Film and Television (FILM)

Through the collaborative stages of digital film production, students acquire the terminology, skills and techniques to visually tell stories. As they create their first film, students take on a variety of roles, learning the fundamentals of script development and preproduction, camera, lighting and sound techniques, and editing.

Producers are involved in every stage of a film or television project, overseeing the process from beginning to end both in the studio and on location. Assuming the role of producer, students acquire fundamental skills necessary to develop and manage preproduction and production. To prepare film or television projects for principal photography, students acquire preproduction knowledge and experience in creating budgets, organizing schedules and finding locations.

Lights, camera, action! Through immersion in the production process, students embrace the role of cinematographer and discover lighting and cameras. Students experience diverse production scenarios and roles as they explore and operate industry-standard equipment and successfully execute the various phases of digital film and television production.

Fusing technical ability with creative sensibility, editors adroitly transform shots and sequences into a compelling story, and expertly collaborate with other postproduction departments to amplify cinematic moments with layered sound and visual effects. Using industry-standard software and workflows, students learn editing fundamentals and techniques to cut and polish scenes for a variety of mediums and platforms.

To obtain funding, manage productions and secure distribution, content creators must skillfully plan their path to success. From the preparation of a business plan and project proposal to the creation of a look book and pitch, students acquire fundamental skills to professionally produce content for all screens and platforms, including film and television shows, web series, social media or branded content projects.

Assuming the roles of a line producer, unit production manager, production office manager, or first assistant director, students explore advanced production management topics including intensive budgeting, scheduling, accounting, payroll, and crew management. To prepare themselves for careers in production management, students gain knowledge and experience in unions/guilds, administrative tasks, and collaborating with others on set.

This course experiments with basic camera moves inherent in the Panther Dolly system and introduces students to how the choreography of the camera and actors can be integrated. The ultimate goal is to encourage and facilitate a varied use of space, camera angles and composition, thereby stretching the limits of the film and television frame.

This course advances and expands on video and film lighting techniques and establishes a correlation between lighting for film and television. Also covered are the technical considerations and aesthetics of lighting in both media. Students are introduced to the collaborative role of the director of photography through analytical and hands-on applications of lighting and film/electronic cinematography.

By rotating through crucial crew positions in a professional studio environment, students learn the fundamentals of working in a multi-camera environment to support the production of television content. Emphasis is placed on the specific application of lighting, camera and sound for the multi-camera setup in a variety of television formats. Students work as a team to produce a cohesive, professional television program to be taped at the end of the quarter.

For directors, effective communication and a fundamental knowledge of acting for the camera are essential to realizing their creative visions on screen. Through examination of seminal film scenes, script analysis, auditions, read-throughs and shooting a short film, students enrich their understanding of the relationship among directors, actors and members of a film crew.

Through the manipulation of mise-en-scene, artful shot design engages audiences and shapes their emotional response and understanding of a film. By deconstructing notable film scenes, students learn to use the tools and techniques of shot design to communicate aesthetics and compose stories. Emphasis is placed on how camera, color, light and location affect narrative.

Students explore the art and grammar of visual storytelling through the application of advanced editing techniques. With exclusive access to uncut footage from an Oscar-winning film, students blend historic tradition with contemporary aesthetics and elevate their editing and storytelling skills.

Color correction and grading are two integral components in the postproduction process of filmmaking. In this course, students utilize industry-standard color correcting software and apply color and grading techniques to digital images. Students focus on the creative workflows of color correcting and employ various grading procedures to achieve the overall mood of a finished film.

The Film Noir genre burst onto the scene in the 1940s, quickly developing a distinctive signature approach to lighting and cinematography. In this hands-on workshop course, students explore the masterful lighting and cinematography techniques used by great cinematographers and directors within the genre. Students analyze and replicate scenes from classic films, focusing on iconic early Noirs through Neo-Noirs, while examining their lasting influence on contemporary dramatic filmmaking.

