Electives give students the chance to expand their skills, explore new creative interests, and collaborate with peers across the Film & Video program. Most electives are open to all students, regardless of concentration.
Please note: Elective offerings vary each summer. The courses below are examples of classes offered in past years.
Long Take
Create a scene filmed in one continuous shot while learning professional camera movement, blocking, and on-set collaboration.
Director's Notebook / Script to Screen
Develop the tools directors use to bring a script to life, including shot lists, storyboards, floor plans, and production planning.
Directing Actors
Learn how directors and actors work together to build authentic performances through rehearsal, scene analysis, and communication techniques.
Action Sequence
Write, rehearse, perform, and film an action scene while learning safe stunt and fight choreography.
TV Writer's Room
Experience the collaborative process behind television writing, from story breaking and outlining to understanding series structure.
TV Pilot
Develop your own original TV pilot while analyzing successful drama series and exploring professional writing techniques.
Character & Dialogue
Build memorable characters and sharpen your dialogue skills while discovering your unique writing voice.
Advanced Cinematography
Explore lighting, composition, lenses, color, and camera techniques used to create powerful cinematic images.
Advanced Post
Learn advanced editing, storytelling techniques, sound design, and color grading using footage from your own projects.
VFX / After Effects
Create visual effects, motion graphics, titles, and green-screen composites using Adobe After Effects.
The Story of a Space
Discover and document hidden stories through video, sound, and editing, culminating in a short documentary project.
Breaking the Rules
Explore influential film movements and filmmakers who challenged conventions and reshaped cinematic storytelling.
Spectacle
Transform everyday materials into imaginative visual elements and production designs for film projects.
Improvisation Workshop
Use games and exercises to develop character, story, spontaneity, and collaboration.
Commercials & Voiceovers
Gain experience in commercial acting, voiceover performance, on-camera work, and script interpretation.
Digital Photography 101
Learn DSLR basics, photography fundamentals, composition, and practical techniques for stronger visual storytelling.
Coming Soon
Create a movie trailer from concept to final edit while experimenting with visual effects, sound design, and post-production techniques.