Motion Pictures, B.S.C.

Undergraduate Program

About the Program

The Department of Cinematic Arts offers a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a major in Motion Pictures. Motion Picture majors may select from the following tracks: General, Production, Screenwriting, Business, TV Writing, or Critical Studies. A Motion Pictures minor is also available.

The Motion Picture curriculum is designed to enable independent thinking, within a learning environment that is collaborative and conducive to the pursuit, development, and exchange of ideas and information. Students gain the training to succeed in a range of careers defined by a rapidly changing media landscape and the knowledge to best leverage innovations in the field.

Tracks

For a complete list of courses, please visit the UM Bulletin website at http://bulletin.miami.edu

Advanced Cinematography

Advanced work with camera, lighting, and grip equipment on exercises and projects.

Advanced Editing

Advanced concepts in aesthetics and theories of picture and sound editing, mixing, color correction, and finishing techniques.

Advanced Motion Graphics, Compositing, and Animation

This is an advanced animation, compositing, and motion graphics workshop in which students will design a three to five minute production from script to final product.

Advanced Screenwriting

A continuation of CMP 326. Study of, and practice in, writing feature length, narrative motion picture scripts. Attention is given to cinematic structure, t he development of character, and its presentation on screen. Emphasis is placed on bringing the script to a completed draft.

Business of Motion Pictures

An examination of the industry’s three part structure-production, distribution and exhibition. Consideration given to intellectual property, motion picture “creative accounting” and changes affected by new technologies. Surveys both studio films and independents.

Directing Techniques I

To teach the craft of directing through exercises, screen work, and readings.

Essentials of Documentary Film

This course is designed to teach students how to tell compelling cinematic documentary stories with a clear and effective point-of-view. We will compare and analyze various styles of documentary storytelling and use these methods in creating effective documentaries films. An emphasis will be put on the various styles of documentary filmmaking.

Post Production Sound Editing and Design

Post production sound editing and design is a seminar/workshop that provides a practical and theorectical introduction to sound and its function in the narrative moving image process. The course explores the process from production recording through the final mix.

Survey of Motion Pictures

Examination of the aesthetic, social, and economic aspects of the motion picture industry. Concentration on the present state of the medium with particular emphasis on future trends.

Writing for Series Television

An introduction to the structures and techniques of writing situation-comedy an d dramatic series television.

Related Minors

Motion Pictures, Interactive Media

Contact

Konstantia Kontaxis

Professor, Department Chair for Cinematic Arts
kkontaxis@miami.edu
(305) 284-6382

Resources

Showcase Your Talents

Students studying Motion Pictures at the School of Communication have endless opportunities to showcase their talents to the world. From film competitions to showcasing work on the big screen in Los Angeles, the avenues of experience are endless.

Featured Projects

A few of our motion pictures projects, all done by our very own students and faculty.

Ready to take the next step?