Mission Statement
The Film/Video program at Pratt Institute provides a foundation in nonfiction, fiction, experimental, and other time-based media practices. Our rigorous, project-based curriculum is centered around the creation of a sequence of films and videos that grow in complexity each semester, culminating in a year-long thesis project.
Each student is offered ample opportunity to grow and advance their conceptual, technical, and professional skills. They are encouraged to take creative risks, and to push the boundaries of conventional forms. They are introduced to a diverse canon of creators and works, and are asked to investigate complex histories and contexts as they strive to become reflexive and conscientious artists.
We aim to foster a supportive and collaborative creative community in which differences are respected and celebrated. We value the personal perspectives that each student brings to the classroom, and our goal is to elevate that unique voice to the forefront of their artistic vision.
Film/Video Department Program Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation from the BFA in Film, the student is expected to be competent in the following areas:
1. Student is able to effectively plan, oversee, and complete all phases of the filmmaking process (preproduction, production and postproduction).
· Planning. Did the student’s planning result in a complete and effectively executed film?
· Risk Assessment. Has the student effectively considered the liability of the project and the safety of the cast and crew?
2. Student is able to clearly conceptualize a cinematic project within a historical, theoretical or cultural context.
· Exploration. Is the filmmaker taking formal and conceptual risks to produce work that expresses a particular point of view?
· Representation & Bias. Did the filmmaker thoroughly consider the identities of its characters, ie. race, sexuality, class, gender, ability?
· Research. Does the filmmaker bring a detailed perspective to the topic at hand?
· Context. Is the filmmaker aware of how the project is situated within film/art history or within a theoretical/cultural context?
3. Student is able to demonstrate technical and aesthetic proficiency in service to the cinematic project.
· Cinematography. Does the lighting, camera work and mise-en-scene serve the concept of the project?
· Performance. Is the actor, interviewee or anyone who appears on screen connecting emotionally and intellectually with the audience?
· Editing. Does the juxtaposition of image and sound and pacing serve the concept of the project?
· Sound. Is the production audio clearly captured? Has the student created a well-crafted soundscape in postproduction that serves the concept of the project?
4. Student is able to communicate creative, aesthetic and conceptual ideas.
· Communication. Is the student able to clearly discuss and write about the project?
· Script. Does the student’s script serve the concept? Is it well-written?
· Concept. Is the student’s concept for the project compelling?
Film/Video Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Pratt Film/Video Department strives to recognize, accept, and celebrate differences (such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and other individual characteristics), while creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment that champions the creative and academic empowerment of all individuals. We condemn oppression in any form and recognize, in particular, the systemic prejudice and discrimination at play in the media industry. With this awareness, we ask students and faculty to join us in actively interrupting the paradigms of power and privilege that might play out subtly or not so subtly in the classroom and on set. As such, we intend to foster a creative and collaborative community in which all students enjoy the comfort that comes from being seen, valued, respected and included as uniquely talented individuals. It is our hope that students will emulate this model and have a positive impact in the field as they move into their roles as industry professionals.