Denison Magazine
Cinema
In Denison’s Cinema program, you are the filmmaker. Rigorous study of analysis, theory, and aesthetics are paired with hands-on production courses to enable you to find your passion and your creative voice.
Jonathan Walley
,
Associate Professor, Co-Chair of Cinema
Marc Wiskemann
,
Associate Professor, Co-Chair of Cinema
What you’ll study as a cinema major
Cinema majors develop a practical understanding of all areas of production — directing, cinematography, sound, lighting, and editing — while studying cinema history, theory, and aesthetics to build both creative skills and a deep understanding of the art form.
Build your core
Explore the foundations of cinema through courses in film history, theory, and aesthetics. Learn the language of film while gaining hands-on experience with the essential tools of production.
Widen your focus
Expand your scope by studying different film genres, such as horror and documentary. Learn advanced production techniques, focus on screenwriting, or delve into experimental film.
Apply your knowledge
Throughout production courses, create at least six new works from start to finish that showcase your originality and build your portfolio.
Why is cinema better at Denison?
A department truly grounded in cinema
Denison’s cinema faculty are formally trained and work in cinema. Their expertise as working filmmakers and film scholars ensures that courses are taught with the depth and rigor you need to excel in the industry.
A camera in your hands from day one
Learn by doing. Start making films in your first production class — as early as your first semester on campus — and develop and refine your filmmaking skills each year.
Excellent equipment and facilities
The Doane Cinema building holds a 2,200+ sq ft studio space and an extensive inventory of camera, lighting, audio, and grip equipment, including more than 80 film and digital cameras. The Cinema House offers a 50-seat screening room, a digital editing suite with Mac Studio computers, and much more.
Denison’s amazing alumni network
Cinema alumni connect current students and recent graduates with internships, jobs, and contacts within the field and regularly return to campus to discuss their work.
Jobs as a cinema major
The knowledge and skills learned at Denison have propelled our graduates to great success as writers, directors, video game developers, and leaders in entertainment and technology. See where our grads have landed.
Career communities
Cinema majors often join one or more of our career communities. Some common communities include the Visual, Written & Performing Arts and the Marketing, Sales & Communication communities.
Career Exploration
Through the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration and its training center, Denison Edge, career coaches help you prepare for the next step after college, and industry experts help you acquire specialized skills and certifications.
Beyond the Classroom
Internships
Take an internship (or two!) to explore careers related to cinema. Denison cinema students have interned as video production interns with various companies and businesses, including Nickelodeon, Vertical Entertainment, and the Columbus Museum of Art.
Study Abroad
Study cinema in your chosen region to enhance your language skills and build your career network. Widen your knowledge on a traditional semester abroad or take a summer internship in another country.
Summer Scholars
Delve into independent research or filmmaking through our Summer Scholar program. All Summer Scholars receive a stipend and a housing allowance plus supplemental funds for research expenses. Off-Campus Summer Scholars also receive travel funding.
Spotlights
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