Welcome to the Film/Video Department of Columbia College

The Film/Video Department at Columbia College Chicago seeks to cultivate artists with a unique vision and the desire to express that vision on film. At the same time, we strive to develop the technical skills that supports this creative passion. Believing that the best way to learn filmmaking is to make films, we stress collaborative film and video production: classes are taught through a project-based, hands-on, student-centered process. Our diverse student body, imaginative faculty and state of the art facilities combine to develop the creative, conceptual, and technical skills needed to become a working film or video professional.

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Columbia College supplies additional resources to inspire film/video students, such as theater, dance, music, fiction writing, graphic arts, photography, and interactive multimedia. The Film/Video Department offers nearly two hundred specialized undergraduate and graduate courses that embody the most comprehensive curriculum of any film school in the country. In small classes that provide a nurturing and challenging atmosphere, students get the personalized attention needed to hone their skills. With many working professionals on the faculty, we stay ahead of the ever-evolving industry and technological trends while helping students realize their creative and professional goals.

Entering students quickly get immersed in the filmmaking process. In the first class, students learn the fundamentals of the medium while working on script ideas and, at the beginning of the second semester, each makes a film. After completing the departmental core courses, students either design a unique course of study tailored to their career goals or select a major area of concentration. Taught in distinctive learning centers, areas of concentration include Alternative Forms, Animation (traditional and digital), Audio, Cinema Studies, Cinematography, Directing, Documentary, Editing, Producing, and Screenwriting. Some students choose to prepare for a working life in one of the specialized disciplines; others opt to graduate as an independent filmmaker with all-round experience.

We value the making of individual films or videos that develop students' creative potential and reflect their technical abilities. These films become the all-important sample reel needed to begin a professional career. Of course, making movies cost money. To help defray the expense of advanced productions, the Film/Video Department created a production fund. Grants from this fund are awarded on a competitive basis, so students learn grant-writing skills in making their proposals. Despite partial departmental, the copyright to work remains with the student.

Once films have been finished, exhibition and distribution become crucial. Our annual student film festival The Big Screen has become one of the most anticipated film events in Chicago. This juried competition of student produced films and videos celebrates the creative diversity and incredible talent in the department, while also offering cash awards and trophies for Best of the Fest, Audience Award, Best Script, and Best Treatment. The department also provides local exposure through its Wednesday night screenings. In addition, Chicago provides exhibition venues such as the Chicago Underground and Chicago International Film Festivals. Finally, the Film Department helps students submit their work to national and international film festivals

The Career Planning and Placement office helps graduates find jobs and helps students find internships. Taken for credit, industry internships provide professional production or post-production training. This important career preparation helps many students land exciting jobs locally and nationally. The Film/Video Department maintains connections in several cities, including New York and Los Angeles. For example, an active West Coast Alumni Association and our own office on the CBS Television lot in Hollywood cements the L.A. relationship. In addition, we currently offer a Semester in L.A. Program. For those interested in a Hollywood career, this excellent introduction includes meetings and classes with an extensive array of working professionals eager to share their knowledge and offer students practical guidance.

Our methodology, philosophy and curriculum have evolved over thirty years as we have grown into an internationally renowned center of teaching excellence. We boast a vibrant location, low tuition rates, sophisticated technical facilities, a comprehensive curriculum and a faculty of working professionals, film scholars and independent filmmakers. But, ultimately, successful graduates and the production of artistic, entertaining films testify to our unsurpassed knowledge and dedication to instruct, support and inspire all who enter our program.