Through lecture and assignments, students explore multiple roles the assistant editor plays, such as chief aide to the lead editor, manager of the cutting room, and liaison between other creative departments. As assistant editors, students are immersed in the tools and techniques used throughout the production process of film and television. Students focus on the realities of the job market and learn key elements of professional project creation.

Documentary filmmakers educate and inform by connecting the audience to circumstances, events and accomplishments outside of their everyday experiences. Through critical analysis and hands-on experience, students explore the art of documentary filmmaking. Directors, producers, cinematographers and editors hone their skills — from preproduction to post — to produce layered, truthful stories that encompass a diverse range of subjects.

Film editing techniques bring stories to life, shaping the narrative's rhythm, emotion, and impact. Students explore documentary and narrative genres, learning to seamlessly blend scenes into complete short films while focusing on the stages of postproduction. Through hands-on projects, students collaborate within multi-formatted workflows, structuring raw material into fully developed stories. Students incorporate classroom feedback into their work, refine their problem-solving skills, and demonstrate professional editing techniques from rough cut to picture lock.

Through critical analysis and hands-on exercises, students examine the history and techniques of various genres of film and television production and all modalities of related production roles. Through collaborative teams, students explore a multitude of production types in preparation for producing a variety of narratives.

Students enhance their directing skills by assembling a well-equipped toolbox of techniques as they organize shots to convey story and meaning. Through managing the technical, theoretical and creative responsibilities of the director, students produce a narrative film — from script development through postproduction.

Documentary production is a flourishing landscape of lucrative careers. This form of commercial and independent storytelling allows students to build the skills necessary to be successful in a documentary filmmaking setting. Students gain proficiency in research methodologies and hone their craft in writing persuasive grant proposals. With an emphasis on professional practices such as financing, fundraising, and pitching, students are immersed in all aspects of documentary filmmaking.

Immersive experiences in virtual and augmented reality have emerged as powerful storytelling tools in the mercurial world of film and television. Students focus on new ways of storytelling within the virtual and augmented realms though production and distribution of original content while researching and utilizing the theoretical, practical and ethical aspects of immersive storytelling.

Documentary and non-fiction filmmaking genres capture the attention of audiences everywhere. Students learn how to create and distribute well-executed documentaries through different venues and platforms such as streaming services, theater, and social media. Through an exploration of historical and contemporary documentary styles, students develop their own unique voices using dynamic storytelling techniques and professional production methods.

The course is an investigation of alternative processes in the conceptualization, production and exhibition of time-based media. By experimenting with both traditional and innovative methods, students approach working with the moving image as a means of artistic expression. Conceptual and theoretical issues, aesthetics and installation-based venues of presentation are realized through the production of student work.

Since the advent of motion pictures, filmmakers have plumbed the depths of our deepest fears and pushed artistic boundaries as they deliver scares and thrills to audiences. In this production seminar, students explore fundamental technologies and storytelling strategies within the horror genre through viewings, readings, and collaborative projects.

Through various exercises, students learn how digital cinematography techniques are utilized in current film and television productions. Students explore and evaluate digital image capture as executed by digital cinematographers, and develop necessary digital moving image techniques essential for digital image capture.

This course builds on students’ knowledge of video production and applies their skills to film. Students are expected to learn to load film magazines, operate film cameras and light for film. Topics of discussion include careers in film and television and the aesthetic of working with film. Students develop expertise in film processing and printing the film to tape transfer, film stocks and double system sound recording.

This advanced production course focuses on the Steadicam, a stabilizing system designed to have the mobility and flexibility of a hand-held camera while dramatically increasing image stability.

The use of lighting techniques in film enhances narratives with tone and emotional impact. Students learn how to safely and effectively operate cutting-edge lighting gear while following the latest professional set procedures. Students gain insight into handling the challenges of lighting large, complex spaces using industry-standard tools such as grip and lighting units, electrical distribution units, and intelligent lighting boards.

This course explores the unique challenges of the environmental filmmaker, including natural history storytelling, capturing wildlife behaviors on camera and filming in outdoor locations such as marine environments. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through the creation of environmental films while learning how to achieve professional success in a rapidly growing field.

