Program overview
Theater, Film and Television Art Design, simply put, is the major that provides "visual packaging" for stage plays, movies, TV series, and variety shows. In college, you'll learn how to design stage sets, create props, coordinate costumes and makeup, and even use lighting and special effects to build atmosphere. Core courses include set design, character styling, lighting design, film and TV special effects makeup, and digital matte painting. This major is perfect for students who love drawing, making models by hand, and are curious about what goes on behind the scenes of a movie—if you see a palace, ruins, or futuristic city in a film and wonder "how was this made," then this major is for you. Chinese universities have a strong practical tradition in this field, such as Beijing Film Academy, Central Academy of Drama, and Shanghai Theatre Academy. They have long-term collaborations with domestic film crews and theaters, giving students frequent opportunities to participate in real projects. Moreover, in recent years, China's film and TV industry has increasingly high demands for art design in historical dramas and sci-fi films. Many schools have also introduced digital virtual production courses, teaching you to design virtual scenes using software.