BFA Film Curriculum

First-Year Requirements

AHD-1070 Film History and Criticism

AHD-1075 Film History: Analysis of Genre

CFD-1020 Introduction to Production I

CFD-1025 Introduction to Production II

CFD-1075 Introduction to Sound

CVD-1080 Editing I

CVD-1085 Editing II

CFD-1140 Fundamentals of Narrative I

CFD-1145 Fundamentals of Narrative II

HCD-1020 Writing and Thinking NYC

HCD-1025 Writing and Literature

Second-Year Requirements

Students must choose a specialization in one of the following categories and must complete all required courses within that specialization. This concentration must be followed in the third and fourth years of study.

Cinematography

CFD-2010 Production Workshop I

CFD-2015 Production Workshop II

or CFD-2017 Documentary Workshop I

  CFD-2018 Documentary Workshop II

CFD-2070 Cinematography I

CFD-2128 Writing the Short Film

AHD-2068 The Language of Film

or AHD-2070 International Cinema

Directing

CFD-2010 Production Workshop I

CFD-2015 Production Workshop II

or CFD-2017 Documentary Workshop I

  CFD-2018 Documentary Workshop II

CFD-2128 Writing the Short Film

CFD-2134 Directing for Film: Working with Actors

AHD-2068 The Language of Film

or AHD-2070 International Cinema

Editing

CFD-2010 Production Workshop I

CFD-2015 Production Workshop II

or CFD-2017 Documentary Workshop I

  CFD-2018 Documentary Workshop II

CVD-2060 Avid I

CVD-2061 Avid II

CFD-2128 Writing the Short Film

AHD-2712 The Art of Editing

AHD-2068 The Language of Film

or AHD-2070 International Cinema

Third-Year Requirements

Cinematography

CVD-3010 Advanced Production I

CFD-3015 Advanced Production II

CFD-3030 Advanced Cinematography I 

CFD-3428 DaVinci Resolve: Color Correcting Your Film 

HLD-3130 Film and Literature I

HLD-3135 Film and Literature II

Directing

CVD-3010 Advanced Production I

CVD-3015 Advanced Production II

CFD-3060 Advanced Writing and Directing I

CFD-3065 Advanced Writing and Directing II

HLD-3130 Film and Literature I

HLD-3135 Film and Literature II

Editing

CFD-2162 Sound Design

or CFD-3428 DaVinci Resolve: Color Correcting Your Film

CFD-3432

Postproduction: Digital Workflow I

CFD-3436

Postproduction: Digital Workflow II

HLD-3130

Film and Literature I

HLD-3135

Film and Literature II

Screenwriting

CFD-3178 Advanced Long-Form Writing for Film and Television I

CFD-3179 Advanced Long-Form Writing for Film and Television II

HLD-3130 Film and Literature I

HLD-3135 Film and Literature II

Fourth-Year Requirements

CFD-4940 Film Thesis I

CFD-4945 Film Thesis II

Cinematography specialists must also take:

CFD-4101 Master Class in Cinematography

General Course Listing

The following course listing reflects the 2025-2026 curriculum. For further details on individual courses, such as meeting days and times, please refer to the Undergraduate Course Listing.

AHD-1070

Film History and Criticism

3 art history credits

Cinema, a language of more than a century, is employed to convey ideas and emotions through images and sounds within a time-based structure. The history of cinema is now hundreds of histories. This course will focus on the language of narrative films through examples from established histories and from previously hidden histories. We will begin with the silent era, early and mid-century sound films. We then move on to the French New Wave and explore how its directors not only changed film language but also inspired a new way of seeing American popular movies. These, in turn, were influenced by the civil rights movement, the feminist movement and postmodern aesthetics. These developments led to the mix of independent filmmaking and studio films that have thrived in the last decades of the 20th century and continue today. This course will consist of weekly screenings alongside in-class presentations and writing assignments.

AHD-1075

Film History: Analysis of Genre

3 art history credits

This course will investigate a variety of cinematic genres, such as the Western, horror, experimental cinema, period drama, the musical and science fiction. Screening will be preceded by an overview of the genre in question, and a follow-up discussion of how each film represents and/or subverts conventions or traditions.

