Filmmaking.
Journalism.
Content Creation.
Media Arts.
Filmmaking.
Journalism.
Content Creation.
Media Arts.
The Media Arts program has three intro courses:
A course about making content for the Internet. YouTube, social media channels, websites.
A course about writing for the media. Newspapers, magazines, digital publishing.
A course about making movies. Narrative films, sketch comedy, scripted series.
No prerequisites required.
DIGITAL STORYTELLING [STEM] 1 year, 1 credit This is the class that produces FTV. A hands-on, project-based course in creating original content for the internet, Digital Storytelling is about making pioneering works of media art, exploring new frontiers in video production while expanding the possibilities of digital media-making at Franklin. Using a mix of teamwork and individual experimentation, students develop their own shows, then continuously scale up toward increasingly complex and ambitious aims. Last year’s work includes a weekly sketch comedy series, a podcast, several news programs, and a game show. No experience is necessary, but a willingness to appear on camera and take creative ownership over a project is what's required.
MEDIA ARTS I: JOURNALISM 1 year, 1 credit This is the class that publishes the school newspaper, culture magazine, literary journal, and more. A unique and extensive writing course, Media Arts I is focused on the cultivation of a thriving student-run media ecosystem. Through a mix of deadline-driven assignments and longer-term projects, students build their technical and narrative abilities by practicing writing for a mass audience in a variety of forms, including investigative reporting, political commentary, and literary nonfiction. No experience is needed, but strong writing skills are a must.
MEDIA ARTS II: FILMMAKING 1 year, 1 credit Prerequisite: None. Completion of Digital Storytelling is recommended but not required. This is a class that makes movies. From award-winning short films to ambitious multi-episode TV series, we take a collaborative, fast-paced, hands-on approach to cinematic storytelling, with each team member honing their skills in directing, camerawork, acting, and more. No experience is necessary, but crew positions are a serious commitment, similar to joining an orchestra or auditioning for a play, and students must be ready to appear in front of and behind the camera.
New in 2026–27. An advanced course for accomplished filmmakers.
MEDIA ARTS III & IV: THESIS PROJECTS 1 year, 1 credit Prerequisite: Requires instructor approval. This is an advanced course for experienced mediamakers and their cast and crew. In addition to technical responsibilities in the Media Arts program’s marquee productions, students devise several creative projects and perform original research in preparation for a major capstone project in the cinematic arts.