Film Studies AB

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Georgia

Program Overview

The University of Georgia’s Bachelor of Arts in Film combines film history, critical analysis, and creative filmmaking, with opportunities to focus on Film Production or Film Studies. Students can collaborate on short films, explore cinema as an art form, and gain practical experience through internships, faculty-led projects, and production opportunities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations of Film

Students begin with Introduction to Cinema, developing a foundation in film language, storytelling, and cinema history. They can also explore dramatic writing and introductory humanities courses to strengthen their understanding of narrative and visual expression.

Year 2: Film History and Creative Practice

Students deepen their understanding of cinema through film history courses covering different periods of filmmaking. Production-focused students can explore digital video production, learning how to translate creative ideas into screen content.

Year 3: Specialization and Advanced Skills

Students develop their chosen area of emphasis through advanced production or film studies courses. Production students can build skills in directing and editing, while Film Studies students can explore topics such as women in film and genre cinema.

Year 4: Professional Practice and Independent Development

In their final year, students can consolidate their knowledge through advanced electives, production practicums, and independent creative or research projects. These experiences help students strengthen their portfolios and prepare for opportunities in the film and media industries.

Focus Areas

Film Production, Film Studies, cinema history, film theory and criticism, directing, editing, screenwriting, visual storytelling, film technology and style.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop skills in film analysis, cinematic storytelling, production planning, directing, editing, screenwriting, critical interpretation, research, and collaborative creative work.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The official program information does not establish a separate professional accreditation specifically for the Film A.B. Students should confirm the current accreditation status with the university.

Reputation and Employability

The University of Georgia’s Department of Theatre and Film has connections to the broader film, television, media, and creative industries. Employers associated with graduates include MTV, Cartoon Network, WSB-TV, and Red Bull; these examples illustrate potential industry pathways rather than guaranteed employment outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Film A.B. program encourages students to develop practical skills through collaborative filmmaking, production practice, and film-related research. Students can explore digital media facilities, participate in production projects, and pursue professional experiences through university-supported opportunities:

• Digital Media and Computer Labs: Departmental computer labs support digital media, graphics, and creative work.

• Student Film Production: Students can collaborate on short films and participate in production crew practicums, building teamwork and practical filmmaking skills.

• Georgia Film Consortium: Eligible students can explore film-production training opportunities at professional studio locations, including Trilith Studios, OFS movie studio campus, and Athena Studios.

• Internships and Industry Experience: Students can pursue film or video production internships and apply for competitive internship opportunities involving professional production environments.

• Faculty-Led Projects: Students can participate in faculty-led short-film projects and serve as production assistants on MFA Film projects.

• Film Clubs and Student Organizations: The Tribute film production club, Film Club, and CinéClub UGA offer opportunities to connect with peers and participate in film-related activities.

• Study Abroad: Students can explore film and culture through opportunities associated with the Cannes Film Festival, Berlin, London, and Greece.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers across filmmaking, television, digital media, and film criticism. Depending on their chosen emphasis, portfolio, and practical experience, they can prepare for roles such as assistant director, film editor, cinematographer, and film producer.

• Career Development Services: The UGA Career Center supports students with résumé development, career exploration, job-search assistance, career events, and internship resources.

• Industry Connections: The Georgia Film Consortium offers eligible students access to production training and competitive internship opportunities involving professional film sets and production offices.

• Potential Career Paths: Film Director, Film Producer, Cinematographer, Film Editor, Screenwriter, Assistant Director, Television Producer, Documentary Filmmaker, Film Critic, Film Archivist.

• Employment and Salary Information: Students can use university career resources to explore career paths, job opportunities, and salary information. A verified program-specific graduate employment rate or salary figure was not identified in the official sources reviewed.

• Accreditation: The department identifies accreditation associated with its theatre program, but this should not be assumed to apply separately to the Film A.B. Students should confirm the degree's current accreditation status with the department.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates can pursue postgraduate study in film production, cinema and media studies, screenwriting, filmmaking, or related creative disciplines. The University of Georgia also offers an MFA in Film Production for students seeking advanced creative training, subject to separate admission requirements.