CFD-1020

Introduction to Production I

3 studio credits

Utilizing a project-based curriculum, this course will provide students with the necessary skills to write, produce and execute a short film. The fundamentals of preproduction, cinematography, lighting and sound will be explored through structured exercises in order for students to practice and hone their skills. Working in tandem with both their writing and editing courses, students will complete a ten-minute film by the end of the spring semester.

CFD-1025

Introduction to Production II

3 studio credits

Serving as a continuation of CFD-1020, Introduction to Production I, in the spring semester students will develop and practice their craft through the preproduction, production and postproduction of their short films. Progressive cuts, including dailies, assemblies, rough and final cuts will be screened in class for review and critique.

CFD-1075

Introduction to Sound

no credit

This course will examine sound theory, production sound mixing and postproduction sound finishing. We will embark on an exploration of sound and its impact on how and what we hear. Notable examples of sound mixes in cinema as well as students’ recordings made in class will be heard. Hands-on instruction with sound equipment will offer students the opportunity to explore best practices for making a great recording. Production sound mixes will be analyzed and brought into postproduction for adjustment to improve student recordings.

CVD-1080

Editing I

3 studio credits

The grammar, structure and aesthetics of editing in the visual storytelling process will be the focus of this course. We will examine the theory and process of editing through lectures, screenings, assignments and exercises. Areas of exploration will include editorial and narrative structure, rhythm and pacing, and how each shot represents drama as it moves through a scene. Scene study and editing choices that maximize the actors’ performances will be emphasized.

CVD-1085

Editing II

3 studio credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course. Students will continue to refine their skills as editors. Short films and scenes will be analyzed for their structure and meaning, and students will continue to hone their skills with the editing process through demonstration and assignments.

CFD-1140

Fundamentals of Narrative I

3 studio credits

Gaining the necessary skills for writing well-structured scripts will be the focus of this course. Geared to short screenplays that students can use in their production classes, assignments will emphasize the fundamentals of visual language, in-depth character development and narrative structure. We will explore the dramatic choices involved in fiction, nonfiction, and adapted narratives as ways of expressing their individual voices.

CFD-1145

Fundamentals of Narrative II

3 studio credits

Building upon the basics introduced in CFD-1140, Fundamentals of Narrative I, this course will explore more advanced forms of storytelling for the screen. The focus is on character-driven drama, and the construction and sequencing of scenes. 

HCD-1020

Writing and Thinking NYC

3 humanities and sciences credits

This New York City-themed course helps students become critical and independent writers. To help establish a solid foundation in writing, the course introduces different types of writing using persuasive rhetoric in three writing genres—narration, description, and cause and effect. Course readings are drawn from a variety of New York-based texts, including historical documents, short stories, drama, poetry and essays, which will be used as discussion and writing prompts. By the end of the course, students will have an enhanced understanding of writing as a means to think and better communicate their ideas.

HCD-1025

Writing and Literature

3 humanities and sciences credits

This course emphasizes reading, critical thinking and essay writing. Students will build on their skills acquired in HCD-1020, Writing and Thinking NYC, in order to work on more complex essays. Students will learn how to research, use proper citations, and continue to work on their grammar and essay development. Readings are drawn from a selection of literary works, including drama, poetry and the narrative, as well as the critical essay.

CFD-2010 / CFD-1015

Production Workshop I and II

3 studio credits per semester

Production Workshop is designed as a project-based course culminating in a short film by the end of spring semester. Advanced strategies in cinematography, lighting and sound will be introduced through in-class and assigned exercises structured to advance each student’s craft. Films will be nurtured through every step, reviewing footage, cuts, sound and color.

CFD-2017 / CFD-2018

Documentary Workshop I and II

3 studio credits per semester

Combining theory and practice, students will research, write, plan and execute a short documentary on a subject of their choice. Through various assigned exercises, students will also receive instruction in camera, sound and lighting, as well as evolving technology in postproduction. Progressive cuts will be reviewed in class, culminating in an end-of-year public screening. 

CFD-2050

Sound Production

3 studio credits

This course analyzes the connection between sound and storytelling in filmmaking. We will explore the role that sound plays in creating a scene, and how to critically listen. Students will be introduced to the equipment needed for recording audio on set. The elements of postproduction sound will also be addressed.

