All undergraduates at Florida State University must demonstrate basic computer skills competency prior to graduation. As necessary computer competency skills vary from discipline to discipline, each major determines the courses needed to satisfy this requirement. Undergraduate majors in motion picture, television, and recording arts satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C–" or higher in CGS 2060, CGS 2064, or CGS 2100.

The State of Florida has identified common program prerequisites for this University degree program. Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites, but may not be admitted into the program.

At the time this document was published, some common program prerequisites were undergoing revision. Please visit http://facts23.facts.org/navigation/detail_ext/cpp_intro.do?pageId=060304 for a current list of state-approved prerequisites.

The following lists the common program prerequisites or their substitutions necessary for admission into this upper-division degree program:

Motion Picture and TV Technology

1. FIL X401 or FIL X400
2. FIL X100 or any general screen or script-writing course

This major emphasizes three areas: production skills, screenwriting, and interpretative analysis. Traditional classes in these areas will be supplemented with: (1) problem-solving seminars simulating entertainment business dilemmas; (2) laboratory courses in production techniques; and (3) screenings and workshops conducted by active film professionals.

The degree will require completion of a minimum of one hundred twenty semester hours. For a sample listing of the required curriculum plan, please refer to http://film.fsu.edu.

To fulfill the requirements of the Film Production program in the College of Motion Picture, Television & Recording Arts, a student must:

• Possess sufficient mobility, strength, and dexterity in both hands and legs to lift, carry, and operate filmmaking equipment;
• Possess sufficient visual capacity to perform the functions of a film crew member without the assistance of visual aids other than contact lenses or eyeglasses;
• Possess sufficient aural capacity to hear and understand spoken instructions without assistance other than a hearing aid;
• Be able to comprehend oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures related to the Film School, filmmaking protocols, and the operation of filmmaking equipment;
• Possess the ability to adequately communicate orally, in English, with others.

Admission

This is a limited access program; therefore, admission is highly selective and highly competitive. Approximately 30 freshmen and transfer applicants are admitted each Fall as film majors. A student seeking to enter the program must offer an acceptable grade point average (GPA), usually above 3.0, and be eligible for admission to FSU. Freshmen majors will not enroll in film major classes prior to their sophomore year in order to concentrate full-time on fulfilling liberal studies requirements. Freshmen may need to enroll in Summer courses in order to complete the required twenty-seven semester hours of the liberal studies prior to continuing in the Fall as a sophomore. Admission into the film major as a transfer student requires that twenty-seven semester hours of the liberal studies requirements be completed prior to Fall admission.

A separate application must be submitted directly to the College of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts in addition to the application for admission to the Florida State University Office of Admissions.

All applications to the Film School must include a 500–1,000 word essay describing the applicant's background, artistic experiences, creative influences, personal objectives, and future career goals, as well as a résumé, two letters of recommendation, transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities attended, and SAT (usually a minimum of 1200) or ACT (usually a minimum of 25) test scores. Any application that does not contain all of these items will be treated as incomplete, and admission will be denied automatically.

Applicants are not permitted to submit portfolio items such as VHS tapes, DVDs, writing samples, photos, etc.

The deadline for submitting an application to the undergraduate program is December 1st for students seeking admission in the Fall semester. Film School applications are available online at http://film.fsu.edu.

Grade Requirements

Film majors must maintain a "B" average in all major requirements.

Retention

All students must meet the University's minimum retention standards, as well as the Film School's professional Code of Conduct. In addition, continuation 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

Film 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 the majors. At that time, students may be notified of probation or dismissal by a letter stating their status, with an invitation to meet with the Associate Dean. In addition, a student may be placed on probation or dismissed at any time under the following circumstances:

1. Cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 in all major requirements resulting in a one-semester probation. Students 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.
2. 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. Approval of absences is up to the instructor and will require documentation to confirm the legitimacy of the absence.
3. Professional behavior is expected of film 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 immediate dismissal without any prior period of probation. Peer evaluations may be considered in this evaluation process. A student on probation 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.
4. Any unauthorized use, possession, or willful destruction of Film School equipment, facilities, film stock, or finished film will result in immediate notification to the proper authorities. The outcome of their decisions will determine the actions of the Film School with respect to the student(s) involved.

All undergraduates majoring in film are required to meet Florida State University's liberal studies requirements as specified in the "Undergraduate Degree Requirements" chapter of this General Bulletin. Film majors are also required to register for FIL 2001 Introduction to Film, (liberal studies fine arts credit) for Fall semester, and PHY 1075C Fundamentals of Physics, (liberal studies natural science credit) for Spring semester.

