Introduction to the BFA Film & Television Program

The LIU Brooklyn BFA Film & Television is a comprehensive degree that helps students prepare for careers in the film and visual effects industries. The program takes a hands-on approach that enables students to become involved in production projects spanning multiple genres.

Program Overview

Starting in their first semester, students enrolled in the program will work with state-of-the-art equipment, hardware, and software, and be mentored by industry professionals. The BFA combines 36 credits in foundational and theory courses, providing students with a practical understanding of the history, technology, and aesthetics undergirding the film and visual effects industries.

Major Requirements

The major requirements for the BFA Film & Television program include:

• 36 credits in foundational and theory courses
• 12 credits of Filmmaking Studio (A, B, C, D)
• 21 credits of specialized electives to develop a particular area of skill in the areas of directing, cinematography, screenwriting, producing, editing, and/or visual effects
• At least one internship assignment at one of the many media companies, post-production companies, or sound stages in the NYC area
• A thesis project, developed in conjunction with a mentor/advisor, which will be exhibited as part of their thesis review in their final semester

Courses

The program offers a wide range of courses, including:

Foundation and Theory Courses

• FIL 101: Early Films: 1900 - 1950 - History
• FIL 202: American Film History II (1950present)
• FIL 205: Film Theory
• FIL 206: Film Production 1
• FIL 207: Film Production 2
• FIL 308: Advanced Motion Picture Production
• FIL 109: Screenwriting I
• FIL 212: Intro to Editing and Sound Acquisition
• FIL 214: Directing the Moving Image I
• FIL 215: Cinematography
• FIL 316: Intermediate Cinematography
• FIL 218: Production Management
• FIL 322: Independent Producing
• FIL 223: Documentary Workshop I
• FIL 225: Animation Comp Graphics & Visual Effects I
• FIL 228: Components of Visual Storytelling I

Filmmaking Studio Courses

• FIL 235: Filmmaking Studio A
• FIL 236: Filmmaking Studio B
• FIL 237: Filmmaking Studio C
• FIL 238: Filmmaking Studio D

Elective Courses

• FIL 203: Major Forces in Cinema
• FIL 304: Major Figures in Cinema
• FIL 310: Screenwriting II
• FIL 313: Intermediate Editing & Sound Post-Production
• FIL 313a: Advanced Motion Picture Editing
• FIL 317: Advanced Screenwriting
• FIL 324: Making a Documentary II
• FIL 326: Animation Comp Graphics & Visual Effects II
• FIL 327: Animation Comp Graphics & Visual Effects III
• FIL 429: Directing the Moving Image II
• FIL 330: Film Festivals, Markets, and Platforms
• FIL 350: Pitches, Treatments, Grants, and Funding
• FIL 351: The Business of Freelance

Typical Sequence

The typical sequence of courses for the BFA Film & Television program is:

Semester 1

• FIL 101: Early Films
• FIL 105: Film Theory
• FIL 106: Film Production I

Semester 2

• FIL 102: Films 1950 through The Present
• FIL 109: Writing the Screenplay
• FIL 107: Film Production II

Semester 3

• FIL 115: Cinematography
• FIL 125: Computer Graphics and Visual Effects I
• FIL 112: Editing and Sound Acquisition

Semester 4

• FIL 123: Digital Documentary I
• FIL 118: Production Management
• FIL 144: Film Concepts: Directing I

Semester 5

• FIL 128: Visual Components of Storytelling
• FIL 135: Filmmaking Studio A
• FIL 137: Filmmaking Studio C

Semester 6

• FIL 136: Filmmaking Studio B
• FIL 138: Filmmaking Studio D
• Electives

Semester 7

• FIL 187: Capstone
• FIL 199: Internship
• Electives

Semester 8

• FIL 188: Thesis
• Electives

Credit Requirements

The credit requirements for the BFA Film & Television program are:

• Foundation and Theory: 36 credits
• Filmmaking Studio A, B, C, D: 12 credits
• Specialization Electives: 21 credits
• Internship: 1 to 3 credits
• Capstone: 3 credits
• Thesis: 3 credits
• Total: 76-78 credits

Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

The program is designed to meet the following ILOs:

• ILO 1: Creative and Reflective Capacities
• ILO 2: Historical and Intercultural Awareness
• ILO 3: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning
• ILO 4: Oral and Written Communication
• ILO 5: Information and Technological Literacies
• ILO 6: Critical Inquiry and Analysis
• ILO 7: Ethical Reasoning and Civic Engagement

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Overview:

• Founded in 1926 as the Brooklyn Law School
• Expanded to become Long Island University in 1954
• Currently has 6 campuses across New York State
• Enrolls over 20,000 students
• Notable achievements:
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  • Recognized for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences
  • Home to the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of the largest pharmacy schools in the country

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Student Life:

Extracurricular Activities:

Over 200 student clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational groups

Clubs:

Examples include the Student Government Association, the Black Student Union, and the International Student Association

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• Student Support Services:

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• Campus Facilities:

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Academics:

• Academic Resources:

  • Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
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• Teaching Methodologies:

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• Academic Support Services:

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• Unique Academic Programs or Initiatives:

  • Honors College
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Top Reasons to Study Here:

Reputation:

Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report

Specialized Facilities:

State-of-the-art facilities for health sciences, business, and education

Industry Connections:

Partnerships with leading companies and organizations

Notable Alumni:

Includes politicians, business leaders, and entertainers, such as former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and actor Alec Baldwin

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Services:

Counseling:

Counseling and Psychological Services provides individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention

Health:

Health and Wellness Center offers medical care, vaccinations, and health education

Housing:

On-campus housing available at most campuses, including traditional dorms, apartments, and townhouses

Library Resources:

Over 1 million volumes in the university libraries, as well as access to online databases and research tools

Technology Support:

IT Help Desk provides technical assistance and support for students

Career Development:

Career Services offers resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance