What is a USC THESIS FILM?

A thesis film is the culmination of three-plus years of graduate education at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts.

USC thesis films are produced and financed entirely by the students involved. We receive no funding from our school. Thus, we rely on donations, grants and the kindness of friends new and old in order to bring out dreams to life.

While thesis films begin as student films, their reach extends beyond the student community. USC thesis films have been nominated for and won Academy Awards and regularly receive accolades from global film festivals, including Sundance, Cannes, South by Southwest and Tribeca.

A thesis film is an opportunity for young filmmakers to gain exposure and begin their professional filmmaking careers.

Women in Filmmaking

Most of the lead positions on NOODLING are held by female filmmakers from across the United States. Sadly, this is not the reality in the professional filmmaking world. Of the top 250 grossing films in the U.S. in 2009, 7% were directed by women, 8% were written by women and 23% were produced by women. Only 2% of those films were filmed by female cinematographers.

Statistics for women in independent film are more favorable: women comprised 22% of directors, 19% of writers and 33% of producers. But clearly, there is still room for growth and greater representation.

Independent short films like NOODLING are a way for young female filmmakers to have our voices heard and our messages shared. We hope you will support us as we make headway in an industry where we are a strong force but still a minority.

(source: Center for the Study of Women in TV and Film, San Diego State U.)