MOTION PICTURE, TELEVISION, AND RECORDING ARTS

SCHOOL OF MOTION PICTURE, TELEVISION, AND RECORDING ARTS


Dean: Raymond Fielding; Professor: Stowell; Associate Professor: Richard; Filmmakers in Residence: Boyd, Chase, Cohen, Kaleko, Kiefer, Leonard, Patterson, Pilger, Portman, Stevens; Screenwriters in Residence: Johnson, Long; Courtesy Appointments: Hoffman, LaFrance

The Florida State University School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts (the Film School) offers a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) and master of fine arts (MFA). The BFA combines schooling in filmmaking with solid grounding in liberal studies. The curriculum directs students through the program in such a way that they will begin learning the special language of film by making short 16mm silent films, progress to 16mm double system sound films, and culminate with a senior project film. The Film School funds all student production expenses, including those of the thesis films. Screenwriting, production, and film analysis are viewed as part of an integrated process. The goal of the program is to produce educated, literate, creative filmmakers; the focus of the program is on fictional narrative films. Undergraduate students in the BFA program will receive a well-rounded liberal arts education which includes writing courses. The major courses include screenwriting and storyboarding, directing, editing, camera and lighting, sound, production management, film history, theory, and aesthetics. Consult the Graduate Bulletin for information regarding the MFA program.
The purpose of these curricula is to furnish the conceptual framework, the professional training, and the working environment for eventual participation in a profession that is a powerful influence in our culture. The goals of the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts are to fully educate students and to help them become integral members of the academic community of The Florida State University, responsible members of the entertainment profession, and participants in a creative and artistic process.
The program in motion picture, television, and recording arts is still in its formative stages, and as such is under constant review and subject to change. For current information contact Dr. Peter Stowell, Director of the Undergraduate Film School.


State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites

The State of Florida has identified common course prerequisites for this University degree program. These prerequisites are lower-level courses that are required for preparation for the University major prior to a student receiving a baccalaureate degree from The Florida State University. They may be taken either at a community college or in a university lower-division program. It is preferred that these common course prerequisites be completed in the freshman and sophomore years.
The following lists the common course prerequisites or approved substitutions necessary for this degree program:
1) FIL X401 History of Motion Picture I or FIL X400 History of Motion Picture or FIL X400 History of Film or FIL X400 History of Film I or FIL X400 Film: History and Aesthetics;
2) FIL X203 Motion Picture and Television Production I or FIL X200 Introduction to Film Production or FIL X200 Film Production I or FIL X200 Film Production or FIL X200C Film I;
3) FIL X100 Film and Television Writing or FIL X100 Film & Television Writing or FIL X100 Writing for Film & Television or FIL X100 Motion Picture Writing I;
4) FIL X212 Motion Picture and Television Production or FIL X250 Post-Production Workshop or FIL X250 Film Editing and Post-Production Workshop.


Requirements for a Major in Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts

This major emphasizes three areas: production skills, screenwriting, and interpretative analysis. Traditional classes will be supplemented with 1) problem-solving seminars simulating entertainment business dilemmas; 2) laboratory courses in production techniques; 3) screenings conducted by active professionals in which their contributions are analyzed; and 4) workshops by professional filmmakers.
The degree will require completion of a minimum of one hundred twenty (120) semester hours. This should take approximately ten (10) semesters, including three summer sessions, for students entering the program as freshmen.
Selected students will be invited to participate for one semester in the overseas study center in London, administered by The Florida State University.

Admission

This is a limited access program, therefore admission is selective and competitive. Approximately fifteen (15) freshmen and fifteen (15) transfer students are admitted each year as apprentice film students. For freshmen, the apprenticeship will last two years; for transfer students, the apprenticeship will last one year. A student seeking to enter the program must offer an acceptable grade point average (GPA) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores or American College Testing Program (ACT) scores. Applications must be made to The Florida State University Office of Admissions, as well as special application to The School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts (available from the office of the Film School). All applicants must submit a 500 to 1,000 word essay describing their background, artistic experiences, creative influences, personal objectives, and future career goals. Deadline for application to the undergraduate program is February 1 for students seeking admission in the fall semester.

Grade Requirements

BFA students must maintain a "B" average in all major requirements.

Invitation into the Major

At the end of the apprenticeship period, faculty will invite into the major those apprentices felt most suited for the Film School mission.

Retention

Continuation as an apprentice or as a major in the Film School will depend on the development of each student's talents, skills, professional discipline, and academic record. A student's work and commitment are under continuous review, and any candidate who fails to maintain high standards will be dismissed from the program.

