Kerry
Yost, M.A., Chair
Digital Filmmaking Faculty:
Seth Ashley
Chad Fredreichs
Olga Missiri, M.A.
Chase Thompson
David Wilson
Jonna Wiseman
Kerri Yost, M.A.
BS Requirements for Digital Filmmaking
Digital Filmmaking Advisory Board
The Bachelor of Science major in Digital Filmmaking offers intensive
training in all aspects of filmmaking to prepare students for the rapidly
growing employment opportunities for women in the filmmaking industry.
The elements of the major combine hands-on video production courses
with courses on film theory and current trends in the fim industry.
By the time a student has reached her junior year, she will choose a
track to focus on either narrative filmmaking or documentary filmmaking.
Many students take both documentary and narrative film courses.
The product of the senior year's study will be a completed digital film project that is screened to a public audience. The student is expected to pay for all expenses associated with her project. Along with the senior film project, each student will also graduate with a student reel that includes samples of her work.
Because of the rigorous nature of the major, students are expected to demonstrate a level of dedication, effort and ethical behavior consistent with that demanded within the profession. Any student who, in the collective judgment of the department faculty in consultation with the department chair, fails at any time to live up to these standards may be required to withdraw from the DFM major. Some of the courses will be taught in intensive workshops and master classes given by industry professionals.
Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Digital Filmmaking
The bachelor of science major in Digital Filmmaking requires completion of liberal arts requirements, 61 semester hours in the major as specified below and 29 semester hours of electives. The final capstone project must be a completed film that the student directs and produces. An overall GPA of at least 2.0 in all DFM courses listed in the major is required. All students are required to take the Summer Film Institute between their freshman and sophomore year, and an internship between their junior and senior year. The internship can be taken with any company/organization/film production within the film industry. An internship might even be taken abroad. Upon entering the film program, students will be required to buy their own personal hard drive for storing and editing their movies. Please consult with a film faculty member before making any purchase.
Narrative
Film Track
Required Courses
MME 101: Media and Culture (3 hrs.)
DFM/MME 104: Studio Production (3 hrs.)
DFM 187: American Cinema and Culture (3 hrs.)DFM 188: Introduction to Film Analysis (3 hrs.)
DFM 190: Intro to Documentary Studies (3 hrs.)
DFM/ENG 200: Screenwriting I (3 hrs.)
DFM 205: Summer Film Institute (4 hrs.)
DFM 215: Narrative Film/Video Production
DFM 219: Sound Design for Digital Film
DFM 220: Digital Video Editing (3 hrs.)
DFM 240: Cinematography and Lighting (3 hrs.)
DFM 300: Directing For Film (3 hrs.)
DFM 310: Advanced Digital Video Editing (3 hrs.)
DFM 315: Advanced Narrative Film/Video Production
DFM 360: Cinema and Social Change (3 hrs.)
DFM 370: International Cinema
DFM 400: The Business of Film (3 hrs.)
DFM 410: Narrative Film Senior Project (6 hrs.)
DFM 490: Senior Portfolio
INT 210: Internship Development (1 hr.)
Documentary Film Track
Required Courses
MME 101: Media and Culture (3 hrs.)
DFM/MME 104: Studio Production (3 hrs.)DFM 187: American Cinema and Culture (3 hrs.)
DFM 188: Introduction to Film Analysis (3 hrs.)
DFM 190: Introduction to Documentary Studies (3 hrs.)
DFM 205: Summer Film Institute (4 hrs.)
DFM 211: Documentary/News Production (3 hrs.)
DFM 219: Sound Design for Digital Film (3 hrs.)
DFM 220: Digital Video Editing (3 hrs.)
DFM 240: Cinematography and Lighting (3 hrs.)
DFM 260: The Reel World: Contemporary Documentary Film Studies (3 hrs.)
DFM 310: Advanced Digital Video Editing (3 hrs.)
DFM 311: Advanced Documentary/News Production (3 hrs.)
