Film Production

Overview

Key facts

During your first year at the Film Production program offered by Chapman University, you will learn foundational and more sophisticated facets of filmmaking as you collaborate on productions with your colleagues under the close guidance of our faculty. Our accelerated program places students immediately on productions in order to gain hands on experience both on set and supported from the classroom. The second year is an enhancement and continuation of the program through advanced classroom based knowledge and increasingly challenging film projects under the close supervision and guidance of our faculty. You will take on greater responsibilities in the practice of your craft.

Your education culminates in your third year when you form a complete creative team with your colleagues, writers, producers, editors, cinematographers, sound and production designers, all coming together to realize a unified vision —a final thesis project. Dodge College provides each team with a $15,000 contribution towards their thesis production; in addition to having full use of industry standard equipment and facilities. These projects enable students in all disciplines to enter their field with a professional sample of work.

Learning Outcomes

• Exhibit an in-depth understanding of the fundamental components of visual storytelling, story structure and story analysis.

• Articulate the complex and inter-related functions and roles on a film set, and can work collaboratively within that structure.

• Through closely-mentored projects, apply technical elements to the creation of an artistic experience in a specific discipline (Directing, Editing, Cinematography, Sound Design, Producing, and Production Design).

• Through critical essays, writing assignments, and visual production exercises, demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the development of film language, including aesthetic perspectives.