Film (BFA)

Statement of Purpose

The Film program at Ringling College of Art and Design is committed to providing students with an educational experience that mirrors the working world of the professional industry. As such, storytelling leads the way and films made by our students are not mere exercises; rather they are carefully developed and executed industry-standard experiences. The goal is to provide students with skills in a range of filmmaking disciplines. This includes writing, directing, producing, cinematography, sound and editing. In the end, the department practices the art of using digital filmmaking to create solid, well-told stories. Students will be able to choose an area of emphasis in Narrative or Branded Entertainment.

The Narrative emphasis teaches students that story leads the process and dictates the visual evolution of a film. Graduates will know all the elements of the process and components of successful film endeavors, including the ability to demonstrate effective and compelling screenwriting, cinematography, directing, editing, production design and producing.

The Branded Entertainment emphasis teaches students to create film and video content with a branded quality that engages consumers through entertainment. Graduates will be prepared to work in creative fields that demand knowledge of branding, strategic thinking, concept development, storytelling, script writing, content development, film and video production.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Story. Demonstrate the art of storytelling and ability to translate stories into motion pictures; starting with the idea, building the concept, writing and translating the story element into a film sequence through the use of motion picture tools and techniques.
2. Collaboration. Demonstrate organizational and leadership abilities that promote effective collaboration in working with and coordinating cast and crew through open communication, shared responsibility and mutual trust at all stages of the production process.
3. Aesthetics. Demonstrate the ability to make strategic aesthetic and design choices in cinematography, sound, lighting, editing, etc. that enhance and support the story at all levels.
4. Technical Skills. Demonstrate the ability to produce work from concept to finished product using advanced technical knowledge and skills throughout the film production process.
5. Business of Film. Demonstrate an understanding of professional practices in the business of film; including the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of all players and constituencies within the film industry.