School of Film and TelevisionFilm and Television Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree
- BFA
Creating film and television is a team effort. At Columbia College Chicago, that’s what we teach you from day one. You can have the latest industry-standard equipment, state-of-the-art production facilities, amazing locations, and talented actors at your fingertips, but a film is only as good as the people you work with. The industry runs on collaboration. Fortunately, Columbia offers you plenty of opportunities to work with students in your own program as well as across disciplines, such as acting, design, audio, and music.
Examples of Film and Television Careers
The Student Experience
As a Film and Television (BFA) major, you’ll choose from one of six concentrations and collaborate with your peers to create thought-provoking films. Each individual brings their own strengths to projects, whether it’s the ability to light a shot perfectly, write a compelling script, or edit the perfect cut. By working closely with a diverse group of students, you’ll gain perspective and learn more about yourself as a filmmaker.
Early on, you can put theory to work with hands-on filmmaking and build relationships with fellow filmmakers. You’ll also learn what makes a good story and develop your critical analysis skills.
We encourage students at all levels to collaborate on projects, and we host meet-and-greets so you can seek out creative partners. Many students also participate in commercial film and TV projects outside the college.
Our faculty includes film industry professionals, such as documentarians and film editors, who stay up-to-date with industry trends and teach them in the classroom.
Work on an active studio lot and intern with a West Coast production company as well as network leaders in the entertainment industry and Columbia alums.
Watch independent and major studio releases in our own Film Row Cinema and around Chicago before they play in the theatres.
Chicago hosts several renowned film festivals. We encourage students to submit their films and volunteer at the prestigious Chicago International Film Festival and other cultural events in Chicago.
Cinema and television-related student organizations include the Columbia Horror Picture Show, Editors Guild of Columbia, The Experimental Film Society, and the Cult Cinema Club.
35,500 sq ft Media Production Center, with
FrameWork allows seniors and graduate students to talk about their filmmaking processes.
Career Readiness
From connecting you to internships to helping you develop door-opening bodies of work to making an important professional connection, Columbia helps students launch their careers.
Our Career Center provides advice and guidance in finding internships that match your interests and professional goals. And with the help the Career Center and faculty, you can develop a resume, web portfolio, reel, website, and strong social media presence.
Columbia College Chicago has produced many successful alumni. These alumni find work in the industry right out of college, and some have won Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes.
Alumni Spotlight
Christian Sprenger '07
Emmy award-winning cinematographer of the TV show "Atlanta."
of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.