What's playing at Pitt . . . The film studies program at Pitt incorporates courses from many different departments. There are two major course work areas in Film Studies: Critical Studies: focuses on major historical movements in film with an emphasis on established directors (such as Alfred Hitchcock or Stanley Kubrick), central genres (like westerns, horror films, or documentaries), and national film movements in countries like the U.S., France, Russia, Japan, and Italy. Production: classes focus on the technical aspects of filmmaking, photography, and videography including directing, lighting design, and screenwriting. Unlike film studies programs at other institutions, Pitt does not treat these two concentrations as separate tracks. As a film studies major, no matter which area you decide to focus on, you are required or encouraged to take as many courses from both concentrations as you wish. Since film studies is interdisciplinary, you will be taking classes from a wide range of departments, from English to Asian Studies. This diversity provides you with the background to move into many different professional and academic areas. In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree, the film studies program offers a certificate which can be completed in conjunction with another major. The Pittsburgh Filmakers . . . Pittsburgh is home to a nationally recognized media arts center, The Pittsburgh Filmmakers. The Filmakers has three locations, one in North Oakland (on Melwood Avenue) within walking distance of campus, and the other two a short bus ride away in the cultural district, downtown Pittsburgh (Harris Theater), and Edgewood (Regent Square Theater). Pitt students are able to take courses at the Filmmakers without an additional tuition charges. Most students studying film production find they take a number of classes at the Filmmakers, whose faculty members include award-winning independent artists. In addition, the Filmmakers is always looking for talented interns, a great way to get a head start on your career. Hollywood in Pittsburgh . . . Since 1990, more than 100 major motion pictures have been filmed in Pittsburgh. Silence of the Lamb's Hannibal Lecter was imprisoned on Pitt's campus and guarded by a member of our theater faculty. Other movies filmed in or around Pittsburgh include Dogma, My Bloody Valentine 3D, Lorenzo's Oil, and Zack and Miri. Because of the growing Pittsburgh film industry, there is a need for talented production assistants-a great summer job for new filmmakers. Additionally, many Pitt students get involved in the local media community through internships. In recent years, students have done internships with Warner Cable, Pittsburgh Filmmakers, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Pittsburgh Film Office, and at several television stations. The art of movies . . . Pittsburgh's cultural scene recognizes movies as an art form. A number of local groups run film festivals which focus on both classical and new films, as well as major releases and independents. Pittsburgh Filmmakers runs a series of public screenings at its location in Oakland (the neighborhood in which Pitt is located). An annual event in Pittsburgh is the Animation Film Festival that features both short and long animated films. Other festivals focus on prominent filmmakers, or foreign films, or around topics in films. Pittsburgh also has a number of local theaters which feature less known or independent films. Movies and Matinees . . . The Oakland community, where Pitt is located, and the city of Pittsburgh, has many movie theaters. A five-minute bus ride to the Squirrel Hill area will take you to two "traditional" theaters with ten screens showing first-run movies. In addition, the Pitt Program Council sponsors Friday and Saturday night movies. These include current second-run movies, as well as classics such as A Clockwork Orange, The Wall, and Buckaroo Banzai. With Honors . . . The University Honors College (UHC) offers courses in every department. Since film studies is an interdisciplinary major, students can choose from a wide variety of UHC courses that fulfill degree requirements or are fun electives. UHC courses are not intended to be more advanced than regularly offered courses. However, they are designed to be more challenging and give you a more in-depth perspective on the subject matter. UHC courses usually are smaller and are more like a seminar than a lecture. The UHC offers a Bachelor of Philosophy degree which requires students to do an independent research project and defend their thesis in front of a faculty review panel.