Film Production

BGSU’s multifaceted film program, first established in the 1970s, is now one of the most comprehensive in the country. Its extensive production opportunities, experienced and nationally recognized faculty, and engaged student cohorts make it possible for emerging filmmakers to develop the knowledge and skills they need to have satisfying and productive careers. Our diverse faculty supports our students in producing creative works that represent differences in gender, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, and prepares them to be industry leaders who create inclusive workplaces. Film Production majors create professional-level portfolios through coursework, individual projects, off-campus internships, and participation in faculty-supervised, department-sponsored productions.

Admission Information

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Quality classroom experiences

The film program is guided by best practices developed by the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Teaching Media (EDIT Media) initiative, and students organize their productions with these principles in mind.

Film Production majors gain experience in pre-production, film and digital production, digital post-production, marketing, and distribution. Through participation in faculty-led productions, students get concrete experience in studio and location production, gaining knowledge in mechanical and special effects, scene design, set construction, lighting design, assistant directing, production management, and more. Students benefit from state-of-the-art digital labs, studio spaces, and post-production systems in the Wolfe Center for the Arts. Film Production majors also receive professional mentoring during individual meetings with the filmmakers who review their senior portfolios.

Stand Out in courses like

Cinematography
Screenwriting
Directing
Editing, Image and Sound
Lighting for Film and Digital
Short Narrative Production

Curriculum

The Film Production major has several components: foundational classes that connect film history, theory, and practice; sequenced production courses; portfolio development workshops; and production experience in professional settings. Together, these elements develop students’ understanding of cinema, offer a behind-the-scenes view of independent and mainstream media, and lead to digital portfolios suitable for graduate schools and prospective employers. Film Production students select a minor that supports their career goals and creative interests.

Film Production majors may apply to participate in the exchange program between the Department of Theatre and Film at BGSU and the Department of Theatre, Film, and Television at the University of Wales, one of the most respected film and media programs in the United Kingdom. Students accepted into the program spend a semester at the University of Wales in Aberystwyth.

The film production program has a host of remarkably successful alumni. They have worked on blockbusters such as The Avengers (2012) and The Fate of the Furious (2017).

Internships and Careers

The Theatre and Film Department offers several student employment opportunities to qualified undergraduates. These positions are hired on a competitive basis, with students submitting applications and letters of recommendation, and completing an audition or interview. WBGU, our nationally recognized PBS affiliate, offers a range of internship opportunities.

Film Production majors are active participants in all aspects of film culture on campus. The BGSU Film Appreciation Club, University Film Organization (UFO) and BG Reel are student organizations that coordinate film competitions, screenings and workshops on campus. Students organize four 48-Hour Film Competitions throughout the year and help faculty coordinate the International Film Series. Film Production majors also participate in research panels presented at the Annual BGSU Film and Media Festival.

Graduates of the film production program work for leading companies in the film industry, including Netflix, Hulu, ABC/Disney, Panavision, and Dick Clark Productions. They have worked on acclaimed independent films such as Save the Date, starring Lizzy Caplan and Alison Brie, and Short Term 12, featuring Brie Larson, Rami Malek, and LaKeith Stanfield. BGSU film production graduates have also worked on many long form narrative productions (television and streaming series), including Grey’s Anatomy, Luke Cage, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Project Runway, Quantico, and When They See Us.

Go Far in your career

Cinematographer
Director
Film Editor
Producer
Screenwriter
Sound Designer
Art Director
Digital Imaging Technician

Average Starting Salary & BGSU Placement Rate

$36,309* — BGSU Film Production graduates average starting salary

95% of BGSU Film Production graduates report they're employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation

(BGSU data compiled from students who completed the related questions on the graduation survey.)

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Admissions Information

The Film Production major is open to all students admitted to BGSU. Students must have good writing and communication skills, and should acquire knowledge about film and media from different time periods and different countries.

The Film Production program is part of the Department of Theatre and Film in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Film Production will be able to:

Critically evaluate film as an aesthetic form and cultural text.
Evaluate the social, economic, and technological factors that shape films from different historical periods, gender and ethnic perspectives, domestic and international cultural contexts.
Make aesthetic judgment through interpretation and critical thinking about fiction and nonfiction film, experimental and mainstream cinema, feature and short film narratives.
Demonstrate a sense of professionalism through creative and intellectual independence.
Collaborate on specific film/video productions as a writer, producer, director, cinematographer, gaffer, editor, sound mixer, or other member of the production team.

Accreditation

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012-2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

Professional Licensure

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Film Production program does not lead to professional licensure.

* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 05/06/2022 09:49AM