Many film schools teach students how to shoot their own work on 16-millimeter and 35-millimeter film. This includes teaching students how to properly expose the film during shooting, how to frame and compose a particular shot and how to light their subjects so that they look properly when the film is developed. Syncing 35-millimeter film to an analog sound track is also a common activity for film students.
Though called "film" schools, more and more schools are shifting away from teaching students how to shoot and edit film and are focusing on shooting and editing on digital video. Digital video is quickly becoming an entertainment industry standard format, and a mastery of both shooting techniques (including framing, composition and lighting) and how to edit on a computer is required learning.
Two-year (or less) film programs tend to be heavily focused on the technical side of film making. Students work primarily hands on with film and lighting equipment, as well as in writing and directing their own work and helping to make the work of other students. Depending on the school, students may graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree or simply a certificate of completion.
Four-year film programs tend to be evenly divided between film production and film theory. The additional two years gives time for students to focus on the history of cinema and its cultural relevance. These universities also often require nonfilm studies courses, like mathematics and science courses, for the completion of an overall degree. Four-year film programs are typically not dedicated film schools and are instead part of larger universities or colleges.