CVD-2060

Avid I

3 studio credits

Working with the Avid Media Composers, this course will examine the concepts and principles of random-accessed digital editing. We will discuss various ways of editorial problem solving for postproduction projects that range from documentary to commercial spots, industrials and music videos. Projects will be digitized and edited to a final master.

CVD-2061

Avid II

3 studio credits

Advanced editing features and techniques of Avid will be examined. Topics will include: media management, effect editing, multiclip editing, color correction, signal measurement, film-to-tape projects, EDLs and professional output methods. Integration with other programs such as Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and DVD Studio Pro, as well as how to upgrade an Apple Final Cut Pro project to Avid for professional finishing will be explored.

CVD-2066

Advanced Final Cut Pro

3 studio credits

The industry standard organizational and editing techniques required to take your film to the big screen will be the focus of this course. Topics include how to use keywords, roles, smart collections, rating for better organization, trimming using the precision editor, advanced masking, color grading, sound design techniques, integrating third-party plug-ins, media management, team collaboration, multi-cam, subtitles and captions, advanced online/offline workflows, versioning, outputting and archiving.

CVD-2067

Advanced Premiere Pro

3 studio credits

Students will advance their skills in Adobe Premiere Pro, examining the industry standard organizational and editing techniques required to take films to the big screen. Topics will include round tripping with other applications, such as Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and Audition; advanced organizational workflows; media management; advanced trimming; masking; color grading, sound design techniques; advanced online/offline workflows; subtitles and captions; team collaboration; multi-cam; versioning; outputting and archiving. 

AHD-2068

The Language of Film

3 art history credits

Serving as an introduction to the basic terms and concepts of cinematic language, this course will explore the vocabulary, grammar, sign and syntax of film through screenings, lectures and discussion. Feature-length narratives as well as animated, experimental and documentary shorts will be addressed, with an emphasis on examining the function of the film as a formal construct—the basic principles of film form. We will also pay particular attention to the techniques of the film medium along with the questions of types and genres of films. The course is analytical but with a thoroughly pragmatic bent: to map the extraordinary diversity of contemporary cinematic practice in relation to editing, sound, cinematography, framing, genre, auteur and narration.

AHD-2070

International Cinema

3 art history credits

Designed to facilitate an understanding of classic and contemporary international cinema, this course is dedicated to the study of films that have adopted a different aesthetic framework from Hollywood. We will discuss themes, ideologies, forms, the impact of history—both political and social—and the background stories of the filmmakers. Screenings will be drawn from the cinema of Mira Nair (India), Jean-Luc Godard (France), Andrei Tarkovsky (Russia), Federico Fellini (Italy) Carl Dreyer (Denmark), Luis Buñuel (Spain/Mexico) and Peter Weir (Australia), among others. 

CFD-2070

Cinematography I

3 studio credits

The technical and aesthetic aspect of lighting for film and digital video will be explored in this course. We will begin with an examination of basic lighting instruments and their use in the art of lighting: composition, color, light-and-shadow, three-point lighting, cameras and lenses. The course will then focus on creating and controlling the cinematic style, and studying the differences between film and digital video. Exposure, latitude, interior, exterior, shooting, high-key and low-key styles, narrative and commercial production will all be covered. 

CFD-2075

Cinematography II

3 studio credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course. The spring semester will concentrate on lens, film stock, and digital video compression. Assignments will vary from 30-second commercials to tabletop and blue screen productions to recreating scenes from feature films. The close relationship of production and postproduction in a digital world will be examined.

CFD-2077

Cinematography for VFX Artists

3 studio credits

This course provides visual effects artists with key cinematography to create seamless, story-driven visuals. Students will learn camera fundamentals—focal length, aperture and exposure—and how these settings shape depth and style. Real-world lighting techniques will be covered, demonstrating how to match digital and live-action lighting for realistic integration. Through shot framing and composition, students will explore positioning elements within the frame to guide the viewer's focus and enhance storytelling. By the end of the course, students will have gained a solid foundation in cinematography, empowering them to create visually compelling, narrative-rich work that integrates smoothly with live-action footage.

CFD-2080

Production Design

3 studio credits

Understanding the role of production design in the filmmaking process will be explored in this course. It will begin by tracing the history of art direction in the Hollywood studio system through the work of leading art directors. Particular attention will be given to William Cameron Menzies and how his contributions led to the advent of the production designer. The craft, process and working methods of the production designer will be explored in detail. How directors collaborate with designers to capture their vision on film will also be examined. 

