Film Production

Film production helps students develop an understanding of all aspects of the film and video production process while exploring narrative, documentary and alternative forms. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, students gain hands-on experience as writers, producers, directors, cinematographers and editors. The program emphasizes personal expression and collaboration along with the technical and creative skills needed to succeed in a career in media production. Faculty members in the film-video major are working professionals who emphasize critical thinking and the development of ideas while offering students in-depth study of writing and production. Students graduate with a skill set that prepares them for a dynamic work environment in a highly competitive industry.

You Might Like This Program If...

• You're creative, curious, inquisitive and enjoy telling stories.
• You're able to visualize a story and interpret it using technology.
• You're an active learner who likes to apply knowledge in a practical setting.
• You're able to work in a team environment, no matter what your role.
• You have an appreciation and understanding of popular culture and want to contribute its evolution.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FILM PRODUCTION

The Film Production major is designed to serve students whose primary interest is the art of film and video practice. It offers an integrated curriculum in which historical, critical, and theoretical studies parallel the teaching of production and aesthetics.

The major serves students who wish to pursue careers in film, television, or related industries, as well as students planning to continue work in film and video at the graduate level.

The major includes a broad liberal arts background with introductory courses in the areas of film and video history, theory, and practice. Students have the flexibility to pursue an area of emphasis at the advanced level (narrative, alternative or documentary production).

Professional Values and Competencies

Individual professions in journalism and mass communication may require certain specialized values and competencies. Irrespective of their particular specialization, all graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:

1. understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and assemble and to petition for redress of grievances;
2. demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
3. demonstrate an understanding of gender, race ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications;
4. demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
5. understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
6. demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
7. think critically, creatively and independently;
8. conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
9. write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
10. critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
11. apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
12. apply basic tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.

If you are a first year student applying to Penn State:

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After completing your SRAR, you will be directed back to the Penn State application in order to complete the Program of Study portion of the application. Here, you will indicate your desired starting semester, your intended program of study, and your starting and ending campus. For further details on how to complete this portion based on your applicant type, please see the steps to apply for first-year students.

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If you are a transfer student applying to Penn State:

All international transfer students will be required to submit official high school transcripts in order to complete the application. International transfer students will not complete the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) for either their high school or college coursework.

If you have accepted your offer of admission to Penn State:

If you completed SRAR and are accepted to Penn State, please provide the following for grade verification:

• Official transcript from years 9, 10, 11, and 12. If the transcript is issued in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a separate line-by-line English translation.
• Official copy of the Tawjihi, accompanied by a separate line-by-line English translation.

A film production degree prepares students to enter careers in entertainment, business, communications, mass media or any number of related fields that value strong, talented communicators and visual storytellers. Students with a film-video degree have many options to put their skills to work. Those include: cable and television networks, independent production companies, motion picture companies and those that support the industry such as talent agencies, equipment houses and post-production facilities. Other options include advertising agencies, corporate communications, foundations, education and professional sports industries.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE FILM PRODUCTION PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Most undergraduates initially enter the professional world, but the digital storytelling skillset associated with a film-video degree provides a basis for success for those interested in graduate studies.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES