Film BFA - Film, Video, Animation, and
New Genres
BFA Degree Requirements
BFA Degree Curriculum
BFA Course Descriptions
Guide to Planning a Major in Film
Portfolio Review
BFA Degree Opportunities
Our undergraduate program of study is committed to helping students develop their creative, conceptual and technical abilities. Through their education here, we ask students to look as deeply as they can into themselves, and as hard as they can at the world, and in the process say something about it all through media: film, video, audio, installation, new genres. The faculty, staff and students are actively engaged in the making of art and the interplay between art and ideas. We think of the university as a place where these activities converge, bringing the community and the worlds of art, technology and media together. We offer an inter-related BFA track: Film/Video/Animation/New Genres, that provide varied approaches to the study and making of art in the world today. 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; whose habit is to work, to take risks for what is in the mind and heart, to make the world a better place.
Information on applying to UWM and the Department of Film.
For further information
Annie Melchior, Program Manager
(414)-229-6015
contact.uwm.edu
BFA Degree Requirements
The Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Track of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film requires 120 credits distributed as follows:
| Requirements | Credits |
| University Core Curriculum |
45 |
| Required Film Courses* |
66 |
| General Electives |
96 |
| 120cr. Total |
* Includes the 18-credit Film Core Curriculum
Students are admitted to the Film Major as a result of a portfolio review that occurs upon completion of 21-24 credits of work in Film/Video/Animation/New Genres and Conceptual Studies. Portfolio reviews occur once at the end of each semester.
Click here for the University Course Requirements for the BFA Degree in Film (Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Track). * Includes the 18-credit Film Core Curriculum Students are admitted to the Film Major as a result of a portfolio review that occurs upon completion of 21-24 credits of work in Film/Video/Animation/New Genres and Conceptual Studies. Portfolio reviews occur once at the end of each semester.
BFA Degree Curriculum
The Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Track of the BFA degree in Film is weighted toward production in film, video, and new media integrated with courses in conceptual studies that emphasize the intersection of theory and practice. This is accomplished through a required sequence of 7-8 introductory, pre-portfolio courses followed by a series of electives and capstone projects to make up the 66-credit major.
The following outline will serve as a guide in planning a major in Film (Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Track). Students are encouraged to consult regularly with their PSOA and departmental advisors throughout their studies at UWM. All course waivers or changes in the requirements of the major must have the written approval of the Department Chair.
film/video/animation/new GENRES REQUIREMENTS (120 CREDITS)
- Peck School of the Arts Core Curriculum
- Film Department Foundation Classes
- Pre-Portfolio Studios
- Portfolio Review
- Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Electives
- Conceptual Studies Electives
- Senior Project
- Complementary Electives
- General Electives
PECK SCHOOL OF THE ARTS CORE CURRICULUM (45 CREDITS)
FILM DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION CLASSES (18 CREDITS)
| Course | Title | Credits |
| Film 114 | Film and Experience | 3 |
| Film 115 | Media Archaeology | 3 |
| Film 116 | Experimentation with Media | 3 |
| Film 201 | Introduction to Experimental Media Arts | 3 |
| Film 202 | Current Topics in Media Arts Production | 3 |
| Film 210 | Concepts of Production in the Media Arts | 3 |
| 18 cr. Total | ||
PRE-PORTFOLIO STUDIOS (6 CREDITS)
| Course | Title | Credits |
| Film 220 | Basic Elements of Filmmaking I | 3 |
| Film 222 | Basic Elements of Video | 3 |
| Film 253 | Introduction to Photography | 3 |
| Film 255 | Introduction to Digital Arts | 3 |
| (Take 2 courses) | 6 cr. Total | |
| curriculum top |
PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Students are admitted to the Film Major as a result of a portfolio review that occurs upon completion of 24 credits of work. The portfolio consists of final projects from two Pre-Portfolio Studios. Portfolio reviews occur once at the end of each semester.
curriculum topfilm/video/animation/new GENRES ELECTIVES (15 CREDITS)
Refer to Course Descriptions
CONCEPTUAL STUDIES ELECTIVES (6 CREDITS)
Refer to Course Descriptions
SENIOR PROJECT (9 CREDITS, 2 semesters)
| Course | Title | Credits |
| Film 509 | Senior Project I | 3 |
| Film 510 | Senior Project II | 6 |
| 9 cr. Total | ||
| curriculum top | ||
COMPLEMENTARY ELECTIVES (12 CREDITS)
Photography, Conceptual Studies or Film/Video/Animation/New Genres; min. 3 cr. 300-level or above.
