The Film, Television, and Media Production concentration within the Communication, Media, and Screen Studies program is designed for students who are passionate about storytelling through visual and audio media. This concentration offers hands-on experience in film, television, and digital media production, blending creative practice with technical proficiency. Students will gain expertise in areas such as directing, screenwriting, cinematography, video editing, sound design, and post-production. With a focus on both artistic expression and industry-standard practices, this concentration prepares students to bring their creative visions to life across various media platforms.
Graduates of the Film, Television, and Media Production concentration are well-equipped to enter dynamic roles in media industries, including positions such as Filmmaker, Television Producer, Video Editor, and Digital Content Creator. Through a combination of theoretical understanding and practical application, students will develop the skills to craft compelling visual narratives and excel in the fast-evolving world of media production.
Courses listed are suggestions for this pathway. You may want to select other courses that empahsize other skills or that may allow you to customize the pathway according to your goals.
CMS 101: Public Speaking
CMS 130: Media Persuasion in Everyday Life
CMS 145: Visual Communication
CMS 250: Reading Film - Form, Genre, Culture
CMS 258: Cinematic Techqnique
CMS 333: Scriptwriting for Film and TV
CMS 378: Graphics for Film and TV
CMS 490: Practicum in CMS
The following courses are requirements for the FTMP concentration. They should be taken by the end of your Junior year.
CMS 370: Studio Production
CMS 375: Field Production
Must take one of the following classes:
CMS 470: Narrative Filmmaking
CMS 473: Advanced Studio Production
CMS 475: Documentary Filmmaking
More than 4 courses are listed to emphasize the flexibility of the pathway. A good mix between all levels is strongly recommended.
CMS 221: Ad and PR Theories and Concepts
CMS 222: Media Theory
CMS 238: Communication Design
CMS 240: Introduction to Media Studies
CMS 245: Experimental Media Production
CMS 247: Media Issues and Problems
CMS 285: Communication and Media Research
CMS 312: Communication and Gender
CMS 335: Advertising Strategy and Planning
CMS 336: Writing for Integrated Media
CMS 338: Advanced Communication Design
CMS 340: Brand Management
CMS 342: Hip Hop, Rap and Media
CMS 346: Music and Sound in Media
CMS 347: Media Literacy Education for Students and Teachers
CMS 378: Graphics for Film and TV
COM 430: Advertising and PR Campaigns
COM 445: Social Media Campaign Planning
CMS 470: Narrative Filmmaking
CMS 473: Advanced Studio Production
CMS 475: Documentary Filmmaking
CMS 490: Practicum in CMS
CMS 495: CMS Capstone Project
CMS 497: CMS Field Experience
CMS 498: Special Topics in Communication and Media
CMS: 499: Independent Study
The following courses are offered by departments outside of the major that may serve as a good compliment to this Interest Pathway. Keep in mind that registration for these courses be limited by the pre-requisites and permissions set by the other departments for their courses. Check the course catalog for specific couse requirements.
ANT 317/JRN 260 – Anthropology of Media
ENG 371 – Literature into Film
ENG 462 – Gay and Lesbian Film and Literature
FIN 250 – U.S. Financial History Through Film
HIS 201 - U.S. History Through Film
HIS 202 - European History Through Film
HIS 290 - Latin American History Through Film
JRN 200 - Basics of Journalism
JRN 226 - Sports Multimedia Reporting
JRN 227 - Audio and Video Storytelling
JRN 240 - Race and the News
JRN 270 - Photojournalism and Drones
JRN 301 - The News Media in America
JRN 306 - Digital News Design
JRN 311 - Broadcast News Reporting I
JRN 330 - Advanced Integrated Public Relations
JRN 351 - Media Law and Ethics
JRN 370 - Drone Video Storytelling
JRN 410 - Broadcast News Reporting II
LIT 376 - Italian Cinema
SMT 185 - Introduction to e-Sports
SMT 285 - e-Sports Promotion
SMT 354 - Sport Communication and Promotion
SPA 463 – Latina/o/x Identity through Film and Literature
THR 382 – The Movies
WGS 200 – Gender, Sexuality, and Film
1. Visual Storytelling and Filmmaking:
Master the skill of storytelling and narrative structure in different genres and types of visual media.
Learn the fundamentals of directing, producing, and screenwriting.
Gain hands-on experience in creating short films, documentaries, and media projects.
2. Cinematography and Camera Techniques:
Develop proficiency in operating professional video cameras and equipment.
Understand lighting, composition, and camera movements to enhance visual storytelling.
Explore advanced cinematography techniques for various genres and formats.
