Everything that follows at SVA is based on what you learn in this foundation year. As well as being introduced to film history and screenwriting skills, right away you'll be given hands-on experience in preproduction, production and postproduction through intensive workshop classes. In each of the disciplines, from acting and writing to cinematography and editing, you’ll be required to demonstrate commitment and energy. 

Required Courses
AHD-1070 Film History and Criticism
CFD-1020 Introduction to Production I
CFD-1025 Introduction to Production II
CFD-1070 Acting for Film
CVD-1080 Introduction to Editing: Final Cut Pro
CVD-1090 Introduction to Editing: Avid
CFD-1140 Fundamentals of Narrative I
CFD-1145 Fundamentals of Narrative II
HCD-1020 Writing and Literature I
HCD-1025 Writing and Literature II

From the second year, you can choose to specialize in film, video, cinematography, editing, screenwriting or sound. Or you can remain a generalist. During this year, you’ll be introduced to the concept of collaboration as you work with other students in "production crews" on shared projects. You will also learn the essential elements of a well-crafted screenplay, techniques for working with actors, procedures for an orderly, well-planned production, and the structure and rhythm of editing.

Required Courses - Cinematography
AHD-2068 Language of Film
or AHD-2070 International Cinema
CFD-2010 Production Workshop I
CFD-2015 Production Workshop II
CFD-2070 Cinematography I
CFD-2075 Cinematography II
CFD-2080 Production Design 

Required Courses - Directing

AHD-2068 Language of Film
AHD-2070 International Cinema
CFD-2010 Production Workshop I
CFD-2015 Production Workshop II
or CFD-2017 Documentary Workshop I
      CFD-2018 Documentary Workshop II
CFD-2020 Editing 
CFD-2050 Sound Production I
CFD-2120 Writing and Directing I
CFD-2125 Writing and Directing II

Required Courses - Editing
CFD-2010 Production Workshop I
CFD-2015 Production Workshop II
AHD-2068 Language of Film
or AHD-2070 International Cinema
CFD-2230 Advanced Final Cut Pro
CFD-3130 Pro Tools I

Required Courses - Screenwriting
AHD-2068 Language of Film
or AHD-2070 International Cinema
CFD-2120 Writing and Directing I
CFD-2125 Writing and Directing II
CFD-2140 Writing the Feature-Length Script I
CFD-2145 Writing the Feature-Length Script II
CFD-2170 Media and Society
CFD-2350 Adaptation for the Short Film I
CFD-2355 Adaptation for the Short Film II

Recommended Course - Screenwriting
CFD-2262 Creating Character (The Actor/Writer Collaboration)

Much of the first two years of preparation is now brought to an advanced status through specialty classes, such as complex synch-sound projects or in-depth explorations of the actor/director relationship. Master classes conducted by prominent screenwriters, directors, cinematographers and editors are available to those who are highly motivated and qualified. We also encourage, and help you obtain, internships at film, television and video companies in New York City.

Required Courses - Cinematography
AHD-3060 Masters of Light
CFD-3030 Advanced Lighting/Cinematography I
CFD-3035 Advanced Lighting/Cinematography II
CTD-3130 Film and Literature I
CTD-3135 Film and Literature II
CVD-3010 Advanced Production I
CVD-3015 Advanced Production II

Required Courses - Directing
CVD-3010 Advanced Production I
CVD-3015 Advanced Production I
or CFD-3326 Advanced Nonfiction and Documentary Workshop I
      CFD-3327 Advanced Nonfiction and Documentary Workshop II
CFD-3060 Advanced Writing and Directing I
CFD-3065 Advanced Writing and Directing II
CTD-3130 Film and Literature I
CTD-3135 Film and Literature II

Required Courses - Editing
CFD-3180 Pro Tools II: Sound Design
CVD-3010 Advanced Production I
CVD-3015 Advanced Production II
CVD-3060 Advanced Avid Editing 
CTD-3130 Film and Literature I
CTD-3135 Film and Literature II
CFD-3230 The Art of Editing

Required Courses - Screenwriting
CTD-3130 Film and Literature I
CTD-3135 Film and Literature II
CFD-3140 Advanced Feature Screenwriting I
CFD-3145 Advanced Feature Screenwriting II

Screenwriting specialists must choose one of the following groups:
CFD-3170 Writing the Television Series I
CFD-3175 Writing the Television Series II
or CFD-3060 Advanced Writing and Directing I
     CFD-3065 Advanced Writing and Directing II
or CFD-2350 Adaptation for the Short Film I
      CFD-2355 Adaptation for the Short Film II

This is your thesis year and you will choose a thesis advisor from the faculty or New York’s film community who will guide you from first concept through finished production. You will also learn the business side of the industry, working with an entertainment attorney to learn how to protect your ideas, understand contracts and negotiate rights, or with a public relations/marketing director to learn the art of promoting films, approaching producers and distributors, preparing for festivals, and marketing your talents to the film and television industry.

Required Courses - Cinematography, Directing, Editing
CFD-4010 Career Strategies 
CFD-4080 Film Thesis I
CFD-4085 Film Thesis II

Required Courses - Screenwriting
CFD-4040 Master Class in Screenwriting I
CFD-4045 Master Class in Screenwriting II
CFD-4090 Screenwriting Thesis I
CFD-4095 Screenwriting Thesis II