Approximately five transfer students will be accepted into the College of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts for admission each Fall semester, and they are required to have completed twenty-seven semester hours of the liberal studies requirements prior to the Fall semester. Applications must be submitted separately to both the College of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts and the Florida State University Office of Admissions. Applications are available online at http://film.fsu.edu. All applicants with an acceptable GPA (usually above 3.0) must submit a 500–1,000 word essay describing their background, artistic experiences, creative influences, personal objectives, and future career goals, as well as a résumé, two letters of recommendation, transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities attended, and SAT (usually a minimum of 1200) or ACT (usually a minimum of 25) test scores. Any application that does not contain all of these items will be considered incomplete, and admission will be denied automatically. All application materials must be received by the College of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts by December 1st for the applicant to be considered for admission the following Fall semester. Applicants are not permitted to submit portfolio items such as VHS tapes, DVD's, writing samples, photos, etc. Transfer students must satisfy the same major requirements and curriculum as students who take all of their course work in the College of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts.

The undergraduate Film School offers a program in honors in the major to encourage talented seniors to write a feature-length screenplay or undertake independent and original research as part of the bachelor of fine arts degree. For requirements and other information, see the "University Honors Office and Honor Societies" chapter of this General Bulletin.

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 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.

The film studies minor will give students the opportunity to select a program of study that examines the many facets of American and international cinema. 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 theories, film directors, and film aesthetics. No production classes are offered in the film studies minor.

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 Film, FIL 2030 Film History, or FIL 2000 Elements of Film. The remaining hours may be selected from the film studies offerings. Courses counted toward the film studies minor cannot be counted toward the major.

For additional information on a film minor, please e-mail Marie Behm, academic adviser, at mbehm@film.fsu.edu.

Core Courses (One Required of all Minors)

FIL 2000 Elements of Film (3)

FIL 2001 Introduction to Film (3)

FIL 2030 History of Motion Pictures (3)

Other Film Studies Courses

ANT 4930 Special Topics in Anthropology: Anthropology through Film (3)

CHT 3391 Chinese Cinema and Culture (3)

ENG 3110 Film Genres (3)

ENG 4115 Film Theory (3)

FRT 3520r French Cinema (3)

GET 3524r German Cinema (3)

HUM 3321 Multicultural Dimensions of Film and 20th-Century Culture (3)

ITT 3523r Italian Cinema (3)

JPT 3391 Japanese Film and Culture (3)

MEL 7110 Bioethics on Film (2–12)

PRT 3391 Brazilian Literature and Film in Translation (3)

RTV 3001 Media Techniques (3)

RTV 3101 Writing for the Electronic Media (3)

RTV 3104 Narrative Writing for Television and Film (3)

RUT 3523r Russian Cinema (3)

SPW 3391r Hispanic Cinema (3)

FIL—Film

FIL 2001. Introduction to Film (3). Introduction to the basic terminology, techniques, and contributions of filmmaking and critical analysis skills to film/video form and content.

FIL 2030. History of Motion Pictures (3). Overview of international film as an industry, mass medium, and art form.

FIL 2110. Screenwriting I (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Introduction to the basic techniques of screenwriting and storyboarding. Exercises in story structure, dialogue, and character development. Introduction to screenwriting and storyboarding computer software.

FIL 2423. Filmmaking I (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Provides a basic understanding of film production technology, equipment operation, terminology, and techniques.

FIL 2533. Film Sound (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Teaches the principles of sound and the basic practices involved in creating a motion picture sound track. Also covers the aesthetic use of sound in motion pictures.

FIL 2552. Film Editing (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Analyzes, discusses, and puts into practice the skills and techniques required to edit a narrative motion picture.

FIL 3132.  Screenwriting II (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Development of sophisticated story ideas, treatments, character biographies, storyboards, step-outlines, first drafts, and revisions of both original ideas and adaptations.

FIL 3363r. Documentary Filmmaking (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. 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 documentaries. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.

FIL 3433. Filmmaking II (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Provides understanding of objective oriented acting techniques and develops effective methods for working with actors in rehearsal and on set. Requires directing a short film project.

FIL 3516. Film Camera and Lighting (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Provides a theoretical and practical knowledge of all aspects of cinematography: cameras and lenses, film stocks, exposure, lights, lighting, and composition.

FIL 3803. The Contemporary Cinema: Theory and Practice (3). Review and analysis of post-1950 motion pictures with emphasis on technique and industrial evolutions.

FIL 3833r. Film Styles (3–6). Prerequisite: Major status. Analyzes motion picture form and content through the styles of selected filmmakers with emphasis on genres, national movements, and other topics of interest. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.

FIL 3922r. Film Genres and Filmmakers (1). Prerequisite: Major status. Provides students the opportunity to view historical and current films followed by discussions in an academic forum.

FIL 3932r. Special Topics (3–12). Prerequisite: Major status. 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 3963. BFA Qualifying Exam (0). Prerequisite: Major status. Evaluates the progress of the student and recommends continuance in the Film School or directs the student toward other areas of study.

FIL 3971r. Thesis Film Support (2–12). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Major status. Principles and responsibilities of grips, gaffers, assistant directors, assistant camerapersons, and production managers, as well as the performance of these responsibilities on the set of BFA thesis films. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

FIL 4135. Screenwriting III (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Development of thesis script story ideas, treatments, character biographies, storyboards, step-outline, first drafts, and revisions of both original ideas and adaptations.

FIL 4160. Feature Screenwriting (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Teaches aspects of feature screenwriting format, pitching ideas, creating and developing character, story, and dialogue.

