Film/Video at Pratt

Contact: filmvideo@pratt.edu · (phone) 718-636-3633 · (fax) 718-636-3478

Admissions: 800-331-0834

Cinema is everywhere, all around us-- in theaters, in art galleries, on television, smart phones, YouTube, billboards, buses, and cabs.  The magic of cinema that stunned us at its inception is now fully integrated into our daily lives through the artistic, cultural, and political fabric of our society. How can you as a young artist make the most of this very moment?  How can you embrace and explore all the exciting new possibilities of film and video, while simultaneously becoming grounded and skilled in the time-tested traditions?

The Pratt Film/Video program is designed to nurture the next generation of innovators in moving image and sound.  We offer a comprehensive foundation in the culture, techniques, and processes of moving image and sound production, with training in both traditional and non-traditional forms.  At Pratt, you don't need to limit yourself to fiction or non-fiction films, to commercial or art world aspirations.  Your classes will take you through all modes of film and video (narrative, documentary, alternative), encouraging intellectual cross-fertilization and allowing you to shape your own artistic vision.  Our program prioritizes creative expression while providing students with technical skills in current digital technologies, allowing for multiple professional paths upon graduation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In our curriculum, award-winning film/video artists and industry professionals teach an exciting range of courses, from the shared first year 'Digital Cinema' sequence, to the final year, in which faculty guide students in making individual thesis projects in 'Senior Video.' Pratt Film/Video rigorously trains incoming students in cinematography, mise-en-scene, editing, sound, and cinematic structure. With that foundation, we then encourage students to follow their own sense of inquiry towards more specialized content-specific courses, more electives, and more collaborations with students in other majors.  For example, consider a sophomore or junior level Film/Video course in short form screenwriting or directing actors; collaborate with Fashion Design students to explore the rich interaction of costume and the moving image.  Embrace these opportunities to learn from your peers and your environment, as well as your Film/Video professors.

Access is a key component of our program.  In Pratt Film/Video, starting freshmen year, students shoot projects with large-sensor interchangeable lens digital cinema cameras, quality microphones, and compact digital audio recorders.  Students edit in our digital editing facilities, manipulating image and audio with current post-production software.  All the members of the Pratt Film/Video Department (administrators, faculty, and technical support staff) are active accomplished filmmakers themselves.  These are the people who will share their experiences with you, and guide your continuing technical and conceptual development.

As a Film/Video major, your access will extend beyond Pratt into New York City itself.  Identifying new directions in the field is not limited to watching artist tapes in your Contemporary Video class - you can visit the amazing galleries, museums, microcinemas, and film festivals happening all over the city.  Out-of-class opportunities provide incredible professional experiences.  You can become part of a TV or film crew filming on New York City streets, or work as a student intern at places like the Museum of Modern Art, Saturday Night Live, or one of the countless independent companies that provide New York City's cutting edge.

We are proud to say that we do not know what the future of the moving image will bring.  Our mission is to provide you with tools and techniques, an understanding of history, and a complex yet flexible interdisciplinary arts education allowing you to guide us into that future.  

Our recent grads are already leading the way with their infectious entrepreneurial spirit.  They include an award-winning indie filmmaker who started an internationally-recognized film festival; a director of photography for music videos, installations, and industrials; a producer/editor of online video content for The New York Times; and a writer for Nickelodeon On-Air Promotion, among many others.  We are watching their accomplishments, and excited to see where you might lead us.

Click here to learn more about the Film/Video program

•  Learn more about the SIDELIGHTS VIDEO PROJECT

•  Learn more about PRATT FILM SOCIETY

•  Learn more about the BIG SCREEN PROJECT