CFD-2088

Makeup for Film and Television

3 studio credits

Makeup for Film and Television is about creating an illusion by transforming the average and the inconspicuous into the amazing and the unimaginable! This hands-on course includes lectures about unusual techniques and demonstrations of professional makeup materials. Weekly assignments such as injury simulation, zombie fabrication and prosthetic makeup will be given. As a final project, each student will create an original character of their own design utilizing the techniques and materials demonstrated in class. 

CFD-2128

Writing the Short Film

3 studio credits

This course is designed to give students additional skills in writing short form screenplays for their second-year production courses, as well as to gain further grounding in writing structures for future work. Through various exercises students will be exposed to multiple strategies for the development of scripts that are both highly visual and character-driven. Students will explore the elements of visual language to convey key elements of theme and story, and workshop in class with actors to deepen their understanding of characters. Scripts are read and discussed by class members with respect to style, structural elements and visualization.

CFD-2132

Film Casting

3 studio credits

This hands-on course will give directors the experience and tools to properly cast for the camera. By stepping into the role of a casting director, students will learn how to facilitate the casting process from inception to deliverables. We will examine which material to choose for auditions, how to write a casting notice that will attract the actors you want to audition, how to run casting sessions and the critical callbacks. What to look for when casting both “real” people and trained actors will be covered, as well as how to talk to stage actors and amateurs to get successful film performances. During mock casting sessions, we will shoot the auditions and watch playback so that students can begin to evaluate the difference between the actor live and the impact on screen.

CFD-2134

Directing for Film: Working with Actors

3 studio credits

Emphasizing the relationship between performer and camera this course will cover practical skills for soliciting great performances from actors by focusing on, and demystifying, the actor/director collaboration. By exploring directorial techniques and approaches, students will consider various ways to work effectively—with experienced actors and novices—to elicit spontaneous, authentic and nuanced performances. Character, scene and script analyses; casting protocols; rehearsal techniques and improvisation will be addressed. Each student will have the opportunity to direct scenes with professional actors.

CFD-2138

Acting

3 studio credits

This course is designed as an introduction to the craft of acting. Students will learn how to create believable characters for the screen through sense memory, improvisation and intuitive use of the self. The vocabulary necessary for communicating with actors will be taught as well as the art of constructive criticism, which is essential to directing films.

CFD-2140

Writing the Feature-Length Script I

3 studio credits

Required for all screenwriting majors, this course will focus on constructing a character-driven screenplay in three-acts. Students are introduced to the Writers Guild Short-Form Contract and will develop their scripts through each stage of professional screenwriting processes, including character research, logline, synopsis, outline and drafts. Students will finish a full outline of their screenplay and a first draft of the first act by the end of the semester.

CFD-2145

Writing the Feature-Length Script II

3 studio credits

In this course students will revise the first act of their screenplays, and complete the second and third acts. Emphasis is on pacing, knowing what to take out as well as what to put in. Actors may be brought in to explore the dramatic potential in scenes and to help students write natural dialogue. Students will complete a second draft of their screenplay by the end of the semester.

CFD-2151

Writing for Television 

3 studio credits

This intensive course in writing for television will begin with writing a spec script (hour or half hour) for an existing television show. Treatments, synopsis, story outlines, the pitch, log lines and career strategies will all be addressed and explored. Guest lecturers, both producers and writers, will share their experiences and offer strategies on how to break into the television market.

CFD-2162

Sound Design

3 studio credits

Filmmakers will tell you that sound is 50% of a film. Great sound can enhance a story. Through hands-on experience in a recording studio, students will explore recording dialogue, sound effects and Foley, and synchronize these elements to the moving image. Techniques in audio editing, using effects and mixing will also be covered with Pro Tools software. Students will record, create, mix and output sound for several projects throughout the course.

