Two La Roche University students use a camera to record a professor in front of a green screen. Another professor sits in a chair next to the camera tripod.

Film

Students in our film program train in all stages of film production, becoming fluent in directing, producing, screenwriting, camera work, lighting, sound recording, and editing (using Premiere Pro). Our students also train in drone operation.

Additionally, film majors pursue an internship during their senior year and complete a film capstone. Students create a number of films throughout the program - sometimes working individually but most often as part of a crew. In line with the University’s Mission, we place utmost importance on an education that will ultimately empower graduates to effectively use film and visual storytelling as a means to affect positive change in society.

Students are encouraged to consider a double major and/or add a minor in one of several related disciplines, including Communications, Photography, Game Studies, Marketing. Our students also pursue extracurricular film activities, including participating each semester in the "Pittsburgh 48 Hour Film Festival." Our students recently won an award for "Best Student Film" and have been nominated for additional categories. We welcome first year and transfer students to join the program!

Watch the winning short film created by LRU film students on YouTube.

Career-Focused Curriculum

This program exposes students to all aspects of film industries to prepare for entry-level positions as well as further education in the field. Our major explores everything that is involved in film production:

Human communication
Mass media and digital communication
Message design and media
Creative writing
Film analysis
Writing for TV and radio

Expert Faculty

La Roche professors are industry-connected and highly experienced. They are also well-grounded in academic analysis of films and the film world. Their collective experience includes making narrative, documentary and experimental films. Additionally, our faculty have expertise in topics such as drones, virtual reality, screenwriting, graphics and film-making for positive social change.

La Roche Film Club

Open to all students who are interested in the promotion, appreciation, education and production of film, this group sponsors workshops and discussions, and hosts film screenings.