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Brigham Young University
tma

BA in Media Arts Studies

The production, distribution and exhibition of motion pictures has been an integral part of the mission of the LDS Church since 1913. The department of motion picture production was created at BYU in 1953 and was the forerunner to the LDS Motion Picture Studio. According to BYU President Ernest L. Wilkinson in 1963, BYU was one of only two universities in the nation with a film production department (the other being the prestigious University of Southern California). Students will value from our department's rich historical pioneering in the medium of film production and film education.

Students working towards a degree in Media Arts will have numerous opportunities to gain experience in film production in areas tailored to fit their desired career goals (see areas of emphasis below).

Perhaps most importantly, a degree in Media Arts Studies will give students the skills to more critically analyze or "read" the films they view. Students will be exposed to films from a variety of time periods, genres, and countries. They will learn to apply the grammar and vocabulary of basic film literacy in order to better perceive, evaluate, respond to, and appreciate films on multiple levels of meaning.

BYU Department of Theatre & Media Arts: Media Arts Selection, Creation, and Teaching Document

How does the Media Arts Department define an area of study and a skill?

Explanation of Areas of Study

The Media Arts academic program is divided into the following areas of study:

Critical Studies:  Critical Studies involves researching the elements that make up effective story telling including the history, and theory of film with an emphasis on the influence and implications film has on society.

Documentary Production:  As the title suggests, Documentary Production stress all areas of producing and marketing quality nonfiction films to air on various film venues.

Narrative Production:  Narrative Production is also known as "Hollywood Model."  At BYU we encourage the production of worthy projects,  understanding target audiences, and the responsibility of the filmmaker to the storytelling process.

Screenwriting:  Screenwriting explores the elements of storytelling translated to screenwriting for all types of media as well as clarifying the professional format needed in the film industry.

Explanation of Skills

The availability and competitive nature of employment in the film industry is a concern of the Media Arts Faculty.  Having a marketable technical skill may open doors in the film industry, which can lead to better positioning professionally.

Art Direction:  Art Direction is the study of set design, lighting, and props.  Serious Art Direction students should investigate the Theatre Arts Studies major for these skill sets.

Cinematography:  Students have the possibility of access to television, digital, 16mm, and other formats depending on their skill level and dependability.

Editing:  BYU offers beginning and advanced editing classes in Final Cut Pro and Avid.

Film Business:  In production classes students are taught how to fund, manage, and budget film projects.

Sound:  Students interested in acquiring skills in sound / music acquisition and recording skills can follow a Film / TV Sound Acquisition, Film / TV direction, or Film / TV Post Sound area of study.  Students interested in writing music should contact Ron Simpson in the music department.

 

Student Portfolios

Film students have also created such successful independent films as Napoleon Dynamite, God's Army, Pride and Prejudice, Saints and Soldiers, The Singles Ward, Out of Step, The RM, Brigham City, The Home Teachers and Charly.  Many of our students have competed in prestigious film competitions such as the Sundance Film Festival and Slamdance.  Students have also been on the crews for television programs such as Touched by an Angel and Everwood.

TMA graduates have gone on to pursue degrees at the Boston Conservatory, the Old Globe in San Diego, the University of California at San Diego, the University of Texas at Austin, New York University, the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of Iowa, the University of Illinois in Champagne, the North Carolina School of the Arts, the University of Nottingham, and many others.

To view samples of student portfolios, please visit the Portfolios section of our website.

Coursework

MAP (Major Academic Plan) summary for Media Arts Studies

MAP (Major Academic Plan) comprehensive downloadable version

Last modified: August 25, 2008 Maintained by CFAC Webmasters.

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