Filmmaking
The world needs more women 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 does a block schedule look like?
Take a look at the below sample block schedule for a first-year Filmmaking major. The Block offers the rare opportunity to focus on what matters: learning, doing, and getting ready for your future. Want to know more? Contact an Advisor academicaffairs@stephens.edu.
What Sets Us Apart
- Stephens is one of only two women’s colleges in the U.S. that has a production program.
- 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.
Learn MoreCurriculum
Filmmaking Minor
Everyone has a story to tell. With a Filmmaking minor, you’ll gain both the technical skills to tell your story and the ability to apply your creativity to your process and final product. This minor can reinforce degrees in any creative field.
Requirements
The minor in filmmaking requires completion of a minimum of 15 semester hours, including at least 6 hours at or above the 300 level. All courses must be enrolled for graded credit to count in the minor. An overall GPA of at least 2.0 in all film courses listed in the minor is required. Refer to the course descriptions for prerequisites and grade requirements.
DFM 101: Introduction to Digital Media (3 hrs.)
and one of the following courses:
- DFM 140: Film History I (3 hrs.)
- DFM 150: Film History II (3 hrs.)
PLUS
9 hours of DFM electives chosen from Filmmaking courses. At least 6 hours must be 300 level or above.
Related programs
Contact Us
FilmMaking
Chase Thompson, Associate Professor, Film Program Chair
(573) 876-7168
cthompson@stephens.edu