Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres
With dual focus on both the theoretical and practical worlds of filmmaking, the Department of Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres provides programs for students with the flexibility to explore all aspects of the industry. Our faculty are professionals and filmmakers who actively screen at festivals and exhibition spaces from the Sundance Film Festival to the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.
Film, Video, Animation, and New Genres Courses
FILM 114 Film and Experience: The Filmmaker and the Viewer
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Consideration of film as an experience--aesthetic, physical, psychological, social, and historical--for both the filmmaker and the viewer.
Prerequisites: none.
Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 116 Listening and Recording
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Development of perceptual and expressive competencies using low-cost tools, fieldwork, and the web in response to historical and contemporary issues facing media artists.
Prerequisites: none
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 117 Filmmaking Technologies and Techniques
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Fundamentals of still & motion picture image making, incl lighting, exposure, composition, digital transfer.
Prerequisites: none. When over-enrolled, preference will be given to Pre-Film or Pre-InterArts/IAT students.
Course Rules: Counts as a repeat of Film 203 w/same topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 118 Sound and Image
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A time-based media arts production course incorporating preceding core Film courses (Film 114, 116, 117), furthering skills and imagination in the integration of image and sound.
Prerequisites: Film 114(P), Film 116(P), 117(P); or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 150 Multicultural America
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Cross-cultural study of U.S. ethnic and racial identities through materials drawn from a variety of media arts practices (e.g. film, photography, new media) with attention to African-, Asian-, Hispanic- and Native American experiences.
Prerequisites: none.
Course Rules: Cultures and Communities Prog course; req'd service learning component. Jointly offered with & counts as repeat of Art 150.
General Education Requirements: A, CD
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 201 Introduction to Experimental Media Arts
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Survey of independent media art production in film, video, photography and emerging media from the artist's point of view. Lectures, screenings, and workshops exploring ideas and techniques relevant to the making of personal statements.
Prerequisites: none.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 203 Media Workshop:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Lab tutorial consisting of intermedia exercises and class projects. Specific credits announced in Schedule of Classes whenever course is offered.
Prerequisites: none.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in content to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 210 Concepts of Production in the Media Arts
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Introduction to the basic elements of cinema and related media in an inter-arts context through the development of critical and practical skills.
Prerequisites: none.
Last Taught: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 220 16mm Filmmaking II
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Pre-portfolio studio in 16mm film production.
Prerequisites: Film 117(P); or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 221 Basic Elements of Filmmaking II
6 cr. Undergraduate.
Theory and practice of 16mm non-sync sound techniques. Emphasis on project development, cinematography, editing, sound recording, audio transfers and mixing.
Prerequisites: grade B or above in Film 220; or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2007, Fall 2006, Spring 2006, Fall 2005.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 222 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Pre-portfolio studio in digital filmmaking and editing techniques.
Prerequisites: admis to Pre-Film/Film prog & Film 116(P), 117(P); & either 114(214)(P) or 210(P); or admis to Inter-Arts/IAT prog & Film 116(P) or 117(P); Art 118(P) & Music 220(P); or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 231 Concept Development for Film Practice
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A practice-driven course on developing skills for conceptualizing and writing for short-form cinema.
Prerequisites: none.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 232 Animation I
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Introduction to single-frame cinematic principles and techniques including drawing, collage, and kinetic analysis for short animated film projects.
Prerequisites: none.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 234 Introduction to the Screenplay
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Approaches to screenwriting from both artistic and professional points of view from the cultivation of an idea to the realization of a scenario.
Prerequisites: none.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Summer 2017, Spring 2017.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 250 Internship/Professional Practice
3 cr. Undergraduate.
This project-oriented course supports student engagement in professional internships, production of a media project for a non-profit organization or curating a media arts event/series.
Prerequisites: May be retaken to max of 6 cr.
Last Taught: Summer 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2016, Summer 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 251 Theory/Practice Workshop:
3-4 cr. Undergraduate.
Development of techniques for projects in the theory and practice of media arts.
Prerequisites: none.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in content to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2009, Fall 2008, Summer 2005, Spring 2005.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 255 Introduction to Digital Arts
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Pre-portfolio studio in digital art practices.
Prerequisites: admis to Pre-Film/Film prog & Film 116(P), 117(P); & either 114(214)(P) or 210(P); or admis to Inter-Arts/IAT prog & Art 118(P) & Music 220(P); or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 297 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Production and special problems designed to provide relevant course work for a study abroad program in the media arts.
Prerequisites: acceptance in Study Abroad Prog.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to max of 12 cr.
Last Taught: Fall 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2012, Fall 2011.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 299 Independent Study
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Individual program of supervised study in media arts theory & practice.
Prerequisites: cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken for cr.
Last Taught: Summer 2018, Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 301 Conversations with Filmmakers and Critics
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Lectures, screenings, and discussions by contemporary filmmakers and critics. Subjects of presentation will include the contemporary state of the art, the condition of the industry, and the relations of film to a critique of the culture.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: A
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 302 Video in the Classroom
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Introduction to creative and technical processes of video making. Planning and production of topical video projects with small team of K-12 students and teacher.
