Motion Pictures and Television (BFA)
The BFA degree offers a solid grounding in the creative process and business skills of entertainment, as well as an in-depth specialization in one of the key areas of filmmaking (directing, producing, cinematography, editing, production design, and screenwriting).
Duration
4 years
Starting Date
February, June, September
Tuition Fee
$1,272 per credit
Location
San Francisco, United States
Program Learning Outcomes
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
General Filmmaking Skills
- Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams
- Demonstrate basic understanding of the process of creating a film from beginning to end
Professional Readiness
- Apply knowledge of roles in the film industry to select an area of specialization (Midpoint Review only)
- Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel and website (Final Review only)
- Demonstrate professional – level achievement through the execution of a variety of projects in area of specialization (Final Review only)
Editing
- Demonstrate proficiency in editing and color correction programs by effectively using them in projects.
- Complete an editorial project through locked cut to include basic sound effects, scratch music underscore, and color correction
Screenwriting
- Create shorts that demonstrate a basic understanding of story structure
- Write shorts where three-dimensional characters are built
- Write shorts that contain realistic dialogue
Cinematography
- Work effectively with various cameras, lenses and accessories
- Design and execute creative lighting schemes
- Effectively manage a scene for coverage
- Apply principles of composition and camera movements to enhance the story
Directing
- Guide a crew in preproduction, production, and postproduction to execute effective choices that serve the story
- Create shorts that demonstrate a basic understanding of story structure and character development
- Elicit engaging and believable performances from actors
Producing
- Demonstrate basic proficiency in budgeting and scheduling
- Demonstrate familiarity with negotiating film contracts (for actors, crew, locations, equipment, lodging, transportation, and catering)
- Demonstrate understanding of the legal aspects of film production, including copyrights, trademarks, music licensing, and working with minors
Production Design
- Support the look of films based on the director’s vision, including: choosing locations, creating settings, selecting props, and dressing sets
- Communicate design concepts through basic drawing skills and visual presentations
Courses Included
- Cinematic Storytelling
- Characters & Backstory
- Composition for the Artist
- Art History Through the 15th Century
- Sound Design