Filmmaking
The world needs more creatives like you making films.
Filmmaking is a dynamic creative process that blends artistry with a multitude of learnable skills, from storytelling and cinematography to editing and sound design. It demands not only hard work and determination but also a deep commitment to collaboration, as it takes a dedicated team to transform a vision into a quality film.
Through a passion for film and teamwork, Stephens’ Filmmaking program provides the essential tools to bring your stories to life. We hope you will join us.
Program Features
- Begin working with professional film equipment your first semester on campus.
- Work alongside industry professionals during the Stephens Film Institute — a week-long production at the end of the spring semester.
- Continue writing, producing and directing original films throughout your career at Stephens.
- Graduate with a body of work that has been screened to a professional jury and at community events.
- Get support in submitting your work to outside film festivals.
The Filmmaking program at Stephens College built my confidence and experience as a storyteller and artist. I came to them as an ambitious, albeit naïve, teen and they helped me transform into an educated young woman. They fostered my specific passion (Casting) and provided me with tailored opportunities to help build those skills.
Molly Murphy ’18, Casting Assistant
This intensive summer experience brings together Filmmaking students, professional guest filmmakers and filmmaking faculty to produce, shoot and edit a film together.
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“Tampsen Air,” the episodic film project produced during Stephens Film Institute in 2018, was nominated for Best TV Pilot by the New York City Independent Film Festival.
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Our students actively produce films throughout their time at Stephens.
Learn MoreWhat Sets Us Apart
- Our filmmakers learn by doing. You will be immersed in filmmaking gear and begin making films your first semester.
- We have two large soundstage studios. Rain or shine, we are making films year-round.
- Access to a screening room to see your work on the big screen anytime you like.
- Technology: Students have free access to a full range of filmmaking equipment maintained by the film program faculty and library staff.
- Columbia’s annual documentary film festival, True/False, is an integral part of spring semester film courses. Stephens students get behind-the-scenes experience by serving as festival volunteers.
- Columbia’s strong local arts community includes Ragtag Cinema, a few short blocks from the Stephens campus.
- Our students attend regular masterclasses with visiting industry professionals.
The Senior Showcase is the culmination of a full year of work. It’s run like a film festival, with a Q+A for directors.
Related programs
Contact Us
FilmMaking
Chase Thompson, Associate Professor, Film Program Chair
(573) 876-7168
cthompson@stephens.edu