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Film and Television

Bring your stories to the screen.

A high demand for video content has opened up new career opportunities in streaming, digital, and social media. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this is an industry with higher than average job growth and median salaries.

Overview
Gain real-life skills for the entertainment industry

When you tell stories through film and television, you can shape opinions, warm hearts, document injustice, capture important moments in history, and celebrate the human experience.

Our curriculum will give you hands-on training in Cal Lutheran’s television studio and on-location from faculty who have industry experience. You’ll use equipment with the same high-quality production value as used by those in the industry.

Build your network — right next to Hollywood

Cal Lutheran’s proximity to Hollywood will provide you with year-round access to apply what you learn in the classroom by pursuing internships, participating in film festivals, attending industry conferences, and making connections for jobs.

Customize your studies to your creative interests

As a film and television major, you’ll learn the fundamentals of modern media production, and you’ll have the opportunity choose the elective courses that interest you most — covering subjects such as: television/cinema production, screenwriting, storyboarding, animation, motion graphics, and sound for film.


At a Glance

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Film and Television

School/College

College of Arts and Sciences

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:

The Curriculum

With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the film and television program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.

Degree requirements

Find out what it takes to earn a degree in film and television and explore the courses.


Highlighted Courses

Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.

FILM 304: Lighting and Cinematography for Film and TV

Intermediate hands-on training in lighting and cinematography for narrative films, television programs, and other media productions. Students will learn how to communicate content and convey emotion through light, exposure, angle, focus, and composition.

See description
FILM 305: Sound Design for Film and TV

Beginning training in audio mixing, processing, and sound design for narrative films, television programs, and other types of media projects. Introduction to industry standard audio software and sound techniques and practices such as Foley and ADR.

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FILM 306: Screenwriting

An introductory course on the craft of writing for television or film. Emphasis is on narrative storytelling for the screen, understanding film grammar and the tools of the screenwriter from basic three-act structure to characterization. In a workshop approach, students will develop their own story premise, treatment, outline and draft script, plus revisions.

See description
FILM 307: Advanced TV Production

Produce a bi-monthly soap/sitcom for web distribution in short formats (5 - 8 minutes). Students will write the scripts and then participate in the pre-production, production and post production. Class members will design and build the sets, act, direct, work as crew and as editors on this bi-monthly web series.

See description
FILM 308: Advanced Cinema Production

Students will write, produce, direct and edit a 10-20 minute short narrative or documentary film with the purpose of submitting it to student film festivals across the country. Students will attend advanced workshops in editing and lighting.

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FILM 310: Producing and Directing For Film and TV

Students study the art and practice of producing and directing for film, including production coordination and supervision, working with actors, fundraising, managing crews and locations, and addressing legal issues. Students receive hands-on instruction via labs and work on student film productions.

See description

View all required courses



Recommended Minors

Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.


Learning Spaces

Check out the spaces and tools you'll have access to in this major. Explore the entire Cal Lutheran campus with our virtual tour

The Experience

We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.

  • High-Quality Facilities and Equipment

    Your classes will provide hands-on training in Cal Lutheran’s television studio and on-location from faculty who have industry experience.

    You’ll also have access to equipment with the same high-quality production value as used by those in the industry.

  • Internships

    Cal Lutheran’s proximity to Hollywood means you’ll have year-round access to internships to gain experience and make connections.

    Employers include:

    • ABC
    • Bravo
    • Bunim-Murray Productions
    • CBS
    • Creative Artists Agency
    • Disney
    • Fox Sports
    • NBC
    • Netflix
    • NFL Network
  • Special Events and Speakers

    Your classes will have guest visits from professional writers, producers, and production experts working in the industry.

    You’ll also be able to attend numerous film summits and other special events throughout the year to get broad perspectives on film and television.

Student photo

I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t take full advantage of my internships, and the people I met on the way to graduation.

Holly Bertelsen
Executive Assistant to SVP, Alternative Series, Specials & Late Night at ABC Entertainment

Career Paths

Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Studios have increased demand for original content. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, film/video editors, producers and directors have forecasted higher than average growth over the next decade, with higher than average median salaries. Other industries also require video content for use in marketing, advertising, public relations, and corporate training and education programs.


Potential Careers

Producers and Directors

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

See description

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

See description

Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

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Media Technical Directors/Managers

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

See description

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

See description

Audio and Video Technicians

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

See description

Lighting Technicians

Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.

See description

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

See description

Looking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.

Employers

Some of the organizations our graduates work for include:

  • ABC
  • Bravo
  • Bunim-Murray Productions
  • CBS
  • Central Casting
  • Creative Artists Agency
  • Disney
  • ESPN
  • Fox Sports
  • KTLA
  • NBC
  • Netflix
  • NFL Network
  • STARZ
  • TwoFour Media
Raymond Lerma
The Portfolio Creation class allowed me to showcase my best work on a website, prepare for interviews, and have a presentable resume. This experience has significantly contributed to my preparation for success in my career. Cal Lutheran has allowed me to expand my network, learn new workflows in my career, and truly grasp the fundamentals of filmmaking.

Raymond Lerma '23

Read their story

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.

How We Prepare You for Success

We have 20,000+ employer contacts for jobs and internships, with over 200 listings posted each week.

Our excellent career counselors in the Career Services center will get in touch with you during your very first term on campus. They offer over 50 workshops each year on resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiations, applying to graduate schools, and other critical skills to help you begin your career successfully.

After you graduate from Cal Lutheran, you receive free access to Career Services for life, as a valued member of our alumni family.

Learn more about career outcomes

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

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Tuition & Fees

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Financial Aid

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