Graduate

Film Production

Steeped within the tradition of independent film, the Film Program at Humboldt State University gives students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of filmmaking through an interdisciplinary program that parallels traditional motion picture production with creative avenues made available by evolving technologies. Our curriculum integrates hands-on production and film studies within a liberal arts education to foster storytellers who can artfully express well-developed and substantive ideas. All aspects of the program stress professionalism with an emphasis on quality shared between collaborative and creative processes through the completed work.

The Masters in Film Production is a two-year program dedicated to a hands-on approach to learning the fundamentals of independent filmmaking. The program is designed for those who have discovered a passion for film. Prior filmmaking experience is not necessary. We value previous work and life experiences and encourage the incorporation of these interests. The small and intimate nature of the film area is ideal for students who are committed to exploring the process of filmmaking. Working primarily in 16mm, students are encouraged to push boundaries, explore different stylistic approaches and create original works.

Our program is supported by traditional filmmaking packages (Super-8 and 16mm), re-photography facilities (optical printer and animation stand), a sound studio, on-site telecine capabilities, traditional film editing studios and digital post-production with film matchback capabilities.

Students fund their own films though there is sometimes a modest budget available for class projects. During the fall and spring semesters students can apply for Answer Print Funds. These funds are used for bringing 16mm films to completion and are based on the overall integrity and quality of the film and the grant proposal.

A major offering of the Department is the Annual Humboldt International Short Film Festival, produced and organized by students. The festival is the oldest student-run film festival in the United States. Conceived in 1967, this annual Spring showcase brings to the University and Humboldt County a week of exciting activities. There are workshops with professional filmmakers, screenings of international filmmaker's recent works, and opportunities for individual sessions with visiting artists. The festival is a juried competition attracting film entries from all over the world. There are many opportunities for student involvement in the festival including several modestly paid positions as festival co-directors.

Requirements

Filmmaking is time intensive and financially demanding. Recognizing this is important. Organization, collaboration and flexibility aid in the sharing of resources, equipment and facilities. An understanding of visual literacy and a basic knowledge of aesthetics are expected. Equally important to the expression of ideas and to discussion/critiquing sessions are writing and communication skills.

Working directly with a graduate committee of one's choosing, students develop a proposed graduate program. Although this program is individualized, there are several courses that make up the backbone of the Masters in Film Production program and are therefore necessary for most students. The Cinematography and Audio Production sequences provide the fundamentals. Cinema Production Workshop is our slot for filmmaking electives such as Experimental Film, Documentary Film, Optical Printing, Lighting for Film and etc. Students are expected to have a basic background in film history. Our two-semester Art of Film series will fulfill this requirement. This can be waived if one has taken international film history courses at another institution.

All course work and thesis film work must be completed within four years.

Thesis Film

Graduate students are required to bring to answer print one film which meets the approval of their committee. This film is to be produced outside of regular graduate coursework. The basic requirements for this film is that it must:

1. Be between 5 and 30 minutes in length
2. Demonstrate an understanding of sound design
3. Be of sufficient merit in both conception and execution to be considered a masters level project

Thesis films go through a three stage approval process that mirrors the phases of filmmaking: pre-production, production and post-production. Students need to get approval from their graduate committee prior to advancing to the next stage. Further information on the role of the graduate committee and the responsibilities of the student is included in the Graduate Handbook.

There are some basic requirements regarding thesis films and project reports which must be completed prior to graduating. The following applies to all MA Film Production candidates:

• In addition to departmental requirements, project reports must include:
  • a synopsis
  • a script, storyboard and/or detailed treatment
  • a final detailed budget for pre-production, production and post-production phases
• Students need to provide, and advertise for, a public screening of their thesis film.
• All films must acknowledge Humboldt State University in the credits (e.g. Produced at Humboldt State University).
• A film print or a good quality video copy of the thesis film needs to be left with the department.
  

See "Check List for Graduate Requirements" in the Graduate Handbook for other pertinent information.

Admission to Master of Arts degree program.