Filmmaking
Concentration

BA and MFA Programs

Filmmaking Overview

Turn your creative dreams and aspirations into reality.

Turn your dreams into reality as you immerse yourself in all aspects of filmmaking—directing, writing, cinematography, lighting, and editing. The filmmaking concentration gives you the hands-on skills to jump-start your career as you work in a collaborative environment. You’ll rotate through all the crew positions on the set, develop a professional quality demo reel, and develop the conceptual, technical, and creative foundation you need in today’s fast-paced film environment.

Next SFI Start Dates: March 24, 2025 and September 29, 2025

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Program Highlights

See Yourself Succeed with a Filmmaking Concentration

Creativity, critical thinking and technical skills all come together in Seattle Film Institute’s Filmmaking concentration. You’ll emerge with the skills you need to enter an industry that’s both fast-paced and always changing:

Concentration Highlights

• Start work on your first project the first week of class
• Work in Film
• Work in HD /4k Digital with both large and small format cameras
• Learn Filmmaking by Making Films as you complete 10-15 projects
• Rotate Crew Positions
• Write a feature-length screenplay

Career-Focused and Professionally-Driven

• Develop a professional demo-reel
• Craft a work-related resume with a range of crew positions
• Benefit from SFI’s commitment to career services and coaching

Hands-on and Project-Based

• Collaborative Cohort Program
• Faculty anchored by industry professionals

Learn More About the Filmmaking Programs at SEATTLE FILM INSTITUTE!

Become Part of SFI to Further Your Career. Request More Info Below.

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Learn More About Filmmaking Opportunities at SEATTLE FILM INSTITUTE!

Become Part of SFI to Further Your Career. Request More Info Below.

    Career Outlook

    In today’s digital world, visual communication abilities are more important than ever before.  Screens are everywhere. Wherever the screen is, whenever its displaying, people were paid to create it. Our filmmaking program gives you the skill-set to join this rapidly expanding field. There are many occupations and careers available to you:

    • Film director
    • Film/video editor
    • Web content producer
    • Writer
    • Lighting technician, broadcasting/film/video
    • Location manager
    • Media researcher
    • Music producer
    • Runner, broadcasting/film/video
    • Sound technician, broadcasting/film/video
    • Television/film/video producer

    Overall employment in filmmaking related fields is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. The number of Internet-only platforms, such as streaming services, is likely to increase, along with the number of shows produced for these platforms. Make your mark on a fast-growing industry.

    Curriculum

    The Filmmaking program is a fully immersive experience.  Students learn by doing with a hands-on curriculum focused on fundamental elements.

    Directing

    Explore the full range of directorial responsibilities: working and communicating effectively with actors, designing shots, translating your script to a shot list, managing and executing your shoot and so much more.

    Cinematography & Lighting

    Learn how to shoot, light and equipment from a technical standpoint.  If you have an image in your head, we want you to have the capability of capturing that image on-screen.

     Screenwriting

    At the heart of every great movie is a great script. Students is mentored and guided through the completion of scripts for multiple short films they create throughout the course of the program.

    Editing and Post Production 

    Students master the technical skills and gain an understanding of the conceptual principles of editing. Good cuts and effective pacing create compelling visual storytelling.

    Film History & Film Analysis

    Students enhance their hands-on skills by analyzing how the most successful filmmakers from every era utilize the same skills and abilities they are developing.

    Professional Practices

    Students create a demo reel and resume, clarify their long- and short-term goals, and prepare to make the transition from film student to working professional.