Moving-Image Production
Degree: BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
Students in the moving-image production major study the increasingly interdisciplinary professional field of moving-image production and develop a deep understanding of film production in the areas of animation, documentary, experimental and narrative cinema. The program emphasizes specialized studio practice, the development of critical storytelling skills and proficiency in visual literacy.
By integrating theory and practice, the moving-image production program produces filmmakers with critical-thinking skills and independent voices who will bring new vision to the film industry, independent cinema, and visual culture.
Upon acceptance to the university, students enroll as a Moving-Image Production pre-major. The first-year pre-major curriculum is a sequence of 'Filmmaking Foundations' courses. Students enroll in three required foundational courses:
- MVNGIMG 2201 in Fall,
- MVNGIMG 2202 in Spring
- FILMSTD 2270.01 (in either fall or spring).
After admission to the Moving-Image Production (“MIP”) major, students complete required hands-on Production Studio courses that provide experience in animation, documentary, experimental and narrative filmmaking modes. Students also complete a Cinema Today viewing-practices courses and film theory/history courses to complement their production coursework, plus fulfill General Education requirements and pursue optional minor(s).
Internships are an important part of the academic experience and add important development opportunities for students pursuing careers in any aspect of film production and film studies.
In recent years, Film Studies and Moving-Image Production Majors have interned with:
- 3Arts Entertainment
- 4th Row Films
- Big10+ network
- Broadway Video
- CBS
- CM Rubin World
- Cohen Media Group
- Disney Professional Program/ABC
- Epicenter Literary Management company
- Groundswell Pictures
- OHD Studios
- OSU Department of Athletics
- Okay Goodnight
- Silver Pictures
- Sundance
- WOSU Public Media
- and more
Scholarships are departmentally awarded to students participating in film internships to support costs associated with tuition and participation.
The Ohio State University has student organizations focused on many aspects of film and media, including:
- Animation Club
- Art & Technology Club
- Business of Entertainment Club for arts/business students
- Cinéseries screening group
- Female Gaze Screening Club
- Film and Video Society discussion group
- Mad Royal Film Society collaborative filmmaking club
- Many other cinema and media related organizations, including gaming, film genre clubs, photography. sketch comedy and others
These groups offer film screenings, trivia nights, production opportunities, trips to film festivals and community for film interested students.
The Moving-Image Production major prepares students to become thoughtful, adaptable visual storytellers by combining creative practice with critical inquiry. Graduates develop the technical, artistic and analytical skills needed to contribute fresh perspectives to entertainment and media industries, including:
- Film
- Television
- Commercial production
- Sports broadcasting
- Digital content creation
- Post-production
The program also fosters independent voices and creative leadership, positioning students to succeed in both collaborative and entrepreneurial media environments.
The degree’s broad foundation opens pathways beyond traditional filmmaking. Graduates pursue careers in:
- Arts administration
- Journalism
- Education
- Marketing and public relations
- And other media and communications-driven fields
Many continue their studies in competitive graduate and professional programs, including film production, film studies, fine arts and related disciplines. Through its blend of creative and critical preparation, the major equips students for a wide range of opportunities across the arts, media, cultural, nonprofit, government and corporate sectors.