Commercials and branded content engage, motivate and inspire viewers. Within the broader context of persuasive media, students cultivate knowledge of the similarities and differences of branded content and commercial production to prepare for professional careers at the intersection of advertising and entertainment. Through creation of short form commercial spots and promotional videos, students gain the skills to convey meaning and persuade consumers.

Mobile and social platforms are dramatically influencing the creation, consumption and distribution film and television. With consideration of the formal and temporal demands of content creation and distribution, students create innovative and engaging content targeted to specific audiences and suitable for delivery on a variety of mobile and social platforms.

Music videos bring together a unique combination of image and music, fostering distinct opportunities for cinematic expression and audience engagement. Students explore a variety of music video genres, styles and techniques as they navigate all phases of the creative process from ideation to production and distribution.

Before embarking on their capstone projects, film and television students collaborate to initiate the process of realizing their artistic and professional aspirations as producers, directors, cinematographers and editors. They develop collaborative and creative strategies ahead of their final senior courses and begin the previsualization and preproduction of their projects.

With the proliferation of on-demand and streaming services, content creation and distribution platforms have undergone a tremendous transformation. In this direct distribution marketplace, producers and content creators gain control over the destiny of their work and reach audiences like never before. Through analysis of new and emerging trends in digital media distribution, students break from traditional theatrical release to maximize their audience potential via the internet and mobile devices.

Producers and directors are the impetus behind the creation of film and television content. Through hands-on production experience, student directors and producers collaborate on the production element of their capstone projects while exploring the specific producer/director professional relationship. Building upon material generated in previous coursework, students focus their creative, academic and professional objectives within the context of a professional-level capstone production.

Transitioning a film from rough assembly to final cut is a complex process that requires a strong sense of visual storytelling and involves specialized technical expertise, including the incorporation of color correction and grading techniques. Working collaboratively with sound designers, visual effects artists, directors and producers, students engage in professional-quality postproduction as they refine their senior projects and work towards a deadline for exhibition. As they complete the postproduction process, students become familiar with the expectations for content delivery for a variety of distribution markets and platforms.

In the cinematography and visual design phase of their capstone projects, students master the art and technique of visual storytelling as they record principal photography through collaborative relationships with producers, directors and editors. They navigate camera systems, design believable lighting setups and choreograph appropriate camera movement to ultimately capture the director’s vision.

Internships offer students valuable opportunities to work in a professional environment and gain firsthand experience to help them prepare for careers. In an approved internship setting, a student typically spends one quarter working with an on-site professional supervisor and a faculty internship supervisor to achieve specific goals and objectives related to the program of study.

In this advanced course, students refine and expand their directorial skills. Delving deep into the intricacies of the callback audition process, students gain valuable insights into the synergetic director/actor relationship. Through direct collaboration with crew members, students not only hone their craft but also acquire essential industry knowledge. Students build networks while gaining experience working alongside seasoned professionals, participating in film festivals, and creating a high-quality director’s reel.

As they embark on their professional careers in the film and television industry, filmmakers must effectively promote their work and specialized skillsets toward a range of careers across diverse markets. In this course, students further their professional preparation by finalizing their capstone projects and creating additional content in support of their career aspirations.

As they embark on their professional careers in the film and television industry, filmmakers must effectively promote their work and specialized skillsets toward a range of careers across diverse markets. In this course, students further their professional preparation by exploring advanced principles of postproduction and distribution, finalizing their capstone projects and creating additional content in support of their career aspirations.

This course empowers students to understand the crucial role of image capture within the filmmaking process. Students explore film and digital camera systems, on-set lighting techniques, and the principles behind visually compelling imagery.

Screenwriting is essential for telling compelling narratives through film and television. Students explore the conceptual elements of filmmaking and acquire skills in presenting their work in professional settings. Students learn the importance of story structure, screenplay formatting, character development, visual storytelling, and the essential elements and process of writing an effective short film screenplay.

As new filmmakers, students learn the importance of producers, the various types of producers, their respective roles, and the differences between producers in film and television. In their role as producers, students identify stories and material suitable for short and long-form visual storytelling, develop professionally formatted screenplays, and prepare projects for production through scheduling, budgeting, casting, location scouting, and collaboration with directors and other personnel.