CFD-2212

Shooting on Film

3 studio credits

In this course students will become familiar with the history of 8mm, 16mm and 35mm film. Though screening dailies and rough cuts, we will explore filmmaking techniques from start to finish, culminating in each student producing a five-minute film. Camera operation, film stock choices, exposure and lenses will all be addressed. We will screen footage in class and discuss reshooting and editing options

CFD-2346 

Music and Sound

3 studio credits

You don’t have to be a professional musician to make great soundtracks for your films and videos. With a keyboard and cutting-edge computer software programs such as Reason and Pro Tools, you can create great music to sync with your images. Students will have hands-on experience in a recording studio and will learn techniques of songwriting, editing and mixing. Basic music theory will be explained as well as how to use prerecorded music and drum loops in various musical styles—hip-hop, world, jazz, rock and classical, among others. If you are a musician, you can enhance your compositions with these amazing tools. 

AHD-2712

The Art of Editing

3 art history credits

Editing is the creative process by which visual and aural elements are rhythmically integrated to produce meaning in film. This historical survey investigates interrelations of storytelling and story-showing by screening classic and contemporary film scenes and sequences. Students explore how editing techniques across various genres shape character and story, inspiring one of the world’s most powerful art forms.

CFD-2748

Soundscapes: Building a Sound Library

3 studio credits

The world of soundscapes will be explored in this course. We will examine the fundamental techniques and tools needed to record and catalog high-quality sounds, and how best to use them for film and other media formats. The class will work on a website project to build a sound library, focusing on the soundscapes of New York City. The objective of this website is to create a space for the collection and exchange of sounds, based on a collaborative community practice.

CFD-2751

Cinematic Analysis: Through the Lens

3 studio credits

In this immersive course, we dedicate ourselves to understanding the intricate art of what you see in front of the lens. Designed for filmmakers, especially directors and DPs, this is a deep dive into the art of mise-en-scène, using cinematic analysis to deconstruct screen grabs (single frames) and film clips into their key visual elements, including composition, lighting, color, production design, lens selection, blocking, movement and the use of specialty rigs. The course looks at the evolution of cinematic styles within specific genres, from silent films to the present day. Students compile their own library of film grabs and clips from various decades and genres as a practical reference for future work, and to help them communicate effectively with various film professionals: director, DP, production designer, gaffer, or colorist, ensuring their ideas are understood and executed accurately.

CFD-2752

Marketing and Publicity

3 studio credits

Students will research the tools and techniques necessary to find an audience in the digital age. Topics include premarketing, social media profiles, sentiment analysis and other data-driven methods, how AI is transforming content marketing and the many-faceted roles of publicists. Students will meet guests from the industry as they create a marketing strategy for a film from packaging to distribution.

CFD-2764

Lighting: Safety, Gaffing and Electric 

3 studio credits

This course will prepare students for working in the lighting department on sets, as well as develop their skills as a lighting designer. Topics will cover the principles of lighting, set safety, power distribution, fixture selection, rigging and color theory in lighting. Once a technical foundation is established, we will explore lighting techniques for different genres and scenarios, working with cinematographers and developing a personal style. 

CVD-3010

Advanced Production I

3 studio credits

This course will explore sophisticated and developing languages of the moving image. Through exercises, demonstrations and production, we will focus on the craft, aesthetics and content of film and moving-image making, as practiced in emerging and traditional forms.

CVD-3015

Advanced Production II

3 studio credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course. During the spring semester, each student will undertake a major project or series of smaller projects. Alternatively editing and cinematography majors may function as editors or cinematographers on two, third-year projects.

CFD-3030

Advanced Cinematography I

3 studio credits

Several interrelated areas of cinematography that are essential to the realization of the dramatic demands of the script—visualization of the script, communicating with actors, lighting and postproduction processes—will be the focus of this course. Through demonstrations, discussions, screenings, critiques and hands-on projects, students will explore sophisticated lighting techniques for film and digital cinematography. How to translate ideas into images, experiment with varied lighting styles and create specific moods for interiors and exteriors will be examined, as well as the collaboration between the director and director of photography in planning action scenes, structure, coverage and the interpretation of the script. We will discuss emulsions, tonality, contrast, the “quality” of light, exposure, angles, composition, movement.We will also address continuity, lenses, depth of field, filters, special effects, lab liaisons (timing lights, printing, digital mastering and transfers), and managing camera and lighting crews. Arriflex 16-SR camera, advanced digital cameras, super speed lenses, dolly, Jib-arm, Gear head, Steadicam, Tungsten, HMI and Kino-Flo lights will be used in class.

