FILMG-6660-1: Life After Film School for Emerging Filmmakers
Spring 2026
- Subject: Graduate Film
- Type: Studio
- Delivery Mode: In-Person
- Level: Graduate
- Course Dates: January 20, 2026 — May 11, 2026
- Meetings: Tue 12:15-03:05PM, Main Bldg - 131
- Instructor: Xandra Castleton
- Units: 3.0
- Enrolled: 3/6
Description:
What happens after you graduate? In this course, you’ll chart a personal path from student to working filmmaker—building the practical, creative, and professional tools you’ll need to thrive in the industry or on your own terms. Through intensive workshops, you’ll practice how to present your ideas with clarity and confidence. Learn to craft compelling pitches, communicate with funders and collaborators, and build the relationships that open doors. Career development is woven throughout: you’ll sharpen your interview skills through mock sessions, receive constructive feedback, and tailor your résumé to reflect your creative strengths. We’ll demystify the business side of filmmaking—from copyright and licensing to contract negotiation—so you can protect your work and your rights. You’ll explore the fundamentals of financing and budgeting, learning how to build realistic plans and manage costs without losing sight of your vision. You’ll also map the landscape of opportunity available to independent filmmakers today: membership-based organizations, conferences, artist labs, and creative retreats that foster both craft and community. Learn how to identify grants, navigate fiscal sponsorship, and build a sustainable foundation for your career. Finally, we’ll look at distribution and exhibition—from film festivals and theatrical releases to digital and VOD platforms—and practice real-world Q&A sessions that prepare you to field tough questions with poise.
Pre-Requisites and Co-Requisites:
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