B0100 – Independent Media Arts – Idea, Structure and Realization: Examines the major developments in the art, practice, and theory of independent narrative documentary and fiction in U.S. and global contexts since 1960. Particular attention is paid to the relations between dominant industry and alternative modes of storytelling. (3 Cr., 3 Hr.) Prereq: MCA./MFA. Status. Coreq: B2100, B2600 or B2700, B2900 or B3000.
B2100 – Camera I: The first of a two-semester sequence of workshops in image gathering for HD video and 16mm film. Through a series of lectures and production exercises, student will build a foundation in the art and craft of cinematography, and the technical camera and lighting skills needed to execute their fiction or documentary productions. Topics include visual composition and design principles, the 3-demensional field, and the perception of time and space through camera position and lenses. (3 Cr., 3 Hr.) Prereq: MCA./MFA. Status. Coreq: B0100, B2600 or B2700, B2900 or B3000.
B2200 – Camera II: The second course in a two-semester workshop sequence in image gathering for HD video and 16mm film. Students build on the foundation of camera and lighting skills mastered in Camera I, executing increasingly more complex production exercises. Topics include 16mm films and camera, exposure and lighting control, lighting styles and aesthetics, and a comparison between film and HD video. (3 Cr. / 3 Hr.) Prereq: B0100, B2100, B2600 or B2800, B2700 or B3000. Coreq: B2900 or B3100, B6100, B6200 or B6300.
B3000 – Digital Production / Fiction: Using new technologies of cinema, digital video cameras and computer editing, students explore image gathering for and structuring of short fiction projects. This course operates in tandem with B2800 – Digital Production Techniques / Fiction. (3 Cr. / 3 Hr.) Prereq: MCA./MFA. status. Coreq: B0100, B2100, B2800, B3100.
B2800 – Digital Production Techniques / Fiction: Working in tandem with B3000 Digital Production / Fiction, this course emphasizes the technical aspects of sound and editing of narrative fiction filmmaking through hands-on practical training. Topics also include emerging formats, workflows and troubleshooting techniques in the digital age as well as the relevant theoretical aspects in sound and editing. (3 Cr. / 3 Hr.) Prereq: MCA./MFA. Status. Coreq: B0100, B2100, B3000, B3100.
B3100 – Fiction Screenwriting I: Focuses on developing meaningful stories into the first draft of a short screenplay. Through a series of written and oral exercises related to plot structure and character development, students pitch, explore, research and write the first draft of a short screenplay. (3 Cr. / 3 Hr.) Prereq: MCA./MFA. status. Coreq: B0100, B2100, B3000.
B3300 – Fiction Screenwriting II: Beginning with the first draft of a screenplay developed in B3100 – Screenwriting I, students work in teams through a series of workshops, refining their thesis projects in terms of the dramaturgical, directoral and production elements. (3 Cr. / 3 Hr.) Prereq: B0100, B2100, B2800, B3000. Coreq: B2200, B6100, B6200.
B5100 – Editing: This course furthers students’ critical and practical understanding of editing in the filmmaking process. Through lectures, screenings, and discussions students are exposed to a variety of methods to organize and refine their work. Three main components will be addressed: Discussions in aesthetics and techniques, advanced technical workshops, and follow-through with all students’ thesis projects (Fiction and Documentary). (3 cr. / 3 hr.) Prereq: B2200, B6100, B3200 or B3300, B6200 or B6300. Coreq: B9100, B7100, B9400 or B9500.
B5300 – Sound Design (Elective): Exploration of the aesthetics and practice of audio as a creative element in media production. Through a series of exercises, students learn to shape the aural environment of voice, music and sound effects to support the dramatic intent of a particular piece. (6 Cr. / 6 hr.) Prereq: B5100, B7100, B9100, B9400 or B9500. Coreq: B7200, B9200.
