St. John Fisher University Announces New Film and Television Major

This fall, the Department of Media and Communication at St. John Fisher University will begin offering a major in film and television.

Students interested in storytelling and cinema will have the opportunity to develop the writing and technical skills needed for a career in video production, television, and film. The major builds on the robust reputation the film and television studies minor has established in the field since its inception in 2015. Students can take a variety of production and writing electives including Video Storytelling; Screenwriting; Cinematography and Editing; or Documentary Production, as well as film studies electives such as Historical Moments in TV Culture; America at the Movies; or Shakespeare on Film, among other options.

Housed within the School of Arts and Sciences, students may engage in electives in English, American studies, or history, among others tailored to their specific academic interests and career goals.  Students in the program will also have the opportunity to showcase their creative work through the St. John Fisher University Film Festival, held during the annual Rochester Fringe Festival or at specially-held premieres. This April, students in Associate Professor Dr. Todd Sodano’s Television Production course premiered the pilot episode of their show, “Future, Now,” at The Little Theatre in downtown Rochester. The episode was produced over the course of the spring semester.

“Fisher students across multiple disciplines historically have shown drive and talent for strong, compassionate, visual storytelling. The new major in film and television continues that tradition by formalizing space for them to apply their liberal arts education, learn more about these industries, and flex their creative muscles,” said Sodano.

Outside of the classroom, film and television majors and minors can build their production skills through Cardinal Television (CTV), Fisher’s student-run cable and streaming television network. Students involved in CTV can pursue an on-air role or elect to take on behind-the-scenes responsibilities, including producer, director, floor manager, writer, editor, and control room operator. Programming can be viewed in homes throughout the Rochester area on public access cable and on CTV’s LiveStream and YouTube channels.

Graduates of the department have found employment at local, regional, and national organizations, including 13WHAM-TV, Netflix, All3Media, and more.

To learn more about the program, call the Office of Admissions at (585) 385-8064 or visit the film and television website.