Awards & Grants
- The Robert E. Pristo Filmmaking Awards cover film production and and/or post-production expenses incurred by Duke undergraduate and graduate students. One to three awards are given each year and typically provide up to $1,500.
- Benenson Awards in the Arts provide funding for fees, travel, and other educational expenses for art-centered projects proposed by Duke undergraduate students, including graduating seniors. Students who plan to pursue a career in the arts or creative industries are encouraged to apply.
- Creative Arts Grants for Undergraduates help to defray project expenses up to $500 for Trinity and Pratt students who are enrolled in faculty-supervised Independent Study courses or full-credit private instruction in the creative arts (e.g., Art & Visual Studies, Dance, Literature, Music, and Theater Studies).
- The Undergraduate Research Support Office provides funding for assistantships, conference attendance, and supplies for Independent Studies.
Internships
- Duke Career Center: For internships in Cinematic Arts, reach out to Assistant Director of Entertainment, Media & Arts Career Community, Kai Kelly Jr.
- Studio Duke is a two-semester creative lab and mentorship program in which students are matched with creative industry professionals. This provides students the opportunity to take their advanced, ongoing creative projects to the next level through facilitated connections, resources, and logistical help to support their projects.
Study Away
The Cinematic Arts program encourages students to take advantage of Study Away programs that focus on filmmaking. Listed below you will find some of the opportunities available. To learn about other domestic and international study away programs, visit the Global Education Office.
Duke in Los Angeles
Offered in the Spring, Duke in L.A. is an intensive academic and pre-professional program designed to introduce students to the rich visual and cultural production of America's second largest metropolis. The Duke in L.A. experience includes two seminars taught by Duke faculty, a student-selected course at the University of Southern California, and a credit-bearing internship with a business or organization of each student's choice.
Duke in New York Arts & Media
Offered in the Fall, Duke in New York Arts & Media gives students a chance to live and study for a whole semester in one of the world’s truly dynamic cities. Students enroll in two core courses on arts and media taught by Duke faculty and guest lecturers, an internship course, and one of two Duke elective courses. (Students can also petition a regular course offering at New York University instead of one of the Duke elective courses.)
DEMAN Weekend
This annual signature event at Duke unites students and alumni who are interested in creative industries. It is a great resource for Duke students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
Film Clubs
- Duke Independent Film Festival (DIFF) is Duke University’s first and only campus-wide film festival, providing a platform for Duke undergraduate and graduate students to develop their filmmaking talent and present their work to the public. An annual event, DIFF accepts short film submissions from any Duke undergraduate or graduate student.
- With Freewater Productions, students have the opportunity to direct their own movie; learn how to operate a camera, sound equipment, and lighting; screen write; act in a real production; edit the finished product; and be the planner that makes it all happen. No experience is necessary.