DFM 321: Documentary Research and Storytelling (3 hrs.)
DFM 360: Cinema and Social Change (3 hrs.)
DFM 370: International Cinema (3 hrs.)
DFM 400: The Business of Film (3 hrs.)
DFM 420: Documentary Film Senior Project (6 hrs.)
DFM 490: Senior Project (3 hrs.)
INT 210: Internship Development (1 hr.)
Requirements for a Minor in Digital Filmmaking
The minor in Digital Filmmaking requires completion of a minimum of 15 semester hours, including at least 6 hours at or above the 300 level. All courses must be enrolled for graded credit to count in the minor.
Required Courses
DFM 188: Introduction to Film Analysis (3 hrs.)
and two must be chosen from the following:
DFM 187: American Cinema and Culture (3 hrs.)
DFM 190: Introduction to Documentary Studies (3 hrs.)
DFM 211: Documentary/News Production (3 hrs.)
DFM 215: Narrative Film/Video Production (3 hrs.)
Plus:
6 hours of DFM electives chose from digital filmmaking courses at or above the 300 level.
Digital Filmmaking Advisory Board
| Rob LaZebnik | TV screenwriter and producer, "The Simpsons" , "Less Than Perfect", "The Ellen Show" |
| Ken LaZebnik | Screenwriter, "The Prairie Home Companion Movie", "Touched by an Angel" and "Providence". |
| Dawn Wells | CEO, Idaho Film Institute, Inc., actress, "Gilligan's Island" and many current stage plays around the US and Canada |
| Amy Lippman | Co-creator and Executive Producer, "Party of Five", Fox Network |
| Jonathan Mostow | Director of the features: "Terminator 3", "U-571", and "Breakdown" |
| Alex Rockwell | Vice-President, Henson Productions, Executive Producer of the children's show "Bear in the Big Blue House", Executive Producer of many Henson movies |
| Nell Scovell | Creator and Executive Producer of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and writer/producer of other sitcoms. |
| Greg Daniels | Co-Executive Producer, "King of the Hill" and Producer on "The Simpsons" |
| Martha Williamson | Creator of "Touched By an Angel" |
| Per Holst | Oscar-winning producer of "Pelle the Conquerer" |
| Suzanne Daniels | President, Lifetime Network |
DFM 104: Studio Production
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: MME 101 or MME 103 or permission of instructor and basic computer skills needed; lab fee charged. Cross-listed as MME 104.)
An introduction to basic equipment and techniques of television and video production through lectures, demonstrations and crew participation. Elements and skills covered include operation of audio consoles, microphones, audio tape editing, television cameras, switchers, lighting and studio procedures. Students are responsible for some materials required. Offered in the fall and spring.
DFM 187:
American Cinema/Culture
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
This course examines twentieth-century American culture and society
through film. The primary text for this course will be American films.
We will critically analyze how American cultural and social conflicts
are portrayed and worked out in popular films. By watching, discussing,
and writing about these films, we will examine how motion pictures create
a window into modern American society. Students will learn how to read
American films as cultural text that help us better understand our history
and culture.
DFM 188: Introduction to Film Analysis
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students.)
This course is an introduction to film analysis that is intended to
help prepare students for upper level theory, film history and analysis
courses. Through lectures, projects, discussions and screenings, students
will examine various eras and movements within film from a technical
and cultural perspective. We will investigate basic concepts within
critical theories and how to discuss and write about film. Offered spring
semester only.
DFM
190: Introduction to Documentary Film
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students.)
This course examines the history of documentary films up to the present-day
rise of the non-fiction film. We will discuss the cultural contexts
of the films and the theoretical questions they raise, including the
blurry line between fiction and nonfiction. Class activities will also
include participating in the local True/False Documentary Film Festival.
The primary text for this course will be films and visiting filmmakers.
Offered spring semester only.
DFM205 Summer Film Institute
(4 hrs.)
