Film

About this opportunity

Thesis

The thesis project is completed in two semesters through 492 and 493 thesis credit under the direction of a faculty thesis director. Students may choose to develop a project they are currently working on or create a new project from scratch. If students decide to make a film or a video, they should use the two semesters to complete all phases of pre-production, production, and post-production to its completion.

Academic Preparation

Students enroll in the following independent study classes to complete the thesis project:

1. FMP 492 Honors Directed Study
2. FMP 493 Honors Thesis

To get started working on the thesis project students will enroll in the 492 Honors Directed Study. Students should choose a full-time faculty to serve as the thesis director and a second faculty member or qualified professional to serve as a second committee member. Students can consult with their FHA for recommendations on faculty and to brainstorm thesis topic ideas. They should contact their academic advisor in Herberger for film to request an override to enroll in the courses. 

Recommended Timeline

Students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film and Media Production will produce a professional portfolio based on multiple creative projects. Students in the BA Filmmaking Practices major must create an independent senior project. Honors students from either major may complete their honors thesis project in conjunction with the capstone and senior project or work on separate thesis projects. 

Example of past thesis projects include:

• A short or feature screenplay; a television pilot or series proposal
• Short Narrative, documentary, animation, or experimental film
• Short Videos: music videos, commercial or promotional videos
• In-depth analysis of current industry trends
• In-depth critical research paper for publication

Other Honors Opportunities

Students should also take advantage of the opportunity to create honors contracts in their courses. In these contracts, students can discuss a subject they want to explore in more depth with the faculty member teaching to advance their knowledge and receive mentorship from their professors. Honors contracts are typically established with only full-time film faculty. Students should approach the professors they want to make Honors contracts with during the first week of classes to discuss their area of interest and design the research or project they should complete.