Prerequisites: none.
Course Rules: May be retaken to max of 6 cr.
General Education Requirements: A
Last Taught: Fall 2010, Spring 2010, Spring 2009, Fall 2008.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 303 Current Topics in Media Arts Production:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Lectures, screening, discussions, and workshops in media arts production from the artist's point of view. Development of ideas/proposals for possible production in subsequent film department courses.
Prerequisites: Film 201(P); or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 305 Digital Cinema and the Computer
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Relation of digital cinema to the cultural, philosophical, and technical implications of computing technology.
Prerequisites: none.
Course Rules: Satisfies GER-Art and Oral & Writ Commun (OWC) Part B requirements.
General Education Requirements: A, OWCB
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 309 Theory & Practice of Media Literacy
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Explores the relationship between image, sound and text in light of an expanded sense of 'writing,' 'image-making,' and 'critique' in the digital age.
Prerequisites: none.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 314 Topics in Conceptual Studies:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Consideration of issues in critical studies including ethnographic film, found-footage filmmaking, experimental documentary or surrealist film.
Prerequisites: Film 114(214)(P) or 210(P); or cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2011, Fall 2010, Summer 2010, Fall 2009.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 316 Filmmaker as Theorist/Practitioner:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Examines filmmakers particularly engaged in theory/practice investigations of film form including Chantal Ackerman, Jean-Luc Godard, Sergei Eisenstein, Laura Mulvey & Trinh T. Minh-ha.
Prerequisites: Film 114(214)(P) or 210(P); or cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2008, Spring 2008.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 318 Film and the Visual and Performing Arts:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Consideration of film's relationship to a specific art form, its formal similarities and historical intersections including film & painting, film & dance, film & music.
Prerequisites: Film 114(214)(P) or 210(P); or cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 319 Film Genres:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Formal investigation of what comprises a film genre across both national & international contexts. Critical writing & production assignments will foreground conventions & their transformations in film history.
Prerequisites: Film 114(214)(P) or 210(P); or cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 320 Structures of Film
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Advanced examination of structural dimensions in film, including space, time, causality, image, and sound. Practical techniques explore structural possibilities for creative expression in film.
Prerequisites: Film 114(214)(P) & 210(P); or cons instr.
Last Taught: Fall 2010, Fall 2009, Fall 2008, Fall 2007.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 341 Theory/Practice Seminar:
3-4 cr. Undergraduate.
Theoretical/practical approaches to film and video production.
Prerequisites: admis to upper-level film classes per portfolio review, or cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to max of 9 cr.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 380 Media Arts Module:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Post-portfolio course introducing specialized production skills in film, video, audio or new genres.
Prerequisites: admis to upper level course per portfolio review or cons instr. In case of over-enrollment, admission based on gpa in major.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to max of 12 cr.
Last Taught: Summer 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Summer 2017.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 399 Advanced Independent Study
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Individual program of supervised study for the advanced student of film and/or video.
Prerequisites: admis to upper-level film classes per portfolio review & cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken for cr.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Summer 2017, Spring 2017.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 410 Junior Project
6 cr. Undergraduate.
Individual production projects in film or video facilitated by critiques and technical demonstrations tailored to student needs.
Prerequisites: admis to upper level course per portfolio review or cons instr. In case of over-enrollment, admission based on grade point average in major.
Last Taught: Spring 2007, Fall 2006, Spring 2006, Fall 2005.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 420 Intermediate Media Arts Module:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Intermediate level course in specialized production skills in film, video, audio or new genres.
Prerequisites: admis to upper level course per portfolio review; jr st or cons instr. In case of over-enrollment, admission based on gpa in major.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to max of 12 cr.
Last Taught: Summer 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 434 Film Aesthetics:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Consideration of a particular aesthetic aspect of film including performance, sound, decor, frame/sequence, color, narrative & narration, temporality.
Prerequisites: jr st., Film 210(P); or const instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 450 Advanced Internship/Professional Practice
1-6 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
This project-oriented course supports student engagement in professional internships, production of a media project for a non-profit organization or curating a media arts event/series.
Prerequisites: admis to upper-level Film classes per portfolio review, cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken to max of 9 cr.
Last Taught: Summer 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Summer 2017.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 455 Integrated Film/Video Exploration
6 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
A study of the relationship between film/video production and film/video analysis, team taught by an artist and a critic.
Prerequisites: jr st. Film majors: portfolio review and/or cons instr; non-film majors: cons instr.
Course Rules: Jointly offered with ArtHist/English/JMC 310.
Last Taught: Spring 2010, Spring 2009, Spring 2008, Spring 2007.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 460 Advanced Media Arts Module:
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Advanced-level course in specialized production skills in film, video, audio or new genres.
Prerequisites: admis to upper level course per portfolio review; jr st or cons instr. In case of over-enrollment, admission based on gpa in major.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 470 Advanced Media Arts Workshop:
1-6 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Individual student projects exploring portable and studio media arts production techniques. Students will submit production proposals for faculty approval.
