capstone project film

Behind the camera: Crowdfunding for capstone films made at ASU

For students in the sidney poitier new american film school, the capstone project process is as much a lesson in film as it is in finance.

Lights! Camera! Crowdfund? 

Capstone film projects are the pride of graduating students at ASU's Sidney Poitier New American Film School , but what audiences at Senior Showcase Night may miss while watching the premiere of short films is the extensive budgeting, resourcing and, in some cases, crowdfunding, that took place behind the scenes.

Capstone projects allow students to create original work using the mentorship and resources available through the film school. Capstone films are often the first big directing or producing gig for undergraduate students. The projects bring together students across programs, bolster portfolios and in some cases, the projects go on to film festivals . 

Student film projects are not unique to ASU, with other major American universities like Arizona , Vanderbilt and Georgetown boasting opportunities to bring the vision of film students to life across websites for prospective students. What these websites are less likely to highlight is how these student films get funding. 

For ASU students, the capstone process is as much a lesson in film as it is in finance.

The project begins with the capstone development course, when writers and directors craft scripts. From there, they forge connections with student producers and build a cast and crew. Just like in the film world, this early pre-production stage is also where the money talk starts, said writer and director Meline Guerrero, a senior studying film and media production.

"Our professors gave us a framework. They gave us a couple different companies that deal in financing short films, independent films. From there, we utilized those websites. We used the one called Seed & Spark ," Guerrero said.

Seed & Spark is a favorite among the film students. 

"I personally like the Seed & Spark interface the most. They have the most customization abilities and stuff like that," said writer and director Andrew Merfeld, a senior studying film and media production.  

But there is a big catch to the platform. 

"They require you to raise 80% of your goal in order to keep any of the funds," said Merfeld. "If you don't reach the 80% threshold you don't get to retain any of the money."

Merfeld's film " Astray " met its fundraising goal of $5,000 on the platform. Guerrero and their team made 81% of a $3,300 goal for the film " Catching Smoke ." Another film from their class of soon-to-be graduates, " No Questions Asked ," met its goal of $8,600 on Seed & Spark.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Astray (@astray_film)

The film school provides students with extensive equipment and state of the art sound stages at the MiX Center facility in Mesa, as well as faculty resources and post-production tools. Still, the reality is that students are left to come up with their own funding for a list of production expenses.

"The biggest thing is sitting down and going through every single thing you're going to need for this project down to the food for the cast and crew," said "No Questions Asked" writer and director Ashton Sasse, a senior studying film and media production.

Alongside food, Sasse listed transportation as a major cost for her film, which was partly set in Kingman, a city roughly a three-hour drive north from Phoenix.

Another significant cost is publicity and getting the short film in front of an audience. Even submitting a film for a festival can be costly due to submission fees.

The biggest portion of the "Catching Smoke" budget went to insurance. All of the equipment and sound stages at ASU are insured by the school, but the team had to pay insurance on one of its off-campus sets at a Phoenix park. After that, the director and producer were left paying out of pocket for smaller production costs such as a generator and props from Goodwill, which inevitably added up.

Often the bulk of the fundraising falls on the shoulders of the director and producer and the networks they have. 

"(For 'Catching Smoke') I started out with a friends and family group. As most people do," said Stella Foval, a senior studying film and media production who produced three capstone films including "No Questions Asked" and "Catching Smoke." "I got a list of friends and family from everyone on our team. I wrote a bunch of emails and did a bunch of posting."

Merfeld said "a huge misconception that a lot of people ... have is that you can get financing from just about anyone. And while at the end of the day you might, it's very much more likely that the money you'll get is from people you do already know and the people that they know."

There are unique circumstances when donors fund a film organically. "Catching Smoke" was able to reach a top-tier donor who worked in the film industry in Los Angeles.

According to Guerrero, "a really big part of it is social media, you don't realize how important it is until after it happens … Our No. 1 thing was just make a page for your film … That is kind of what exposes you to anyone else who might see your film."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Catching Smoke 2023 (@catchingsmoke2023)

Though crowdfunding strategies are taught at the film school, not every filmmaker finances that way. 

Jack Streveler, a senior studying film and media production said his film "Remission" was family and personally funded. Streveler kept his budget at $800. 

