Motion Pictures, BA/BS/BFA

Program Overview

---

Belmont University's Motion Pictures program offers a comprehensive education in filmmaking, preparing students for diverse careers in the industry. With a focus on hands-on learning, industry connections, and state-of-the-art facilities, the program empowers students to develop their storytelling skills and technical proficiency. Graduates are well-equipped for success in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, production, and more.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

---

Objectives:

• To develop students' creative storytelling skills and filmmaking talents.
• To prepare students for a diverse range of careers in the motion picture industry.
• To provide students with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and facilities.
• To foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment for aspiring filmmakers.

---

Description:

The Motion Pictures program at Belmont University is a rigorous and comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the film industry. All three degrees require 128 credit hours of coursework and cover a wide range of topics, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, production, and sound design. The program is known for its strong industry connections, providing students with opportunities to network with professionals and gain valuable internship experience.

---

Highlights:

• Ranked among the Top 20 Film Schools in the US by Variety magazine.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
• A strong emphasis on hands-on learning and practical experience.
• Small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty.
• Industry connections and internship opportunities.
• Three degree options to choose from.

---

Outline:

---

Curriculum:

• The curriculum covers a broad range of topics in filmmaking, including:
• Screenwriting
• Directing
• Cinematography
• Editing
• Production
• Sound design
• Film history and theory
• Storytelling
• Script analysis
• Project management
• Emphasis on learning by doing, with students completing numerous film projects throughout the program.
• Senior Film Project, where students choose a specialization like Producer/Director, Screenwriter, Cinematographer, or Editor and dedicate a year to a major project.

---

Courses:

• Some example courses offered in the program include:
• Film History - Lumiere to Now
• Art of Storytelling
• Cinematic Storytelling
• Screenwriting Fundamentals
• Editing
• Cinematography
• Production and Set Management
• Directing
• Location and Post-Production Sound
• Production

---

Assessment:

---

Assessment Methods:

• A variety of assessment methods are used to evaluate student learning, including:
• Written assignments and examinations
• Film projects and presentations
• Class participation and peer feedback

---

Assessment Criteria:

• Assessment criteria vary depending on the specific course and assignment, but typically focus on the following:
• Creativity and originality
• Technical proficiency
• Storytelling ability
• Critical thinking skills
• Collaboration and communication skills

---

Teaching:

---

Teaching Methods:

• The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Hands-on exercises
• Individualized instruction

---

Faculty:

• The program boasts a faculty of experienced and accomplished filmmakers, many of whom have worked in the industry.

---

Unique Approaches:

• The program offers several unique features, such as:
• Opportunities to study abroad in film-focused locations around the world
• Belmont in Hollywood summer program, providing immersion experience in the film industry
• Strong emphasis on hands-on learning and student projects
• Small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty
• Extensive support in career development and job placement

---

Careers:

---

Career Paths:

• Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the motion picture industry, including:
• Screenwriter
• Producer
• Director
• Production Assistant
• Cinematographer/Director of Photography
• Marketing and Distribution specialist
• And many more!

---

Career Opportunities:

• Graduates find employment in a variety of settings, such as:
• Film studios
• Television production companies
• Advertising agencies
• Digital media companies
• Independent film production companies

---

Career Outcomes:

• The program boasts a strong track record of successful graduates, working on prestigious projects like The Batman, West Side Story, and Avatar 2.

---

Other:

---

Production Facilities:

• The program has access to a variety of state-of-the-art production facilities, including:
• Sound stages
• Editing suites
• Screening rooms
• Digital film cameras
• Lighting and grip equipment

---

Student Productions:

• The program encourages student filmmaking through various activities:
• Student film festival
• Production grants

---

Study Abroad:

• The program offers several opportunities to study abroad in film-focused locations around the world.
• This provides students with a chance to experience different filmmaking cultures and expand their perspectives.

---

Belmont in Hollywood:

• This summer program allows students to gain internship experience in the heart of the film industry.
• Students collaborate with industry professionals on real-world projects.

---

Belmont USA:

• Provides study away and internship options in locations like New York, Los Angeles, and Oregon.

---

Student Organizations:

• Students can join various student organizations related to filmmaking, such as:
• Motion Picture Society
• Women in Film and Television

---

Global Focus:

• The program recognizes the importance of a global perspective in filmmaking and offers courses and programming related to international cinema.