Prerequisites: Film 389(P); or grad st; or cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 1999, Fall 1991, Spring 1991, Fall 1990.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 497 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Production and special problems designed to provide relevant course work for a study abroad program in the media arts.
Prerequisites: admis to upper-level Film classes per portfolio review, or cons instr.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to max of 12 cr.
Last Taught: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2015.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 509 Senior Project I
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Pre-production/production of individual media arts projects facilitated by critiques and work sessions.
Prerequisites: min 12 cr of upper-level film/video/animation/new genres electives, including 3 cr. of Portfolio Production electives; or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 510 Senior Project II
6 cr. Undergraduate.
Continuation of capstone project started in Film 509. Emphasis on production and post-production, facilitated by critiques, work sessions and preparations for a public presentation.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Film 509(P); or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 512 Senior Project in Conceptual Studies
6 cr. Undergraduate.
Capstone seminar investigates and interrogates relationship between filmmaking, theory and history. Archival research and critical analysis will produce final multimedia project.
Prerequisites: Film 320(P), 455(P).
Last Taught: Spring 2010, Spring 2009, Fall 2007.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 700 Professional Practice: Production
3 cr. Graduate.
Professional production internship with area film-related enterprise to develop specialized technical skills or practical experience in film exhibition.
Prerequisites: grad st & cons advising faculty member.
Course Rules: May be repeated to max of 9 cr.
Last Taught: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2015.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 710 Graduate Film Studio/Seminar I
3 cr. Graduate.
Each student to pursue a film production project to completion. Lectures and readings in seminar format to address issues facing independent film production and distribution.
Prerequisites: grad st.
Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 712 Graduate Film Studio/Seminar II
3 cr. Graduate.
Faculty advised film production studio course. Instruction in advanced production skills and directed reading relevant to the nature of proposed film projects.
Prerequisites: grad st.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 714 Graduate Film Studio/Seminar III
3 cr. Graduate.
Faculty advised film production studio course to introduce and familiarize students with specific crew member responsibilities of collaborative filmmaking.
Prerequisites: grad st.
Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 720 Graduate Media Arts Workshop I
1-6 cr. Graduate.
Conceptualization and production of student-initiated media arts projects.
Prerequisites: grad st film
Course Rules: Retakable to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 722 Graduate Media Arts Workshop II
1-6 cr. Graduate.
Conceptualization and production of student-initiated media arts projects. For 2nd-year MFA students.
Prerequisites: grad st; Film 720(P) or cons inst.
Course Rules: Retakable to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 730 Advanced Research in Film I
3 cr. Graduate.
Faculty advised, pre-production research leading to the completion of a shooting script and production schedule for the thesis film project.
Prerequisites: grad st; two of the following: Film 710, 712 & 714.
Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 732 Advanced Research in Film II
3-6 cr. Graduate.
Independent study with selected faculty member adviser for the production and post-production phase of the thesis film project.
Prerequisites: grad st; Film 710(P), 712(P), 714(P), 730(P).
Course Rules: May be retaken to max of 6 cr.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 760 Film/Video Module: Post-Production Sound
3 cr. Graduate.
Course in sound post-production for the media arts.
Prerequisites: grad st; cons instr.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 799 Independent Graduate Study:
1-6 cr. Graduate.
Variable content. Supervised independent study, production and non-production for the grad student in film/video.
Prerequisites: grad st; cons instr.
Course Rules: May be repeated to max of 9 cr.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
FILM 900 Graduate Studio
3 cr. Graduate.
Ongoing critique of individual studio research in students' chosen medium(s). Emphasis on developing and maintaining interdisciplinary dialogue. Studio research, individual and group critiques required.
Prerequisites: grad st
Course Rules: Retakable to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Spring 2010.
Current Offerings: http://uwm.edu/schedule
| Name | Rank | Degree | School | Graduate Faculty | Emeritus Faculty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Blau | Professor | PhD | Yes | Yes | |
| Carl Bogner | Senior Lecturer | MFA | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee | Yes | No |
| Portia Cobb | Associate Professor | MA | San Francisco State University | Yes | No |
| Cecelia Condit | Professor | MFA | Tyler School of Art, Temple University | Yes | No |
| Rob Danielson | Associate Professor | MFA | No | Yes | |
| Lori Felker | Assistant Professor | MFA | School of the Art Institute of Chicago | Yes | No |
| Steven Foster | Professor | MFA | No | Yes | |
| Kelly Kirshtner | Assistant Professor | PhD | University of California, Irvine | Yes | No |
| Diane Kitchen | Professor | MFA | No | Yes | |
| Jesse McLean | Assistant Professor | MFA | University of California, Irvine | Yes | No |
| Stephen Wetzel | Assistant Professor | MFA | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee | Yes | No |
| Iverson White | Associate Professor | MFA | University of California, Los Angeles | Yes | No |
| Rob Yeo | Associate Professor, Chair | MFA | School of the Art Institute of Chicago | Yes | No |