Refer to Course Descriptions
GENERAL ELECTIVES (9 CREDITS)
Chosen from departments outside of Film
Film Course Descriptions
Choose from the following below:
Required CoursesFilm Core Curriculum Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Core
Conceptual Studies Core
Elective Courses
Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Electives
Conceptual Studies Electives
Pre-Portfolio Electives in Film (no prerequisites)
FILM CORE CURRICULUM
101 Introduction to the Media Arts. 3 credits
A survey of independent media art production in film and video from the artist's point of view. Lectures, screenings and workshops that explore ideas and techniques relevant to the making of personal statements through the use of these two media. Prerequisites: None
102 Current Topics in Media Arts. 3 credits
Lectures, screenings, discussions and workshops in media arts production from the artist's point of view. A class in which the student will develop ideas/proposals for possible production in subsequent Film Department courses. Prerequisites: None.
210 Concepts of Film Production. 3 credits
Introduction to the basic elements of cinema in an inter-arts context through the development of critical and practical skills. Prerequisites: none.
214 Film and Experience: The Filmmaker and the Viewer. 3 credits
Consideration of film as an experience--aesthetic, physical, psychological, social, and historical--for both the filmmaker and the viewer. Prerequisites: none.
220 Basic Elements in Filmmaking I. 3 credits
Introduction to 16mm film production. Instruction in 16mm cameras, light meters, portable lighting set-ups, splicers, viewers, tripods, projection, film stocks, etc. Prerequisites: sophomore standing; Film 101 (P) and 102 (P) or consent of instructor.
222 Basic Elements of Video. 3 credits
Introduction to portable video production and post-production including Final Cut Pro video and sound editing. Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in Film 101 (P) or 102 (P) or consent of instructor.
FILM/VIDEO/ANIMATION/NEW GENRES CORE
221 Basic Elements of Filmmaking II. 6 credits
Further exploration of filmmaking including theory/practice use of non-sync sound. Instruction in exposure theory, lighting, sound recording, flat bed editing and sound mixing. Prerequisites: Grade of B or above in Film 101 (P) or 102 (P) and Film 220; or consent of instructor..
410 Junior Project 6 credits
Individual production projects in film or video facilitated by critiques and technical demonstrations tailored to student needs. Prerequisites: admis to upper level course per portfolio review or consent of instructor.. In case of over-enrollment, admission based on grade point average in major.
510 Senior Project 6 credits
Individual production projects in film or video facilitated by critiques, work sessions and preparations for a public presentation. Prerequisites: admis to upper level course per portfolio review or consent of instructor. Grade of B or better in Film 410(P). In case of over-enrollment, admission based on grade point average in major.
CONCEPTUAL STUDIES CORE
255 Digital Arts Workshop. 3 credits
Development of techniques for producing digital media projects, with special emphasis on timeline-based computer applications. Prerequisites: Film 222(C), Art 118(C) or 227(C) (topic title: Web Design I); or consent of instructor.
320 (effective 09/06/2005) Structures of Film. 3 credits
Advanced examination of structural dimensions in film, including space, time, causality, image, and sound. Practical techniques explore structural possibilities for creative expression in film. Prerequisites: Film 101(P), 102(P), 210(P), 214(P), 222(P), 255(P).
455 Integrated Film/Video Exploration. 6 credits U/G.
A study of the relationship between film/video production and film/video analysis, team taught by an artist and a critic. Jointly offered with ArtHist/English/JMC 310. Prerequisites: jr st. Film majors: portfolio review and/or consent of instructor; non-film majors: consent of instructor.
