Film Studies Program
Kim Gilnett, Coordinator

Email Kim Gilnett

The Los Angeles Film Studies Center (LAFSC), a program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, offers a semester-long liberal arts exposure to the workings of the film industry, exploring the ethical considerations and cultural influences that arise from the industry’s operations and product. Enrollment in the program is competitive and limited to upper-division undergraduates. For those accepted into the program, a block of 24 SPU credits may be earned. Consult the film-studies coordinator for details. The Los Angeles Film Studies Center, located in Burbank, California, provides students a unique opportunity to study the film industry in an “on location” intensified experience. Participants have opportunity to meet working professionals from all aspects of the film industry, to visit facilities found only in Southern California, and to utilize film research libraries unique to the area. The curriculum is intended to appeal to students from a variety of academic disciplines with the intent of providing an interdisciplinary study of film and the film industry, and with a secondary goal of providing opportunity to investigate future academic and/or vocational opportunities.

(from SPU Undergraduate Catalog)

FLM 4100 CCCU: Film Studies - Theology in Hollywood (6) Registration approval: Travel Studies Form. Encourages the development of the necessary skills for analysis of the culture of Hollywood, its role in popular culture and the theological intersections therein. Seeks theological engagement with the culture of Hollywood and cinema by investigating some of the social, ethical, and psychological implications of film upon theology. Presents information in four modules, each building on the content of the previous module: 1) an analysis of the culture of Hollywood; 2) a study of theology/Bible and engagement with Hollywood and cinema; 3) Christian ethics and the culture of Hollywood; and 4) a capstone examination of Christian vocation in Hollywood. All students participate in a team-taught lecture seminar led by a professor of theology. Students also participate in small group tutorials, service learning, and discussions. Attribute: Upper-Division.

FLM 4120 CCCU: Film Studies - Hollywood Production Workshop (4-5) Registration approval: Travel Studies Form. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. Taught through semester-long program of the Coalition for Christian Colleges and Universities in Los Angeles. An introduction to the theory and practice of motion picture filmmaking. Topics include familiarity with filmmaking equipment; basic motion picture techniques; converting idea to image; the use of lighting, editing and sound in film; and the role of acting, directing and good storytelling in the filmmaking process. Students make several short super 8mm films that manifest their faith in content and process. Attribute: Upper-Division.

FLM 4140 Screenwriting (4-5) Registration approval: Travel Studies Form. Prerequisite: Acceptance into Los Angeles Film Studies Center. Taught through semester-long program of the coalition for Christian Colleges and Universities in Los Angeles. An introduction to contemporary screenwriting, including an understanding of dramatic structure, character and dialogue development, and the writing process. Students complete a full-length screenplay for a feature film or "movie-of-the-week." Emphasis is given to the role of Christian faith and values as they relate to script content. Attribute: Upper-Division.

FLM 4900 CCCU: Film Studies - Independent Study (4) Registration approval: Travel Studies Form. This course may be setup by special request and arrangement. In order to be considered students may submit a portfolio and a project proposal. Students with approved projects will be appointed a mentor who is a professional in the Hollywood industry to supervise the project. Projects could include further development of a portfolio or reel, critical research, or a senior thesis project.

FLM 4910 CCCU: Film Studies - Motion Picture Production (4-5) Registration approval: Travel Studies Form. Prerequisite: Acceptance into Los Angeles Film Studies Center. Taught through semester-long program of the coalition for Christian Colleges and Universities in Los Angeles. An introduction to the process of producing an independent feature film. Topics include legal structures, business plans, preproduction activities such as scheduling and budgeting, and an overview of the producer's role in production, post-production, and distribution. Attention is given to the Christian's unique contribution to producing. Attribute: Upper-Division.

FLM 4943 Internship (8-10) Registration approval: Travel Studies Form. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. Taught through semester-long program of the Coalition for Christian Colleges and Universities in Los Angeles. Students participate in an internship experience in some aspect of the Hollywood film or television industry. These are non-paying positions primarily in an office setting such as development companies, agencies, personal management companies, production offices, etc. Students work 20 to 24 hours a week throughout the length of the semester. The internships do not include positions on actual filmmaking locations. Instead, students work in offices as support personnel to producers, writers, directors, agents, post-production personnel, and others involved in the total process of producing and distributing a major motion picture. The LAFSC provides interns to many of the major companies within Hollywood. Attribute: Upper-Division.