Film and Media Production (Directing) ,BFA
Cinematography, Digital Media, Documentary, Film, Film Editing, Film Production, Filmmaker, Media Production, Producing, Screenwriting, Television, Videography, directing
Learn to craft impactful works in film, television and emerging media. You'll create unique works in collaboration with your peers to master digital technologies and tell stories that reflect your distinct vision and voice.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Sidney Poitier New American Film School empowers you with the critical thinking skills to navigate new, complex and changing environments in the film industry. Programs nurture you as a part of 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.
The BFA program in film and media production takes you beyond theory and teaches you how to communicate a vision and manage resources to take a story from page to screen. It provides a deep dive into film production, and you can choose to complete the general degree program or pursue a concentration in cinematography, directing, post-production or screenwriting.
Directing concentration
The concentration program in directing instructs you in the creative and technical processes of directing, empowering you to realize your vision and translate scripts into compelling visual-narrative experiences. You hone your individual voice while gaining the leadership and management skills needed to lead collaborative and complex productions.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
- Math
intensity: General
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
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 higher 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.
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 identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Analyze a film including the script, its ability to visually tell a story and for its aesthetics supporting their analysis with diverse sources.
- Produce a media-based project following all of the production stages required for successful completion.
- Communicate their own vision using their knowledge of visual language, film and actor directing, set protocols and crew.
The Sidney Poitier New American Film School's Semester in Los Angeles program is an opportunity for upper-division students to live and study in Los Angeles 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 exclusive, in-person courses at the ASU California Center locations while staying on their path to graduation.
For those who wish to go further afield, study abroad provides students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the globe while developing distinct 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.
Graduates are equipped with the technical know-how and critical thinking skills to thrive in a continually 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
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
1.6%
|
$102,030
|
|
|
3.3%
|
$58,100
|
|
|
1.2%
|
$74,990
|
|
|
4.9%
|
$90,360
|
|
|
4.0%
|
$75,420
|
|
|
2.7%
|
$73,620
|
|
|
4.8%
|
$74,750
|
|
|
-1.7%
|
$73,130
|
|
|
4.9%
|
$90,360
|
|
|
8.7%
|
$82,890
|
The Sidney Poitier New American Film School
|
GHALL 232
filmadmissions@asu.edu
480-727-7132
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
