Film Production Program

As a visual medium, film must primarily tell a story through a series of images. Less than 2 weeks into the school year, you are asked to create a silent film in 10 shots with no dialogue – and a clear story.

Pointing a camera at others requires insight and understanding. That’s why you must learn to point a camera at yourself first. This project provides the opportunity to tell a pivotal moment or story in your life.

Documentary film aims to capture a subject or topic with some measure of objectivity. But the simple act of turning a camera on a person can change their behavior. The premise of Cinema Verité is to film a scene in as natural a state as possible – as though the camera and director were merely flies on a wall. This project will challenge you to record a story without interacting with your subjects.

When pitching docs to a broadcaster, they require a sample–known as a demo–of what the doc will look like. Students will be engaged in a competitive pitch process to greenlight the production of their docs, and will need a demo as part of their pitch package.

After pitching your story idea to a panel of judges, the top projects will move forward to be produced as 5-10 minute documentaries.

This will be your first chance to sit in the director’s chair. You will be assigned an existing script to add your own directorial style to.

Working with an existing script from a famous film, you will re-create the scene with an original vision and a focus on drawing a believable performance from the actors.

Term 2 culminates with the production of short 2-4 minute dramatic films, written by the students over the previous months. A week of one-day shoots rotates students through multiple roles on set.

After Effects sets the industry standard for creating motion graphics. It is an incredibly versatile all-purpose tool for animation and visual effects. Combining After Effects and greenscreen, you will create a short, fun animation.

Students are challenged to shoot a oner–or one shot sequence–a scene that takes place all in one shot. Lasting 45-60 seconds, this sequence must incorporate movement and several different shot sizes, such as close-up, medium, and wide shots.

Student are assigned a genre and simple scene to light and shoot. You’ll work with your fellow students to create the atmosphere and mood using only lighting and camera techniques.

The capstone of the Film Production Program. Every student will write a screenplay for a short, 8-15 minute film and pitch the film to a panel of judges. The top projects will be produced with full crews, utilizing all skills built over the program.

The client film will see you paired with a real-world brand or cause. You will work with them to create a short commercial or promotional video that conveys a specific message, adheres to the brand’s identity, and keeps the audience engaged.

Similar to the client films, the music video will have you work with an artist or band to produce a music video that combines everything taught in cinematography, directing, production design, sound design, and editing.

In the final week, students create a demo reel in preparation for entering the industry.