Directing: Learn how to effectively communicate your vision and how to lead a crew in creating a safe and professional environment on set. Gain directing experience by working with classmates, theatre majors, and professional (SAG) actors, as well as directing individuals for documentaries.

Screenwriting: As a film major at Cornish, you’ll learn to develop your voice as a screenwriter across multiple courses. You’ll learn the foundations of the craft and then learn how to fully express your ideas on the page, incorporating drama, nuance, subtext, and thematic complexity.

Cinematography: Master the elements of visual storytelling. As a film major at Cornish, you’ll explore how composition, color, movement, and light can sculpt your vision. You’ll learn the different tools and techniques for executing a director’s vision in both scripted and documentary filmmaking. Utilize a wide variety of professional cinema tools by accessing our equipment library.

Producing: Learn to make films efficiently, thoughtfully, and safely by building your skills as a producer. Understand how organization can power creativity. Prepare for a film, hold auditions, scout locations, train a crew, and facilitate creative decision-making on a set. As a Cornish film major, you’ll see firsthand the importance of collaboration to good filmmaking.

Production Design: Students learn the importance of mise-en-scène, and how much the inanimate aspects of the frame (location, interior design, furniture, dressing, props, et al) can shape narrative and drive story.

Critical Studies: A crucial thread in the fabric of great filmmaking, critical studies in film allows students to not only become more fluent in the language and history of cinema, but also helps inspire and enrich students creatively through contextual knowledge and evidence.

Editing & Sound Design: Editing is the final revision of a story, and developing skills with editing reveals the power in decisions of where to cut—and when not to. In nonfiction and many forms of experimental and new media, the editor is the writer. As a film student, you’ll learn the power of the cut, the science of color correction, and creating visual and sound effects.

Through hands-on collaboration, students gain a comprehensive understanding of all major aspects of filmmaking: directing, producing, screenwriting, production design, cinematography, editing, and sound design. Graduate with a portfolio that shows your skill in scripted, documentary, and experimental filmmaking.

Students will learn how to navigate Film Festival Circuits, acquire grant writing skills, and learn how to promote themselves as independent Filmmakers. Students will have hands-on experience collaborating with other filmmakers, learning best crew practices, and how to most effectively lead a team. The program includes guest lectures, workshops, critiques from industry professionals, and emphasizes portfolio development to ensure students are job-ready upon graduation.