Development of basic skills in technical filmmaking through class lectures and crew work on a film project. This course is a study of general principles and accepted practices in film production, examining every role in a film production. Summer only.
DFM 211: Documentary/News Production
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: DFM104 with grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Lab fee charged.)
Introduces the student to the planning, execution and editing of documentary and news programming involving field and studio production. Includes practical experience in operating a variety of audio and video field equipment, as well as additional experience in operating studio and post-production editing equipment. Offered fall semester only.
DFM 212: Introduction to Writing for Performance
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: Open to all students; cross-listed with ENG 212)
This course is designed as an introduction to Writing for Performance
in which students will explore a variety of ways to creatively express
themselves in dramatic form. The emphasis of this course is on
both the creative craft of the writing process, culminating in written
projects as well as learning the basic, traditional structure of story
and character.
DFM 215: Narrative Film/Video Production
(Prerequisites: DFM/MME 104 with grade of C- or better or permission of instructor; lab fee charged.)
Introduces the student to the aesthetic and technical aspects of narrative filmmaking, non-linear editing, and production of video involving field and studio production. Includes practical experience in operating a variety of audio and field equipment, as well as additional experience in post-production editing equipment. Offered spring semester only.
DFM219 Sound Design for Digital Film
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: DFM188; lab fee charged.)
This course is a hands-on “crash course” in the design and technology of sound for film. Students will explore the basics of sound design for film: music (underscoring and incidental), sound effects (atmospheric, Foley and specific), and dialogue (on set and post-production). Students will learn to use various microphones, recording techniques, playback devices, and non-linear editing to give their stories the full weight they deserve. The course will be primarily project driven with some lecture and film analysis.
DFM220 Digital Video Editing
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: Basic MAC knowledge and sophomore standing or permission of instructor; lab fee charged.)
This course guides students through digital post-production process from video capture to creation of motion graphics and effects and assembling digital assets and designing a DVD. Course covers major steps from initial storyboarding to burning and duplications.
DFM 230: Screenwriting
I
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: DFM 187 or DFM 188 or permission of instructor.
Cross-listed with ENG 230.)
This course is designed as an introduction to screenwriting, focusing
on the foundations of linear, visual storytelling for the screen.
DFM240 Cinematography and Lighting
(3 hrs.)
( Prerequisites: DFM/MME 104, 187 or permission from instructor; lab fee charged.)
This course explores elements that enhance storytelling, such as digital lighting, shading techniques and camera composition.
DFM 250: Screenwriting II
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: ENG 212, or DFM/ENG 230 or permission of instructor.
Cross-listed with ENG 250.)
Screenwriting II is an intermediate-level course focusing on linear
storytelling for the screen. Students will deepen their knowledge
and experience of previously introduced screenwriting tools, including
structure, character, conflict, action, dialogue, and visual storytelling.
Adaptation and non-traditional story structures for film will be introduced.
DFM 260 The Reel World: Contemporary Documentary Film Studies
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students.)
This course examines current documentary trends and the industry, and looks at the experimental "edges" documentary artists are exploring today. We will examine films with a sociocultural context, exploring not only the films themselves, but how we interpret the films and our understanding of other cultures as well as our own. Along with exploring film topics and themes, we will also examine the changing new techniques, technology, and styles in documentary filmmaking. This class is offered during the spring semester alongside the True/False Documentary Film Festival. Students will participate in the festival by volunteering, attending screenings, and/or going to film workshops.
DFM 300: Directing for Film
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite:
DFM 311 or DFM 315, or permission of instructor.)
Students will gain hands-on experience by directing, shooting, and editing
a series of exercises designed to transform scripted text into visual
storytelling. Casting and working with actors in preparation and
execution of scripted scenes will be the focus of the course. Offered
spring semester only.
DFM 310: Advanced Digital Video Editing
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: DFM 220 and DFM 311 or 315, or permission from instructor; lab fee charged.)
