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B.F.A. Degree in Film Production {19-20}

BFA Degree in Film Production

Description
The Film Production major is designated for students who wish to work in some aspect of the film industry as well as those who are interested in the academic study of film. Classes incorporate the traditional format of film and new digital technologies into the curriculum. The Film Production major gives students the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the development of mise-en-scène, lighting design, cinematography, sound design, editing, directing, producing and screenwriting.
To receive the B.F.A. Degree in Film Production, students must meet the minimum university requirements and specific requirements for the program. Completion of 120 credits is required for this degree which includes the Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will utilize and demonstrate proficiency in the three phases of film production (pre-production, production, and post-production) in the creation of short film and video projects in studio classes.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of film history, film theory, production and post-production aesthetics.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of filmmaking principles, practices and techniques.  These include: specialized use of film lexicon, creative production of video and 16mm content (including mise-en-scene, cinematography principles, lighting design, sound design, directing, producing and editing concepts, in both analog and digital mediums), single-camera production, single-system sound, double-system sound, individual portfolio development, and crew-based production models.
  • Students will be able to examine and analyze film texts, articulate conclusions as to their historical and critical values, and integrate critical research with creative practice.
  • Students will integrate theory and research skills in the creation of a capstone project for academic public presentation, as well as demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively on a crew-based, creative team of filmmakers.

Program Delivery Mode
Land plus: face-to-face where some online courses may be available or required

Core Requirements ( 44 credits )

The core is required of all students majoring in Film Production. A grade of "C" or higher in FILM 492B is required for graduation.

ENGL 285 Scriptwriting (3)
FILM 101A Film Practicum (1)
FILM 175 Video Production (4)
FILM 275 Film Appreciation (4)
FILM 285 History of Motion Pictures (4)
FILM 265 16mm Production (4)
FILM 365 International Cinemas (4)
FILM 465 Advanced 16mm Production (4)
FILM 480 Critical Approaches to Film & Media Arts (4)
FILM 492A Capstone Research (1)
FILM 492B Capstone Project (3)
PHO 201 Intro to Film Based Photography (4)
PHO 202 Basic Digital Imaging (4)

Designated Writing Intensive Course for Major
FILM 480 Critical Approaches to Film & Media Arts (4)

Program Requirements

Student must successfully complete the following requirements:

  • Completion of Foundational Portfolio Review
  • Completion of Thesis Portfolio Review
  • Completion of Capstone Portfolio Review

FILM and GID Computer and Software Requirements:

The FILM and GID programs have a laptop recommendation. While computer labs are available to you, we want you to have a computer powerful enough for at home use.  Current equipment specifications as well as any purchase options will be discussed during the first semester of enrollment. Educational pricing for hardware purchases can be made at https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/back-to-school. Software resources are referenced below.

LAPTOP

Our recommendation is a MacBook Pro. A 13” model customized with 16GB of RAM will suffice for your curriculum, however the 14” and 16” models have larger screens, better CPU processing and graphic power, and an HDMI out built in. The 14” and 16” models can accommodate more than 16GB of RAM as well whereas the 13” inch maximum is 16GB.

You will need a USB-C to USB adapter as well. USB-C hubs featuring ethernet, HDMI out (if 13" model), and passthrough charging are also available online (less expensive than Apple).

SOFTWARE:

  • Microsoft Office - available for student rates and to download at https://www2.mnstate.edu/it/office365/
  • An Adobe CC license will be provided to all SoMAD majors (ANIM, FILM, GID).

Restricted Electives ( 26 credits )

Restricted Theory Electives - 4 credits from list

FILM 371 History of LGBT Representation in Film (4)
FILM 383 Adaptations to Film (4)
FILM 386 Film and Media Arts Genres(4)
FILM 387 Authorship in Film & Media Arts (4)
FILM 388 Research Methods in Film & Media Arts (4)

Restricted Production Electives - 8 credits from list

ANIM 375 Stop-Motion Animation (4)
FILM 372 Editing Techniques (4)
FILM 378 Techniques of Producing (4)
FILM 384 Techniques of Film Directing (4)

Other Restricted Electives - 14 credits from list

ANIM 116 Foundations in Animation (4)
ANIM 216 3D Modeling (4)
ANIM 316 3D Animation (4)
ART 170 Art Appreciation: Content and Form (3)
ART 233 Global Art History I (3)
ART 234 Global Art History II (3)
COMM 210 Media Writing (3)
COMM 230 Photography (3)
COMM 251 Video Production for Ad, News & PR (3)
COMM 352 Social Media Campaigns (3)
COMM 400 Mass Media Ethics and Issues (3)
AEM 161 Introduction to Copyright and Trademark Law (3)
AEM 261 Legal and Ethical Issues in Entertainment (3)
AEM 281 Studio and Live Productions (3)
AEM 383 Sound for Film and Video (3)
ENGL 288 Introduction to Creative Writing (3)
ENGL 388 Creating Writing (3)
FILM 232 Principles of Make-up for Stage and Film (2)
FILM 290 Topics in Film (1-3)
FILM 302 Practicum (1)  - (Pre-req = 101A)
FILM 390 Topics in Film (1-3)
FILM 416 Special Projects in Film (1-3)
FILM 460 Curating and Programming Media Arts (4)
FILM 469 Internship (1-12)
FILM 472 Community Video Project (4)
FILM 490 Topics in Film (1-3)
FILM 494 Undergraduate Research (1-5)
FILM 497 Independent Study (1-3)
GID 230 Introduction to Digital Design (4)
GID 250 Introduction to Interactive Media (4)
PHIL 320/ART 320 Philosophy of the Arts (3)
THTR 230 Acting I: Principles (3)
THTR 232 Principles of Makeup for Stage and Film (2)
THTR 234 Theatrical Design Principles (3)
THTR 235 Directing I: Principles (3)
THTR 255 Stagecraft (3)
THTR 322 Survey of Western Theatre History and Drama (3)
THTR 356 Lighting Studio (3)
WS 415 Media and Diverse Identities (3)