Every Story Starts Somewhere - Begin with the Right Degree
Our Department of Film and Animation programs are designed for a new generation of storytellers. Through hands-on, interactive learning, students are completely immersed in their studies from day one. Classes are taught by award-winning industry professionals in a real-world environment with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
Graduates Making Their Mark in Film and Animation
Film Production Grad Highlights Work as a Visual Effects Editor on "The Mandalorian," "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew," and More
"Point Park quickly gave me the chance to collaborate and create. In my second semester, I was given hands-on opportunities to make short films."
Point Park University Animation Grad Treven Carter '23 Lands Fellowship with DreamWorks
"The objective of the fellowship is to build networks with industry professionals, attend workshops to extend knowledge within the animation industry and gain mentorship from individuals who work at DreamWorks."
Point Park’s Emphasis on Storytelling Prepares Film Production Alumna Milky Tran '20 for Filmmaking Career
"I loved that you began making and experimenting with film your freshman year ... I’m grateful that Point Park had such a heavy focus on storytelling and allowed me to go through the full process of making a film many, many times."
M.F.A. Screenwriting and Playwriting Alumnus John Spare's Screenplay "Condition of Return" Opening in Six Major Markets
"If you dream of being a screenwriter, it's imperative that you surround yourself with like-minded creatives. I was able to watch, learn and be involved in the work of my talented classmates, and that is something that can't be experienced writing in a room by yourself."
Pittsburgh Penguins Hires Animation Grad Giuseppe Esposito '19 as a Motion Graphics Producer
"One of the reasons I chose Point Park was its location. It was hard to beat for me. The equipment and facilities for the animation program are top-notch as well, so make use of it all."
Film Production Alumna Ashley C. Stokes Receives Four Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards
"Having four regional Emmy’s under my belt after my first year working for PBS is humbling. It inspires me to continue to share stories that make a difference in our communities and eventually around the world."
Screenwriting Major Gaining Professional Experience as Artistic Intern for Production with Pittsburgh CLO
"Point Park was the only undergraduate film program I applied to that focused solely on narrative filmmaking and storytelling. Being in a narrative program gives me the space to really flex my creativity, learn from my mistakes and grow as an artist."
Point Park University's Stephanie Kyung Sun Walters is the 2022 Terrence McNally Award Winner in Playwriting
"For a working professional who doesn’t want to uproot their entire life/family, this program is a great fit ... The educators are here to help you succeed when experiencing new mediums or tackling a different format."
Industry Experience Meets Inspired Teaching
Andrew Halasz, M.F.A., chair and director of film production program
"The best thing we can do for students is to help them produce work — make films, create animations and write screenplays."
Jonathan Trueblood, M.F.A., director of animation program
"Our professors are working artists who continue to work in the field while teaching. We use this experience and knowledge to direct changes to the curriculum and ensure that our students are fully prepared to work in the field upon graduating."
Nelson Chipman, Ed.D., director of screenwriting program
"While the screenwriting program equips students with the necessary skills they need to find success as storytellers, we also help them gain what is needed for success in life, which is a foundational understanding of human nature and how their voices fit into the world."
Matt Pelfrey, M.F.A. low-residency program director
"Our program and the writers who teach it aren't in individual silos — we work together to help all the students find what they're looking for as artists and writers."
Meet Film and Animation Students & Alumni
Point Park POV: Animation Major Iris Mireya Rojas Fenoy '26
"What I love most about the animation program is the access to our professors. They're always available, incredibly supportive and genuinely want to help you succeed, both in class and in your career."
Get Career-Ready with: Austin Zarnick '26, Film Production Major, Digital Marketing Minor
"If you want to be a filmmaker, Point Park's Department of Film and Animation offers amazing opportunities to reach your goals, especially in the B.F.A. film production program."
Get Career-Ready with: Adam Snook, B.A. Cinema Arts Major
"I chose the B.A. cinema arts program because cinema students are on set their first semester. This hands-on experience helps you discover so much about your future career path."
Animation Major Noah Ondik Works Alongside Creatives at Animal Production Studio
"Without the knowledge I acquired in my animation classes on various programs, I would not be able to understand what Animal staff are referring to when discussing projects in meetings or when new design techniques are being taught to me."
Film Production Major Katt Kersting Interns at PMI Digital
"When you leave Point Park, you take with you a resume/portfolio filled with projects and experiences, a network of industry connections and knowledge on all aspects of filmmaking."
B.F.A. Screenwriting Major's Work Awarded at Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival
"The greatest experience I've had at Point Park is meeting so many people dedicated to the craft. It's one thing to know how to write a script, but it's another to have people to fall back on for input and support."
Get Career-Ready with: Cole Sholtis '24, Cinema Arts Major
"Point Park serves as a perfect school for expanding upon my creative and technical skills to tell a story in the cinema arts program, and also challenges me academically in the accounting program."
M.F.A. Low-Residency Student Profile: Meet Patrick Cannon, Actor, Writer and Producer
"As an actor, I have been blessed to work in Pittsburgh. Theatre and film at their core are simply telling a story. As an M.F.A. student, working on storytelling from the other side of the page/printer has provided me with insight into my other roles in collaborative environments."
Point Park University
201 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1984
