jobs, I got to participate in projects for titles such as Jigsaw, The Fate of the Furious, and Pitch Perfect 3. In all honesty, I do not think I would have had the opportunity to work at such companies had I not attended USC, and I am so grateful for that."

"The cinema classes I've had the opportunity to take have pushed me to learn compelling material from some of the top cinema professors in the nation. I've also had amazing opportunities through the Marshall Entertainment Association, a club composed of fellow BCA, cinema, and business students. I have attended a lunch and learn at Disneytoon studios as well as an on-set visit and tour of a Disney show taping."