512 (effective 09/06/2005) Senior Project in Conceptual Studies. 6 credits
Capstone seminar investigates and interrogates relationship between filmmaking, theory and history. Archival research and critical analysis will produce final multimedia project. Prerequisites: Film 320(P).
FILM/VIDEO/ANIMATION/NEW GENRES ELECTIVES
There are three levels of Film/Video Modules: 380, 420 and 460 that are available for students who have passed Portfolio Review. There are a range of topics covered including but not limited to these:
380 Film/Video Module: (Subtitled). 3 credits U.
Post-portfolio course introducing specialized skills such as animation, documentary, optical printing, in-community production, sound recording and cinematography. May be retaken with change in topic to maximum of 9 credits.
420 Intermediate Film/Video Module: (Subtitled). 3 credits U/G.
Intermediate level course in specialized skills such as video editing, directing, post-production sound and multimedia production. May be retaken with change in topic to maximum of 9 credits.
460 Advanced Film/Video Module: (Subtitled). 3 credits U/G.
Advanced level course in specialized skills such as non-linear editing, lighting, film post-production, sound post-production and multimedia production. May be retaken with change of topic to max imum of 9 credits.
CONCEPTUAL STUDIES ELECTIVES
309 Theory & Practice of Media Literacy. 3 credits
Explores the relationship between image, sound and text in light of an expanded sense of “writing,” “image-making” and “critique” in the digital age. Prerequisites: none.
314 (effective 09/06/2005) Topics in Critical Film Production: (Subtitled). 3 credits
Consideration of issues in critical studies including ethnographic film, found-footage filmmaking, experimental documentary or surrealist film. Retakable with change of topic to 9 cr max. Prerequisites: Film 210 (P); or consent of instructor.
316 (effective 09/06/2005) Filmmaker as Theorist/Practitioner: (Subtitled). 3 credits
Examines filmmakers particularly engaged in theory/practice investigations of film form including Chantal Ackerman, Jean-Luc Godard, Sergei Eisenstein, Laura Mulvey & Trinh T. Minh-ha. Retakable with change of topic to 9 credits maximum. Prerequisites: Film 210 (P); or consent of instructor.
318 (effective 09/06/2005) Film and the Visual and Performing Arts: (Subtitled). 3 credits
Consideration of film's relationship to a specific art form, its formal similarities and historical intersections including film & painting, film & dance, film & music. Retakable with change of topic to 9 credits maximum. Prerequisites: Film 210(P); or consent of instructor.
319 (effective 09/06/2005) Film Genres: (Subtitled). 3 credits
Formal investigation of what comprises a film genre across both national & international contexts. Critical writing & production assignments will foreground conventions & their transformations in film history. Retakable with change of topic to 9 credits maximum. Prerequisites: Film 210(P); or consent of instructor.
341 (241) Theory/Practice Seminar: (Subtitled). 3-4 credits
Theoretical/practical approaches to film and video production. May be retaken with change in topic to maximum of 9 credits. Prerequisites: admission to upper-level film classes per portfolio review, or consent of instructor..
434 (effective 09/06/2005) Film Aesthetics: (Subtitled). 3 credits
Consideration of a particular aesthetic aspect of film including performance, sound, decor, frame/sequence, color, narrative & narration, temporality. Retakable with change of topic to 9 credits maximum. Prerequisites: junior standing, Film 210(P); or consent of instructor.
PRE-PORTFOLIO ELECTIVES IN FILM
These are courses open to students wishing to explore media making. They are not required for the BFA Film degree but can provide more production experience valuable for passing portfolio review. They may count towards general electives.
203 Media Workshop: (Subtitled). 1-3 credits
Lab tutorial consisting of intermedia exercises and class projects. Specific credits announced in Timetable whenever course is offered. May be retaken with change in content to 9 credits maxium. Prerequisites: none.
