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Film and Media Production ,BFA

Film and Media Production, BFA

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Film and Media Production

Cinematography, Digital Media, Documentary, Editing, Film, Film Production, Filmmaker, Media Production, Producing, Screenwriting, Television, Videography, directing

This program provides hands-on training for students to craft impactful works in film, television and emerging media. Create unique work in collaboration with your peers to master digital technologies and tell stories that reflect your unique vision and voice.

Program description

A BFA program at The Sidney Poitier New American Film School empowers students with the critical thinking skills to navigate new, complex and changing environments in the film industry. Programs nurture the next generation of creatives, emphasizing the interconnectivity of filmmaking, the evolving landscape of the screen and the journey of a story from idea to intended audience. With a foundation in ethical and collaborative practices and project-based learning using state-of-the-art technology, the school offers the most inclusive, affordable and innovative film programs in the country.

This degree program takes aspiring filmmakers beyond theory and teaches them how to communicate a vision and manage resources to take a story from page to screen.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts program in film and media production provides a deep dive into film production, highly encouraging students to choose two areas of focus within production or postproduction. Students can choose to complete the general degree or pursue focus areas in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, postproduction and sound.

Los Angeles location
Students interested in using GI Bill® benefits should consider the program at the Tempe campus.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

The Los Angeles location is not available for international students seeking an F-1 or J-1 visa. Visa-eligible students should consider the program on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

An ASU student who would like to change their major to this program and would be new to this major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 and understand that their GPA must be brought up to a 2.50 or above within one semester to remain in good standing. An ASU student who is returning to this major (having studied this major in a prior semester) must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Present a digital portfolio that represents and reflects the student's unique creative voice, advanced technical skills, successful production experience, and professional vision.
  • Apply technical, creative, and project management skills when undertaking the collaborative process of filmmaking.
  • Demonstrate understanding of cultural institutions through a synthesis of research, critical thinking, and communication skills from multiple disciplines, drawn from American cultural institutions and storytelling traditions, as applied to the making, viewing, and study of film/media
Global opportunities
Global experience

The Sidney Poitier New American Film School's Semester in Los Angeles program is an opportunity for upperclassmen to live and study in Los Angeles, California, for one semester. The program includes an internship with a film industry company as well as networking events, screenings and site visits to Panavision, Universal Studios, the Academy Museum and more. This is a chance for students to take LA exclusive in-person courses at the ASU California Centers while staying on their path to graduation.

Study abroad provides students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the globe while developing unique skills that can help them stand out in the competitive field of film.

With more than 300 Global Education programs available to them, students have an opportunity to explore their creative side through an intercultural lens and acquire a breadth of knowledge in arts and culture uniquely different from their own. Not only do the programs encourage students to build communication skills, but they also challenge them, as artists, to think differently. Besides acquiring intercultural, communication and leadership skills, students have the chance to learn languages and expand their international network.

Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, Global Education programs challenge students to adapt and persevere, providing them with a chance to look inside themselves in a way they haven't done before, growing their self-confidence along the way.

Career opportunities

Graduates are equipped with the technical know-how and critical thinking skills to thrive in a quickly changing media industry and to pioneer new media careers that require advanced production skills and a strong creative voice.

Graduates who earn this degree are prepared to pursue a wide array of skilled professions, including:

  • cinematographer or director of photography
  • editor
  • film, television and documentary writer or director
  • producer
  • sound designer or sound recording engineer
  • visual effects artist

Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.


Career *Growth *Median salary
8.2%
$98,950
4.7%
$50,660
2.8%
$58,230
6.7%
$85,320
9.4%
$63,520
4.3%
$65,000
6.1%
$67,440
-1.2%
$60,670
8.2%
$82,530
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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