Film Minor

Level up your major with a program designed to provide you with skills in video and audio production, creative concept development and media project management – skills that are increasingly in demand across multiple fields.

Our minor leverages the expertise of the award-winning Film, Video, Animation & New Genres Department, consistently named a “Best Film School” by Variety. We’re experts at helping you develop your creative, conceptual and technical abilities. Our program is the perfect fit for those who are passionate about storytelling and want to reach audiences through digital media. With access to professional equipment and technology, you will receive a succinct and hands-on education that prepares you for the ever-evolving world of content creation.

Program Type

Minor

Program Format

On Campus

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The arts are for everyone

A minor or certificate in the arts provides a well-rounded education. That’s because the arts foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They enhance communication and presentation skills, which are valuable in any professional setting. Engaging in the arts also increases empathy and understanding of diverse people and perspectives. Plus, they bring a unique selling point to your resume by demonstrating a versatile skill set.

And let’s be honest: The arts are also a lot of fun, adding stress relief and variety to your college experience.

89%Executives agree that creativity is a top skill
91%Americans agree the arts are vital to education
73%Americans say the arts help them understand others
45Minutes of art making can reduce stress levels

Program Details

The minor in film, animation and new genres introduces you to the art of cinema through screenings, critical viewing, production projects and writing assignments arranged under a chosen theme. You’ll explore fiction or nonfiction strategies to develop technical and creative skills, then you’ll take your digital production and editing skills to the next level with guidance from expert faculty.

To round out your minor, you’ll choose courses that span various aspects of production, portfolio development, contextual studies and professional practice. Topics cover a wide range, including writing, storyboarding, visual effects, directing, producing, sound design, indie cinema, horror film and more. You also have the opportunity to participate in film festivals, documentary projects and media internships.

View the Film, Video, Animation & New Genres Minor requirements.

Interested in declaring a minor or certificate? Contact us to get started.

Equipment Room

We believe that a solid foundation in technical expertise, coupled with your unique artistic vision, will pave the way for success in your creative endeavors. Our equipment room provides you with the tools necessary to bring your ideas to life.

Film Archives & Collections

You’ll have access to unique film archives like the Adoor Gopalakrishnan Film Archive & Research Center, which honors the legacy of internationally celebrated filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Or the UWM Libraries Cinema Arts Archive, which contains over 200 essential works from the history of experimental cinema. Learn more and explore the Film Archive Library.

Cinemas, Festivals & Screenings

Film and video screenings, festivals and exhibitions offer students the opportunity to see and experience both contemporary and historical works by American independent filmmakers as well as by international artists. Learn more about our cinemas, festivals and screenings.

Documentary Media

Documentary films preserve culture and tradition and help create the social, political and economic realities we would like to see in the world and in our communities. Explore how you can express your voice through documentary media.

Internships & Opportunities

Students work and intern professionally with big and small production companies, film festivals and creative agencies throughout Milwaukee, Chicago and beyond. See where your education can take you. Learn more about internships and opportunities.

Student Organizations & Clubs

Meet like-minded people in a wide variety of student organizations and clubs who inspire creativity and will support your aspirations. Collaborate and create, network with professional artists, and deepen your connection with faculty, mentors and fellow students outside of the classroom.

Study Abroad

We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.

Alumni Stories in Film & Animation

  • MKE Film Black Lens returns with PSOA alum curating lineup

    Milwaukee Film’s Black Lens series is programmed this year by Peck School of the Arts alum Ty Williams (BFA 2020, Film). Williams, who is also an assistant cinema manager, has worked with MKE Film since 2019 while he was a student at UWM. Prior to that, Williams worked at UWM’s …
  • Film and Animation alumni, faculty, and staff represented in screenings around the world

    From current graduate students to esteemed alumni and faculty members, the Peck School of the Arts Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres was well represented on the international film festival circuit this Fall. We’re excited to showcase the achievements of some of our very own who are currently …

