students filming in a desert using a camera and boom mic

Move Behind the Camera

You’ve always felt the power of visual stories. Learn to give others the gifts of well-made film.

Major
Division of Communication & Creative Media 
Internships
On-Campus Employment Opportunities
Study Abroad
Optional Portfolio Submission 
Creative Studio Experience 
Current Students College Catalog 
Study Abroad 
Admissions 

Paint the World in Motion Pictures.

Master motion picture production from screenwriting to editing, and develop a deep understanding of the business of filmmaking. Our filmmaking program puts professional tools in your hands, right away, through our labs, soundstages, and studios. You’ll learn to create films from start to finish, exploring different production roles including director, cinematographer, sound designer, and editor. Then, you’ll share your films through numerous contests, film festivals, regional television segments, and more, all with the support of faculty and career counselors to help guide your path.

If you want to master the craft of great films, the kind that inspire action, provoke thought, and draw out emotions—you know the kind—this program is for you. Here, you’ll develop your personal voice in narrative, experimental, and documentary films, and even in corporate marketing. You’ll use state-of-the-art software, technologies, and cameras while you build a knowledge base in film history, aesthetics, criticism, and film business. This program for complete filmmakers to-be.

What Is Filmmaking?

Filmmaking studies investigate the elements of visual narratives and examine moving pictures as a medium and an art form. From social media stories and TV series, to memes and big-budget movies, these visuals tell the story of today’s world. If you’re ready to build your filmmaking toolkit and turn your imagination into films shared with real audiences, we invite you to produce with us at Champlain.

Why Study it at Champlain?

Like all of Champlain’s academic programs, Filmmaking is grounded in hands-on learning that puts you at the center of your studies. Here, you’ll polish your signature style and to prepare for a variety of creative opportunities in the industry well before you graduate. Once you’ve explored the many opportunities in film production, you’ll choose a concentration and focus on the aspects that interest you most.

Recognizing the breadth and depth of the filmmaking field, the program includes your choice from one of six concentrations to begin narrowing your area of study. They are:

  • Cinematography: Dive deep into camera work and create the video images you want, from the pre-visualization of the image to the final color grade.
  • Directing: Explore directing for different types of projects, learn the inner workings and logistics of filmmaking, from inception to screening.
  • Motion Graphics: Bring visual concepts and still images to life in innovative ways through typography, audio, video, photography, illustration, animation, and cinematic techniques.
  • Producing: Develop the skills of a successful film producer, like script development, pitching, budgeting, marketing, and distribution.
  • Screenwriting: Combine your screenwriting toolkit and inspiration to create engaging, powerful scripts through the study of compelling characterization, dialogue, and story structure in multiple genres.
  • Sonic Arts:  Create original music by mastering the basics of music creation and sound design, learn the specifics of film scoring.
a professor shows two students a "red" camera

Different by Design

Get Rolling

Develop your skills and put them to work. Gain experience by participating in workshops, competitions, festivals, and retreats – like our Montreal Filmmaking Summer Program.

The Tools You Need

You’ll have access to state-of-the-art software and camera equipment – like RED cameras – in and out of class.

Get Global Experience

Take your filmmaking classes abroad by participating in film trips to countries such as Italy, Saudi Arabia, The Gambia, and Sweden.

Get Hired Early

Our talented film majors are frequently hired within the community, often after their first year.

100%

of Filmmaking majors in the Class of 2023 achieved career success within six months of graduation. That’s success you can see.

$85,414

According to Glassdoor.com, filmmakers earn competitive salaries, reflecting the high demand for their specialized skills.

12%

Overall employment growth of film and video editors and camera operators projected from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — much faster than the average for all occupations.

Sample Courses in the Filmmaking Major

Our Filmmaking curriculum is designed for students who are passionate, creative, and excited master the technical skills of filmmaking. You’ll be equipped with a strong foundation in film history, gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge production software and cameras, and study of the business side of film. Check out some of the engaging and hands-on courses in our program, and learn more about our Upside-Down Curriculum, which puts you in your major right away.

Concentrations

Filmmaking Admissions Requirements

Prepare your application as a Filmmaking student.

The Filmmaking major at Champlain College is a visual art program focused on the creation of 2-D and 3-D art assets and animation for games. To be successful, students must enter the program with a strong aesthetic ability and a passion for creating visual art using both traditional and digital media.

As a Filmmaking applicant, you have the option to submit a portfolio consisting of 1 video or movie sample (up to 5 min) OR 1 script (3-5 pages) and photos to supplement your application.

You might also be interested in these…

Based on your interest in the Filmmaking major, we thought you also might like to check out these other academic programs and opportunities.

Sign Up To Get Stickers + Helpful Info

Laptop on a bed, the laptop is decorated with exciting stickers from a champlain college graduate

Ready to be inspired? Fill out the form and sign up to receive helpful information about Champlain College—plus, we’ll send you a full sheet of high quality stickers designed by one of our Graphic Design & Visual Communication graduates.

Career Success

Champlain’s filmmaking program grants hands-on learning experiences to ensure you are industry ready. 100% of Film majors in the Class of 2023 achieved career success within six months of graduation.

student adjusts the camera in a film studio
A Filmmaking student focusing an industry-standard camera rig during a production

By the time you graduate, you will…

  • Analyze the historical and theoretical foundations of filmmaking
  • Create film work that manifests the filmmaker’s unique voice
  • Analyze story structure and the screenwriting process for use in the critique and creation of film
  • Apply current best practices in cinematography
  • Apply current best practices in editing language and visual effects
  • Effectively manage the resources and logistics required to produce a film
  • Collaborate as a member or leader of a filmmaking team
  • Evaluate the ethical implications inherent in filmmaking practices;
  • Analyze one’s own interests and skills in the context of filmmaking industry challenges and opportunities in order to help formulate career goals
  • Analyze the relationship between film and other art forms and intellectual disciplines.

You’ll Find a Career In…

  • Script coverage
  • Directing
  • Producing
  • Director
  • Editing
  • Programming
  • Screenwriting
  • Production management

More Inside Filmmaking Major