SCHOOL OF MOTION PICTURE, TELEVISION, AND RECORDING ARTS
Dean: Frank Patterson
Established in 1989, the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts (the Film School) is one of only seven university-based film conservatories in the country. In the short time the Film School has been in operation, it has quickly become recognized nationwide as an outstanding film program, and offers both bachelor of fine arts and master of fine arts degrees to those admitted. Both programs provide state-of-the-art film equipment and studio facilities for production and postproduction. The two programs are served by a completely equipped production center. The Film School funds all student film and tape workshops and productions, including the graduate and undergraduate thesis films.
The expertise of the Film School's faculty reflects the direction and range the school will take in the future. Mr. Frank Patterson, Dean of the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts, has more than 20 years experience in the film and television industry as a writer, director, producer, editor, and consultant. He is joined by 13 faculty members, all of whom are specialists in the areas of writing, directing, cinematography, editing, sound recording, and production management.
Undergraduate Degree Program
The program of study leading to a bachelor of fine arts degree is designed to lead students through the complete process of creating short films, while incorporating a well-rounded liberal arts education that includes writing courses. Major courses include producing, directing, cinematography, screenwriting, sound recording, editing, production management, film history, film theory, and film aesthetics. It is a limited access major; therefore, admission is selective. Students may be accepted into the program at the freshman level or transfer in once seventy-five percent (75%) of the liberal studies requirements have been completed.
Complete 16mm film production and editing facilities, a multitrack recording studio with music-scoring capabilities, screening rooms, a duplication center with on-site engineering and management support, as well as a well-stocked video, laserdisc, and DVD library, aid in meeting the goals of the undergraduate programto educate students in film and to help them become integral members of the academic community of The Florida State University, as well as responsible members of the entertainment profession and participants in a creative and professional enterprise.
Graduate Degree Program
The program leading to a master of fine arts degree has set the following goals: to provide the creative and technical environment for professional specialization; to ground students in the history of each medium's theory and practice; and to prepare students for careers as artists, managers, producers, and craftspersons in the professional film and video production industries. Students work in production teams on narrative/dramatic films with each film being written, storyboarded, produced, directed, production designed, shot, recorded, and edited by graduate students. In addition, students are educated on the financial, legal, distribution, and exhibition aspects of the film business. The graduate program is designed and scheduled as a conservatory. It is meant to create a flexible and disciplined atmosphere where individuals can hone their talents, develop a body of work, and sharpen their capacities to work in teams.
Admission to the Undergraduate Program
Admission to the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts is limited access, making admission selective and competitive. Approximately 15 freshmen and 15 transfer students are admitted each year as film students. Applicants must make application to and meet the requirements of The Florida State University Office of Admissions, as well as submit a separate application to the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts. A student seeking to enter the program must offer an acceptable grade point average and be eligible for admission to The Florida State University. Each applicant must submit a 500-1000 word essay describing his or her background, artistic experiences, creative influences, personal objectives and future career goals, as well as a resume, two (2) letters of recommendation, transcripts from all high schools, colleges and universities attended, and SAT or ACT test scores. All application materials must be received by the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts by December 15th for the applicant to be considered for admission the following fall semester. Please refer to the "Academic Programs" chapter in this General Bulletin for further details on the application process. Applications are available online at http://filmschool.fsu.edu.
Admission to the Graduate Program
Admission to the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts Graduate Film Conservatory is also of limited access, with 24 students admitted each year. Prospective students must make application to and meet the requirements of The Florida State University Graduate Admissions Office and submit a separate application directly to the Graduate Film Conservatory. All applicants must submit a 500-1000 word essay describing their artistic work, creative influences, personal objectives, relevant background, career goals, as well as three (3) letters of recommendation, a professional resumé, GRE scores, and two (2) official transcripts from each college or university attended, even if the courses from one school appears on the transcripts of another. As an option, you may submit a sample of your best work, including writing samples, storyboards, photos, etc. All application materials must be received by the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts by December 15th for the applicant to be considered for admission the following fall semester. Applications are available online at http://filmschool.fsu.edu.
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 (name of insurer and policy number) 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.
|
