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Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Advisor Name:_______________________ Catalog/Bulletin: 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog Program: Film Production, B.A.
This is for planning purposes only, please check with your advisor with questions about your degree progress

Film Production, B.A.

The Film Production Major gives students a foundation in film history, aesthetics, and production. Students in the Film Production Major gain experience in all aspects of film/media production by working on individual projects and faculty-supervised, department-sponsored productions. Film Production Majors are prepared for careers as writers, producers, directors, cinematographers, editors, and other film professionals. BGSU graduates have started their own production companies, have been accepted into prestigious MFA programs and competitive professional programs, and have worked in various positions within the film industry.

Film Production Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Film Production are expected to:

  • Critically evaluate film as an aesthetic form and cultural text.
  • Evaluate the social, economic, and technological factors that shape films from different historical periods, gender and ethnic perspectives, domestic and international cultural contexts.
  • Make aesthetic judgment through interpretation and critical thinking about fiction and nonfiction film, experimental and mainstream cinema, feature and short film narratives.
  • Demonstrate a sense of professionalism through creative and intellectual independence. 
  • Collaborate on specific film/video productions as a writer, producer, director, cinematographer, gaffer, editor, sound mixer, or other member of the production team.

Film Production Majors meet with Faculty Mentors in the Department of Theatre and Film to:

  • Select electives;
  • Choose a minor that best contributes to their program of study;
  • Determine protocols for internship or studio experience;
  • Develop the skills, network, and portfolio to successfully pursue your career after graduation.

Distance Learning

Selected film courses are offered in a Distant Learning format. These courses can be used to satisfy requirements in the Film Minor, the Film Production Major, and the Film Studies Major. Some courses satisfy requirements in the Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree or group requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences.

UFO/BG Reel

The collaborative student organizations UFO (University Film Organization) and BG Reel are a remarkable resource for anyone interested in making films or participating in film culture. The groups sponsor several 48 Hour Film competitions throughout the year. They also host the BGSU Film and Media Festival held at the end of every spring semester. The Film and Media Festival features workshops with film professionals and screenings of student films from BGSU and the region.

Study Abroad Program

Film Production, Film Studies, and Theatre Majors may apply to participate in the BGSU and University of Wales student exchange program. If accepted into the program, students spend a semester studying film and/or theatre in the respected Department of Theatre, Film, and Television at Aberystwyth University.

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements

Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

   English Composition and Oral Communication
   _____________________________    ________

   Quantitative Literacy
   _____________________________    ________

Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

   Humanities and the Arts
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________    

   Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                      

   Social and Behavioral Sciences
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                        

Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                    

University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US    ____________
International Perspective       ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120                             

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36                      

Arts & Sciences Requirements (WLC)

World Languages and Cultures (_____ yrs of HS_______) 

Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas. 
​   ________1010_________________    ________ 
​   ________1020_________________    ________ 
​   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 

Lab Science  

   _____________________________    ________ 

Multidisciplinary Component

Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.   
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________  

Major Requirements

Film Foundations (9 Hours)

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
THFM 1610 - Introduction to Film
THFM 1710 - Applied Aesthetics for the Moving Image
THFM 1910 - Script Analysis

Perspectives on the Field (9 Hours)

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
THFM 2620 - History of Film
THFM 3650 - Independent Filmmakers
THFM 3810 - Film and Society

High Impact Development (7 Hours)

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
THFM 2720 - Mid-Major Portfolio Development

 

THFM 4880 - Theatre and Film Studio Experiences

or

THFM 4890 - Theatre and Film Internships

 

THFM 4920 - Senior Portfolio Review

 

Film Production Electives (15 Hours)

   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________  
   _____________________________    ________  

Students must have at least 15 hours of electives; when a 2 hour course is among the electives, a second 2 hour course must be taken to complete the electives.

Choose Any of the Following for a Total of 15 Credit Hours.

A. Writing, Directing, and Producing

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
THFM 2410 - Acting: Principles
THFM 3410 - Directing
  • THFM 3420 - Advanced Directing
    • THFM 3930 - Film: From Concept to Distribution
    THFM 4420 - Screenwriting
    THFM 4440 - Acting and Directing for the Camera

    B. Cinematography and Editing

    Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
    THFM 1490 - Basic Stage Lighting and Sound
    THFM 2550 - Cinematography
    THFM 2560 - Editing - Image and Sound
    THFM 3550 - Short Narrative Production
    THFM 3800 - Lighting for Film and Digital
    THFM 4560 - Advanced Post Production
    THFM 4630 - Lighting Design

    C. Capstone Development

    Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
    THFM 3950 - Workshop on Current Topics
    THFM 4720 - Advanced Production Practicum
    THFM 4730 - Preproduction for Capstone Projects
    THFM 4840 - Film and Digital Production
    THFM 4880 - Theatre and Film Studio Experiences
    THFM 4890 - Theatre and Film Internships
    THFM 4900 - Problems in Theatre and Film

    Each semester some but not all electives will be offered. Course offerings are subject to departments’ schedules.

    Total Hours: 40

    Minor Requirements

    Film majors are required to have a minor. Students meet with advisors in the Department of Theatre and Film to select a minor.

    (1 of the Following)

    1. Minor in another program or department (see catalog or see Faculty Mentor or College Advisor)
    2. Individualized Planned Minor, developed in consultation with a Faculty Mentor. 

    Minor

       _____________________________    ________ 
       _____________________________    ________ 
       _____________________________    ________ 
       _____________________________    ________  
       _____________________________    ________ 
       _____________________________    ________ 
       _____________________________    ________ 
       _____________________________    ________  

    For Graduation You Will Need:

    1. 122 credit hours minimum.
    2. Minimum GPA 2.00.
    3. At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
    4. 40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
    5. Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
    6. A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.

    Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor program must originate in the department/school offering the major or minor and must be approved by the College Office.

    To ensure a timely graduation, see a College Advisor during the semester prior to your intended graduation.

    Remember to complete an Application for Graduation by the end of the second week of classes during the fall semester or spring regular session, or by the end of the first week of the summer semester. For the specific dates, check your DARS. You may log onto MyBGSU to complete the online application. After the deadlines, you will need to complete an application in person in the College Office.

    Notes:





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