Description of Curriculum

The curriculum in production directs students through the program in such a way that they begin by making short 16mm silent films progressing to 16mm double system sound films, and culminating with a senior thesis film with all production expenses being paid by the Film School.

The goal of the program is to produce educated and creative filmmakers, helping them become responsible members of the entertainment profession. The purpose of the film program is to furnish the conceptual framework, the professional training, and the working environment for eventual participation in a profession that is a powerful influence in our culture.

The major courses include producing, directing, screenwriting, editing, camera and lighting, sound, production management, film history, film styles, and film aesthetics.

Course Listings by Semester

First Semester - 15Hours (Fall)
*FIL5605r Production Management
*FIL5209r Basic Film Production
*FIL5265r Directing Actors
*FIL5155 Screenwriting I
*FIL5256 Sound Workshop
*FIL5257r Film Editing
*FIL5278r Camera & Lighting
*FIL5509 Film Aesthetics

Second Semester - 15 Hours (Spring)
*FIL5219 Workshops in Technical Support
*FIL5975 Thesis Production Support

Third Semester - 15 Hours (Summer)
*FIL5215 Producing I
*FIL5209 Basic Film Production
*FIL5267r Directing
*FIL5156 Screenwriting II
*FIL5259 Post-production Sound Workshop
*FIL5257r Film Editing
*FIL5278r Camera & Lighting Mechanics
*FIL5509r Film Aesthetics

Fourth Semester - 15 Hours (Fall)
*FIL5216 Producing
*FIL5209r Basic Film Production
*FIL5268 Advanced Directing
*FIL5157 Screenwriting III
*FIL5296 Advanced Sound
*FIL5617 Advanced Editing
*FIL5279 Lighting Workshop
*FIL5509r Film Aesthetics

Fifth Semester - 15 Hours (Spring)
*FIL5977 Graduate Thesis Production

Sixth Semester - 15 Hours (Summer)
*FIL5962 Graduate Qualifying Project
*FIL5906 Directed Individual Study
*FIL5955 Apprenticeship
*FIL5615r Advanced Workshop in Specialization
*FIL5509r Film Aesthetics

Highlights of Course of Study

* Students learn in intensive workshops with accomplished industry writers.
* The majority of instruction is provided in one-on-one settings and in small groups with a 6-1 student to faculty ratio.
* Students are trained in both production fundamentals and screenwriting.
* The Film School pays for all production costs of students films.
* Students work with professional equipment and facilities.
* Students write, direct and edit a short film and serve as producer, cinematographer, and production designer on other short films.
* Students are provided with industry mentors upon graduation.
* Students graduate with creative works ready for submission to the film festival circuit.