Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production (BA)

Production Sequence

Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production are required to take CTPR 294 Directing in Documentary, Fiction and New Media  and CTPR 295L Cinematic Arts Laboratory  the first semester they are enrolled in the program. These courses are taken in preparation for the next phase of the production sequence, CTPR 310 Intermediate Production .

In CTPR 294 , students explore the basic concepts of directing in television, documentary and dramatic narrative by working with actors, documentary production and the creation of short television projects.

In CTPR 295 , students study the aesthetics and tools of the major disciplines of cinematic arts: producing, cinematography, sound and editing.

CTPR 310 Intermediate Production  is the second phase of the production sequence. In this workshop, students work in small crews, learning to collaborate and explore the expressive principles of visual and audio communication; idea development and realization using image, movement, pace, the spoken word and other sounds. Most equipment and materials are provided by the school; however, approximately $2,000 should be budgeted for miscellaneous expenses, lab and insurance fees.

To qualify for enrollment in CTPR 310 , students must fulfill all requirements outlined in the guidelines distributed in CTPR 294 .

Following CTPR 310 , students must take CTPR 450 The Production and Post-Production Assistant , and refine their areas of interest by taking advanced-level practicum courses within the major disciplines of production: directing, editing, cinematography, sound, producing and production design. Thereafter students complete the final phase of the production sequence by taking one of the following courses: CTPR 480 , CTPR 484, CTPR 486  or CTPR 547 .

In CTPR 480 Advanced Production Workshop , production students form crews in which directors, producers, cinematographers, editors and sound designers collaborate to produce, shoot, edit and deliver a fictional narrative, documentary or experimental project in one semester.

Equipment and facilities are provided by the school. There are extra personal expenses associated with all production workshops.

To qualify for enrollment in CTPR 480 , students must fulfill all requirements outlined in the CTPR 480  guidelines distributed in CTPR 450 .

CTPR 484 Advanced Multi-Camera Television Workshop  is a class in which students will produce a half-hour situation comedy pilot in one semester.

CTPR 486 Single Camera Television Dramatic Series   is an intensive group workshop experience in the collaborative process of producing an episodic television drama.

CTPR 547  is an intensive workshop where students shoot and finish documentary projects up to about 25 minutes in length.

CTPR 310 , CTPR 480 , CTPR 484 , CTPR 486  and CTPR 547  cannot be waived or substituted with another course or transfer credit under any circumstances.

Additional Requirements

Grade Point Average Requirements

A minimum grade of C, 2.0 (A = 4.0), must be earned in all required and prerequisite courses. A grade of C- (1.7) or lower will not fulfill a major requirement.

Students who do not earn the minimum grade of C (2.0) in CTPR 294 , CTPR 295  and CTPR 310  after repeating these requirements will be disqualified from the program.

Limitations on Enrollment

No more than 40 upper-division units can be taken in the major without approval of the dean, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

Registration in graduate level courses (numbered 500) for undergraduate credit requires prior approval of the School of Cinematic Arts.

Curriculum Review

Cinematic arts majors are expected to meet with an adviser every semester to review their progress. Contact the Cinematic Arts Student Services Office (SCB 105), (213) 740-8358, for an appointment.