Film students studying at Washington State University can major in fine arts and minor in film studies. The film studies minor and the overall film-related major in fine arts gives students an opportunity to examine foreign cultures through film and allows them to learn the techniques of different filmmakers. Students will view and discuss films from around the world and learn to analyze independent and commercial films. Classes include studies in African American cinema, Native American film history and the sociology of films. Optional courses include studies of the filmmaking techniques of German, French and Russian cinema.
Film students can enrich their education with a master's in communication at the University of Washington. The department of communications at the University of Washington offers students programs that focus on seven areas of film and communication including: political communication, social interaction, communication technology and society, media institutions, global communication, rhetoric and critical/cultural studies communication, and culture and social interaction. These programs fulfill the goals and ideals of the school's film program: collaboration, pluralism and public scholarship in the communications department and throughout the University of Washington.
The Seattle Film Institute in Washington offers an intensive, forward-thinking introduction to filmmaking with its master of fine arts (MFA) in filmmaking. Over 16 months, students have a firsthand education in the craft of filmmaking with an education in screenwriting, editing, directing and cinematography. Students will create at least 10 of their own projects with the same tools used by professional filmmakers, including the use of high definition video and film. The projects include internships in filmmaking, creating a demo reel and writing their own feature length screenplay. In addition to creating films, students study film history, the tools of film production and the craft of filmmaking. Students can expect to learn how to cast and direct actors, aspects of lighting and developing film, and editing with up-to-date software applications.
The Film School, located in Seattle, prides itself on developing filmmakers who tell innovative stories. The school offers students an invitation to a thriving indie community to tell unique stories through new movies. The Film School believes students need an education that combines experience in the industry and a drive for filmmaking. Programs include a three-week course to help newer and older students grow as storytellers. Other courses introduce long-term students to editing, writing and acting through the process of creating their own film. Professional speakers and past Film School students help current students through the process of study and job seeking. The Film School also offers teenage filmmakers the opportunity to learn about the filmmaking process through an annual summer film camp.