"The big secret to great filmmaking, I believe, lies within in the big treasury within us all." —David Lynch

David Lynch Master’s Degree in Film began in August
by Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa, USA, Achievements
December 2013

Legendary filmmaker David Lynch, Trustee Emeritus of MUM, has given his name to the new master’s degree in film at Maharishi University of Management. The one-year program began this August and allows students to create a master project from start to finish, including possible distribution. The goal is to give aspiring filmmakers the time, equipment, and guidance to follow their own vision and create films that have an impact and transform the world.

David Lynch is an award-winning director whose films include Blue Velvet, The Straight Story, Dune, and the TV series Twin Peaks. He has practiced the Transcendental Meditation technique since 1973. ”This master’s degree in film will for sure teach all the aspects of filmmaking,” David Lynch said, “but with the profound addition of the Transcendental Meditation technique.”

“We have amazing students from all over the US and the world and it’s really exciting to see their ideas starting to materialize,” said Gurdy Leete, co-chair of the Media and Communications Department. “By the end of the school year we will have four features, four documentaries, music videos for at least one high-profile artist, and so much more! Since we launched the program in August, many luminaries in the field of film have come forward to help us by connecting with the students in class.”

Guest speakers who have visited the program include John Raatz, marketing and PR expert; Ellen Chenoweth, casting director; and Bill Borden, producer. In addition, producer Leigh Badgley taught the students about interviewing skills and documentary filmmaking. Students also connected via Skype with acting coach Anthony Meindl and David Lynch himself. Students are now starting production on their final thesis projects and they will be able to work with actors and crewmembers from the Fairfield community.

Scholarship support was available to students through the great generosity of Joanna Plafsky and the Plafsky Family Foundation.

© Copyright 2013 Maharishi University of Management