FIL 4164. Feature Screenwriting: Development (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Teaches the various techniques of scene breakdown, setting up, sequencing, character development, and dialogue development. Also teaches rewriting techniques to strengthen first drafts.

FIL 4434r. Advanced Filmmaking (3–9). Prerequisite: Major status. Advanced principles and practice of making a short, sync-sound, 16 mm film. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

FIL 4474. Production: Advanced Cinematography (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Introduces advanced lighting techniques and allows hands-on exercises emphasizing the creative use of lighting for mood and storytelling.

FIL 4539. Production: Advanced Sound (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Course provides students with a thorough understanding of digital sound recording, sound mixing, and various stages of sound post-production as it applies to 16mm filmmaking.

FIL 4567. Production: Advanced Editing (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Offers advanced study in film editing techniques and styles.

FIL 4602. Film Business Planning (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Exposes students to current business trends and issues in the film industry; introduces case studies that examine all business aspects surrounding a feature film; introduces current readings on the film industry.

FIL 4613. Film Exhibition and Advertising (3). Prerequisite: Major status. To provide background in the marketing, advertising, and exhibition of film to audiences.

FIL 4653. Film Law (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Provides a working knowledge of the specialized concepts and vocabulary pertaining to entertainment-related forms of intellectual property and the contractual relationships necessary to finance, create, and license various forms of entertainment.

FIL 4654.  Film Producing and Finance (3). Prerequisite: Major status. An introduction to the techniques necessary to create a responsible business approach for the production of motion pictures and to create a greater individual awareness of the motion picture producer as a career opportunity.

FIL 4872. Film Aesthetics (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Analysis of film with regard to three basic questions: 1) What is film? 2) How do we perceive film? 3) How is an aesthetic developed?

FIL 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: Major status and 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.) Prerequisites Major status and 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 4923r. Undergraduate Film Seminar (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. Development of a creative film project under the direction of a faculty member or industry professional in various areas. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.

FIL 4933. Professional Development (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Course prepares students to enter the professional film work arena; addresses the search for employment within the film industry and the search for funds to produce independent work.

FIL 4940r.  Application of Instruction Methods (1–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Major status. 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. Professional Internship (1–12). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Major status. 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 4970r. Thesis Defense (0). (P/F grade only.) Prerequisite: Major status. Presentation of senior thesis film to the faculty and student body for review and approval.

FIL 4972r. Thesis Film Production Management (3–6). Prerequisite: Major status. Production management for BFA thesis films. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen (15) semester hours.

FIL 4973r. Thesis Film (1–15). Prerequisite: Major status. Study and practice of all the creative aspects of BFA thesis films. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen (15) semester hours.

FIL 4975r. Undergraduate Honors Thesis (1–6). Prerequisites: Admission to the undergraduate Film School honors program and major status. Student must complete a minimum of six (6) semester hours; may be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

FIL 4976. Thesis Script Rewrite (3). Prerequisite: Major status. Course trains one to articulate on paper an idea that is both discernible and visual in the form of a collection of interesting moments that add up to tell a story.

FIL 5021. History and Criticism I (3).

FIL 5022. History and Criticism II (3).

FIL 5155L. Screenwriting 1: Techniques and Treatments (2–6).

FIL 5156L. Screenwriting 2: Narrative Techniques (2–6).

FIL 5157L. Screenwriting 3: Advanced Workshop (2–6).

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

FIL 5408r. Preproduction and Production Planning (3–12).

FIL 5429L. Basic Film Production (2–6).

FIL 5458r. Principles and Practice of Technical and Creative Support (3).

FIL 5459r. Practicum in Technical Support (1–12).

FIL 5484Lr. Directing Actors (2).

FIL 5498Lr. Advanced Directing (2).

FIL 5499. Acting for the Camera (3).

FIL 5519L. Camera and Light Mechanics (2–6).

FIL 5546. Advanced Sound (2–6).

FIL 5555L. Film Editing (2–4).

FIL 5568L. Advanced Editing (2–6).

FIL 5590L. Lighting Workshop (2–6).

FIL 5591r. Production Design Workshop (2–12).

FIL 5592L. Sound Workshop (2).

FIL 5593L. Postproduction Sound Workshop (2).

FIL 5594r. Directing: Multicamera Workshop (3–9).

FIL 5595Lr. Directing: Single-Camera Workshop (2).

FIL 5635. Distribution and Financing Workshop (3).

FIL 5636Lr. Advanced Workshop in Area of Specialization (2–12).

FIL 5642L. Producing 1 (2).

FIL 5646L. Producing 2 (2).

FIL 5648Lr. Production Management (2).

FIL 5774r. Basic Video Production (3–6).

FIL 5781. Intermediate Television Editing (3).

FIL 5782. Advanced Television Editing (3).

FIL 5805r. Critical Studies in Film and Television (3).

FIL 5806. Critical Methods in Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts (3).

FIL 5807. Critical Methods of Film Analysis (3).

FIL 5875r. Film Aesthetics (1).

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 5955r. Apprenticeship (1–12). (S/U grade only.)

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

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