203 workshop topics recently offered include:
Filmmaking Technology & Techniques
Recycling Images: Found Footage Film Production
Experimental Narrative
Documentary Production
Gender and Sexuality in Video
Chemical Processes
Character Design and Animation
Representing Animals
Poetic Filmmaking
Framing Language
Maya 3-D Animation
Making Melodrama
35mm Collaborative Filmmaking
Milwaukee Underground Film
Super 8mm Diaries
Multimedia Production
234 Introduction to the Screenplay. 3 credits
Approaches to screenwriting from both artistic and professional points of view from the cultivation of an idea to the realization of a scenario. Prerequisites: none.
251 Theory/Practice Workshop: (Subtitled). 3-4 credits
Development of techniques for projects in the theory and practice of film and video. May be retaken with change in content to 9 cr max. Prerequisites: none.
255 Digital Arts Workshop. 3 credits
Development of techniques for producing digital media projects, with special emphasis on timeline-based computer applications. Prerequisites: Film 222(C), Art 118(C) or 227(C) (topic title: Web Design I); or consent of instructor.
301 Conversations with Filmmakers and Critics. 3 credits (GER-A)
Lectures, screenings, and discussions by contemporary filmmakers and critics. Subjects of presentation will include the contemporary state of the art, the condition of the industry, and the relations of film to a critique of the culture. Prerequisites: none.
302 Video in the Classroom. 3 credits (GER-A)
Introduction to creative and technical processes of video making. Planning and production of topical video projects with small team of K-12 students and teacher. May be retaken to maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisites: none.
309 Theory & Practice of Media Literacy. 3 credits
Explores the relationship between image, sound and text in light of an expanded sense of “writing,” “image-making,” and “critique” in the digital age. Prerequisites: none.
Guide to Planning a Major in Film
The following outline will serve as a guide in planning a major in Film. Students are encouraged to consult regularly with their PSOA and departmental advisors throughout their studies at UWM. All course waivers or changes in the requirements of the major must have the written approval of the Department Chair.
BFA DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Film in the Peck School of the Arts offers three integrated tracks of study leading to a BFA in Film, with emphasis in Film/Video/Animation/New Genres, Conceptual Studies in Media Arts Production or Photography. Each of these tracks is designed to train media artists and accommodate differing approaches and styles of student learning.
The Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Track of the BFA degree in Film is weighted toward production in film, video, and new media integrated with courses in conceptual studies that emphasize the intersection of theory and practice.
The Conceptual Studies in Media Arts Production Track of the BFA degree in Film offers a rigorous course of study in film history, theory, and criticism thoroughly integrated with production in film, video, and new media within courses and across the curriculum.
The Photography Track of the BFA degree in Film offers training in photographic image production in a media arts context, integrated with theory/practice courses in moving image, new genres and conceptual studies.
FILM/VIDEO/ANIMATION/NEW GENRES TRACK
The Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Track of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film requires 120 credits distributed as follows:
- Peck School of the Arts Core Curriculum, 45 credits.
- Department Foundation Classes: Film 114, 115, 116, 201, 202 & 210, 18 credits.
- Pre-Portfolio Studios (take 2 of 4): Film 220 (film); Film 222 (video); Film 253 (photography); Film 255 (digital arts). 6 credits total.
- Portfolio Review: Portfolio consists of final projects from two Pre-Portfolio Studios.
- Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Electives: incl. Film 380, 420 & 460, 15 cr.
- Conceptual Studies Electives: 314, 316, 318, 319, 320, 434: 6 credits.
- Senior Project (2 semesters): 509 Senior Project I (3 cr); 510: Senior Project II (6 cr)
- Complementary Electives: Photography, Conceptual Studies or Film/Video/Animation/New Genres; 12 cr., min. 3 cr. 300-level or above.
- General Electives chosen from any departments outside of Film, 9 cr.
CONCEPTUAL STUDIES IN MEDIA ARTS PRODUCTION TRACK
The Conceptual Studies in Media Arts Production Track of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Degree requires 120 credits distributed as follows:
- Peck School of the Arts Core Curriculum, 45 credits.
- Department Foundation Classes: Film 114, 115, 116, 201, 202 & 210, 18 credits.
