Filmmaking | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Filmmaking

Bring Your
Vision to Life

MCAD’s Filmmaking major is versatile, experiential, and designed for a variety of fields. Whether it’s for a music video, art project, documentary, or feature film, students try it all—writing, directing, producing, shooting, sound mixing, editing, and even acting. Cutting-edge film and digital technologies allow you to experiment, collaborate, and express yourself in any genre. Using a foundation in classic, motion-picture language, students master the structure of different film and video forms to bring a personal vision to life. 

Student adjusting a film set

Hear about the student experience

As a Filmmaking Major, you will:

  • Master the structure of a variety of motion-picture projects.
  • Develop creative and technical skills in filmmaking, videography, screenwriting, and sound.
  • Gain foundational skills in a variety of creative media.
  • Acquire the skills and knowledge for a professional career in filmmaking.
  • Pursue independent film and video projects informed by personal vision. 
  • Learn a range of professional crew positions.
  • Gain new tools of self-expression in media production while you navigate complex questions of identity. 
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Class Highlights

This Bachelor of Fine Arts program emphasizes a collaborative process of working on teams with students from all MCAD majors. Required classes include: 

  • Narrative Filmmaking
  • Experimental Filmmaking
  • Editing and Post Production
  • Directing for Actors and Acting for Mediamakers
  • Professional Practice

After MCAD

There are many paths to explore with a degree in Filmmaking. Potential careers include:

  • Assistant Director
  • Cinematographer
  • Film Editor
  • Makeup Artist
  • Sound Engineer

“While I was heavily interested in graphic design and sculpture, filmmaking was the major that satisfied my creative soul, thirst for technological innovation, and entrepreneurial drive.”  –Zachary Nelson ’12, Cofounder/CEO of MotoCrane, LLC