Motion Pictures & Television (BFA)

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

General Filmmaking Skills

• Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams
• Demonstrate basic understanding of the process of creating a film from beginning to end

Professional Readiness

• Apply knowledge of roles in the film industry to select an area of specialization (Midpoint Review only)
• Effectively showcase work in an industry-standard demo reel and website (Final Review only)
• Demonstrate professional – level achievement through the execution of a variety of projects in area of specialization (Final Review only)

Editing

• Demonstrate proficiency in editing and color correction programs by effectively using them in projects.
• Complete an editorial project through locked cut to include basic sound effects, scratch music underscore, and color correction

Screenwriting

• Create shorts that demonstrate a basic understanding of story structure
• Write shorts where three-dimensional characters are built
• Write shorts that contain realistic dialogue

Cinematography

• Work effectively with various cameras, lenses and accessories
• Design and execute creative lighting schemes
• Effectively manage a scene for coverage
• Apply principles of composition and camera movements to enhance the story

Directing

• Guide a crew in preproduction, production, and postproduction to execute effective choices that serve the story
• Create shorts that demonstrate a basic understanding of story structure and character development
• Elicit engaging and believable performances from actors

Producing

• Demonstrate basic proficiency in budgeting and scheduling
• Demonstrate familiarity with negotiating film contracts (for actors, crew, locations, equipment, lodging, transportation, and catering)
• Demonstrate understanding of the legal aspects of film production, including copyrights, trademarks, music licensing, and working with minors

Production Design

• Support the look of films based on the director’s vision, including: choosing locations, creating settings, selecting props, and dressing sets
• Communicate design concepts through basic drawing skills and visual presentations

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.