Master of Fine Arts - Filmmaking

Beginning on day one, students participate in an intensive sequence of classes in Film Directing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Digital Editing, Directing Actors and Production Workshop. They extend and deepen their in-class learning by producing their own short 16mm films. Working in crews of three or four, each student writes, produces, directs and edits four films of increasing complexity.

In addition, each student fulfills the essential roles of Director of Photography, Assistant Camera Operator, and Gaffer (Lighting Technician) on the films of her/his crew members. Thus, everyone has the extensive hands-on experience of working on sixteen short films in the first two months. Students then progress to new digital video technology. With its ease of use, the digital video cameras allow the students to delve deeper into the director's craft.

Master of Fine Arts filmmaking student operates camera while another uses walkie talkie Each individual directs two digital projects. These projects and in-class production workshops challenge students to explore the dramatic mechanics of motion picture story- telling and the critical collaboration between actors and directors. The supporting classes include Screenwriting, Directing Actors, Directing, and Digital Production Workshop. The combination of these classes and projects prepare students for the second and third semester and production of their intermediate films.

In the second and third semester students move into more advanced topics of directing, cinematography, screenwriting and producing. Students learn the more advanced equipment including 16mm sync cameras, dollies, 35mm cameras and cinematography. Each student completes the semester by filming their own intermediate film, a project of up to fifteen minutes incorporating all of the skills learned thus far in the program.

Learning Goals