CFD-3035

Advanced Cinematography II

3 studio credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course. See CFD-3030 for course description. Students will experiment with specific lighting techniques and advanced cinematographic methods through immersive, practical workshops, as well as rigorous hands-on work led by industry guests, including ASC cinematographers, DITs and gaffers.

CFD-3056

New Audio Formats

3 studio credits

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the latest sound technologies utilized in film and art-house. Students will examine how innovative sound technologies like Dolby Atmos, Ambisonics and binaural recordings can enhance storytelling and create immersive experiences. We will discuss new ways of imagining sound and the best practices to integrate them into different projects. 

CFD-3057

Scoring Your Film

3 studio credits

The focus of this course will be on creating musical scores for film. With the use of software such as Cubase, Reason and Pro Tools, students will explore the fundamentals of creating music that evokes suspense, nostalgia, romance, adventure, and more. With hands-on practice in a recording studio, students will compose, record and edit using synthesizers, samplers and loop players to make thematic musical cues while learning the techniques of film scoring. 

CFD-3060

Advanced Writing and Directing I

3 studio credits

Building on the fused writing and directing approach introduced in second year, students will refine their scripts for third-year production courses and begin their thesis films. Students will be exposed to innovative, professional techniques in screenwriting and storytelling, and encouraged to find their own style. Working on scenes with actors and exploring blocking, students will employ sophisticated directorial strategies, analyze their artistic choices and find their own strengths before going on set.

CFD-3065

Advanced Writing and Directing II

3 studio credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course. It is intended to support the development of the thesis script. Students will have the opportunity to take creative risks and collaborate with actors in doing scene work.Scripts will be rehearsed, discussed and revised every week. 

HLD-3130 / HLD-3135

Film and Literature I and II

3 humanities and sciences credits per semester

Film and literature, two of the most important modes of storytelling, exist in a complex and dynamic relationship, each drawing from the other. These courses explore the rich interaction between key films and texts, particularly drama and the novel, analyzing how filmmakers use literary structures, strategies and techniques in ways that have become synonymous with film. At the root is storytelling in all its ancient and contemporary forms, and the goal is to enrich students’ understanding of story, increase their ability to see films critically, improve their writing and help make them powerful storytellers in their own work.

CFD-3178

Advanced Long-Form Writing for Film and Television I

3 studio credits

Students who want to develop long-form scripts for film or television not only need advanced instruction, but also a community of writers to give feedback, suggestions and support. Film and television scripts share certain basics in development such as character, dialogue and suspense; though they are structured very differently, writers in either industry can work with each other. Emphasis will be on creating long-form scripts for films, series and episodic television, including elements unique to each form.

CFD-3179

Advanced Long-Form Writing for Film and Television II

3 studio credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course. See CFD-3178 for course description. The spring semester begins with the first rewrite of the first draft and goes on through the second rewrite, in accordance with the Writers Guild contract. Students are expected to complete a second draft by the end of the semester.

CFD-3182

Adaptation for the Short Film

3 studio credits

The challenges in transforming material from other media onto the screen will be the focus of this course. Screenplays may be developed from virtually any source material—fiction, nonfiction, journalism, poetry—and students will investigate how to obtain screen rights for their work, including public domain, options and ownership. Emphasis is on short films that students can produce themselves.

CFD-3194

Creative Producing

3 studio credits

This course will explore the responsibilities of the creative producer from project inception through distribution. Students will learn how to manage a project and about the principles and tools for creating and controlling their own work, as well as how to collaborate successfully with other film professionals and remain true to their artistic vision. From selecting the material, working with the writer, hiring the director, collaborating on casting choices and selecting a production crew to involvement with distribution and marketing strategies, the focus will be on the creative skill and business acumen necessary to be a successful producer. Guest speakers will share their insights into producing for the film and television industries. Both narrative and documentary filmmaking will be examined.

CFD-3428

DaVinci Resolve: Color Correcting Your Film

3 studio credits

The fundamentals of color grading and finishing with DaVinci Resolve software will be covered in this course. Students will explore the process of color grading from picture lock to final delivery. Topics include: creating a look for a project, enhancing storytelling by drawing the eye, scene matching and project management. The course will focus on both the technical and aesthetic requirements of finishing projects for broadcast, commercial and theatrical release.