Probation and/or Dismissal

All apprentices and majors will adhere to the University Academic Honor System, Student Conduct Code, and Summons to Responsible Freedom.
At the end of each semester, the faculty and director will meet to discuss the work, behavior, grades and progress of some apprentices and majors. Certain students will be notified of probation or dismissal by a letter stating their status, with an invitation to meet with the director. A student may be placed on probation or dismissal under the following circumstances:
1) Cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 in all major requirements - one semester probation. Student will be reinstated in good standing if the cumulative major GPA rises to 3.0 by the end of the following semester. Failure to raise the GPA will result in dismissal from the program. Attendance will be taken in all classes at the beginning of class. Anyone not in class at that time will be considered absent; anyone leaving class early may also be counted as absent. Two undocumented absences per class are permitted for all students. Approval of other absences is up to the instructor and will require documentation to confirm the legitimacy of the absence;
2) Professional behavior is expected of apprentices and majors at all times. Therefore, behavior so negative, disruptive or destructive as to compromise the work of fellow students or the effectiveness of the faculty and/or inability to work positively in a collaborative environment shall constitute grounds for probation or dismissal. Peer evaluations will be considered in this evaluation process. One semester probation. A student will be reinstated in good standing if in the judgment of the faculty and the director behavioral problems have been corrected. A student's failure to correct problems will result in dismissal from the program;
3) Any unauthorized use or possession, or willful destruction of Film School equipment, facilities, film stock or finished film will result in immediate notification of the proper authorities. The outcome of their decisions will determine the actions of the Film School with respect to the student(s) involved.


Liberal Studies Program

All undergraduates majoring in film are required to meet The Florida State University liberal studies requirements as specified in the Undergraduate Degree Requirements section of this General Bulletin. It is recommended students register for CHM 1020 Chemistry for liberal studies and PHY 1020 Fundamentals of Physics as electives or to fulfill the requirement in the natural science area of liberal studies. These courses benefit the student in preparation for sound and lighting courses.


Transfer Students

Fifteen (15) transfer students will be accepted into the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts. Applications must be made to The Florida State University Office of Admissions, as well as special application to the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts (available from the office of the Film School). All applicants with an acceptable GPA must submit a 500 to 1,000 word essay describing their background, artistic experiences, creative influences, personal objectives, and future career goals. All application materials must be received by the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts by February 1 for the applicant to be considered for admission the following fall semester. Transfer students must satisfy the same major requirements as students who take all of their course work in the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts.


Health Insurance

Students seeking degrees in certain majors, including film, assume any exposure to the particular hazards associated with that major. As protection for our students, the Film School requires that majors present proof of health and accident insurance (copy of policy showing the student as covered) prior to registration in the fall semester each year. Students are expected to maintain this insurance throughout their enrollment in the Film School. Registration will be administratively canceled at the end of the second week of classes for any students failing to provide proof of insurance.


FILM STUDIES MINOR IN THE SCHOOL OF MOTION PICTURE, TELEVISION, AND RECORDING ARTS


Director: Peter Stowell, Film School
The film studies minor will give students the opportunity to select a program of study that examines the many facets of American and international films. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to experience different approaches to film study: film and cultural differences, basic film vocabulary, film history, film and social forces, film genres, film study theories, film directors, and film aesthetics.

Requirements for a Minor in Film Studies

The interdisciplinary minor requires the completion of fifteen (15) semester hours in courses approved for film studies. All students are required to take either FIL 2001 Introduction to Motion Picture and Television Appreciation or FIL 2000 Elements of Film. The remaining hours may be selected from the film studies' offerings. For assistance in advisement, contact Meryl Warren, A3103 University Center.

Core Courses (One Required of all Minors)

FIL 2000 Elements of Film (3)
FIL 2001 Introduction to Motion Picture and Television Appreciation (3)


Other Film Studies Courses

ENG 3110 Film Genres (3)
ENG 3112 Film Theory and Criticism (3)
FIL 3100 Film and Television Writing (3)
FIL 3401 History of the Motion Picture I: 1895-1945 (3)
FIL 3402 History of the Motion Picture II: 1946 to the Present (3)
FIL 3503 Contemporary Cinema (3)
FIL 4501 Motion Picture and Television Theory and Criticism (3)
FIL 4502r Motion Picture and Television Styles (3)
FRW 3391r French Cinema (3)
GEW 3391r German Cinema (3)
HUM 3251 Humanities: Film and the 20th Century (3)
HUM 3321 Multicultural Dimensions of Film and 20th Century Culture (3)
ITW 3391r Italian Cinema (3)
RTV 3200 Media Techniques (3)
SPW 3391r Hispanic Cinema (3)


Definition of Prefix

FIL - Film


Undergraduate Courses


FIL 2001. Introduction to Motion Picture and Television Appreciation (3). Introduction to the basic terminology, techniques, and contributors of filmmaking and critical analysis skills of film form and content.