This class will build on the skills learned in DFM220. Students will use a variety of software to build post-production skills. Students will learn to more about color correction, sound mix, and graphics, and learn new skills in compositing.
DFM 311: Advanced Documentary/News Production
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in DFM/MME 211 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged.)
Continuing practical experience in documentary and news field and studio production. Focuses on the planning, pre-production, production and post-production of documentary and news programs with emphasis on the separate roles of the producer and director. Students are involved in producing programming to air on cable access. Offered spring semester only.
DFM
315 Advanced Narrative Film/Video Production
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in DFM 215 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged.)
Continuing practical experience in narrative filmmaking production. Focuses on the planning, pre-production, production and post-production of narrative filmmaking with emphasis on the separate roles of the director, producer, and cinematographer. Students are involved in producing programming to air on cable access. Offered fall semester only.
DFM 321 Documentary Research and Storytelling
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: DFM 260 and DFM 211 or permission from instructor.)
Advanced course in developing and writing documentaries and other news programs. Principles and practice in research, treatment, proposal, and pitch presentations. Along with learning research and interviewing skills, students will learn how to take a variety of media and primary sources and create a story. We will explore research methods for historical and current topics. Offered fall semester only.
DFM 360 Cinema and Social Change
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: DFM187 or 190 or permission from instructor.)
This course examines how documentary and narrative filmmaking can affect social change. We will examine the effects of cinema on social movements in the United States and worldwide. We will ask whether media can, in fact, change society at all, whether those changes are controllable by the artist/producer, the audience or the state. We will ask whether these changes can backfire or produce unexpected results.
DFM 370 International Cinema
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: DFM 187 or 188 or 190 or permission from instructor.)
This course will trace the major trends and movements that have emerged from various national cinemas and contributed to the historical development of film as an international art form. We will view selected films and consider how they reflect their own cultural and historical context and reflect global creative confluences. Along with studying international film in our class and our textbook, students will research a national cinema and industry, presenting their findings to the class and in a final research project. Offered in spring semester only.
DFM 380: Topics in Filmmaking
(3 hrs.)
Topics may include such areas as the art of film, experimental film,
film genre studies, career studies of famous women directors, and pre-code
women in film. Each topic will be women-centered.
DFM 400 Business of Film
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite:
must be a DFM major with junior standing.)
A study of the business of film including film financing, business strategies,
audience analysis, distribution strategies, preparing a business plan.
Offered in fall semester only.
DFM 406:
Acting on Camera
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: 3rd year theater students and film students who
have taken Directing; or permission of instructor.)
Acting on Camera will teach actors basic techniques and vocabulary of
film acting and give them an opportunity to learn how to shape a performance
on film. For film students, directors will learn how to effectively
work with actors to create a vivid performance. By the course's
end, the actors will have assembled a reel of material, directed by
both faculty and film students.
DFM410 Narrative Film Senior Project/ DFM420 Documentary Film Senior Project
(6 hrs., 3 hrs. each semester)
(Prerequisite:
finished all DFM required courses except for Business of Film and Senior
Portfolio)
This extensive, full school-year production course constitutes the capstone
courses in this major and requires completion of a short narrative or
a documentary film. Students will write, produce, and direct their
film in the fall and do post-production in the spring semester.
Finished films will be exhibited at the end of the semester.
DFM490
Senior Portfolio
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: Senior standing; lab fee charged.)
Emphasis on finished work of original films for the student's final portfolio, which includes a résumé, a DVD of student work, and a press kit for the senior film project. This class is not only about putting together final work, but will also discuss outreach plans, screenings, marketing, film festival research and submitting to film festivals. Students will learn how to author DVDs, create promotional materials, organize screenings, research career opportunities, and discuss film distribution strategies. Offered in spring semester only.
DFM
491: Master Class
(3 hrs.)
Visiting industry professionals will become an Artist in Residence for
a semester and teach in different areas of filmmaking.
