Minor in Film

Bring your story to life.

Take writing and production courses for a tactile experience in visual storytelling. Direct and edit three short films. Develop plot and characters. Complete part of a full-length screenplay. You must be at least a sophomore to declare this minor and enroll in the courses.

The Minor in Film requirements below apply to those who declare the minor beginning in spring 2025. Students who declared the Minor in Film prior to spring 2025 may follow the old requirements or choose to follow the new ones.

Minor in Film Curriculum

You must complete a minimum of 15 units for the minor. 

Please note: Not all courses are offered during all academic sessions. Check Albert for course schedule and work with your academic advisor to plan accordingly. Courses listed are allocated to the Minor. For courses with an OART-UT prefix, course registration is first come, first served and open to all undergraduates - reserved spaces or guaranteed seats are not available for the Minor. For department major courses, refer to the 'Notes' section in Albert for additional departmental requirements and non-major procedures. Courses offered at the School of Professional Studies are not eligible to count toward Tisch Minors.

Writing Area

Select at least one of the following courses:

Intro to Screenwriting

OART-UT 35 | 4 units | Instructor: Check Albert

The course combines lectures on the basics of feature length screenwriting with the development of the student’s own writing work. Students are required to complete 50-70 pages of a full length screenplay with an outline of the rest. The students study story structure, conflict, and character, in conjunction with the screening and study of several classic films and screenplays. The writing process starts in the first month with a focus on exercises to help students develop five story ideas with the complexity and depth to sustain a full-length screenplay. One of these ideas will serve as the basis for the required work. Each idea can be described in one or two paragraphs. Special instructions: All students must come to the first class with three ideas for full-length screenplays.

     

Check Albert for course schedule.

Intermediate Screenwriting

OART-UT 36 | 3 units | Instructor: Check Albert

A continuation of the training presented in Fundamentals of Developing the Screenplay. Required work in the class includes extensive scene work. Guided by their screenwriting instructor, students will complete the screenplay begun in Fundamentals of Developing the Screenplay and then do a rewrite or they may begin, complete, and rewrite a new full-length screenplay. The focus in this class will be on story structure and development and the completion of a full-length screenplay. If you plan to do a new work, you must come to the first class with three ideas for full-length screenplays. Each idea can be described in one or two paragraphs. Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Developing the Screenplay (OART-UT 35).

 

Check Albert for course schedule.

Writing the TV Sitcom

OART-UT 1045 | Lecture | 4 units | Instructor: Check Albert

Adapted from the Dramatic Writing Program’s popular “Introduction to the Sitcom” course, this intensive scriptwriting class answers the question, “What do I need to break into TV writing?” – the student will be guided through the step-by-step development of an episode for an ongoing TV sitcom, from premise line to one-page outline, to pages and revisions. The course will require the completion of a polished draft while introducing students to the rigors of professional standards through weekly story goals.

Prerequisites: Must be sophomore and above. Otherwise: None.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Collaborative Screenwriting: The Writers Room

OART-UT 1044 | 4 units | Instructor: Check Albert

Always thought you had that perfect concept for a streaming TV show? Curious about what makes those shows tick, and to see if you have what it takes to collaborate on a show that works? Focused on the development of the half-hour streaming ‘prestige' TV series, The Writers’ Room is an Intermediate and Collaborative TV Screenwriting class that addresses the latest forms of shows that sell, on the platforms that dominate the market. Shows like The Mandalorian, Ted Lasso and The Bear are 'binge-worthy' because along with dynamic stand-alone episodes they present connected dramatic arcs stretching over seasons. Often these shows are developed with multiple writers, in a format known as the 'Writers’ Room.' Along with conceptualizing a show, the class is intended as a practicum in collaboration, modeling the Writers Room to prepare the future screenwriter for one of the central forms of commercial storytelling. In this class we will cover what it actually takes to break into TV writing and create a roadmap to developing not only a great TV episode but conceptualizing its entire first season. What will sell a great show? Great premises, fulsome outlines, dynamic pitches, engaging decks, etc. How do you 'break' an episode and build provocative story arcs? Students will emerge with a group-conceptualized deck for an original show as well as that show’s original pilot--all done in the form of a structured workshop environment, with the last half of the class modeling the writers room. Our main texts are current shows that fit within this context. Note: this is a rigorous, collaborative class that requires significant out-of-class meetups with your group colleagues, so please be aware of the time commitment.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Production Area

Select at least one of the following courses:

Fundamentals of Filmmaking I: The Art of Visual Storytelling

OART-UT 560 | 4 units | Instructor: Check Albert

Formerly Fundamentals of Film: A Digital Workshop

This practical workshop is designed to introduce students to the techniques and theory of developing and producing short film ideas that are shot on digital video and edited digitally on computer using Adobe Premiere Pro software. The course centers on learning elements of visual storytelling through a spectrum of aesthetic approaches. Working in crews of four, students learn directing, shooting, and editing skills as they each direct three short videos (three to five minutes in length).   

