Bachelor [Cinematography] From University of North Carolina School of Arts

First Year

Your first year in the School of Filmmaking will consist of learning the fundamentals of filmmaking. You will be required to take courses on production design and animation, screenwriting, directing, producing, picture, editing, sound design and cinematography, while completing a variety of assignments. As part of your degree, you will take?liberal arts courses. At the end of this first year, you can then submit your portfolio of work for acceptance into the Cinematography program.

Second Year

Once accepted into the Cinematography program, you will learn the foundations of cinematography, getting hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and professional-level software. You will choose a workshop concentrated on screenwriting, directing, short films or developing the editor?s eye. A course on visual storytelling will challenge you to develop your individual creative expression while exploring the fundamental components of storytelling. You will be expected to complete a 7-10 minute film project this year, working closely with your peers.

Third Year

While the first two years in the program are focused on developing the fundamental skills needed to become a cinematographer, your remaining time in the program will require you to think and act in visual terms, while building on your skillset with even more advanced techniques. You will be expected to serve as crew on the camera, grip or lighting teams for at least two video projects of year-four students. You will also work closely with a faculty mentor, and rely on peer collaboration for your own 12-minute film project.

Fourth Year

Assignments and workshops will place professional-level demands on each student in the fourth year, and courses will cover the most advanced topics and techniques in cinematography. The culmination of your final year will be the completion of a 12-15 minute film video project. You will work closely with your faculty mentor, as well as your year-three crew members to help you achieve your final vision. You will also work alongside your year-three counterparts crewing at least two of their video projects.