Film

Bachelor of Arts in Film

About the Film, BA

In our Film program, you will embark on a cinematic adventure and gain the knowledge and experiences needed to pursue a fulfilling and successful career in the film industry. From script to screen, you'll learn to captivate audiences with a unique voice, diverse genres, and the latest techniques. Whether you dream of being behind the camera, in the editing room, or on the red carpet, our Film Major is where your cinematic journey begins.

Why Study Film at CWU?

Our Film major centers on practical experience, so you can apply the theoretical knowledge gained in class to film projects, honing your skills and building portfolios.

You will watch films, study films, write films—and most importantly—you will make films. With access to dozens of cameras, lens kits, and a vast assortment of support gear, explore the language of cinema and the techniques for effective visual storytelling.

"Students have the opportunity to really focus on their own projects. Whether it be on their scripts, on their films—and work with each other in different capacities, someone gets to direct here, someone gets to shoot here, someone uses their script here." Maria Sanders is an Associate Professor in the Film Studies Program

Where is this program offered?

• Ellensburg

How much does this program cost?

Explore information on Cost, Aid, and Value to make an informed decision about investing in your education at CWU.

Where can I find more information?

Please visit the CWU Academic Catalog for current information about admission requirements, course descriptions, learner outcomes, and credit information.

Careers and Opportunities

The Film Program at CWU creates a supportive environment for aspiring filmmakers, making it an excellent choice for those who want to pursue a career in the film industry

• Film Production: A job in film production involves overseeing and coordinating various aspects of the filmmaking process, such as managing budgets, organizing schedules, coordinating crew members, and ensuring the smooth execution of production from pre-production to post-production.
• Screenwriting: Screenwriters can work on a freelance basis, selling their scripts to production companies or working directly for studios.
• Film Editing: Film editors are responsible for assembling raw footage, cutting scenes, adding special effects, and ensuring continuity in the final edited version of a film. Job prospects for film editors are projected to grow by 18 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
• Video Editor: A career in editing YouTube videos involves creatively assembling and refining content, optimizing visuals and sound, and engaging with digital platforms to deliver compelling and impactful video content to online audiences. You can charge hourly rates that can range from $20 to $75 or more.

Highlights

Wildcat Films (WFC)

As a student-run production house, WFC oversees all Film Program productions on campus, including narrative short films, documentaries, marketing materials, promotional videos, PSAs, concerts, studio productions, and lecture series. We're always looking for new opportunities to create exciting and engaging films, and our student leadership team is always happy to entertain requests for film and video services. Once we decide to pursue a project, we work hard to manage it from start to finish, ensuring timely completion of a quality finished product that we can all be proud of. Check out Wildcat Films!