This course is specifically designed to fulfill the major requirements in production of students not majoring in film and therefore, students who need to fulfill this requirement are given registration priority. Students should add themselves to the waitlist for this class.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Fundamentals of Filmmaking II: Narrative Film

OART-UT 561 | 4 units | Instructor: Check Albert

Formerly Intermediate Digital Filmmaking Workshop

Prerequisite: OART-UT 560 Fundamentals of Filmmaking I or OART-UT 580 Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking I AND OART-UT 35 Intro to Screenwriting or DWPG-UT 20 The Craft of Dramatic and Visual Writing or equivalent experience

In this course, students will build upon the visual storytelling skills learned in the prerequisite course, Fundamentals of Filmmaking. Students will be introduced to color cinematography, aesthetics, sound recording, casting and directing actors, production logistics, and editing. This course is aimed at the film enthusiast who would like to further explore digital filmmaking.

Students will shoot on Sony FS100 HD digital video cameras, and edit with Adobe Premiere Pro software on Apple computers. Students will have access to a compact lighting and mini mic kit for use on their productions. Students are required to purchase their own portable hard drive to use during the editing process.

At the complete of this course, students will be able to:

  • Direct and produce a short, digital video project, this includes:
    • Write a 5-minute short screenplay with minimal dialog
    • Cast and direct actors
    • Storyboard
    • Light a scene with a compact lighting kit
    • Record clean dialog with a mini mic kit
    • Edit on Final Cut Pro

This course has a nonrefundable lab fee.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking I: Making a Short Observation

OART-UT 580 | 4 units

Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking I is an intensive 14 week course combining film screenings, lectures, and creative workshops to introduce students to documentary film production, basic film production tools, and basic film grammar. Students will work both independently and in remote “crews” to research, discover, design, pre-produce, film and edit short documentary film exercises and a final short documentary film. Students are challenged to think creatively to use cellphone footage, archival material and remote interviews to capture non-fiction material. We will learn about documentary storytelling through editing, and get intensive hands-on training in professional editing software. Students will regularly screen their work for each other, and provide constructive feedback to expand one another’s abilities as filmmakers. This course serves to expand the Open Arts program’s film production course offerings by making an introductory documentary filmmaking class available. It is similar in structure and technical scope to the existing Fundamentals of Filmmaking I course - which is a narrative based course. Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking I will also serve as an introductory film production course for other NYU students who may have an interest in non-fiction, documentary film production courses. This course will count towards the Documentary minor. This remote practical workshop is designed to introduce students to the techniques and theory of developing and directing short film ideas that are shot on digital video using their own cell phones or cameras and edited with Adobe Premiere Pro software. The course centers on learning all the elements of visual storytelling through a spectrum of aesthetic approaches. Working in virtual crews, students learn writing, directing, producing and editing skills as they each direct three short videos (three to five minutes in length) on their own cell phones or cameras. Students are required to have a video recording device to participate in this class and will have to follow Tisch remote filming guidelines for health and safety. If you are using a smartphone, Filmic Pro is a required purchase (approx $14.99), which is compatible with iOS 11 or higher. A personal DSLR or mirrorless camera that records video may also be used. Small, cellphone stands (approx $15) are recommended and strongly suggested (we will provide link). It is also required that you purchase an external hard drive (you may find specs at https://tinyurl.com/oacompcamp). Adobe Premiere will be used for editing and students should make sure they have computers that meet the following tech requirements (https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/system-requirements.html). Other editing software may be used by permission from the instructor. Additional College Student Insurance (approx $155) is a recommended purchase to protect your personal equipment, but is not required. Please contact your professor if you have any questions about your intended camera or computer use. 

Check Albert for course schedule.

Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking II: Documentary Discovery - Directing & Producing

OART-UT 581 | 4 units

This class is Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking II. “Documenting Discovery” is an intensive 14 week course combining lectures and creative workshops to fully explore documentary film production. Students will learn advanced non-fiction filmmaking techniques, including interviewing subjects, capturing visuals from real life and documentary storytelling. Over the course of the semester, students will hone their filmmaking skills through a series of exercises, leading up to a final project that focuses on a single subject. Focusing on both content and form, student filmmakers will choose a subject to research, interview and develop a documentary film with a clear narrative arc. Students can choose to focus on a friend or family member, or else they can choose from a pool of suggested subjects to document their process of artistic discovery.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Queer Cinema

OART-UT 582 | 4 units

This production course allows students from all academic backgrounds to expand their artistic practice, and apply film training through the lens of queer cinema. This collaborative course blends film screenings, discussions and theoretical exploration with hands-on production experience. Students will gain critical knowledge of significant works from the queer film canon, and hone their skills as filmmakers through the production of short cinematic works. In this course students will make a short film. In the beginning of the semester students will present their film idea, then shoot and edit it. The film will be between 3-15 minutes and can be a documentary, scripted, or hybrid. Students who want to collaborate on a film can co-direct. The class will culminate in a final screening of all the students' original creations.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Professional Lighting & Camera Techniques

OART-UT 571 | 2 units

Students will learn how to shoot professional looking shots on prosumer cameras with minimal lighting — by applying the lessons of professional cinematography to prosumer video cameras, DSLR's, and cellphone videography. A wide variety of Camera Exercises are assigned to train the students to shoot movies with natural light and limited prosumer camera gear. 3-4 person crews are selected to work together on all the Camera Exercises, and for the Final Project as well. Students shoot with their own DSLR's, prosumer cameras, and/or cellphones. Pending availability (and CSI access) students can also choose from a selection of DSLR's and prosumer gear provided by the course (SONY A73, SONY A7R2, SONY A6400, Pocket Osmo Gimbal Camera, and Osmo 3 Gimbal for Cellphones). All camera exercises are screened and reviewed in class. Students analyze and discuss their own work and are assigned reshoots and pick-up shooting assignments to reinforce their in-class learning. Early classes work with professional lighting gear on stage and students then go out into the field to film camera exercises and music videos utilizing available natural light and small practical light kits - while employing the lighting concepts and lessons they learned on stage.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Minor in Film Curriculum for Dramatic Writing Majors

Production Area

Select at least one of the following courses:

Fundamentals of Filmmaking I: The Art of Digital Storytelling

OART-UT 560 | 4 units | Instructor: Check Albert

This practical workshop is designed to introduce students to the techniques and theory of developing and producing short film ideas that are shot on digital video and edited digitally on computer using Adobe Premiere Pro software. The course centers on learning elements of visual storytelling through a spectrum of aesthetic approaches. Working in crews of four, students learn directing, shooting, and editing skills as they each direct three short videos (three to five minutes in length).   

This course is specifically designed to fulfill the major requirements in production of students not majoring in film and therefore, students who need to fulfill this requirement are given registration priority. Students should add themselves to the waitlist for this class    

Check Albert for course schedule.

Fundamentals of Filmmaking II: Narrative Film

OART-UT 561 | 4 units | Instructor: Check Albert

Prerequisite: OART-UT 560 Fundamentals of Filmmaking I or OART-UT 580 Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking I AND OART-UT 35 Intro to Screenwriting or DWPG-UT 20 The Craft of Dramatic and Visual Writing or equivalent experience

In this course, students will build upon the visual storytelling skills learned in the prerequisite course, Fundamentals of Filmmaking. Students will be introduced to color cinematography, aesthetics, sound recording, casting and directing actors, production logistics, and editing. This course is aimed at the film enthusiast who would like to further explore digital filmmaking.

Students will shoot on Sony FS100 HD digital video cameras, and edit with Adobe Premiere Pro software on Apple computers. Students will have access to a compact lighting and mini mic kit for use on their productions. Students are required to purchase their own portable hard drive to use during the editing process.

At the complete of this course, students will be able to:

  • Direct and produce a short, digital video project, this includes:
    • Write a 5-minute short screenplay with minimal dialog
    • Cast and direct actors
    • Storyboard
    • Light a scene with a compact lighting kit
    • Record clean dialog with a mini mic kit
    • Edit on Final Cut Pro

This course has a nonrefundable lab fee. 

Check Albert for course schedule.

Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking I: Making a Short Observation

OART-UT 580 | 4 units

Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking I is an intensive 14 week course combining film screenings, lectures, and creative workshops to introduce students to documentary film production, basic film production tools, and basic film grammar. Students will work both independently and in remote “crews” to research, discover, design, pre-produce, film and edit short documentary film exercises and a final short documentary film. Students are challenged to think creatively to use cellphone footage, archival material and remote interviews to capture non-fiction material. We will learn about documentary storytelling through editing, and get intensive hands-on training in professional editing software. Students will regularly screen their work for each other, and provide constructive feedback to expand one another’s abilities as filmmakers. This course serves to expand the Open Arts program’s film production course offerings by making an introductory documentary filmmaking class available. It is similar in structure and technical scope to the existing Fundamentals of Filmmaking I course - which is a narrative based course. Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking I will also serve as an introductory film production course for other NYU students who may have an interest in non-fiction, documentary film production courses. This course will count towards the Documentary minor. This remote practical workshop is designed to introduce students to the techniques and theory of developing and directing short film ideas that are shot on digital video using their own cell phones or cameras and edited with Adobe Premiere Pro software. The course centers on learning all the elements of visual storytelling through a spectrum of aesthetic approaches. Working in virtual crews, students learn writing, directing, producing and editing skills as they each direct three short videos (three to five minutes in length) on their own cell phones or cameras. Students are required to have a video recording device to participate in this class and will have to follow Tisch remote filming guidelines for health and safety. If you are using a smartphone, Filmic Pro is a required purchase (approx $14.99), which is compatible with iOS 11 or higher. A personal DSLR or mirrorless camera that records video may also be used. Small, cellphone stands (approx $15) are recommended and strongly suggested (we will provide link). It is also required that you purchase an external hard drive (you may find specs at https://tinyurl.com/oacompcamp). Adobe Premiere will be used for editing and students should make sure they have computers that meet the following tech requirements (https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-pro/system-requirements.html). Other editing software may be used by permission from the instructor. Additional College Student Insurance (approx $155) is a recommended purchase to protect your personal equipment, but is not required. Please contact your professor if you have any questions about your intended camera or computer use. 

Check Albert for course schedule.

Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking II: Documentary Discovery - Directing & Producing

OART-UT 581 | 4 units

This class is Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking II. “Documenting Discovery” is an intensive 14 week course combining lectures and creative workshops to fully explore documentary film production. Students will learn advanced non-fiction filmmaking techniques, including interviewing subjects, capturing visuals from real life and documentary storytelling. Over the course of the semester, students will hone their filmmaking skills through a series of exercises, leading up to a final project that focuses on a single subject. Focusing on both content and form, student filmmakers will choose a subject to research, interview and develop a documentary film with a clear narrative arc. Students can choose to focus on a friend or family member, or else they can choose from a pool of suggested subjects to document their process of artistic discovery.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Queer Cinema

OART-UT 582 | 4 units

This production course allows students from all academic backgrounds to expand their artistic practice, and apply film training through the lens of queer cinema. This collaborative course blends film screenings, discussions and theoretical exploration with hands-on production experience. Students will gain critical knowledge of significant works from the queer film canon, and hone their skills as filmmakers through the production of short cinematic works. In this course students will make a short film. In the beginning of the semester students will present their film idea, then shoot and edit it. The film will be between 3-15 minutes and can be a documentary, scripted, or hybrid. Students who want to collaborate on a film can co-direct. The class will culminate in a final screening of all the students' original creations.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Professional Lighting & Camera Techniques

OART-UT 571 | 2 units

Students will learn how to shoot professional looking shots on prosumer cameras with minimal lighting — by applying the lessons of professional cinematography to prosumer video cameras, DSLR's, and cellphone videography. A wide variety of Camera Exercises are assigned to train the students to shoot movies with natural light and limited prosumer camera gear. 3-4 person crews are selected to work together on all the Camera Exercises, and for the Final Project as well. Students shoot with their own DSLR's, prosumer cameras, and/or cellphones. Pending availability (and CSI access) students can also choose from a selection of DSLR's and prosumer gear provided by the course (SONY A73, SONY A7R2, SONY A6400, Pocket Osmo Gimbal Camera, and Osmo 3 Gimbal for Cellphones). All camera exercises are screened and reviewed in class. Students analyze and discuss their own work and are assigned reshoots and pick-up shooting assignments to reinforce their in-class learning. Early classes work with professional lighting gear on stage and students then go out into the field to film camera exercises and music videos utilizing available natural light and small practical light kits - while employing the lighting concepts and lessons they learned on stage.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Producing Area

Select at least one of the following courses:

Producing for Film

FMTV-UT 1095 | 3 units | Instructor: Check Albert

Non-Film majors may not be eligible to enroll in FMTV courses until the Open Access date, which is later than student registration times. To view Open Access dates, click the box that says "...UGFTV Open Access List" in the left margin on the enrollment procedure for non-majors page.

