We train highly motivated and talented students to become confident and daring filmmakers.
Get ready to write, direct, and produce your own films.
Our conservatory-style BFA program trains you in all aspects of filmmaking: directing, cinematography, editing, production, screenwriting, and film analysis.
It’s 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.
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.
Working Professionals
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.
Outstanding Faculty
Our faculty are working professionals themselves, so their instruction and insight is credible, timely, and relevant.
Past Guest Instructors
Richard Abramowitz
Chantal Emond-Bourhis
Paul Francis
Jeffrey Kushner
Stephen Lee
Courtney Stephens
Do What You Love
Film graduates Kameron Wood and Diorlenny Rodriguez created this film for the college admissions office. See the entire series here.
Meet Our Alumni
-
Bob Gosse ’86
Film
-
John G. Young ’85
Film
View more of our amazing alumni.
#ProofofPurchase
-
MovieMaker Supports Project by Victoria deMartin ’14
The magazine selected deMartin’s first feature film to support through its Production Services program.
-
Film by Senior Kunga Choephel to Screen at NFFTY Festival
The competitive festival celebrates emerging filmmakers from traditionally marginalized communities.
-
Film by Jordan Tetewsky ’16 is New York Times Critic’s Pick
The film demonstrates the collaborative DIY culture found at Purchase—it stars musician Hannah Lee Thompson ’17 and several alums were on the crew.
