Take on all aspects of the film industry, from theory to writing and directing. As a cinematic arts major, you’ll learn theory, storytelling and design principles, and gain production experience on industry-standard equipment.
This degree path will allow you to write, direct, shoot, edit, post-produce and distribute a thesis film, giving you the opportunity to explore all aspects of filmmaking.
You'll gain hands-on experience with storytelling, film aesthetics, and professional-level equipment and technology.
See degree requirementsYou’ll take courses in all areas of filmmaking, as well as building a foundational understanding film theory classes. Here are a few to look forward to.
Internship program
Intern and take Media School classes in the heart of the entertainment industry. Students in the Semester in Los Angeles program live in shared furnished apartments, take hands-on classes in the historic Sunset Gower Studios, and intern at media companies. Past internships have included Dojohouse Media Group, Highland Film Group, Smokehouse Pictures, and more.
Learn about Semester in LATo complete this degree, you’ll be required to write, direct, shoot, edit, post-produce, and distribute a short film. This capstone project will be completed over two semesters. These films will be publicly screened, and you’ll defend your work before a faculty board.
During this course, you'll collaborate with music students to create a short film that will be screened with live music at the IU Cinema. Students will work on all stages of production, but working with sound and producing a film that will be publicly screened will be the main focuses.
Description of the video:
[A series of screen wipe transitions]
[The Indiana University logo.] “The Media School Cinematic Arts”
“2024 Capstone Films”
“Laid Bare. Morgen Ludwig.” [A man slouches forward on a bench and stares at the camera.]
“Brain Grabbers. Carter Burkhart.” [A man leans against a machine.]
“Leave. Rama Sardar.” [Tight shot of a person’s face. Two people stand behind the first in a blurred background.]
“Someday Soon. Melanie Taylor.” [A woman in the center of the frame smiles at the camera in front of a red curtain.]
“Mooncalf. Jonathon Zapf.” [A shot from outside a house looking at a man through a window. The man stands in a kitchen on his phone.]
“Lost. Ethan Neihart.” [A woman stands beside a field looking distressed.]
“Binary Soul. Ben Johnson.” [A robot wearing a hat steps toward the camera.]
[A futuristic car flies past city buildings.]
[A man smokes a cigar while resting a gun on his shoulder.]
[A woman sits with a group of people staring offscreen.]
[A pregnant person stares at the camera, handcuffed to a hospital bed. Another person’s hand rests on her stomach.]
[Two people in headphones look at several old TV screens and wires.]
[An underwater shot of a person sinking to the bottom of a pool, cross-legged.]
[Dimly lit tight shot of a person’s nose and eyes as they stare off screen.]
[Multiple shots of people running through the woods.]
[A man in a ski mask shoots a gun a few times. He ducks behind cover.]
[Underwater shot of a man freestyle swimming toward the camera.]
[A futuristic car flies over a futuristic city.]
[A hand holding a pistol enters the screen from the left.]
[Tight shots of a hand painting. Close up of a person’s mouth twitching.]
[A person standing in a field shoots a gun into the air while another person runs past.]
[A woman sobs.]
[A couple dance and spin together. The camera changes angles to behind a thin cloth and continues to watch them dance against bright lights.]
[Two people dance while standing in a forest.]
[Upside down shot of a person in a dress entering a room.]
[A woman in business attire enters a room through a glass door and stops to stare offscreen.]
[Two nurses grab ahold of a squirming woman in a hallway.]
[A man opens a door and enters a room.
[Two women sit under a spotlight on the floor and chat in a dark room.]
[A person watches the sun set.]
[A robot is hit by an explosion.]
[Cut to a man running away from an explosion.]
[An explosion. Smoke drifts up.]
[Fade to black.]
[Screen wipe transitions from the opening.]
[The Indiana University logo.] “The Media School Cinematic Arts”
[Fade to black.]
“Edited by Connor Rose. Music by Eli Denson, Jacob Bauman.”
Our students develop the creative means to engage an audience through sound and moving imagery and use it to express an individual cinematic identity. In short, their careers have already begun.
Here is just a preview of what students have been able to make right here at The Media School.
See more student workYour professors will include nationally recognized filmmakers and award-winning producers with expertise in many key areas of the film industry.
Meet Media School faculty
IU’s Student Cinema Guild brings student filmmakers together to produce and enjoy film, and gain the experience and preparation they need to work in the entertainment industry. Students write, direct, produce, and showcase their films. SCG provides support, equipment, monthly workshops, and networking sessions for members.
Learn more about SCGThe Black Film Center & Archive is a resource for scholars, students, and researchers studying films and related materials by and about Black people. Included are films that have substantial participation by Black writers, actors, producers, directors, musicians, and consultants, as well as those that depict some aspect of black experience.
Visit the BFCA’s websiteThe Center for Documentary Research and Practice supports faculty and students who make documentaries; serves as a research hub for historical, theoretical, and critical research on nonfiction film and video; and hosts visiting artists and scholars who are working on projects with nonfiction media components. The center provides direct assistance in the form of technological and creative support for projects, and it also serves as a forum for faculty and students to present completed and in-process work.
Visit the CDRP’s websiteThis degree will give you the theoretical and aesthetic knowledge to excel in the film industry and allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience. Through production classes and a capstone project, you’ll go through the process of creating your own short film from writing to distributing the final product.
With a vast alumni network and connections with industry professionals and local production companies, you’ll have resources to guide you in finding internships and throughout your career.
I love being a part of strong teams of creatives who, together, each bring their incredible skillsets to the table and help get each project to the finish line.
Jon Marcus, BA'10, Executive Vice President of TV & Film at Dwyane Wade’s 59th & Prairie Entertainment
