This course covers multiple eras and movements throughout the age of film.

This course introduces students to the technical and aesthetic aspects of small format digital production as well as the basic principles of motion picture production. Students learn the language of film/digital video and how its manipulation can express one’s individual message or purpose.

Students in this writing intensive course learn storytelling for the screen through a managed regimen of in-class and out-of-class experiences that emphasize the essential mix of imagination and craft in writing. They hone their skills in observation, communication, and visualization, and receive instruction on structure for screenwriting and how to employ written language to articulate dramatic and visual expression.

Understanding genre conventions and tropes is critical to a screenwriter’s success. This course combines script analysis with the practice of writing short scripts for a variety of genres. Prerequisite: DFP-221.

This course is an intensive exploration of the craft, technologies, and aesthetic principles of cinematography, lighting, and set design techniques. Lectures and in-class demonstrations cover video formats, cameras, exposure, lenses and optics, lighting units, lighting placement, lighting control, camera support, and camera movement.

This course focuses on the elements that make up almost all storytelling. Students are encouraged to discover and develop their unique voices as writers and storytellers, while understanding the critical importance of working as part of a creative team. This course emphasizes the use of traditional storytelling, classic mythology, and the ways in which these devices apply to contemporary media.

This course follows the general chronology of editing from capture and logging, through editing and effects, to final output of a finished program. The first half of the course is devoted entirely to a mastery of the editing software. The second half of the course is devoted to examining how and why editing is important. Different editing theories are explored, including montage, fast cut, long take, jump cut, and others.

This course introduces basic audio production skills and encourages students to face the challenges of audio production within the film and television industry. Students will learn how to capture clear sound as well as how to manipulate sound during the post-production stage. Prerequisite: DFP-111.

Visual effects are an integral part of contemporary film and streaming productions. This course provides an overview of the foundational skills in visual effects. Prerequisite: DFP-225, DFP-351.

This course utilizes techniques of directing, sound editing, lighting, and advanced editing programs. Several practical and written exercises lead to a short digital production. Students spend time working with actors in front of the camera as well as composing shots to convey a story visually. Prerequisites: DFP-111 and DFP-221.

In this writing intensive course, students will learn how to take a project from development into pre-production and then, how to effectively market and distribute the project. Although students will not be filming the project, students will utilize their production knowledge in building realistic schedules and budgets for their projects. Prerequisites: DFP-111 and DFP-221.

This course will prepare students for success as creative professionals. Students will research their industry, develop their personal brand, and establish business and entrepreneurial practices.

Building on foundational cinematography techniques, students in this course apply the technical and creative aspects of cinematography to various forms of digital media. Areas such as advanced application of lighting techniques and drone photography are explored. Prerequisite: DFP-223.

Film serves to connect audiences with storytellers so a filmmaker must think about the exhibition and distribution of the completed project. In this course, students learn how a film reaches its correct audience, whether it’s through streaming, festival, traditional theatrical, or other outlets. Prerequisite: DFP-301.

In this course, students learn the entire process of creating commercials. Students learn the skills of writing copy, developing ideas, researching the marketplace, working with client needs, pitching, and production of commercials. Prerequisite: DFP-111, DFP-221, & DFP-331.

Film, as a universal language, can relay factual stories through a variety of visual storytelling techniques. Students learn to leverage stories as a tool to support and advance an organization's purpose or mission. Prerequisite: DFP-311 & DFP-346.

This course exposes students to every aspect of media production. Students also learn how to work well in a team environment and to adhere to deadlines, time constraints, and medium limitations. Prerequisite: DFP-111.

This course focuses on preparing assets for advanced visual effects shots. Students will gain experience in 3D software and become familiar with the pipeline for 3D asset creation. Prerequisite: DFP-226.

In this course, students explore the multiple aspects of writing for interactive media and how it differs from traditional storytelling. The course discusses the importance of worldbuilding, creating dynamic characters, and how player and viewer choice can create compelling experiences. Special emphasis is placed on video games, virtual and augmented reality, and choose-your-own-adventure media. Prerequisite: DFP-111, DFP-221, DFP-225, DFP-226.

This capstone course allows students to apply digital production principles. The course focuses on the process and completion of a short digital film. Prerequisite: DFP-451.