Film, Video, Animation, & New Genres

About

Create

Our undergraduate program of study is committed to helping students develop their creative, conceptual and technical abilities through media: film, video, audio, installation, and new genres. Our goal is for you to become a creative thinker, an informed viewer and an art maker — someone whose imaginative skills are matched by an ability to learn and use the technologies to say something important.

Our students participate in every aspect of the filmmaking process to better understand how every role works together. This holistic approach prepares our graduates to enter the film industry with a high level of professionalism and employability.

Collaborate

Our students benefit from dedicated attention by internationally-recognized faculty, and access to resources at one of the nation’s top 115 research universities. Our program maintains artistic and intellectual connections within the university and the community, including partnerships with the Milwaukee Film Festival, Wisconsin Film Festival, Milwaukee Art Museum, UWM Union Cinema, and beyond.

UWM’s Union Cinema is one of 23 theaters nationally recognized as a local community based independent theater by the Sundance Film Institute Art House Project. “These theaters meet high standards including: quality programming, deep involvement with their local communities, strong financial standing and recognition from their peers.” According to the project: “Since 1972 the Union Cinema has been providing UWM and the local community with a diverse, entertaining, and intellectually engaging film and video program.”

Apply Now

Degrees

Curriculum below is approved for students currently enrolled in the respective program, depending upon original date of declaration. Future adjustments for new/incoming students will be posted by Fall Semester. After reviewing, please connect with our advising office to start planning your degree path today!

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Film

A successful Foundation Review is required after completion of the Film core coursework in order to proceed with the degree curriculum. See Film Course Descriptions for more detailed information on courses offered.

University Core	45 Credits
*Competencies* (more info)
English Parts A & B	*
Math Parts A & B	*
Foreign Language	*
*General Education Requirements* (more info)
ARTHIST 205 History of Film I (Humanities)	3
Humanities	3
Social Science	6
Natural Science (1 course with lab)	6
Cultural Diversity	*
Electives
Peck School of the Arts (3 arts areas outside department)	12
General (outside Peck School of the Arts)	12
General (outside department)	3
*credit may be utilized in required curriculum areas

Film Core	24 Credits
*Foundation*
FILM 114 Film & Experience: The Filmmaker & the Viewer	3
FILM 116 Listening & Recording	3
FILM 117 Filmmaking Technologies & Techniques	3
FILM 118 Image & Sound	3
FILM 201 Introduction to Experimental Media Arts	3
FILM 222 Intro to Digital Filmmaking	3
FILM 231 Concept Development & Film Practice	3
*Foundation Electives*
(Choose from below)	3
FILM 220 Basic Elements of Filmmaking
FILM 232 Animation I
FILM 255 Introduction to Digital Arts

Degree Curriculum	51 Credits
*Required*
FILM 303 Current Topics	3
FILM 509 Senior Project I	3
FILM 510 Senior Project II	3
Electives
(In consultation with advisor to identify approved topics – see Schedule of Classes for repeatability limits)
FILM 380, 420, or 460 Production Courses	15
FILM 380, 420, or 460 Portfolio Courses	6
FILM 250/450, 341, or 420 Profession Practice/Internship	3
Film Electives (Choose from class listings in consultation with advisor)	6
General Electives (outside of department)	3

Minor - Film Production

This program is open to all students seeking to complement their major studies by developing skills in moving image/audio production, creative concept development, and media project management skills–skills that are increasingly in demand across multiple fields.

For questions, or to declare a minor/certificate, contact the Peck School of the Arts Advising Office at (414) 229-4763 or psoa-advising@uwm.edu

Degree curriculum	21 Credits
*Required*
FILM 114 Film & Experience	3
FILM 116 Listening & Recording	3
FILM 118 Image & Sound	3
FILM 222 Intro to Digital Filmaking	3
FILM 231 Concept Development & Film Practice	3
*Film Electives*
FILM (300+ level)	6

Careers+Alumni

Caroline Kastelic

BFA, Film, Animation, and New Genres | 2006

"I enjoyed that I could create my own world and do things on my own schedule. And I liked the isolation and control you can get by not using actors." Caroline Kastelic on working with puppets and stop motion animation.

Careers

Advertising Sales Representative
Animator
Art Director
Artist
Assistant Director
Broadband Producer
Broadcast Producer
Casting Director
Cinematographer
Client Services Supervisor
Copywriter
Curator/Programmer
Digital Account Executive
Digital Media Product Developer
Director
Distributor
Editor
Educational Video Director/Producer
Electronics and Sensor Designer
Entertainment/Studio Executive
Executive Producer
Exhibitor
Festival Director/Programmer
Field Segment Producer
Film Archivist
Film/Media Writer
Filmmaker
Foley Specialist
Image Librarian/Archivist
Interaction Designer
Lighting Designer/Technician
Location Manager/Scout
Motion Capture Engineer

Motion Graphics Designer & Producer
Multimedia Journalist/Producer
Photo Asset Manager/Instructor/Editor
Photographic Labs/Image Producer
Photojournalist
Post-production Supervisor
Press Agent
Producer
Production Manager
Programming and Software Designer[/one_third] Properties Producer
Public Relations/Publicist
Publisher
Reality Programming Director
Recording and Mastering Engineer
Screenwriter
Script Editor
Script Supervisor
Scriptwriter
Set Designer & Construction
Set Director
Sound Designer
Sound Editor
Studio Merchandiser
Talent Producer
Teacher
Technical Illustrator
Technical Writer
Visual Effect Specialist
Visual Effect Supervisor
Wardrobe Supervisor
Web Producer
Webisode Writer/Researcher