Film directors navigate practical and aesthetic challenges to bring cinematic visions to life. Students gain experience in analyzing specific issues related to framing, screen direction, and camera placement in selected films. Strategies for casting, rehearsals, and directing on-set performances are addressed through a survey of various schools of acting theory. Students obtain hands-on experience staging dramatic narrative scenes with emphasis on dialogue analysis, dramatic script content, and shot design. Students work in a collaborative environment that reflects the director-actor working relationship.

Post-production is key to finalizing the essential components of a film. Students learn the importance of following workflows and best practices within professional film environments. Students explore editing technology and form their own editing styles. The philosophy of editing decisions, as well as the collaborative nature of editing, are developed through a series of projects and assignments.

Short films are a unique format of media with distinct attributes that set them apart from feature films and television series. Students survey the unique marketplace and programming considerations for short films and learn about a variety of distribution methods. Through exploration of story structure, societal context, and specific production attributes present in award-winning short films, students acquire a foundational understanding of the form.

This course examines the creative, organizational and managerial roles of the producer in narrative and non-narrative genres. Special attention is given to the challenges that face producers, directors, writers and production managers. Topics include feature filmmaking, independent production, television programming, financing and distribution, and the collaborative process. Students are expected to break down, schedule and budget a feature film.

Students learn to master the creation of visually compelling and emotionally powerful images in a studio setting, where they choreograph the camera with the actor. Effective and eloquent shot listing is developed to correspond with blocking a scene for performance. Emphasis is placed on the aesthetics of cinematic design.

The filmmaker is in a constant state of pitching, whether the content is a script, a concept, or a completed film. Students delve into the fundamentals of pitching their film and television projects using industry best practices. Students create and revise materials for their own unique projects and prepare final pitch packets for distribution. Additionally, students workshop their oral and presentational skills in pitching their projects along with themselves as industry professionals.

Students in this course acquire an understanding of the role of picture capture in regard to the entire filmmaking process, and experience the full collaborative process of making movies, including film and digital cameras, lighting for film and video, and recording location sound. In addition, focus is placed on the aesthetics of the image.

Students delve into the world of cinematic choreography, synthesizing the moving camera with moving subjects. With an emphasis on the operation and multifaceted artistry of studio dollies, students explore a spectrum of camera movements used to capture compelling visual narratives. Through hands-on practice, students refine their skills and develop a critical eye for capturing motion in cinematography.

This course explores current postproduction techniques, combining analysis of editing styles with an examination of editing technology. The philosophy of edit decisions and the management of edit decision lists are developed through a series of exercises and assignments. Emphasis is placed on editing for maximum time and budget efficiency.

Effective lighting design creates and shapes the viewer’s mood, tone, meaning, and emotion. In this course, students investigate advanced conceptualization techniques to create sophisticated lighting designs for film, television, and other entertainment experiences. Through research, critical analysis, and hands-on experience, students learn to masterfully balance lighting design’s technical and aesthetic considerations.

The theory of motion picture editing is analyzed through both historic and contemporary films. Students screen and analyze scenes from this seminal work and apply that knowledge by editing the dailies from an award-winning film. This course is an in-depth investigation of the theory of editing and is designed to impart a greater understanding of the art of the motion picture editor.

This course focuses on the theoretical and aesthetic challenges faced by the director. Students screen and discuss selected films, analyzing specific issues related to framing, screen direction and camera placement. Strategies for preparing actors, character development and casting are addressed through a survey of various schools of acting theory. Workshops provide students with practical experience in staging dramatic narrative scenes. This hands-on experience emphasizes dialogue analysis, dramatic script content and shot design. The course is conducted in a collaborative environment to reflect the director-actor working relationship.

An in-depth examination of field production techniques, this course combines hands-on shooting experience with analysis of in-class screenings. Students are expected to solve creatively and effectively the common problems of scheduling, budgeting and managing personnel in a variety of field production situations. Emphasis is placed on developing a personal directing style.

