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Film Program Classes

For program requirements, learning outcomes, and course descriptions, see the BYU Undergraduate Course Catalog. On the program page in the BYU Catalog, you will also find a downloadable PDF of most up-to-date recommended path through the major in the BYU Catalog under the heading “Major Academic Plan” (MAP). Click the link below.

Film Major Film Minor

Film Program Suggested Classes

Choosing a path in filmmaking can feel overwhelming because every role requires a unique combination of creative, technical, and collaborative skills. Whether you're interested in directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, producing, sound design, or another area of film, the courses you take can help you build the knowledge and experience needed to grow in that discipline. This guide highlights recommended classes for each area of interest to help you explore your passions, develop your abilities, and create a course plan that supports your filmmaking goals.

For more information about specific classes and other areas of interest, please meet with your Film Faculty Advisor.

Suggested Classes

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Directing

TMA 185 - Basic Film Production
TMA 318 - Approaches to Screen Directing
TMA 418 - Advanced Visual Storytelling
TMA 472R - Advanced Film Production: Indie (Application Class)
TMA 475R - Advanced Film Production: Studio (Application Class)
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Producing

TMA 187 - Production Management: Beginning
TMA 287 - Production Management: Intermediate
TMA 384 - Practicum: Cinematic Skills - Business of Film
TMA 387 - Production Management: Advanced
TMA 372R - Film Crew (Producing an Advanced Film Production)
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Cinematography

TMA 185/105 - Basic Film Production
TMA 315R - Special Projects: Lighting
TMA 384R - Practicum: Cinematic Skills - Cinematography
DESPH 260 - Filmmaking 01
DESPH 276 - Visual Storytelling
DESPH 360 - Filmmaking 02
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Production Sound/Post Sound

TMA 185/105 - Basic Film Production
TMA 384 - Practicum: Cinematic Skills - Production Sound For Film
MUSIC 251 - Music Technology 1
MUSIC 252 - Music Technology 2
MUSIC 256 - Recording Studio 1
MUSIC 257 - Recording Studio 2
MUSIC 352 - Audio Applications 2 (5.1 and Atmos Post-Production Audio for Film and Television)

Note: To enroll in Music classes, reach out to the Film Program Administrator, Kyle Stapley
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Screenwriting

TMA 185/105 - Basic Film Production
TMA 241 - Screenwriting 1
TMA 341R - Screenwriting 2
TMA 342 - Screenwriting 2: Writer's Room
TMA 441R - Screenwriting 3
ENGL 218 - Creative Writing
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Production/Art Design

TMA 185/105 - Basic Film Production
TMA 262 - Costume Construction
TMA 259 - Principles of Design for Stage
TMA 267 - Principles of Makeup
TMA 362 - Costume Design
TMA 266 - Principles of Stage Craft
TMA 368 - Scenic Art
TMA 363 - Scenic Design
TMA 462 - History of Costume
SFL 328 - History of Interior Design and Architecture 1
SFL 329 - History of Interior Design and Architecture 2
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Instructor teaching a student sound editing

Editing/Post-Production

TMA 185/105 - Basic Film Production
TMA 384R - Practicum: Cinematic Skills - Editing Tools and Approaches
TMA 384R - Practicum: Cinematic Skills - Post Production Workflow
TMA 384R - Practicum: Cinematic Skills - Adobe After Effects
TMA 384R - Practicum: Cinematic Skills - Adobe Premiere
TMA 384R - Practicum: Cinematic Skills - Avid Media Composer
TMA 384R - Practicum: Cinematic Skills - Color Grading and Correction
TMA 372 - Film Crew (Editing a Student Advanced Film Production)
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Documentary Filmmaking

TMA 185/105 - Basic Film Production
TMA 273 - Beginning Documentary Production
TMA 373 - Intermediate Documentary Production
TMA 473 - Advanced Film Production: Documentary
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Special Class Procedures

Some classes in the Media Arts Program require a special class procedure because they require extra resources and time that is limited within the department. Please make sure you read the processes completely when applying.

The following courses require a special process. Click on the link to read the class requirements:

TMA 418 - Advanced Visual Storytelling

This course is designed to prepare directors to Direct a Fiction AFP (Studio or Indie). Directors must have taken TMA 241 and TMA 318 to request an add code. Others may submit a request for an add code without having taken the prerequisites; however, priority is given to those who plan to direct.
Click here to request add code for TMA 418

TMA 475 - Advanced Film Production: Studio

Final Collaborative project for Media Arts students with a special interest in fiction filmmaking in a Studio environment. Click the link below to learn more about this process.
AFP Studio Process

TMA 470 - Advanced Film Production: Independent

Final Collaborative project for Media Arts students with a special interest in fiction filmmaking in an Independent environment. Click the link below to learn more about this process.
AFP Indie Process

TMA 474R - Advanced Film Production - Non-Fiction

This is the final collaborative project for TMA students with a special interest in non-fiction filmmaking. Click the link below to learn more about this process.
Non-Fiction AFP Process