FIL 2203. Motion Picture and Television Production I: Basic Technology and Techniques (3). Prerequisites: FIL 2001, 3401. Provides a basic understanding of film production technology, equipment operation, terminology, and techniques.

FIL 3102. Screenwriting and Storyboarding I: Basic Techniques (3). Prerequisite: FIL 2001. Introduction to the basic techniques of screenwriting and storyboarding. Exercises in story structure, dialogue, and character development. Introduction to screenwriting and storyboarding computer software. This course will satisfy up to 7,000 words of writing requirements for FAC 6A-10.030.

FIL 3276r.Advanced Filmmaking (3-9). Prerequisite: Admission to BFA program. Advanced principles and practice of making a short, sync-sound, 16 mm film. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) credit hours.

FIL 3401. History of the Motion Picture I: 1895-1945 (3). An overview of film as an industry, mass medium, and art form from its technological inception and early uses as entertainment through the silent era to the heyday of Hollywood studios.

FIL 3402. History of the Motion Picture II: 1946 to the Present (3). An overview of the contemporary cinema from the advent of television through the collapse of the studios and the rise of independents to the current era of theatrical, television, cable, and video markets.

FIL 3932r. Special Topics (3-12). Prerequisite: Admission to BFA program. An analysis of specialized topics in motion pictures. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours. May be repeated during the same semester.

FIL 4103. Screenwriting II: Advanced Techniques (3). Prerequisite: Admission to BFA program. Development of sophisticated story ideas, treatments, character biographies, storyboards, step-outlines, first drafts, and revisions of both original ideas and adaptations. This course will satisfy up to 7,000 words of writing requirements for FAC 6A-10.030.

FIL 4150. Screenwriting III: Thesis Scripts (3). Prerequisite: Admission to BFA program. Development of sophisticated story ideas, treatments, character biographies, storyboards, step-outlines, first drafts, and revisions of both original ideas and adaptations. This course will satisfy up to 7,000 words of writing requirements for FAC 6A-10.030.

FIL 4204. Motion Picture and Television Production II: Camera and Lighting (3). Prerequisite: FIL 2203. A thorough study of the principles and practices of cinematography, videography, and studio field lighting instruments and techniques.

FIL 4211. Motion Picture and Television Production III: Synchronous and Nonsynchronous Sound (3). Prerequisite: FIL 4204. A thorough study of the film and video synchronous and nonsynchronous sound recording in both field and studio production settings.

FIL 4212. Motion Picture and Television Production IV: Editing (3). Prerequisite: FIL 4211. In-depth study of the film- and video-editing and postproduction processes.

FIL 4213. Motion Picture and Television Production V: Directing for the Camera (3). Prerequisite: FIL 4212; Corequisite: FIL 4600. Study of the basic principles of directing for motion picture and television.

FIL 4300r.Documentary Filmmaking (3-6). Prerequisite: Admission to BFA program. View and discuss documentary films from various eras, countries, and points of view as a means of understanding personal aesthetic as a documentary filmmaker. Students plan, script, budget, shoot, edit, and mix short documentary. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.

FIL 4501. Motion Picture and Television Theory and Criticism (3). Prerequisite: FIL 2001. Foundational development of a theoretical analysis of film which attempts to answer three basic questions about critical analysis: 1) What is film? 2) How do we perceive film ? 3) How is an aesthetic developed?

FIL 4502r. Motion Picture and Television Styles (3). Prerequisite: FIL 2001. Study of film styles with emphasis on filmmakers, genres, national movements, and other topics of interest. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours, as topics vary.

FIL 4603. Motion Picture and Television Financing and Distribution (3). Prerequisite: FIL 2001. Background in the sources of financial support of motion picture and television production, the distribution area of the entertainment business, and the financial contracts and agreements between film distributors and producers and between distributors and exhibitors.

FIL 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1-3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Junior standing. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.

FIL 4910r. Application of Research and Creative Methods (1-3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Junior standing. Participation in a faculty or graduate student research and/or creative project. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.

FIL 4920r. Professional Seminar in Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts (0). (S/U grade only.) Consultation with industry representatives on the latest developments in the motion picture and television industries. May be repeated to a maximum of three (3) times.

FIL 4940r. Application of Instruction Methods(1-3). (S/U grade only.) Participation in the instructional process under the strict supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.