Color correction and grading is often the final step in the post-production workflow, one that carries an integral visual message necessary to inspire emotional resonance with an audience. Using industry-standard software and workflows, students learn correction and grading fundamentals to both balance and creatively transform raw video content into eye-catching imagery.

This seminar course examines issues and skillsets critical to the film and television profession. Thematic topics include the study of film and television formats and platforms, industry roles for all phases of production, and evolving technology.

All M.A. students in film and television are required to develop and complete a final, comprehensive project. The project represents the culmination of the student’s progress throughout the program and must constitute a mature and professional body of work.

Effective production management is essential for the harmonious workflow of film projects. Students examine the practical skills required of production managers to successfully guide a film project from pre-production through principal. Pre-production, prep, casting, location scouting, budgeting, scheduling, and production management are explored through immersive exercises and real-world case-studies.

This foundational course sets the stage for students' final thesis projects, guiding them through the process of conceptualizing, writing, and refining the screenplays that serve as the bedrock for their culminating films. As they dive into the creative process, students form close-knit, collaborative production teams, fostering an environment of mutual support and constructive feedback. The course places a strong emphasis on deconstructing the elements that define a successful short film, encouraging students to analyze and incorporate these key tenets into their own work.

Students focus on advanced postproduction techniques and theories with a unique chance to use Avid Symphony and Avid Unity Media Network nonlinear editing systems. The students understand the workflow of a high-end postproduction facility and learn to use their advanced editing skills for creative, dramatic and artistic purposes.

This course focuses on different areas of production technology such as Steadicam and dolly. The Steadicam allows the camera to smoothly follow the action without laying dolly track. Steadicam operators must be equipped with the skills to think on their feet and move the camera with purpose and grace. In this advanced production course, students learn how to properly operate this versatile stabilizing system, designed to have the mobility and flexibility of a hand-held camera, while dramatically increasing image stability.

In this immersive production lab, aspiring filmmakers cultivate essential skills in leadership, collaboration, and teamwork as they work together to bring a diverse array of short films to life. By taking on specific crew positions, students not only refine their individual crafts in directing, producing, cinematography, or editing but also gain invaluable experience in effective communication and problem-solving within a dynamic team environment. This hands-on approach serves as a crucial stepping stone, empowering students to sharpen their interpersonal and discipline-specific abilities in preparation for their thesis projects and future careers in the film industry.

This course enhances the collaboration between the director and digital cinematographer. Particular topics of emphasis are lighting and composition of the digital moving image, visual storytelling, and unification of the film and digital video.

This course emphasizes a variety of topics relating to facets of the art and craft of directing actors. Through individual projects, academic research and screenings of renowned screen, stage and television directors’ work, this in-depth practicum allows students to accomplish the casting, mounting and realization of a sequence from a feature screenplay focusing on character, sequence and their relationship to the camera composition.

As a culminating experience, M.A. students in film and television showcase their acquired knowledge and skills by contributing to a final project as either a cinematographer or editor. This work represents the synthesis of their creative and technical growth throughout the program, resulting in a polished, professional-level portfolio piece that demonstrates their readiness to excel in their chosen field.

Students in this course undertake a field assignment under the supervision of a faculty member.

Students in this course undertake a teaching assignment under the supervision of a faculty member.

This course focuses on the preparation phase of film and television thesis work; it is designed to guide graduate students through the stages of preproduction, including concept pitching, story development, scriptwriting, budgeting, scheduling, storyboarding, photo-scripting, crewing, casting and advanced production planning.

Students complete the production phase of a graduate-level thesis film that demonstrates advanced professional competence through mastery of the technical, creative, and aesthetic elements of the discipline. Based on original research, ideation, and concept development, students earning an M.F.A. in film and television create an innovative thesis work that advances the discipline of filmmaking and is suitable for professional submission.

This course provides the opportunity for film and television students to complete the postproduction phase of their thesis project and develop self-promotional and publicity materials. Students develop an advanced understanding of distribution practices, professional and industry networks, and publicity as well as professional advancement opportunities.