The enrollment procedure for non-majors can be found here.

An examination of the creative, organizational, and managerial roles of the producer in narrative motion pictures. Topics include how a production company is formed, creating and obtaining properties, financing, budgeting, cost control, and distribution. The course gives specific attention to the problems in these areas that will be faced by students as future professional directors, production managers, or writers. Each student is expected to breakdown, schedule, and budget a feature film (90 minutes or longer) of their choosing.  Students must be junior or senior status. 

Please note there is a non-refundable fee for this course. If you are a non-major, please make sure to register for the section for non-majors, generally considered section .002.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Producing for Television

FMTV-UT 1028 | 3 units | Instructor: Check Albert

Non-Film majors may not be eligible to enroll in FMTV courses until the Open Access date, which is later than student registration times. To view Open Access dates, click the box that says "...UGFTV Open Access List" in the left margin on the enrollment procedure for non-majors page.

The enrollment procedure for non-majors can be found here.

This course provides fundamental and practical instruction in the step-by-step realization of a television program. While productions will not be implemented through the class, students will individually serve as executive producers on projects of their own choosing, based on assignments by the instructor (based on student submissions which include news and cultural documentaries, performance and variety shows, and dramatic works). Student producers will engage in a detailed pre-production phase, which covers research, concept, format development, securing of rights and permissions, pitching to networks and studios, contracts and agreements, formation of the production plan, budget development, assembling staff and crew, identifying on-air talent, determining locations, photo and film archive research, refining the shooting schedule and budget plan. Analysis of why some projects succeed and others fail, an overview.  

Check Albert for course schedule.

Strategies for Independent Producing

FMTV-UT 1092 | 3 units | Instructor: Check Albert

Non-Film majors may not be eligible to enroll in FMTV courses until the Open Access date, which is later than student registration times. To view Open Access dates, click the box that says "...UGFTV Open Access List" in the left margin on the enrollment procedure for non-majors page.

The enrollment procedure for non-majors can be found here.

The purpose of this course is to give students important tools for developing and producing an independent film. The course focuses on independent narrative features, and recognizes the fundamental nature of film as art and commerce. It examines the marketplace for independent feature film and its workings, including the mechanics and economics of distribution, festival strategies, and funding strategies, including grant funding. Students construct a production plan for a feature project of their choice, incorporating a creative package, production strategy, and a financing strategy. There will be guest speakers and occasional screenings.

Check Albert for course schedule.

TV Nation: Inside and Out of the Box

FMTV-UT 1086 | 3 units | Instructor: Check Albert

Non-Film majors may not be eligible to enroll in FMTV courses until the Open Access date, which is later than student registration times. To view Open Access dates, click the box that says "...UGFTV Open Access List" in the left margin on the enrollment procedure for non-majors page.

The enrollment procedure for non-majors can be found here.

TV Nation: Inside and Out of the Box gives students the opportunity to experience, first hand, how the world of network television works from two points of view: business and creative.  Students will gain an understanding of the business aspect through the vantage point of the network executives and programmers.  They will also learn the creative process from development to pitching, from the vantage point of writers and producers in the industry.  In TV Nation, student will role-play the entire process as the key players who put together a season of broadcast and cable networks.

Please note there is a non-refundable fee for this course. If you are a non-major, please make sure to register for the section for non-majors, generally considered section .002.

Check Albert for course schedule.

Grades

All students declaring a Minor must receive a grade of C or above in order to have the course count towards a Tisch Minor.

Course Allocations

No more than one (1) class or a maximum of four (4) units can be used to substitute a Minor designated class. Students cannot substitute required classes for the Minors.

As of spring 2015, regarding double-counting of courses for Tisch students: students who have any combination of Tisch majors/minors will only be permitted to count one course towards both areas. Tisch minor courses can be double-counted between two Tisch minors. For all other NYU students, students' should follow their home school academic policies.