B.S.C. in Motion Pictures

Overview

The Department of Cinematic Arts offers a major in Motion Pictures.

A Motion Pictures major selects from the following tracks: Business, Critical Studies, Production, Screenwriting, Studio or Television Writing.

The business track is intended for students interested in media industries, this track offers an in-depth view from a decision-making perspective. You will learn how content is made, while attaining advanced business skills in many aspects from traditional movie outlets to new distribution opportunities, defined by multi-platforms and omni-channels.

You will discover motives, tactics and tools for content creation as well as strategies for choosing which platform best serves a particular story. This track is an excellent choice for students who strive to think critically about the environment the industry operates in and how it can inform your own business strategy.

You will be encouraged to develop your individual talent in a nurturing and collaborative environment, where you begin learning through practical, problem-solving based classes from your first semester on.

The critical studies track is for students excited by the study of film and media, and offers the opportunity to consider a wide range of perspectives on culturally, historically, and artistically significant works. You will engage with the aesthetic, political, and moral issues that inevitably arise when closely looking at examples, while broadening your horizons as you learn about the contexts in which they were produced.

You will cultivate analytical, conceptual, communication, and writing skills and gain research tools, all of which provide a strong foundation for media-related fields. Students in the Critical Studies track may go on to pursue graduate study. They are also well-positioned to choose creative careers or work in the media industry.

The production track is intended for students interested in intensive production, this track offers advanced technical skills in directing, cinematography, editing, sound, documentary, immersive storytelling, graphics and animation. You will learn about all stages of the creative process from writing and development, through production and post-production, to all forms of exhibition.

You will be encouraged to develop your individual talent and personal expression in a nurturing and collaborative environment, where you start making films in your first semester and participate in hands-on learning throughout the program.

The screenwriting track is intended for students interested in intensive scriptwriting, this track provides advanced skills in writing for film and series television. You will gain a familiarity with all stages of the creative process for film and TV (from writing and development, through production and post-production, to exhibition). You will attain advanced writing skills and techniques, such as story development, characterization, structure, and dialogue while acquiring extensive knowledge about the business of scriptwriting (including the submission process, agents, financing, television writers’ rooms, etc.).

You will be encouraged to develop your individual talent and personal expression in a nurturing and collaborative environment, where you start writing scripts in your first semester and continue with practical, applied learning throughout the program.

The studio track gives students flexibility and range as well as depth of focus. This track offers a unique edge in today’s expanding technological landscape, providing breadth, versatility, and the advanced skills that will position you to succeed in a number of media careers.

Students select a primary specialization from one of the following areas: production, screenwriting, business, documentary, graphics and animation, or critical studies. Students choose an additional six credits of electives. It is recommended, though not required, that these six electives be chosen from a single area creating a secondary specialization.

Some students prefer not to check just one box as they go along their academic journey. The general track appeals to students who like to step out of the box and customize the cinema major to their individual goals.

The television writing track is intended for students interested in mastering their scripted television writing skills, especially pertaining to episodic and short form original programming. You will immerse yourself in all stages of writing for television developing both dramatic and comedic original content intended for traditional networks and streaming platforms.

You will be encouraged to develop your individual talent and personal expression in a nurturing and collaborative environment, where you start writing scripts in your first semester and continue with practical, applied learning throughout the program. 

Internships, extra-curricular organizations, guest master classes, CCA project-based, study-abroad programs and the UM Los Angeles Program, give you ample opportunity to further your education in writing outside of the classroom. 

Curriculum Requirements for Business Track

Curriculum Requirements for Critical Studies Track

Curriculum Requirements for Production Track

Curriculum Requirements for Screenwriting Track

Curriculum Requirements for Studio Track

 Curriculum Requirements for Television Writing Track

¹

Students may only take CCA 462 or JMM 434. Both courses will not count for the major.

²

If these electives are outside the Motion Pictures major (but within the School of Communication) they must be approved by the chair.

³

Only a maximum of 9 combined credits of internship and/or independent study can be applied towards the major.

⁴

Specialization Requirement: Select one of the following CCA 353 or CCA 356 or CCA 357 or CCA 395.

⁵

Special Note: Specialization requirement: CCA 353 or CCA 356 or CCA 357 or CCA 395 must be taken prior to CCA 351 and will count toward the electives for this track.

⁶

Majors cannot double count courses without approval from faculty advisor and/or department chair. CCA 499 and CCA 594 should be selected in consultation with faculty advisor.

*

School of Communication students are required to complete a minimum of a minor (inside or outside of the school) in addition to their Communication major to graduate. For an optional 2nd major, please see your advisor. 

*

School of Communication students must complete 6 credits of Written Communication Skills unless exempt based on SAT/ACT score or AP/IB exam, 3-6 credits of Mathematics, University Cognates and the Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Proficiency requirement. 

Upper Level Elective Requirement

36 credits at the 300 level or higher are required for graduation. These credits may be earned from your major, minor and/or second major, and electives. 

Suggested Plan of Study for Business Track

Suggested Plan of Study for Critical Studies Track

Suggested Plan of Study for Production Track

Suggested Plan of Study for Screenwriting Track

Suggested Plan of Study for Studio Track

Suggested Plan of Study for Television Writing Track

Mission

The B.S.C. in Motion Pictures focuses on media creation with an emphasis on combining advanced technical proficiency with innovative narrative skills. Students gain practical and theoretical mastery of their particular professional concentration in screenwriting, production, post-production, and producing. Additionally, all students engage in critical studies of film history and theory in order to develop the analytical skills that support creative experimentation. 

Goals

The Program’s objective is to nurture individual creative voices and encourage independent thinking, as well as to support the unique collaborative process of media creation. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as professional moving image artists, enter the teaching profession, provide service to the community and beyond, and enter cinematic arts related professional fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate proficiency in screenwriting, including mastery of script formatting, narrative storytelling skills, character development, and dramatic film structure.
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of major individual works, genres, national cinemas and movements, and their significance within the history and theory of the moving image.
• Students will demonstrate proficiency in the use of motion picture production techniques (directing, cinematography, editing and sound) and professional work ethic necessary for entry into professional practice.