BFA.FILM - Filmmaking, B.F.A.

The BFA in Filmmaking is a professional degree that provides intensive experience in practical filmmaking. Students learn narrative filmmaking through a comprehensive curriculum that includes film production, screenwriting, cinematography, directing, producing, marketing, and distribution. Every student is given the opportunity to write, produce, direct, and edit their own narrative thesis film.

The BFA in Filmmaking focuses on practice-based education in a variety of filmmaking disciplines. The program shares a common foundation with the BA in Filmmaking during the first two years of study. All students receive a broad introduction to the concepts, tools, and techniques of filmmaking via instruction in the building blocks of film production, the industrial processes of the entertainment industry, and the history of moving images. BFA students will hone their filmmaking skills with advanced classes in screenwriting and film production, culminating in the creation of a capstone film project. In addition, as part of our program's focus on the business of the entertainment industry, all students gain hands-on professional experience by completing an internship as part of their academic journey.

Assessment Process

Student performance and outcome attainment is evaluated systematically throughout the program via ongoing assessment strategies at the formative and capstone levels.

Each year, the program specifies key areas for measured assessment of student learning outcomes that involve programmatic outcomes, as well as core competencies and institutional outcomes. The process provides a vehicle to assure program quality and promotes continuous improvement in student work, teaching effectiveness, and curriculum design.

Capstone

Student work in the BFA is evaluated through the successful completion of a capstone narrative film project. The BFA Thesis is a four-semester class sequence comprised of Advanced Screenwriting, Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production. The objective is to create a short film for an audience of industry professionals that is a representation of student knowledge, skills, and creativity. Completed films should be no longer than 10 minutes, including credits. Because a public viewing is part of the project parameters, students must make both their film and poster art available for screening purposes.

 Program Specific Academic Standards

A minimum grade of “C” is required of all Filmmaking studio courses. Students receiving a grade below a “C” must successfully repeat the studio prior to enrollment in the succeeding studio. It is strongly recommended that students take no more than 12 studio units in a single semester.