Film and Video Arts Program

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Turn Your Vision into Cinematic Art

Film is more than entertainment—it’s an art form that challenges, inspires, and transforms. At Fredonia, our Film and Video Arts program helps you master the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking, from storytelling to editing, sound design, and beyond. You'll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, developing your unique artistic voice while preparing for careers in independent filmmaking, media production, or graduate studies.

What You’ll Gain:

Creative Vision – Develop a personal artistic style through hands-on filmmaking and visual storytelling.
Technical Expertise – Master camera work, staging, lighting, editing, and sound design with industry-standard tools.
Studio Arts Foundation – Strengthen your visual storytelling with a background in fine arts and design principles.
Advanced Technology Access – Work with 4K video, high-speed frame rates, and professional editing suites.
Professional Preparation – Build a diverse portfolio and gain the skills needed for independent filmmaking, industry jobs, or graduate study.

Career Opportunities for Film/Video

Art Director
Film Editor
Film Producer
Fine Artist
Visual Effects Specialist

Creative Director
Filmmaker
Film Production
Production Design
Videographer

What does a 4-year degree look like?

First Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ARTS 120	Visiting Artist Program	1
ART 100	Visual Concepts	3
ARTS 105	Foundations in Drawing	3
ARTS 102	Foundations in 2D Form and Content	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	TOTAL	16

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ARTS 222	Cinema Arts I	3
ART 120	Visiting Artist Program	1
ART 240	Foundations of 3D Form and Content	3
ARTH 101	Art in Culture From Prehistory to 1400	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	TOTAL	16

Second Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ARTS 322	Cinema Arts II	3
ARTS 340	3D Methods and Materials	3
ART 120	Visiting Artist Program	1
ARTH 102	Art in Culture From 1400 to the Present	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3

	TOTAL	16

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ARTS 324	Special Effects for Experimental Video	3
ARTS 155	Intro to Photography (or)	3
ARTS 156	Intro to Digital Photography
ARTS xxx	Studio Elective	3
ARTS 120	Visiting Artist Program	1
ARTH xxx	Art History Elective	3
FF	Course	3
	TOTAL	16

Third Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
	ARTS Studio Elective	3
ARTS 495	Independent Studio	3
ART 120	Visiting Artist Program	1
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	16

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ARTS 422	Cinema Arts III	3
ARTS 323	Experimental Narrative	3
	ARTS Studio Elective	3
ART 120	Visiting Artist Program	1
ARTH 276	Film Form	3

	TOTAL	13

Fourth Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ARTS 429	Experimental Video Capstone	3
	ARTS Studio Elective	3
	ARTS Studio Elective	3
ART 120	Visiting Artist Program	1
	General Elective	3

	TOTAL	13

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ARTS 494	Directed Studio	3
ART 120	Visiting Artist Program	1
ART 400	Senior Seminar	1
	ARTS Studio Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	14

GRAND TOTAL:

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

View Full Curriculum

ARTS 222 Cinema Arts I

An introductory level, fine arts studio course that builds an understanding of cinematic arts through hands-on exercises and projects. Participants explore basic camera tools and techniques, sound design, and digital non-linear editing.

ARTS 324 Special Effects for Experimental Video

An upper-level studio art course that introduces concepts and techniques of special effects to the experimental video making process. Hands-on assignments will cover practical effects in front of the camera and digital post-production effects including advanced compositing of video elements.

ARTS 323 Experimental Narrative

Students will explore techniques and theories of experimental narrative structure as a counter argument to the dominant and established Hollywood system. Students will gain a deeper understanding of processes and thematic structure that can help advance a narrative direction in their experimental work.

Why Film/Video at Fredonia?

Your Work on the Big Screen

Submit your work to the SUNYWide Film Festival, an annual competition where student filmmakers gain industry exposure, attend workshops, and connect with professionals.

NASAD-Recognized Program

With NASAD accreditation, our program meets the highest standards in film education, preparing you for creative and professional success.

Learn Alongside Experienced Filmmakers

From studio critiques to personalized advising, our faculty are committed to helping you refine your skills and develop your artistic voice.

It's Different Here

Creative Freedom in Every Project

Every project you create is yours—develop your voice, experiment with style, and bring your vision to life on screen.

Bring Industry Experience to Your Education

Engage with professional filmmakers and artists through Cinema Alternatives, a student-led initiative bringing industry insights to campus.

Enhance Your Degree with Film Studies

Complement your filmmaking education with a Film Studies minor, exploring cinema’s history, culture, and critical perspectives.

Future-Focused, Artist-Supported

Our Film and Video Arts program evolves with the industry, keeping you ahead of emerging trends in technology, storytelling, and media. You'll receive personalized guidance from professors who are committed to your success, along with a supportive community of peers who collaborate and inspire. At Fredonia, you’ll develop both the creative confidence and technical skills to thrive in an ever-changing film landscape.