Bachelor of Arts
Film Production
This film production degree equips you to turn your passion for film into a career.
Oakland University’s Bachelor of Arts in Film Production combines the study of film as an art form with the technical training of a filmmaking school. You’ll develop an academic foundation in film theory, criticism and history, while getting a practical education in filmmaking methods, technologies and creative processes. Our film degree provides you with outstanding opportunities to gain real-world experience, from writing and shooting your own films to working on professional production crews. You’ll enter the job market with the qualifications, resume and creative portfolio to impress employers and get your career in the film industry off to a strong start.
Oakland University’s Bachelor of Arts in Film Production combines the study of film as an art form with the technical training of a filmmaking school. You’ll develop an academic foundation in film theory, criticism and history, while getting a practical education in filmmaking methods, technologies and creative processes. Our film degree provides you with outstanding opportunities to gain real-world experience, from writing and shooting your own films to working on professional production crews. You’ll enter the job market with the qualifications, resume and creative portfolio to impress employers and get your career in the film industry off to a strong start.
Film Production Major: The Oakland University Advantage
By comparison to most college film programs, our film production degree provides an unusually broad liberal arts foundation. You’ll gain a well-rounded set of skills that combines technical proficiency with strengths in writing, critical thinking, cultural literacy and collaborative problem-solving.
As a film major at Oakland, you’ll also get to:
- Gain extensive hands-on experience. You’ll begin making films as a freshman, getting four years to develop your craft and experiment artistically. Our film majors work with the same equipment that’s used in the industry, so you’ll create polished work. And professional productions often recruit Oakland film students as interns and production assistants, enabling you to build workplace experience.
- Receive personalized instruction. Film production class sizes are capped at 12 students, ensuring that everyone gets extensive one-on-one attention from faculty. You’ll belong to a tight-knit community of professors and peers who support your creative growth and challenge you to reach your potential.
- Develop comprehensive technical skills. Our filmmaking program trains you in all aspects of the craft, from producing, directing, screenwriting, and editing to camera, lighting, sound, special effects, motion graphics and animation. You’ll be equipped with holistic, sustainable skills that you can adapt as audience tastes, production techniques, and media platforms evolve.
- Work closely with active filmmakers. Our film degree has unique partnerships with director/producer Michael Manasseri of Flux Capacitor Studios and our resident filmmakers, the Deka Brothers (Julian and Benoit Deka Decaillon). All are award-winning filmmakers who’ve placed their work at Sundance, Cannes, and other major festivals. In addition to running leading specialized workshops for student-led filmmaking productions, these partners regularly staff their own crews with Oakland film majors and alumni, giving you exceptional opportunities to apprentice, build your resume and get established in the profession.
- Showcase your work. Oakland’s film degree culminates in a senior thesis project that highlights your talent and creativity. In addition, film majors produce original content for Oakland’s TV station and exhibit their films at campus events and special screenings, and find many other venues to gain exposure and get noticed.
What Can You Do With a Film Production Degree?
Oakland University film majors have a great track record of professional achievement. You’ll stand out in the film industry job market for your high degree of professionalism, work experience, versatility and confidence.
Many graduates of our film production degree have started their careers in the film industry with major employers such as Disney Studios and Fox Entertainment. Others perform production and animation work for organizations as varied as Quicken Loans, Mahindra Automotive North America, the Detroit Tigers, and The Henry Ford Museum. You can also find excellent opportunities in advertising, marketing, corporate communications, digital media, public relations, film festivals, nonprofits, museums, and other sectors.
Oakland alumni hold jobs in filmmaking such as:
- Cinematographer
- Animator
- Digital content creator
- Video producer
- Interactive media specialist
- Motion graphics designer
- Visual brand manager
- Postproduction director
- Freelance film editor
- Associate producer
Film Production Major: What You’ll Learn
The film production degree begins with an introductory course and required courses in filmmaking, film criticism and cinematic form. You’ll also take two film history classes and six electives, completing the program with a senior thesis project that integrates film production with aesthetics, critical and theoretical knowledge, and professional practices. There are 52 total required credits in the film production major.
Elective courses span a broad range of topics in filmmaking and film studies. You can explore subjects such as:
- Documentary filmmaking
- Narrative filmmaking
- Screenwriting
- Experimental filmmaking
- Design, motion and special effects
- Animation
- Media industries
- Film festivals
- Global film
- Advanced specialized courses in areas such as editing, directing, producing, audio production
Film Studies and Production Program Resources
Programs Related to Film Production
Not sure if the film production degree is right for you ? Check out these other undergraduate degree programs at Oakland, and contact our admissions team to discuss your options.