Pursue your passion in film by earning a degree in filmmaking practices from The Sidney Poitier New American Film School. This degree was previously offered by the School of Film, Dance and Theatre before ASU established The Sidney Poitier New American Film School.
Now more than ever, entertainment industries require thoughtful and hardworking professionals who understand the importance of collaborative and ethical filmmaking practices and embrace innovative storytelling as a key cultural form. Join us and find your way to make an impact, on screen and off.
Students who pursue the BA in film with a concentration in filmmaking practices receive grounding in fundamental production skills; entertainment and media ethics; feature, short and episodic screenwriting; and general film and media industry history and practices.
Students have the option of two tracks of study in the upper division: screenwriting or preprofessional. Students who choose the screenwriting track are required to take multiple writing courses at the intermediate and advanced levels. Students in the preprofessional track chose from among a series of course options in each of these areas: writing, producing, and film and media technology.
Production experience is regularly available through select lower-division courses that provide creative coursework options, the upper-division course FMP 300, and credited opportunities to work on projects produced by students, faculty and The Sidney Poitier New American Film School. All students complete a year-long senior project, initiated and developed by the students and supported with dedicated faculty mentorship, and are supported in their professional goals through the innovative Film Spark program in Santa Monica, Calif.
At A Glance
Film (Filmmaking Practices), BA
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
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Financial Aid
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of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
The filmmaking practices concentration provides preprofessional students with the knowledge and experience that prepare them for entry-level positions in media and entertainment production; producing; public relations, marketing and management; or to enter advanced graduate-level education. Screenwriting allows students to develop a diverse and unique writing portfolio and an understanding of the creative and professional skills required to establish and maintain a successful career as a writer.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | 8.4% | $70,530 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 12% | $66,930 |
| Audio and Video Equipment Technicians | 12.9% | $42,190 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture | 7% | $53,550 |
| Talent Directors | 12.2% | $71,620 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | 9.9% | $47,900 |
| Public Relations Specialists | 8.8% | $59,300 |
| Directors- Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio | 12.2% | $71,620 |
| Technical Directors/Managers | 12.2% | $71,620 |
| Producers | 12.2% | $71,620 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation
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ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.