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Three actors act out a scene in front of a camera held by another student. A crew of students stand behind the camera. One student holds a microphone.

Film B.F.A.

Become a critical thinker and skillful filmmaker. Learn everything from scriptwriting to pre-production, production and post-production techniques.

Our bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree program encourages independence, debate and originality. Our approach to film is an aesthetic one rather than a commercial enterprise.

Our program focuses on independent filmmaking, providing an exceptional, hands-on education on the film production process from development to post-production (scriptwriting, budgeting, pre-production and storyboarding, cinematography, directing, sound design and post-production, including 2D and 3D animation) Using our facilities, students pursue various modes of production, including narrative, documentary, experimental and animation. In addition, all of our students are required to take history and theory courses, where they develop conceptual, critical and aesthetic skills that empower them to become the top filmmakers of tomorrow.

A student stands near a camera on the set of a film shoot.

Our film students are able to:

  • Study with faculty members who have premiered films all over the world at such venues as Sundance, Black Maria Film Festival, Lisbon International Film Festival, Shanghai International Film Festival, and Guadalajara International Film Festival, Interfilm Berlin and the National Gallery of Art, among many others.
  • Take classes taught by working professionals in screenwriting, directing, sound design, creative producing and all aspects of independent film production.
  • Study and intern in Los Angeles via our VPA LA Semester program or at Syracuse-based Hollywood production companies under the mentorship of renowned producers and directors.
  • Study filmmaking in Prague, Czech Republic, and Bologna, Italy, via Syracuse Abroad.
  • Take a creative producing class; design look-books, sizzle reels and submit via our first look deal with Hollywood producers.
  • Learn from guest speakers, from presidents of studios and streaming companies to Academy Award-nominated individuals
  • Join the numerous Syracuse alumni now working in the entertainment business.

In addition to core study and study abroad, students have various opportunities for involvement with the Syracuse International Film Festival, which has brought a number of guests to the classroom, including Nancy Schreiber, ASC; Michael and Karla Shamberg; Jim Morris ’77 G’78, Bryan Buckley ’85, Chris Renaud ’89, David Gray ’90, Daniel Baldwin, Tom Bower, Rob Nilsson and Giancarlo Esposito.

Our students go on to become independent filmmakers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors and educators and work in a wide variety of media-related fields.

Top-Ranked by the Industry

We're proud to be ranked among the top film schools by the following industry publications:

The Hollywood Reporter
Variety
TheWrap
MovieMaker

Admission and portfolio requirements
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Program Highlights

Curriculum

The first two years of the 121-credit program are rigorously structured; in addition to hands-on filmmaking workshop courses, first-year students follow the Department of Film and Media Arts core curriculum, which includes film history and an introductory film production course. Sophomore classes concentrate on essential filmmaking skills. Juniors and seniors have additional flexibility to choose from menu-structured course offerings according to your academic and professional interests and, in essence, construct your own path with your faculty advisor.

Students participate in portfolio reviews, which are held at the end of each semester. The student and faculty members evaluate creative and academic work and assess student progress.

View degree requirements, courses and student learning outcomes
A student looks into the lens of a camera in a film studio.

Global Study

You can participate in study abroad or study away programs through VPA or Syracuse Abroad. We offer semester-long programs in Prague, Czech Republic, through our World Partner FAMU (third year, fall semester) and in Los Angeles via the VPA LA Semester (fourth year, spring semester). We also offer a summer program in Italian film studies and filmmaking in Bologna, Italy.

Two students hold a film camera.

Career Exploration

In addition to the career exploration opportunities offered by their major, film students have access to career advisors and services through the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Office of Academic and Career Advising. The office connects VPA students with networking events, mentors and more.

A student speaks to another person while another student looks on.

The film program here feels very oriented to helping students make the films they want to make…it’s a great environment to make movies and to learn how to make better movies.

Jackson Barnes Film '26
Watch an interview with Jackson
Watch an interview with Jackson
Jackson Barnes.

Program Faculty