FIL 4945r. Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts Professional Internship (3-12). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Junior standing. Apprenticeship experience with a company involved in film/video production, distribution, or exhibition. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

FIL 4962r. Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts BFA Qualifying Exam (0). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Junior standing. Evaluation of the student's progress to determine recommendation for continuance in the motion picture, television, and recording arts program.

FIL 4970r. Defense of BFA Project (0). (S/U grade only.) Corequisite: FIL 4214. Presentation of senior thesis film to the faculty and student body for review and approval.

FIL 4971.BFA Thesis Film I: Beginning Production (3-6). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Admission to BFA program. Study of principles and responsibilities of grips, gaffers, assistant directors, assistant camerapersons, and production managers, and performance of these responsibilities on the set of a BFA thesis film.

FIL 4972.BFA Thesis Film II: Preproduction Planning (3-6). Prerequisite: Admission to BFA program. Study and performance of all facets of the preproduction process for BFA thesis films.

FIL 4973.BFA Thesis Film III: Advanced Production (3-15). Prerequisite: Admission to BFA program. Study and practice of all the creative aspects of on-set production for BFA thesis films.

FIL 4974.BFA Thesis Film IV: Postproduction (3-6). Prerequisite: Admission to BFA program. Study and practice of all postproduction elements associated with the BFA thesis film.

FIL 4975r.Undergraduate Honors Thesis (3-12). Prerequisite: Admission to undergraduate film school honors program. Student must complete a minimum of six (6) semester hours; may be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.


Graduate Courses

FIL 5005. Introduction to the Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts Industry (6).

FIL 5155. Screenwriting I: Techniques and Treatments (3).

FIL 5156. Screenwriting II: Narrative Techniques (3).

FIL 5157. Screenwriting III: Comedy Workshop (3).

FIL 5158. Screenwriting IV: Television Workshop (3).

FIL 5159. Screenwriting V: Motion Picture Workshop (3).

FIL 5209r. Basic Film Production (3-6).

FIL 5215. Producing I (3).

FIL 5216. Producing II (3).

FIL 5217r. Principles and Practice of Technical and Creative Support (3).

FIL 5218r. Basic Video Production (3-6).

FIL 5219. Practicum in Technical Support (3).

FIL 5256. Synchronous and Nonsynchronous Sound Workshop (3).

FIL 5257r. Editing and Postproduction Workshop (3-6).

FIL 5258. Production Design Workshop (3).

FIL 5259. Postproduction Sound Workshop (3).

FIL 5265r. Directing: Single-Camera Techniques (3-6).

FIL 5266r. Directing: Multicamera Workshop (3-9).

FIL 5267r. Directing: Single-Camera Workshop (3-9).

FIL 5268. Directing (3).

FIL 5278r. Camera and Light Mechanics (3-6).

FIL 5279. Lighting Workshop (3).

FIL 5285. Intermediate Television Editing (3).

FIL 5286. Advanced Television Editing (3).

FIL 5295. Acting for the Camera (3).

FIL 5415. History and Criticism I (3).

FIL 5416. History and Criticism II (3).

FIL 5505r. Critical Studies in Film and Television (3).

FIL 5506. Critical Methods in Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts (3).

FIL 5508. Critical Methods of Film Analysis (3).

FIL 5509. Aesthetics of Editing (3).

FIL 5605r. Production Management Workshop (3-6).

FIL 5606. Distribution and Financing Workshop (3).

FIL 5615r. Advanced Workshop in Area of Specialization (3).

FIL 5616r. Preproduction and Production Planning (3-12).

FIL 5617. Advanced Editing (3).

FIL 5906r. Directed Individual Study (3-12). (S/U grade only.)

FIL 5912r. Supervised Research or Creative Activity (3). (S/U grade only.)

FIL 5921r. Colloquium in Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts (3).

FIL 5930r. Proseminar in Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts (1). (S/U grade only.)

FIL 5931r. Special Topics in Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts (3-12).

FIL 5941r. Supervised Teaching (3). (S/U grade only.)

FIL 5955r. Apprenticeship (3-12). (S/U grade only.)

FIL 5962r. MFA Qualifying Project (3-15).

FIL 5964. MFA Qualifying Exam (0). (S/U grade only.)

FIL 5975r. Thesis (3-12). (S/U grade only.)

FIL 5977r. MFA Thesis Production (3-15). (S/U grade only.)

For listings relating to graduate course work for thesis, dissertation, and master's and doctoral examinations and defense, consult the Graduate Bulletin.


MOTOR BEHAVIOR:see Nutrition, Food, and Movement Sciences

MOVEMENT SCIENCE:see Nutrition, Food, and Movement Sciences

MULTILINGUAL/MULTICULTURALEDUCATION:see Curriculum and Instruction