OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25
Film Major (B.F.A.) |
Major code BF5155
College of Fine Arts
School of Film
31 S. Court St.
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.1323
www.ohio.edu/fine-arts/film
Justin Daering, contact person
jdaering@ohio.edu
Program Overview
The BFA in Film is a unique curriculum providing professional training in all major aspects of filmmaking alongside a solid foundation in film studies. The program prepares students to succeed in careers in the film and television industry, in professional areas utilizing time-based media (i.e., the web, advertising), and/or as independent artists. The focus of the program is to develop each student’s individual strengths as visual storytellers, creative voices, and critical media practitioners within the context of a rigorous liberal arts education. By encouraging students to master a wide range of tools as well as specific areas of knowledge and experience, the program aims to nurture filmmakers who will be ready, upon graduation, to work in a multifaceted and rapidly changing media world, while discovering and expressing their unique creative vision.
During the first two years, students receive an introduction to film as an art form, focusing on film history and film studies combined with an overview of basic filmmaking techniques and tools. Fiction, non-fiction, and experimental films and filmmaking practices are explored. In the final two years, students continue to engage with the film studies program while shifting their focus to filmmaking praxis. During this period, students also take part in specialization classes designed around professional practice. Utilizing a project-based approach to building creative portfolios, students earn a BFA with a concentration in filmmaking, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, post-production, or film studies. Students graduate with a strong combination of critical knowledge, filmmaking skills, and a polished portfolio of work.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
The requirements for admission to the BFA in Film include the submission of a portfolio of creative work containing films/videos, screenplays, and work from another medium.
Change of Program Policy
Admission to the BFA in Film program is by application, interview, and portfolio submission only. Upon successful admission, change of major paperwork should be initiated at the College of Fine Arts Deans Office.
External Transfer Admission
Admission to the BFA in Film program is by application, interview and portfolio submission only. It is rare to accept a transfer beyond the sophomore year. After acceptance to the University, program acceptance and placement will depend on the faculty’s assessment of the candidate’s potential to succeed. In most cases, transferring students should be prepared to expect to make up some of the foundation coursework in their programs. Upon successful admission, change of major paperwork should be initiated at the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Office.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
The preparation offered by the BFA in Film prepares students for a different constellation of career opportunities open to visual storytellers. The BFA in Film will train students in all aspects of the filmmaking process, from conceptualizing a story through the shooting and production work to editing, sound mixing and exhibition. The goal is to nurture well-rounded, creative, and skilled filmmakers able to enter careers across the spectrum of professional opportunities in cinema. In addition to having mastered the technical skills of filmmaking, the students will discover themselves as creators, crew-mates, and artists through the four years of the degree program.
Requirements
University-wide Graduation Requirements
Ohio University requires the completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. This program can be completed within that 120-hour requirement. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other university-wide requirements, please review the Graduation Requirements – University-wide page.
Film B.F.A. Requirements
Complete all courses with a minimum grade of C (2.0) and a 2.7 G.P.A. or better.
First-Year Core
Complete the following courses:
- FILM 2020 - Introduction to Film: Film Analysis Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 2050 - Introduction to Film Production Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 2060 - Film Set Production Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 2070 - Introduction to Post-Production Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 2140 - Principles of Screenwriting Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 2440 - Narrative Screenwriting l Credit Hours: 3
Complete one of the following courses:
- FILM 2010 - Introduction to Film: History of World Cinema Credit Hours: 4
- FILM 2030 - Introduction to Film: The Documentary Credit Hours: 3
Upper-Level Core
Complete the following courses:
- FILM 3110 - Filmmaking I Credit Hours: 4
- FILM 3120 - Filmmaking II Credit Hours: 4
- FILM 3150 - Film Studies 1 Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 3160 - Film Aesthetics Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 3460 - Narrative Screenwriting ll Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 3610 - Crewing Practicum I Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 3620 - Crewing Practicum II Credit Hours: 3
Upper-Level Specialization
Complete two of the following courses:
- FILM 3500 - Cinematography Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 3650 - Producing Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 3750 - Directing Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 3820 - Art and Aesthetics of Editing Credit Hours: 3
Film Electives
Complete one of the following courses:
- FILM 3380 - Studies in the Documentary Film Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 3450 - Film Analysis Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 4210 - International Film I Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 4220 - International Film II Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 4310 - Film History I Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 4320 - Film History II Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 4330 - Film History III Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 4510 - Film Theory I Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 4520 - Film Theory II Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 4530 - Film Theory III Credit Hours: 3
- FILM 4710 - Film Topics Seminar I Credit Hours: 1 - 4
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Additionally, complete 12 credits of FILM courses which are not already being used to fulfill other program requirements.
CoFA Electives
Complete 6 credits of coursework from any of the following areas of study: ART, AH, IART, DANC, THAR, MUS, FAR
Capstone
Complete the following courses in sequential semesters:
- FILM 4610 - BFA Film Capstone Credit Hours: 3 - 8
- FILM 4620 - Capstone Film Production III: Post-Production and Distribution Credit Hours: 3