- Pre-Portfolio Studios (take 2 of 4): Film 220 (film); Film 222 (video); Film 253 (photography); Film 255 (digital arts). 6 credits total.
- Conceptual Studies Core: Film 320, 3 credits.
- Portfolio Review: Portfolio consists of one project from a Pre-Portfolio Studio and a writing sample from Film 320, in electronic form.
- Conceptual Studies Core: Film 455 Integrated Film/Video Exploration (6 cr); Film 512: Sr Project in Conceptual Studies (6 cr), 12 cr. total.
- Conceptual Studies Electives: 314, 316, 318, 319 434, 12 credits total.
- Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Electives: Film 380, 420, 460, 6 cr. total.
- Complementary Electives: Photography, Conceptual Studies or Film/Video/New Genres, 9 credits total, min 3 cr. 300-level or above.
- General Electives chosen from any departments outside of Film, 9 cr.
PHOTOGRAPHY TRACK
The Photography Track of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Degree requires 120 credits distributed as follows:
- Peck School of the Arts Core Curriculum, 45 credits.
- Department Foundation Classes: Film 114, 115, 116, 201, 202 & 210, 18 credits.
- Pre-Portfolio Studios: Film 253, (photography) is required, plus one of Film 220 (film); Film 222 (video) or Film 255 (digital arts). 6 cr. total
- Photography Core: Film 350 (or 352); 3 cr.
- Portfolio Review: Portfolio consists of final project photos from Film 350 or 352, a final project from a Pre-Portfolio Studio (220, 222 or 253), plus 10 additional photographs of student's choice.
- Photography Core: Film 352(350), 454 or 456, 552, 553; 12 cr.
- Photography Electives; 9 cr.
- Conceptual Studies Electives; 6 cr.
- Complementary Electives: Film/Video/Animation/New Genres, Conceptual Studies and Photography; 12 cr., min. 6 cr. 300-level or above.
- General Electives chosen from any departments outside of Film; 9 cr.
Laptop Requirement: Film BFA students in the Photography Track are required to have a laptop computer and imaging software for all photography classes after they have passed the Portfolio Review. The software must be consistent with that being used in the photography program. It is highly recommended that students pursuing the Photography Track have a laptop computer while enrolled in Film 350. Film students pursuing other tracks are also strongly encouraged to have a laptop computer.
Portfolio Review
Portfolio Review Requirements
Students who have fulfilled the course prerequisites for one or more of the Film BFA tracks are eligible to apply for portfolio review. Please speak to a faculty advisor if you have any questions about your eligibility or portfolio items.
Portfolio requirements vary based on the academic year you started taking classes in the Film Department and, as of 2005-2006, from track to track within the program. Please review the material below to determine which requirements apply to you.
Requirements by Year*2003-2004 or earlierMultiple Tracks
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
Portfolio Review Criteria: Final Projects
* Year you started taking classes in the Film Department
Requirements by Year
Academic Year 2003-04 (or before)If you started taking classes in the Film Department during or before Academic Year 2003-04, the following classes (or approved equivalents) are required for portfolio review:
- Film 101 & 102
- Film 220, 221 & 222
- English 290 and Art History 205
- Final project, (double-system 16mm film with mag track), from Film 221
- Final video project from Film 222
- Copy of current UWM transcript
If you started taking classes in the Film Department during Academic Year 2004-05, the following classes (or approved equivalents) are required for portfolio review:
- Film 101 & 102
- Film 220, 221 & 222
- Film 251: Film Forms or Film 251: Intro to Critical Studies
- Film 251: Silent to Sound or Film 251: Film & Experience
- Final project, (double-system 16mm film with mag track), from Film 221
- Final video project from Film 222
- Copy of current UWM transcript
If you started taking classes in the Film Department during Academic Year 2005-06, the following classes (or approved equivalents) are required for portfolio review:
Production Track
- Film 101 & 102
