Film Production Degree

AIU offers a professionally-focused BFA in Film Production degree program with a focus on digital film and video Production that can give students an opportunity to learn industry-current knowledge and skills applicable in today’s film, video and audio markets. The BFA in Film Production degree program offers an opportunity to learn the art and science of digital filmmaking. You can immerse yourself in each phase of the process by creating your own film and video project. Students can gain hands-on experience with screenwriting, filming, working with talent, lighting, and camera operation and editing the final product. .

AIU's Film Production Degree Program Can Help You Can Learn How To:

• Demonstrate a thorough technical understanding of the three phases of the motion picture production process (preproduction, production and postproduction).
• Generate and properly utilize industry-standard paperwork to track and control all three phases of motion picture production.
• Demonstrate technical competency with various industry-standard software, camera, grip and lighting, and recording technologies.
• Demonstrate an understanding of on-set protocol/behavior and professionalism appropriate to field, studio and postproduction applications.
• Contribute appropriately in a variety of positions to the production of motion picture projects.
• Develop film/video projects from concept to finished product, on time and on budget, to a client’s specifications.
• Organize and manage self-directed film/video production projects.

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Total tuition for this degree program may vary depending on your educational needs, existing experience, and other factors.

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By studying key topics in Digital Film and Post Production to complete the upper division’s core specialization requirements, AIU provides you with an opportunity to work to develop a solid foundation in the areas of audio and electronic music production, general media production, editing, and computer-animation and special-effects production. For a Film Production Degree, your classes may include:

Production Techniques III

Students will have the opportunity to work to develop their technical and creative skills as they create a longer-form and more advanced motion picture project. Particular emphasis will be placed on directing actors and use of the camera as an expressive tool. This covers the first half of the production process, while the second half will be completed in the second course, DFAP 445 Postproduction III.

Film and Audio Aesthetics

In this course, students learn to analyze film in terms of form, structure, cinematography, editing and use of sound and music.

Screenwriting II

Students continue to develop their skills in screenwriting, with particular focus on character driven, three-act narrative structure, story development and crafting dialog.

Advanced Production I

In this intensive course, students apply principles and techniques to create an advanced production motion picture project. Students are expected to finish a professional-quality work, worthy of inclusion on their show reel.

Senior Project I

Students will take an advanced-level project from concept through principle photography. Projects started in this course will be completed in DFAP 402 Senior Project II.

Senior Project II

Students will "finish" and distribute projects started in DFAP 401 Senior Project I. Particular focus will be placed upon the creation of a professional-quality, festival-ready package.

Directing

Students examine the role and responsibility of the director. Also covered is the director's role in each of the three phases of film production, including scripting, casting, creative work with actors, camera and lighting design and communicating effectively with the crew in order to achieve a specific vision.

Camera & Lighting II

In this course, students develop advanced skills in motion picture photography and a greater appreciation of lighting techniques and style. Topics will include genre-appropriate lighting techniques, source lighting, lighting for composite and special effects photography, and lighting for the mobile camera.

Advanced Digital Cinematography

In this advanced course, students explore the potential of digital video. This course includes elements of lenses and filters, shot framing and composition, color theory, non-tripod shooting techniques, internal electronics, aesthetics, and editing.

Postproduction Recording

Students will have the opportunity to work to develop skills needed to create a professional film soundtrack, including: effects editing, automatic dialog replacement (ADR), dialog editing and Foley recording.

Postproduction III

This advanced level course concentrates on workflow options and the "finishing" of digital video productions. Students edit their productions to a high standard, including titles, music, special effects and grading. Output, compression and DVD authoring will also be covered. In addition, lectures on various editing styles and techniques and the building of narrative structure enhance and build on the practical aspects of the course.

Animation and Motion Graphics

In this course students explore and develop new motion graphics/animation projects using industry-standard software. Students will develop their skills in the area of animation and time-based motion graphics using industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects.

University Catalog

Course content subject to change.

1. What is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Media Production with a Specialization in Digital Film and Post Production degree?

AIU’s BFA in Media Production with a Specialization in Digital Film and Post Production degree is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing a potential career path in the filmmaking industry. This degree program is designed to provide you with the opportunity to study filmmaking from screenplay to screening. You’ll work to hone your skills in photography, lighting, screenwriting, directing, and editing using industry-relevant equipment, software, technology, and industry-best practices.

2. How long does it take to earn a BFA in Media Production with a Specialization in Digital Film and Post Production degree?

Our bachelor’s degree programs are designed as 48-month programs. However, many factors can impact your time to completion. The time it may take you to earn your BFA in Media Production can be influenced by course loads proficiency and/or transfer credits, and breaks.

3. What kind of courses will I take to earn a BFA in Media Production?

As you work to complete your BFA degree in Media Production with a Specialization in Digital Film and Post Production, you will be immersed in courses such as: Screenwriting; Field Recording Techniques; Directing; Advanced Digital Cinematography; and Postproduction Recording.

4. When and where can I begin my digital film and post production classes?

Courses for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Production with a Specialization in Digital Film and Post Production start approximately every five weeks, exclusively on our Atlanta campus. Your actual start date is based on several factors, including receiving academic and financial documentation. To schedule a tour of our campus, visit us at https://www.aiuniv.edu/campus-locations/atlanta. For a virtual tour of the Atlanta campus design studios and labs, including our apparel design and merchandizing facilities, click here: https://youtu.be/B76TcRrt89M.

5. How many credits are required to graduate from the BFA in Media Production degree program?

The BFA in Media Production degree program consists of 180 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. Please see the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

What will I study in the BFA in Media Production with a Specialization in Digital Film and Post Production program?

By studying key topics in filmmaking you can learn how to:

• Develop and create film and audio projects, from pre to post production.
• Use filmmaking equipment and software common in the industry.
• Make create decisions relevant to their context and audience.
• Engage in the multiple phases of content creation such as screenwriting, filming, working with talent, lighting, camera operation, and editing the final product.
• Complete media projects from concept to finished product, on-time and on-budget, to a client’s specifications.

7. What creative and technical abilities will I be able to work to develop in the BFA in Media Production with a Specialization in Digital Film and Post Production degree program?

Upon earning your BFA in Media Production, you should understand the foundational aspects of media production, editing, sound design for film, and special-effects production in a studio setting. You will explore the art and science of digital filmmaking, work to gain technical competency with various industry-standard software, cameras, grip and lighting, and recording technologies, and will even create your own film and media portfolio. You will have the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience with screenwriting, filming, working with talent, lighting, camera operation, and editing the final product. After completing the Audio Production II class, film specialists have the opportunity to become AVID Pro Tools certified users.

Who I will be learning from?

In addition to a quality curriculum based on industry-relevant standards, AIU’s BFA in Media Production with a Specialization in Digital Film and Post Production is taught by instructors with current experience in the filmmaking industry, and a range of knowledge and perspectives. You will have the opportunity to learn from individuals who can share their understanding of the qualities and skills sought in today’s competitive marketplace for creative professionals in a variety of film, audio, and media content creation fields.