RISD Undergraduate Degrees - BFA: Film/Animation/Video

Exploring the art of the moving image, students learn the critical thinking, conceptual and production skills needed to create strong content with a unique voice. Film/Animation/Video at RISD is committed to independent filmmaking and the use of time-based art for individual expression. Professors in the department teach students to analyze and solve technical and aesthetic problems, and offer critical feedback, access to film festivals and regular interaction with visiting artists and specialists.

As an FAV major, you will learn to work in live action, animation or a hybrid of the two, and will have the option of producing films in a wide variety of genres (such as documentary, experimental, narrative) and for diverse outlets (including installations and interactive media). Although the path you choose will be your own, the program is designed to help you hone your creative vision and master the skills to produce artistically outstanding work.

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• Introduction to Film (fall or spring)
• Introduction to Video (fall or spring)
• Animation elective (fall or spring)
• Major or non-major studio electives (fall/spring)
• Digital Foundation (fall or spring)
• Time, Light and Sound (fall)
• Liberal Arts electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Sophomores
In the first year of the program, you are given a series of short assignments designed to provide a basic technical foundation in film, video, animation and digital media.

• Major or non-major studio electives (fall/spring)
• Liberal Arts electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)
live action focus:
• Intermediate Studio: Film (fall/spring)
• Intermediate Studio: Video (fall/spring)
animation focus:
• Intermediate Studio: Animation (fall/spring)
• Intermediate Studio: Film or Video or Video II (fall)

Juniors
As a junior, you will further develop your skills as you choose to specialize in live action or animation while tackling more ambitious projects that involve cinematography, lighting, sound design, character design, digital editing, compositing, producing, storyboarding and interactive programming.

• Senior Degree Project
(fall/winter/spring)
• Major or non-major studio electives (fall/spring)
• Liberal Arts electives (fall/spring)

Seniors
During senior year, you will focus on an individual degree project guided by faculty mentors. All final films are screened at a public film festival held in May.