CFD-3432

Postproduction: Digital Workflow I

3 studio credits

Postproduction professionals must be fluent in the digital language of filmmaking for their creative projects. This course will address the technical side of postproduction and the principles integral to digital cinema workflows. Through lectures, screenings and assignments, students will explore how to problem solve technical hurdles. Subjects will include discussions on acquisition formats, resolutions, frame rates, aspect ratios, color space, codecs, compression techniques, bit depth and bit rate, media cards, computer technology and workstation set up. This is an indispensable course for editors.

CFD-3436

Postproduction: Digital Workflow II

3 studio credits

Be creative and technical and you’re unstoppable. This course will examine digital language—from media acquisition to digital exhibition. Students will tackle real-world workflow hurdles and explore how to quickly get past them and get back to the creative process. We will focus on media storage on HDD, SSD, RAID, proxy and offline/online options, transcoding, remote editing, compression techniques, color grading, ARRI and RED RAW workflows, Pro Tools output and delivery and DCPs. Students will complete the course with a heightened knowledge of postproduction.

CFD-3452

Inside the World of Film Festivals 

3 studio credits

Film festivals provide important platforms for filmmakers at all stages of their careers, often serving as the first (or only) stop in a film’s public screening life. This course will explore the ins and outs of the festival ecosystem—the roles of programmers, critics, distributors and publicists—to shed light on the opportunities festivals offer film workers. Students will learn about the history of local and international film festivals and meet guests from the industry. The course culminates in a final project in which students will serve as festival curators. 

CFD-3512

Entertainment Law

3 studio credits

This course will focus on the fundamentals of entertainment law by exploring the business and legal relationships within the broadcasting and film industries. How to anticipate and avoid legal problems prior to production will be addressed. Key issues in the areas of copyright law, sources of financing, distribution agreements, insurance and union consideration will be discussed. There will be guest speakers from the field.

CFD-3614

Line Producing: The Nuts and Bolts of Production

3 studio credits

This course will examine the nuts and bolts of line producing in the entertainment industry. Students will learn how to manage a production and think like a line producer from preproduction through completion of production. We will explore the process of creating and managing budgets, schedules, calendars and negotiating deals within the production industry. Students will complete this course with an understanding of the management process from concept to screen by becoming proficient in scheduling and budgeting using industry standards.

CFD-3617

Career Strategies

3 studio credits

The goal of this course is to facilitate the successful transition from college to the professional world. Experts from key areas in the entertainment industry will provide insight in all areas of film specialization, covering such subjects as intellectual property rights, marketing and promotion, finance, agents, producer reps and distributors: the tactical information necessary to move your career to the next level. Emphasis will be given to each student’s work, and on creating a market identity through social media and other strategies.

CFD-4101

Master Class in Cinematography 

3 studio credits

This master class will provide a career pathway for student cinematographers and directors to transition into the professional motion-picture community. Filmmaking is a relationship business. Students will receive hands-on instruction guided by ASC cinematographers. The director/cinematographer relationship will be explored, emphasizing the importance of developing a mutual “visual semantic” that makes for a successful creative collaboration. 

CFD-4940 / CFD-4945

Film Thesis I and II

6 studio credits per semester

Students are required to work with their thesis advisors to complete a thesis project that demonstrates an advanced level of craft and technique. All candidates will meet with the Thesis Committee at the end of their third year for instructions and deadlines. The College may reproduce work in matters pertaining to accreditation and promotion. 

Independent Study

3 studio credits

Juniors and seniors who wish to pursue a special project not covered by the parameters of their department’s curriculum are eligible to apply for an independent study course. Students must submit their study goals as a detailed proposal for approval by the department chair. Proposals for an independent study must be made prior to the course adjustment period for that semester. Please contact the department advisor for specifics.

Internship

3 studio credits

Students can gain valuable experience and broaden their professional network through an internship with an employer. Internships-for-credit are available to juniors and seniors who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or better. To receive credit, students must apply online during the designated application period, be approved by the Career Development Office, and registered for the internship by their academic advisor. Students need to work 150 hours during the semester (usually 10 to 15 hours per week), participate in a weekly online course with other SVA interns, and complete midterm and final self-evaluations. Elective studio credit is awarded for the successful completion of an internship. For more information go to sva.edu/career.