B6100 – Producing: Examines the production process from A to Z, from acquisition of literary rights to delivery of the finished product according to industry standards. Through a series of case studies, students analyze successful models for financing larger independent media projects as well as their thesis films. (3 Cr. / 3 Hr.) Prereq: B0100, B2100, B2600 or B2800, B2700, B2900, B3100, or B3000. Coreq: B2200 or B3200, or B3300, B6200 or B6300.
B6200 – Directing Fiction: Toward the directing of their fiction thesis projects in the following semester, students focus on interpreting the screenplay, use of metaphor, rhythm, development of inner monologues, and shaping performance for camera. Students direct scenes from their thesis screenplays being developed in B3200 – Fiction Screenwriting II. (3 Cr. / 3 Hr.) Prereq: B0100, B2100, B2800, B3000. Coreq: B2200, B3200, B6100.
B7100 – Seminar in Independent Media Arts: Students and faculty evaluate the current state of media arts production, and potential roles for our graduates in that domain. Sessions are augmented by guest seminars conducted by working media artists from all areas of the independent community, site visits and internet conferences. (3 cr. / 3 hr.) Pereq: B2200, B6100, B3200 or B3300, B6200 or B6300. Coreq: B5100, B9100, B9400 or B9500.
B7200 – Media Distribution and Marketing: A practical approach to distribution with a concentration on short fiction and documentary films. Students develop strategies for how to get work seen by distributors, festivals and the public. Exploration of different markets including Theatrical Educational, Specialty, Television, DVD, Electronic and new models such as VOD. (6 Cr. / 6 hr.) Prereq: B5100, B7100, B9100. Coreq: B9200, MFA2 Elective.
B9100 – Thesis Project I – Production: The coordinating course for all logistics related to documentary and fiction thesis production. Thesis directors present production packages for critique, create schedules, review permitting, insurance and rights issues, as well as the auditioning process and location scouting. First cuts of thesis films are screened in the final sessions of the course. (3 cr. / 3 hr.) Prereq: B2200, B6100, B3200 or B3300, B6200 or B6300. Coreq: B5100, B7100, B9400 or B9500.
B9200 – Thesis Project II – Post-Production: Culminating course required of all degree candidates in the major. Students complete their thesis production and present at Cityvisions, the annual student media arts showcase. Productions are expected to be original and represent a contribution to the field of media arts. (6 Cr. / 6 hr.) Prereq: B5100, B7100, B9100. Coreq: B7200, MFA2 Elective.
B9303 – Graduate Internship (Elective): Students gain first-hand knowledge of specific professions in media arts by working in the field under the supervision of a practitioner. (3 Cr. / 3 hr.) Prereq: B5100, B7100, B9100. Coreq: B7200, 9200.
B9500 – Advanced Fiction Workshop: Building on the skills acquired in the first year of the MFA program, this course enables Writing/Directing Fiction students to practice and perfect their craft as they work toward the realization of their thesis projects. The three benchmarks of the course are, 1. Screenplay presentation and discussion, where each student is required to present the project orally in class to receive final feedback in class from faculty and peers, and 2. Workshop, based on a selected scene and 3. Analysis of dailies, prior to presentation to the entire class in B9100 – Thesis Production. (3 Cr. / 3. Hr.) Prereq: B2200, B6100, B3200 or B3300, B6200. Coreq: B5100, B7100, B9100.
B9601 – B9699 – Selected Topics in Media Arts Production (Electives): A series of graduate-level elective courses exploring advanced topics in Media Arts Production. In the rapidly changing field of Media Arts Production these courses explore areas in the field not covered in existing courses. Selected Topics courses will be announced prior to registration for the semester in which they will be offered. Prereq: Permission of Instructor and Program Director.
B9803 – Independent Study; Teaching Media Arts (Elective): Faculty assigned advanced research projects, which fall outside of the scope of existing MFA courses, but are relevant to a student’s specialization in the program. Registration is only permitted by the Department’s MFA Program Director, in consultation with a faculty advisor. Written proposal required. Interested students should consult their program advisors on guidelines for creating proposals (3 Cr. / 3 hr.) Prereq: B5100, B7100, B9100. Coreq: B7200, B9200.
FICTION MFA FILM 