Major

Film and Digital Media

Overview

The Film and Digital Media curriculum integrate creative hands-on experience with a fundamental education in film aesthetics, history, and theory.

The interdisciplinary program provides a variety of courses in related fields including theatre, film, video, and arts technology. You'll have great flexibility to choose courses tailored to your career interests, such as critical studies, film and video production, directing, and screenwriting.

Point of Pride

Students write, create, direct, and produce their original work. They collaborate and take leadership in individual and thesis projects. Production students have the opportunity to work closely with theatre acting majors. Critical studies and creative writing students present their work at local and regional symposiums.

Why study Film and Digital Media?

Film was arguably the most important art form of the 20th century. Everybody went to the movies. In the 21st century, film and digital media are changing. Online videos go viral. Feature films have been shot with cell phones. Green screens and CGI are used to shape intimate scenes or explore imaginary worlds.

At the same time, the basic elements of moving picture art remain unchanged: visual storytelling, dramatic performances, expressive editing, creative recording of sounds, and a direct link between the medium and the “real world” it captures. And behind it all there is still a person with a camera and a vision.

The Film and Digital Media program invites you to explore traditional and new realms, enrich your experience of viewing American and international films, and nurture your vision of creating visual art. The integration of production training and academic education will prepare you for an exciting journey of realizing your artistic vision in powerful performances, sounds and images.

Schedule a Visit

Come see campus and meet with campus representatives either in person or virtually. Optional chances to meet with academic department, honors, and financial aid.

How to Apply

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Audition and Enrollment Process

Apply to Illinois State University
Choose an audition/interview date (Interview required for scholarship consideration only)
Receive a confirmation email from School of Theatre and Dance
Attend audition/interview if applicable for scholarship consideration
Receive a decision within two weeks
Submit your enrollment deposit and become a Redbird

Scholarship notification will take place the first week of March.

If you would like to audit a class, meet with faculty, or if you have a question about the enrollment process, email Cristen Monson.

Program Requirements

The School of Theatre and Dance applies the same academic standards as those required for admission to Illinois State University. There is no separate SAT/ACT or GPA requirement for admission to the School of Theatre and Dance.

Any student accepted by Illinois State University may declare a major in Film and Digital Media. No audition or interview is required, although Film and Digital Media majors may arrange an interview for departmental scholarship consideration.

You must apply to Illinois State University prior to interviewing for a Film and Digital Media scholarship within the School of Theatre and Dance.

Interview for a Scholarship

On your interview day, you will attend an interview with Film and Digital Media faculty.

There will be a brief meeting of all those interviewing. Faculty and administration will introduce themselves and answer questions.

While waiting for your interview, you will be sent to a waiting room where current students will talk about the program and answer questions. Individual interviews take place in the order the application is received.

During the interview with faculty, you will be asked to talk about your interest in this program, your experience in film/video and theatre, a film and a play you enjoyed, involvement in extracurricular or leadership activities, your expectations, and plans.

You will also be asked to present one of the two options outlined below: a 1-10 minute video of your work or a 2-page film review.

2022-2023 Interview Dates

Saturday December 3, 2022 (all majors)
Saturday January 28th, 2023 (Theatre only)
Saturday February 11th, 2023 (all majors)
Saturday February 25th, 2023 (Theatre only)
Saturday April 1, 2023 (All majors) Not for scholarship

Requirements for Film and Digital Media Scholarship Consideration

Bring a resume of relevant theatre or film experience
Bring a recent photo.
Option 1: Prepare a 1-10-minute video of your work to share.
Option 2: Prepare a 2-page film review.

Deadlines and Review Dates

Students are accepted into the Film and Digital Media major contingent on admission to Illinois State University.