The Daily Bulletin Archive

The State University of New York and the New York State Education Department this summer approved Buffalo State’s newest academic degree program: the B.A. in television and film arts. Unique in SUNY, this undergraduate program combines courses in communication, English, theater, and television arts.

Through this interdisciplinary approach, students will prepare to pursue careers as screenwriters, producers, and directors in the entertainment industry. The program will provide students with a mix of criticism, theory, technical skills, and practical experience. Internships will put students in touch with professionals in the industry.

Jeffrey Hirschberg, assistant professor, has joined the Communication Department to coordinate the program. A professional screenwriter, Hirschberg has written numerous screenplays and television scripts. He has created work for Showtime Networks, Lifetime Television, and ABC and worked at NBC, Warner Brothers, and Viacom.

Buffalo State has seen several graduates go on to successful careers in the entertainment industry. Tom Fontana, ’73 (Oz, St. Elsewhere), Diane English, ’70 (Murphy Brown), and Deborah Oppenheimer (The Drew Carey Show) have written or produced major works for film, stage, and television.

Associate professor of theater Drew Kahn helped start the new program and works with Lou Rera, assistant professor of communication, Kevin Railey, professor of English and associate provost and dean of the Graduate School, and Hirschberg to form the Television Arts Advisory Committee. Kahn has extensive acting experience in regional theater as well as off-Broadway, feature film, and television and commercial credits. He and other faculty members will use their professional contacts to establish internships and bring experts into the classroom.

“This industry is based on relationships,” Hirschberg said. Hands-on experience and internships will allow students to connect with television and film professionals in New York City and Los Angeles. “Along with technical skills, the marketing and business tools students will acquire will give them the best chance to succeed in this highly competitive field,” he said.

Students will choose one of two concentrations: writing and storytelling, or directing and producing. The program will be highly selective; only 15 students will be accepted into the program each year.

For more information about the bachelor of arts in television arts, contact Hirschberg at ext. 3180 orhirschjn@buffalostate.edu.