Careers in Film, Video, Animation & New Genres

  • 3D Modeler 
  • ADR Editor
  • Advertising Producer
  • Aerial Cinematographer 
  • Animator/Stop-motion Animator
  • Art Director 
  • Artist
  • Assistant Director 
  • Best Boy
  • Boom Operator 
  • Camera Operator 
  • Casting Director 
  • Character Rigger 
  • Cinematographer
  • Colorist
  • Compositing Artist 
  • Copywriter/Content Developer
  • Creature Designer
  • Curator/Programmer 
  • Development Executive 
  • Digital Imaging Technician
  • Digital Media Product Developer 
  • Director
  • Distributor 
  • Dolly Grip
  • Drone Operator 
  • Dubbing Mixer 
  • Editor
  • Educational Video Director/Producer
  • Educator/University Administrator
  • Electrician
  • Electronics & Sensor Designer 
  • Entertainment/Studio Executive 
  • Festival Director/Programmer 
  • Film Archivist/Processor/Writer 
  • Filmmaker
  • Fixer
  • Foley Specialist 
  • Forensic Animator 
  • Gaffer
  • Image Librarian/Archivist 
  • Interaction Designer 
  • Jimmy Jib Operator
  • Key Grip
  • Lighting Designer/Technician 
  • Line Producer
  • Location Manager/Scout 
  • Marketing Executive
  • Medical Animator
  • Motion Capture Engineer
  • Motion Graphics Designer/Producer 
  • Multimedia Artist/Journalist/Producer 
  • Photo Asset Manager/Instructor/Editor 
  • Photographic Labs/Image Producer 
  • Photojournalist
  • Post-Production Supervisor 
  • Press Agent
  • Producer (Film, TV, Web)
  • Production Designer/Manager 
  • Prop Maker/Producer
  • Public Relations/Publicist/Publisher
  • Puppet Fabricator
  • Recording & Mastering Engineer 
  • Researcher
  • Rights & Clearances Manager
  • Rotoscope Artist 
  • Screenwriter
  • Script Editor/Supervisor/Writer 
  • Set Constructor/Designer/Director 
  • Sound Designer/Editor/Mixer 
  • Steadicam Operator
  • Still Photographer
  • Storyboard Artist 
  • Talent Producer
  • Visual Effects Specialist/Supervisor 
  • Wardrobe Supervisor

Program Faculty

Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Film, Video, Animation & New Genres faculty and staff please follow the link below.


Lucio Arellano HEADSHOT
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Ben Balcom Headshot
  • Assistant Professor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Co-Chair, Programming Committee
Sarah Ballard HEADSHOT
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Dan  Black
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Dick Blau Headshot
  • Professor Emeritus, Film
Carl Bogner Headshot
  • Teaching Professor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Carol Brandt Headshot
  • Associate Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Jordan Brazo Headshot
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Isaac Brooks Headshot
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Technical Assistant, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Tate Bunker HEADSHOT
  • Teaching Faculty I, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Director, Zen Film Festival
Emir Cakaroz Headshot
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Portia Cobb Headshot
  • Professor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Director, Community Media Project
Sam Drake HEADSHOT
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Mike Gibisser Headshot
  • Associate Professor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Graduate Program Representative, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Co-Chair, Programming Committee
Neil Gravander HEADSHOT
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Charles Gray HEADSHOT
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Kara Ditte Hansen HEADSHOT
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Sean Kafer HEADSHOT
  • Teaching Faculty II, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Program Director, docUWM
Kelly Kirshtner HEADSHOT
  • Associate Professor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Director, Undergraduate Studies
Ashley Kress Headshot
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Jeffrey Kurz Headshot
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Jesse Malmed Headshot
  • Assistant Professor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Andrew Mausert Mooney Headshot
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Assistant Professor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Brian James McGuire Headshot
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Jesse McLean Headshot
  • Associate Professor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Chair, Department of Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Kelly  Mink
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Grace Mitchell HEADSHOT
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Kara Mulrooney HEADSHOT
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Sam Taffel HEADSHOT
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Oona  Taper
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Alex Torinus Headshot
  • Teaching Faculty II, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Outreach Coordinator, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Living & Learning Community Coordinator, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Renato Umali Headshot
  • Teaching Faculty I, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Yinan Wang HEADSHOT
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Lilly Warren Headshot
  • Teaching Faculty II, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Outreach Coordinator, Undergraduate Advisor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
  • Chair, Scholarship Committee
  • Co-Chair, Curriculum Committee
Steve Wetzel Headshot
  • Interim Head of School, Peck School of the Arts
  • Associate Professor, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Rubin Whitmore II Headshot
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
David Witzling HEADSHOT
  • Teaching Faculty I, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Liyan Zhao HEADSHOT
  • Lecturer, Film, Video, Animation and New Genres
Accreditation
The Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design since 2017.
Contact
Film, Video, Animation & New Genres
Undergraduate Programs
Alex Torinus and Lilly Warren, film-admission@uwm.edu

Graduate Programs
Mike Gibisser, film-grad-admission@uwm.edu

General Info & Questions
Contact Form | 414-229-4763

Upcoming Film & Animation Events