All Film majors take Introduction to Cinema, an important prerequisite for many of their film major classes. They also take four required classes (12 hours) in history of cinema, theory, and genres. Those in the general film major will take five major electives (15 hours) or choose an area of emphasis in either Film Production (30 hours plus 8 additional hours of requirements in area 6) or Film Studies (15 hours) Students in the Film Production area of emphasis will be trained in the filmmaking process from script to screen. In addition to the nuts and bolts of film production, students will learn the history and theory of film, as well as elements more commonly reserved for theatre majors such as acting and design. This program focuses squarely on visual storytelling and works closely with the Theatre program. Students wishing to study documentary filmmaking in particular may prefer a major (or second major) in Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Students in the Film Studies area of emphasis take courses that provide a solid training in the critical act of interpretation, film theory, and the historical context of cinema's economic, cultural, and technological development. This emphasis centers on film history, criticism, and theory.
