Program Overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and Media Production (Directing) from The Sidney Poitier New American Film School empowers students with critical thinking skills to navigate new, complex, and changing environments in the film industry. The program nurtures 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.

Program Description

The BFA program in film and media production takes aspiring filmmakers beyond theory and teaches them 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 students can choose to complete the general degree or pursue a concentration in cinematography, directing, post-production, or screenwriting.

Directing Concentration

The concentration program in directing focuses on guiding students through the creative and technical processes of directing. Students learn to realize their vision and translate written scripts into visually compelling pieces, honing their unique voices while gaining skills to lead collaborative, innovative productions.

At a Glance

• 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

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Film and Media Production (Directing) program can be viewed in the university's course catalog.

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.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about 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.

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.

Global Opportunities

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.

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 Data

• Animator: 1.6% growth, $99,800 median salary
• Audio-Visual Technician: 3.3% growth, $54,830 median salary
• Camera Operator: 1.2% growth, $68,810 median salary
• Executive Producer: 4.9% growth, $83,480 median salary
• Film Editor: 4.0% growth, $70,980 median salary
• Production Assistant: 2.7% growth, $71,770 median salary
• Public Relations Specialist: 4.8% growth, $69,780 median salary
• Sound Recording Engineer: -1.7% growth, $66,430 median salary
• TV Program Director: 4.9% growth, $83,480 median salary
• Talent Agent: 8.7% growth, $96,310 median salary