The 2022 Harlan J. Strauss Visiting Filmmaker will be Announced Soon! ​

The application for this class requires a resume as well as an optional reel. Resumes and reels are important tools—for this class as well as your career goals. Below are some resources to help you make the most of this application and professionalization process!

What is a film resume?

A film resume showcases your savvy in presenting yourself, demonstrates your attention to detail, answers questions that matter to a decision maker, highlights your successes, creates a personal connection with the reader, and is quick and easy to read. For more information, please refer to Turn Your Current Resume into an Industry-Ready Resume, 10 Steps To Writing Your Film Production Resume, and other samples.

What is a reel?

A demo reel (also, showreel, sizzle reel, or video reel) is a collection of short clips that showcases one’s creative and technical abilities. Think of it as a personal portfolio in a video format. Read What is a Demo Reel and How to Make One? for more information!

Can I apply for the class without a reel?

If you don’t have a reel, this is a great time to create one. A reel may contain shots from actual work/projects or even photos shot with your phone that showcases your visual eye. If you feel you don't have enough content to create a reel, that's fine; the reel is optional but encouraged.

How do I make a reel?

Do you have questions on how to actually make a reel? Check out this helpful article: How to Make a Demo Reel.

Are there examples of reels that I can check out?

Yes! Take a look at the following example reels for ideas: Commercial / Music Video DP Reel 2021 and Narrative & Music Video Cinematography Reel.

This class explores the creative process of making music videos and examines how a filmmaker’s vision/concept goes from treatment to final product. In this course, an active music video practitioner will guest teach four classes and share their approach to the art form. We will analyze our guest practitioner’s body of work and complete filmmaking projects that teach students techniques in the art of music video production. By the end of the class, students will learn how to: transform an idea into a written treatment and pitch; work with musicians/record labels; deal with legal logistics of production; use cameras/lenses and other creative tools efficiently and effectively; understand techniques for post-production (including primary and secondary color correction); and make music videos (independently and in teams). By developing techniques and analyzing music videos form and functions, students will be empowered to express their creative voice through this medium.

This course is open to Cinema Studies majors only and is repeatable. Registration requires prerequisites, completion of the online application, and approval to register by a selection committee. 

Funded by the generous Harlan J. StraussVisiting Filmmaker Endowment