Students learn to develop and execute visual concepts that reflect the underlying intentions of the script. They also specialize in communicating visually the many possible messages of a piece. For Critical Studies majors, the concentration offers in- depth studies of genres, filmmakers, national cinemas, film movements and other critical and historical approaches. This is a rich preparation for graduate work or careers in film writing and criticism. Work on a Director s breakdown includes the preparation of story-boards, ground plans, brackets and shooting scripts.
Advanced coursework emphasizes collaboration with producers, editors, and directors of photography.
Our faculty represents a variety of directorial backgrounds and approaches. The goal is for students to develop their own directorial styles, based on solid technique, a responsive inner life, and a critical awareness of the world around us. The curriculum prepares students for work in the many varieties of non-fictional filmmaking, and emphasizes how vital an improvisational training is to fiction directors. Using 16mm film, film digitally transferred via the Center s telecine, or material shot in digital video, Editing majors learn the craft s vital function in structuring and pacing a film, video or multimedia narrative, and in providing an imaginative sound track. The concentration also emphasizes editing s history, aesthetics and varied non-linear platforms and techniques.