Film

BFA

Film students on campus

We train highly motivated and talented students to become confident and daring professional filmmakers.

Department co-chair:
Daniel Kang

Department co-chair:
John G. Young

Ready to apply? Start here:
Application Details

Be Ready to Work

You’ll learn to write, direct, shoot, and produce your own films right away.

Our conservatory-style BFA program trains you in all aspects of filmmaking: directing, cinematography, editing, production, screenwriting, and film analysis.

Career Outcomes

More than 85% of alumni have found work in the film and television industries. You’ll join the ranks of Jessica Brunetto, Ilya Chaiken, Abel Ferrara, Hal Hartley, Azazel Jacobs, Lesli Klainberg, Chris Wedge, and more.

Intense and Rewarding

It’s professional film training, so expect to be immersed in all aspects of filmmaking on your way to becoming a skilled and well-informed filmmaker. Classes are small, so your film cohort becomes your system of support, collaboration, and critique.

Outstanding Faculty

Our faculty are working professionals themselves, so their instruction and insight are credible, timely, and relevant. Our proximity to New York City allows us to draw industry professionals as guest lecturers and instructors.

Past Guest Instructors

Richard Abramowitz
Chantal Emond-Bourhis
Paul Francis
Jeffrey Kushner
Stephen Lee
Courtney Stephens

First Year: Introduction

Your first year will be a crash course in production, editing, cinematography, storytelling, cinema studies, and acting.

Second Year: Exploration

Then it’s yearlong courses in documentary and narrative filmmaking. Further training in cinema studies classes devised for filmmakers will sharpen your critical thinking and writing skills.

Third Year: Specialization

You spend junior year focusing on either narrative, documentary, or experimental film production. You may then opt to specialize in cinematography or screenwriting if you’ve demonstrated exceptional talent in those areas.

Fourth Year: Culmination

Senior year brings it all together. You spend the year producing your senior thesis film while you serve as a crew member on your classmate’s projects. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and demanding. Your sense of achievement will astound you.

It’s a Wrap

It’s all preparation for what’s ahead. You leave here a confident and independent artist, informed and articulate, adept at collaborating, and primed for the intensity of the film profession.