With a BA in film studies and production, you'll be a critical observer and producer of our culture's most powerful media art forms: film and video. In our program, you'll learn the history, theory, production and criticism of motion picture arts, as well as develop a hands-on understanding of the film industry.
You will explore existing and emergent media platforms, learning what it means to be an ethical, effective and culturally sensitive communicator. In many classes, you will write scripts and participate in screenwriting teams, while also developing technical skills in lighting, editing and sound design. You will work with award-winning faculty who will guide you through the processes of fundraising, grantwriting, exhibiting, selling and promoting your films.
You also will be challenged to develop a deeper understanding of how sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, gender, class, age and ability are represented in and by media — and why such representations matter. Our classes adopt an intersectional lens in their exploration of how identity markers create unequal power dynamics both on and off screen, highlighting how off-screen dynamics greatly impact what is seen onscreen.
The BA in Film Studies and Production will prepare you for a career in the fast-paced, highly competitive industries of film, video and related fields. After graduating, you can apply your creative and analytical abilities across many sectors, including media, marketing, entertainment, education and communications.
What Sets Us Apart
An emphasis on multicultural and global communication and a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and social justice
Internationally recognized professors, dedicated to student success, who bring a wealth of expertise in corporate, nonprofit, health and political communication
Small classes that balance theoretical concepts with experiential learning and give you the personal attention and support you need to learn and thrive
An outstanding internship program and an extensive professional network of business, nonprofit and government partners in Colorado and beyond
Multiple opportunities for experiential engagement beyond the classroom including exciting internships; the student-run podcast, PioCast; the student-run newspaper, The Clarion; and Project DU F.I.L.M., a partnership between students, faculty and alumni
The ability to double major and design your own path based on your unique passions and career goals
Degree Requirements
- The Film Studies and Production major requires a minimum of 40 credits.
- In addition to completing the course requirements, students have the option to complete a professional internship.
- The major also includes a capstone experience, which is a two-quarter sequence in either narrative or documentary film.
- To earn distinction in the Film Studies & Production major, students must have a 3.75 cumulative GPA and a 3.8 GPA in the major.
See the DU Undergraduate Bulletin for more information about courses and degree requirements.
Featured Courses
MFJS 3224
Cinematography
About this Course
This course focuses on the visual aspects of telling a cinematic Story. Students learn the basics of black and white cinematography using 16mm film cameras and/or the basics of color cinematography using high definition digital cameras. The class emphasizes silent storytelling, using lighting, art design and camera movement to develop character and theme. Students read from seminal film theorists about varying approaches to cinematography and write analyses of their own work. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: MFJS 3215 Introduction to Field Production and Editing.
MFJS 3214
Representational Issues in U.S. Film
About this Course
This course explores the varying ways that race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, physical and mental (dis)ability, and age are represented in and by film — both historically and culturally. This course will encourage students to think critically about the filmic images that they are consuming on a regular basis, as means to interrogate what is at stake when it comes to representational issues such as dominant ideologies, visual style, and assigned character roles.
MFJS 3325
Advanced Screenwriting
About this Course
Advanced Screenwriting allows students to explore different genres as we expose them to the central structural element of series production: the writer’s room. We’ll learn to break story, collaborate, critique and write in ways that have real world applications and add to student portfolios.
Explore how media connects individuals with the world.
Are you ready to learn more about film studies and production at DU?