- Film 220, 221 & 222
- Film 210
- Film 214 (114)
- Final project, (double-system 16mm film with mag track), from Film 221
- Final video project from Film 222
- Copy of current UWM transcript
- Film 101 & 102
- Film 220 & 222
- Film 210
- Film 214 (114)
- Film 255
- Film 320
- Final video project from Film 222 or final 16mm film from Film 220
- Writing sample from Film 320: Final Visual Essay
- Copy of current UWM transcript
If you started taking classes in the Film Department during Academic Year 2006-07, the following classes (or approved equivalents) are required for portfolio review:
Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Track
- Film 114 (214), 115 & 116
- Film 201 (101) & 202 (102)
- 6 credits of Pre-Portfolio Studios:
Film 220, Film 222, Film/VA 253 (251), Film 255 - Film 210
- Final projects from two Pre-Portfolio Studios
- Copy of current UWM transcript
- Film 114 (214), 115 & 116
- Film 201 (101) & 202 (102)
- 6 credits of Pre-Portfolio Studios:
Film 220, Film 222, Film/VA 253 (251), Film 255 - Film 210
- Film 320
- Final project from a Pre-Portfolio Studio
- Writing sample from Film 320: Final Visual Essay
- Copy of current UWM transcript
If you started taking classes in the Film Department during Academic Year 2007-08, the following classes (or approved equivalents) are required for portfolio review:
Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Track
- Same as 2006-07
- Same as 2006-07
- Film 114 (214), 115 & 116
- Film 201 (101) & 202 (102)
- Film 210
- Film 253, plus one other Pre-Portfolio Studio (Film 220, 222 or 255)
- Film 350 or 352
- Final project from Film 350 or 352
- 3-5 additional photographs of student's choice
- Final project from a pre-portfolio studio (220, 222 or 255)
- Copy of current UWM transcript
Multiple Tracks
Students applying for two tracks must fulfill media requirements for each track.
- Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Track + Conceptual Studies Track
-
- Final projects from two pre-portfolio studios (Film 220, 222, 253, 255).
- Visual Essay (Film 320).
- Film/Video/Animation/New Genres Track + Photography Track
-
- One final project from a pre-portfolio studio (Film 220, 222, 255).
- 10-15 final project photos from Film 350 or 352.
- 3-5 additional photos (optional).
- One final project from a pre-portfolio studio (Film 220, 222, 255).
- Conceptual Studies Track + Photography Track
-
- Visual Essay from Film 320.
- 10-15 final project photos from Film 350 or 352.
- 3-5 additional photos (optional).
- One media project from a pre-portfolio studio (Film 220, 222, 255).
Portfolio Review Criteria: Final Projects
Photography: Film 253, Film 350, Film 352
Video: Film 222
Film: Film 220
Digital Arts: Film 255
BFA Degree Opportunities
Collaborations
The Film Department works with such local groups as the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Center for 21st Century Studies, the Woodland Pattern Book Center, the Institute of Visual Arts, the Walkers Point Center for the Arts, MATA, the UWM Union Theatre, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, the Wisconsin Film Festival, the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, The Milwaukee International Film Festival and a diverse array of academic departments such as Architecture, Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
Guest Artists
The Film Department periodically invites innovative film and video makers to teach during the summer or for a semester.
| Su Friedrich Peter Hutton Chris Sullivan* Colleen Sullivan* John Terry* Stan Brakhage Andrej Zdravic* Robert Beavers Nina Fonoroff Babette Mangolte Miranda July Peggy Ahwesh* Dee Dee Halleck Luis Recoder David Gatten Cauleen Smith* |
Owen Land George Kuchar* Gary Adkins* Lewis Klahr Martin Arnold* Reggie Hudlin* Helen DeMichelle Jennifer Reeves James Benning* Vincent Grenier* Naomi Uman Leighton Pierce Sharon Couzins Chris Bratton* Michael Snow Dan Sandin |
Tony Conrad* Jennifer Montgomery* Peter Wollen George Stoney Tom Palazzolo* Jane Veeder Greta Snider Matthias Muller Glen Fogel Brad Lichtenstein* Barbara Lattanzi* Erik Saks* Mary Filippo Keith Sanborn * Harun Farocki Sadie Benning *As Visitng Faculty |