Your vocation is more than a job. It’s wholeheartedly pursuing your calling. It’s passionately seeking new ways to create. And it’s remaining steadfast in pursuit of the heart of your Creator in the process. With the film and video production major at Cornerstone University, you can explore the intricacies of storytelling, shooting, editing and producing your own film content.
The film and video production major at Cornerstone will prepare you in every aspect of the filmmaking process, from writing and creating storyboards to editing and presenting your film. Choose from different concentrations to focus on various steps of the process, including editing, cinematography, story development or audio editing.
In this program, you’ll learn from professors who have on-the-ground experience in making and producing films for respected production companies. As soon as your first year, you’ll work with other students in your program to create high-quality, professional-level films to add to your portfolio. The rigorous activity of your program will prepare you for your industrious work in the film industry in the future.
Careers
Film and video professionals are needed in organizations of all different shapes and sizes to deliver quality content to diverse audiences. Our graduates end up at top-tier production companies, graduate schools and churches across the country.
Opportunities
Feature films
Church media
Wedding and documentary film
Corporate and commercial filmmaking
Freelance filmmaker
Internships
Your course work in the film and video production program includes an internship with one of our local partners. You’ll graduate with skills honed by work done both inside and outside the classroom.
Opportunities
City Central Church
Deep End Films
Grand Rapids Film Festival
OneWay Ministries
WOOD TV8
100%
Of film and video production graduates from the class of 2019 were employed within six months of graduation.
15:1
Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.
100%
Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.
Creating for the One Who Created Me
At Cornerstone, you’ll dive deeper into your true calling. Whether you feel called to make and direct your own feature-length films or record videography for churches, CU will prepare you for what lies ahead. You will enter the workforce with the marketable skills of storytelling, communication and audio and video design.
Courses and Learning Outcomes
The film and video program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom.
Media Core Courses
Required Courses
COM-400 Capstone Seminar
MDA-111 Introduction to Story
MDA-213 Graphic Design I: Introduction to Graphic Design
MDA-236 Introduction to Digital Photography
MDA-261 Audio Production I
MDA-271 Film and Video Production I
MDA-318 Writing for Media
MDA-380 Internship
Choose one of the following:
COM-212 Interpersonal Communication
COM-321 Group Communication
Film and Video Major Core Courses
Required Courses
MDA-282 Film and Video Production II
MDA-321 Spirituality and Film History
MDA-341 Advanced Production I
MDA-342 Advanced Production II
MDA-365 Film and Video Production Labs
MDA-441 Advanced Production III
MDA-442 Advanced Production IV
Choose one of the following:
COM-322 Innovative Message Presentation
COM-339 Social Media
COM-354 Announcing and Reporting
COM-262 Advertising Principles
ECN-360 Entertainment Industries Economics
ENG-316 Fiction Writing
IDS-202 Creativity in the Conceptual Age
MDA-225 Graphic Design II: Graphic Design for Print and Media
MDA-250 Writing for Film
MGT-337 Entrepreneurship
Upper-level MDA course
For details, please view the academic catalog on the Registrar’s Office page.
Film and Video Minor Courses
MDA-111 Introduction to Story
MDA-236 Intro to Digital Photography
MDA-261 Audio Production I
MDA-271 Film and Video Production I
MDA-282 Film and Video Production II
MDA-365 Film and Video Production Labs
Program Learning Outcomes
The film and video production program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.
Specialized Knowledge
Students will exhibit technical intelligence.
Operate video cameras (e.g., exposure, composition, movement).
Create audio (e.g., capturing, syncing, mixing).
Edit video.
Demonstrate understanding of aesthetics related to shooting and editing.
Write scripts (correct formats and mechanics).
Students will exhibit industry intelligence.
Function in roles (e.g., demonstrate film set etiquette, procedures and protocols).
Demonstrate understanding of corporate applications (e.g., working with a client).
Create and explain budgets for film/video projects.
Explain legal terminology and practices that make the film and media industries work.
Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning
Students will exhibit strategic intelligence.
Create films that portray redemptive, transformative stories.
Troubleshoot and solve problems on set.
Analyze media messages.
Demonstrate creativity.
Students will exhibit emotional intelligence.
Exercise teamwork.
Utilize conflict resolution.
Exude positivity under pressure.
Demonstrate integrity in work ethic.
Show servant leadership.
Intellectual Skills
Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.
Civic and Global Learning
Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.
Biblical Worldview Integration
Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.
My adviser helps me thrive every day by gladly answering my questions and offering his best advice and aid.
Kyoung Cheon Kim (B.A. ’21)
Faculty
CU professors are devoted to the success of our students. Select a faculty member to learn more about their campus involvement, research interests and teaching responsibilities.