Communication: Film (BA)
Powerful visual storytelling.
- Available as
- Major
- Degrees/Options
- Bachelor of Arts
- Length
- 4 years
- Locations
- Fort Wayne
Why Study Film?
Innovative storytelling skills and digital technology expertise can give you a competitive edge in a range of entertainment, media and communication jobs.
From commercial production and innovative short films to deeply researched documentaries and live, televised events, there’s an incredible amount of content being created and shared today. There’s unprecedented demand for storytellers, directors, editors, writers and other creative professionals to bring these productions to life.
$65,070
Median annual salary for film and video editors; camera operators in 2023
BLS.gov
87,500
Number of film and video editor jobs in 2022
BLS.gov
$54,160
Median wage for broadcast, sound and video technicians in 2023
BLS.gov
Why Saint Francis for a Communication: Film Degree?
From concept to completion, film production is an exciting, multifaceted process. As a film major at the University of Saint Francis, you’ll get to experience all of it — while living and learning on a campus rich in creative arts.
Explore the Core Aspects of Visual Storytelling
Gain a foundation in film production and communication theory, while learning essential technical skills and production techniques. Your coursework will cover:
- Screenwriting
- Studio production
- Field production
- Editing
- Motion graphics
- Leadership and collaboration
And you’ll also get to enrich your education with electives — or even adding a minor or second major — in areas like animation, creative writing and graphic design.
Rooted in the Franciscan tradition, our communication: film production program also prepares you to be an ethical, socially responsible creative professional.
“The faculty and staff at Saint Francis went above and beyond to help me every time I had questions. I remember one professor stayed with me for almost an hour after class, helping me understand a concept one-on-one. So much of what we did in class was connected to what we would experience post-graduation. For example, I was required to do mock interviews and write cover letters as part of class assignments, years before my senior project.”
Larissa Whitaker ’19 Marketing Manager, Benchmark Human Services
Freelance Writer
“Before I graduated, I had two job offers, both within my field. I think this shows how well Saint Francis prepares you for success and connects you to professionals. At Saint Francis, I was able to tailor my career to my interests — and today, I’m working at a job I love.”
Benjamin Clemmer ’17 Voiceover and audio production professional
“I was hired directly from my internship. Once I graduated, I started a full-time position. I never had to worry about getting a job.”
Mollie Shutt ’18 Account Executive, Catalyst Marketing Design
“At the University of Saint Francis, I was encouraged to explore my creativity in multiple disciplines. In doing so, I learned about the value of well-roundedness. I took that mentality from school into the workplace, and I credit it for helping me establish a thriving career in the communications field.”
Steve Clark ’10 Marketing Manager at Science Central
Create and Collaborate: Hands-On Experience
The collaborative nature of film means working with and learning from an array of artists, storytellers, technicians and other professionals.
Campus Collaborations
Throughout your time at Saint Francis, you’ll team up with your film friends and students from other majors — such as animation, photography, graphic design, music technology and public relations — to create short films, develop digital campaigns and launch other exciting projects.
Internships & Practicums
Boost skills, build your portfolio and earn production credits through internships at media outlets, film companies, digital agencies and other organizations like:
- Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne
- BFA Photography
- Civic Theatre
- Diocese of Fort Wayne and South Bend
- Disney College
- Glasseye Pix
- Likeable Art
- Media 401 Digital Films
- PBS Fort Wayne
- WANE-TV Sports
Behind the Scenes: Faculty and Facilities
Film majors — and students in other creative and technical fields — at Saint Francis get to work with some of the most advanced equipment and technology on campus, as well as benefit from the expertise, guidance and professional networks of accomplished faculty members and artists.
Our Faculty
A film has many moving parts: the story, the production, the score, engaging the audience. That means you’ll learn not only from communication and film production faculty members but also from experts in cinematography, editing, design, writing, public relations, and more.
Our Media and Design Facilities
You’ll have 24/7 access to high-end computer labs, design studios, and production rooms, all equipped with industry-standard tools and software, such as Adobe Premiere and 4K digital cameras.
Our Venues
Saint Francis is home to a variety of performance venues, including the Performing Arts Center, a 2,000-seat auditorium in downtown Fort Wayne.
Campus and Community Involvement
As part of the Saint Francis Film Club, you can meet with other students who share your passion and discuss the art of visual storytelling and production for a variety of films, from the classics to the avant-garde. The club is also invaluable for building teams and partnerships for class and personal projects, as well as meeting with local filmmakers and professionals.
Other campus groups and activities of interest to someone seeking a film degree include:
- Communications and Public Relations Society
- American Advertising Federation
- Student Activities Council
- f/8 Photo Club
Media and Communication Jobs: What You Can Do With a Film Degree
The storytelling, communication, and digital skills you’ll gain in a film studies program will prepare you for an incredible range of positions in industries of all kinds. Saint Francis alumni have pursued creative and technical positions at companies of all kinds. A few examples:
- Assistant production manager, Warner Brothers Animation
- Chief experience officer, Rove Media Group
- Creative services producer, WPTA-TV
- Digital coordinator, iHeartMedia
- Key grip, Media 401
- Producer and host, 89.1 WBOI
- Senior producer, Team Google at MediaMonks
- Technical director, FOX 55 Fort Wayne
- Video specialist, Boyden and Youngblutt