3. Video Editing and Post-Production:
Become proficient in industry-standard editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve).
Learn advanced editing and professional finishing techniques, including color grading, special effects, and sound design.
Apply post-production skills to enhance the narrative and aesthetic impact of media projects.
4. Sound Design and Audio Production:
Understand the importance of sound in media and storytelling.
Learn audio recording, mixing, and sound editing techniques for film and television.
Explore foley, ADR, and music scoring to complement visual elements.
5. Television and Digital Media Production:
Gain hands-on experience in studio and location-based television production.
Learn multi-camera production techniques, live broadcasting, and streaming.
Develop content for digital platforms and explore the world of web-based media.
6. Media Industry Knowledge and Production Workflow:
Understand the full lifecycle of media production, from pre-production to post-production.
Learn project management and collaboration skills for working on film and television sets.
Explore industry standards, regulations, and media distribution strategies.
7. Portfolio Development and Career Readiness:
Build a professional portfolio of media projects, showcasing your skills and creativity.
Gain real-world experience through internships, capstone projects, and collaborative media work.
Prepare for a variety of roles in the film, television, and digital media industries.
The Film, Television, and Media Production (FTMP) concentration is ideal for creative students passionate about storytelling through visual and audio media. It’s designed for individuals who are eager to bring their ideas to life on screen and want to gain hands-on experience in the production process, from scriptwriting and cinematography to editing and sound design. This concentration is perfect for those who enjoy working with technology and collaborating in creative teams, as well as students interested in pursuing careers in film, television, digital content creation, or media production. Whether you aspire to be behind the camera, in the editing room, or in charge of a full production, FTMP provides the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic world of media production.
The skills and knowledge provided by the CMS degree has a broad application across careers. Rather than point to specific job titles, below are categories of careers related to this interest pathway. This list is not exhaustive because the career trajectory for graduates is only limited by their individual initiative, imagination, and ability to connect skills to professional opportunities. Towards this end, links to sample occupation descriptions the O*Net Online website that relate to this pathway are listed to offer additional guidance.
Description: Involves the planning, shooting, and editing of film and television projects, including narrative films, documentaries, and episodic TV content. Professionals in this category bring creative visions to life, working in various roles behind the scenes of visual storytelling.
Sample Occupations:
Film Directors (27-2012.01)
Producers (27-2012.00)
Cinematographers (27-4031.00)
Film and Video Editors (27-4032.00)
Script Supervisors (27-2012.02)
Description: Focuses on the technical side of media production and broadcast, ensuring that content is transmitted, streamed, or aired efficiently. This area is essential for the smooth functioning of live broadcasts and media distribution.
Sample Occupations:
Broadcast Technicians (27-4012.00)
Camera Operators for Television, Video, and Motion Picture (27-4031.00)
Audio and Video Technicians (27-4011.00)
Media Programming Directors (27-2012.03)
Radio and Television Announcers (27-3011.00)
Description: Post-production professionals edit and enhance visual and audio content after the filming process is completed. This area includes editing, sound design, and special effects work to ensure a polished final product.
Sample Occupations:
Postproduction Supervisors (27-4032.02)
Visual Effects Artists and Animators (27-1014.00)
Sound Engineering Technicians (27-4014.00)
Audio Engineers (27-4011.01)
Colorists (27-4032.01)
Description: Focuses on producing digital content for online platforms, including YouTube, streaming services, social media, and other digital outlets. This field emphasizes multimedia storytelling, creative branding, and reaching audiences via digital channels.
Sample Occupations:
Digital Video Content Creators (27-2012.00)
Social Media Content Producers (15-1254.00)
Multimedia Artists and Animators (27-1014.00)
Digital Marketing Specialists (13-1161.00)
Web Developers (15-1254.00)
Description: Involves crafting the scripts and stories that are the foundation for film, television, and digital content. Professionals in this field write screenplays, dialogue, and narratives, helping to shape the direction and tone of media projects.
Sample Occupations:
Screenwriters (27-3043.05)
Playwrights (27-3043.03)
Creative Writers (27-3043.00)
Script Consultants (27-3043.02)
Story Editors (27-3043.04)
Description: Focuses on the creation and production of educational content for use in schools, online learning platforms, museums, and other educational institutions. Includes instructional design and multimedia production aimed at enhancing learning experiences.
Sample Occupations:
Instructional Designers and Technologists (25-9031.01)
Multimedia Artists and Animators (27-1014.00)
Educational Program Directors (11-9039.00)
Video Production Specialists (27-4032.00)
eLearning Developers (15-1254.00)