Film

Write, produce, direct, and edit a digital film project. Utilize other students in class as crew. Engage in critical self-analysis as it relates to own project and work on other’s projects.(This course number was changed in Fall 2025, previous course number was FILM 321 and will be honored for those who have already taken it.)

Introduction to creative sound design in filmmaking. Emphasis on practical knowledge and skills necessary for effective audio utilization. Creation of compelling audio design through use of tools and processes of creative sound design. Instruction in: use of digital audio recorders in the field; types of microphone; signal processing; post production and sound editing of dialogue; ADR; Foley; music; effects. Exploration of importance of music, both practical and score. (This course number was changed in Fall 2025, previous course number was FILM 333 and will be honored for those who have already taken it.)

Introduction to postproduction process in digital filmmaking. Develop basic picture- and sound editing principles and techniques. Introduction to professional non-linear editing systems and software. (This course number was changed in Fall 2025, previous course number was FILM 222 and will be honored for those who have already taken it.)

Production design is the visual art and craft of cinematic storytelling. It is how an empty room in 2010 becomes Watson's study, or a gamekeeper's home in Kenya, or the cockpit of a jet fighter in the future-and it does it in a way that the audience believes in its authenticity. The visualization of a film is created by the imagination, artistry and collaboration of the director (team), director of photography (team) and the production designer with the production team. Students in this course will become production design teams that research the world in which a film takes place to establish its visual sense of mood and authenticity. The production design team will interpret and transform the story (i.e. script, short story, micro fiction), characters, and narrative into designs that encompass architecture, costume, decor, environment, props, etc. As needed, the production design team uses sketches, illustrations, photographs, models, production storyboards, and constructs sets while considering budgets and scheduling. The final result is the transformation of the physical I psychological environments and characters of a narrative script into the visual reality of a completed theoretical or real film.(This course number was changed in Fall 2025, previous course number was FILM 229 and will be honored for those who have already taken it.)

Advanced short script workshop. Topics include: story structure; character development; theme; myth; genre; research methods. Focus on: advanced script writing forms; approaches, and techniques to produce medium length short film scripts; commercial considerations for creating a short film screenplay. Exposure to non-traditional screenplay forms.

Introduction to the role of producer in film. Exploration of all facets of film producer’s job, including: development; preproduction; production; postproduction; distribution. Topics include: structure of production team; decision-making; above- and below-the-line positions; funding and in-kind support; department structures and oversight; production management; production scheduling and budgeting; problem-solving strategies; production trends; employment opportunities.(This course number was changed in Fall 2025, previous course number was FILM 232 and will be honored for those who have already taken it.)

Introduction to basic brand storytelling and scriptwriting skills and techniques. Practical writing assignments explore structure, character development, conflict, story arc, message-based writing and various screen media script formatting. The role of research and strategy is introduced while grammar and composition are reinforced.

An introductory course that unifies traditional filmmaking and real-time game engine technology. All students, regardless of their home department, learn the fundamentals of both cinematic and real-time 3D workflows together. The course progresses through the complete virtual production pipeline, covering environment assembly, display configuration, and filming techniques for LED walls. Students work collaboratively to learn essential concepts and technologies while developing a shared language across disciplines. The course culminates in individual projects where students design, operate, and film their own virtual production scenes. 

Advanced study of virtual production techniques focusing on professional workflows, troubleshooting, and specialized roles. Students learn version control, scene optimization, and complex shooting scenarios including car scenes. Technical emphasis on color management, performance optimization, and advanced real-time rendering techniques. Course culminates in a collaborative project where students work in specialized roles to create a short film using virtual production technology.

This is a seminar course designed to address advanced topics in filmmaking and ongoing thesis production workshops. Workshops will be taught by visiting artist/filmmakers. The seminar will provide a focused learning experience designed to enhance thesis productions conceptually, artistically and technically. Students will use a colloquium as a forum for discussing important digital filmmaking issues for the future of aspiring filmmakers. (This course number was changed in Fall 2025, previous course number was FILM 421 and will be honored for those who have already taken it.)

First semester of required senior thesis project in film. Creation of approved senior thesis films in collaboration with fellow students; may act in both above- and below-the-line roles. Creation of full-length screenplay may fulfill part of senior thesis requirements. (This course number was changed in Fall 2025, previous course number was FILM 431 and will be honored for those who have already taken it.)

Workplace experience in the film industry. Build qualifications for entry-level jobs. Internship agreements negotiated between intern and site supervisor; approval of Department Head, Registrar, and Director of Career Services required. Requires journal and documentation of work performed, followed by oral presentation. Grading: Credit/No Credit.

Advanced picture editing techniques and concepts. Exposure to alternative methods for assembling scenes pursuant to specific narrative and thematic strategies. Instruction in industry standard non-linear editing software. Introduction to compositing, color correction and grading. Critical analysis of picture editing masterworks. (This course number was changed in Fall 2025, previous course number was FILM 322 and will be honored for those who have already taken it.)

Second semester of required senior thesis project in film. Creation of approved senior thesis films in collaboration with fellow students; may act in both above- and below-the-line roles. Creation of full-length screenplay may fulfill part of senior thesis requirements.

Addresses current and evolving issues in branded entertainment. Topics allow students to conduct forward-thinking initiatives and explore areas such as new media, brand engagement, brand activation, brand extensions and innovations in communication. The content of the course is flexible and defined each fall. Typically, students engage in a variety of activities which could include research, strategy, concept development, script writing, film and video production to develop advanced, portfolio-worthy solutions.

Introduction to business of branded entertainment and preparation for entry into the profession. Examines roles, responsibilities, and relationships of all players and constituencies within the industry. Guest speakers provide career insights. Topics include: portfolio/reel preparation, written communication, interviewing, industry structure, industry trends, employment opportunity development.

(0,6,3,3) Advanced picture editing techniques and concepts specific to virtual production workflows. Exposure to alternative methods for assembling scenes pursuant to specific narrative and thematic strategies. Instruction in industry-standard non-linear editing software. Introduction to compositing, color correction and grading. Critical analysis of picture-editing masterworks. Prerequisite(s): FILM 370