"I wrote my story as if I were going to make it on a shoestring budget," Streveler said. "I say write small and try to make the most of it. If you're going to be going into a capstone course and you're going to be writing a 10-minute film … that 10 minutes kind of limits your options already."

ASU has two "Friends of Film" scholarships for $250 each, given to the peer-chosen best capstone crowdfunding trailers each year. "No Questions Asked" was awarded one, but that is all of the direct financial support the interviewees received from the school. 

A development coordinator in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts declined to comment on the story.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by No Questions Asked - COMING SOON! (@nqa_film)

According to Foval, "We currently operate under 'all directors who want to be directors get their projects made,' which definitely affects how much money is available in our community for these projects." 

Regarding the overall capstone film financing process, Merfeld said that "the biggest lesson you learn is that film is a business. I mean, as much as it is an art, it's a business as well and you're not going to be able to create the final product if you don't put in the time or pre-production to gain a budget."

As for crowdfunding, Streveler said, "It's a big part of how we finance things and how we actually get things done, which ASU does not provide. But we have to do it ourselves, which isn't bad, it's just the reality of the industry we are going into."

Editor's note: Streveler worked for The State Press from January 2020 until December 2021 in the multimedia department . He did not contribute to the reporting or editing of this story.  

Edited by Claire van Doren, Piper Hansen, Greta Forslund and Grace Copperthite.

Reach the reporter at [email protected] and follow @SophiaBraccio on Twitter. 

Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on Twitter. 

ASU hires Graham Rossini as new athletic director

Flood leads to air conditioning failure in several buildings on Tempe campus

Kaleidoscope short film festival celebrates unity between US and Mexico

This website uses cookies to make your experience better and easier. By using this website you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy .

Deposit by May 1 for Early Decision Perks!

Spring 2024 commencement livestream.

Learn more about Southeastern University

Pursue your passion with one of our 100+ degree programs.

We’re here to make your education journey easier.

Discover why students love the SEU experience.

All chatter and laughter cease as the lights begin to dim. The audience holds its breath in anticipation.

Suddenly, the sound of a projector whirring to life appears out of nowhere. The first scene of the film, so carefully crafted, unfolds before the captivated viewers’ eyes. All too quickly, the last image on the screen fades away into oblivion, and someone starts applauding. One by one, the other audience members stand up, and they all cheer, clap, or whistle. 

These men and women are enraptured by the film they just watched, but none of them saw what went on behind the scenes to create it. They only witnessed the finished product, and not the story behind it, but that’s only because the tale of the capstone has not been told yet. 

Getting Started

First day of freshman year, Southeastern University’s film production students are made aware of a final project they must complete prior to graduation. This project is a senior capstone film, and it’s what some film majors describe as the climax or big finale of their degree.

Over the next three years, these students take a variety of directing, editing, and screenwriting courses in preparation for their capstone project. Once they’ve acquired the technical and creative skills they need to create their own short films, SEU’s film seniors begin working on their capstones.

“One of the most important things a film student needs to know before tackling a big project like a capstone is the 15 beats of their capstone story,” says Sky Vernon, a film production student at SEU. “The 15 is a set of questions that helps you outline and build your capstone story.”

Story is King

A semester before they graduate, SEU’s film students meet weekly with Professor Christopher Clark, associate professor of film production, to work on revising and refining their capstone stories. “Story is king,” Clark often reminds them. He believes that an emphasis on storytelling is what sets these future professionals apart from others going into their field.

At the end of the semester, film seniors finish the first draft of their capstone script, and Professor Bethany Miller, associate professor of film, guides them through the next step of the filmmaking process. She goes through the scripts and makes a few small changes to them to make the stories more realistic to film.

After that’s done, the students put together a crew and start shooting. They typically get one weekend each to film their capstones, then comes the post-production phase, which can take up to several months.

The Showcase 

Finally, SEU’s graduating seniors present their original capstone films to the public at an on-campus event known as the Senior Film Showcase. This showcase is the highlight of a film production student’s time at SEU.

“It’s why they’ve become a filmmaker. You’re not making your films for no one to watch. You’re making your films for some people to see,” says Clark.

Successful completion of this capstone project also provides film students with confidence as they enter their field upon graduation. Elisha Eaton, a film production student, explains, “It shows that you know what you’re doing, and that you’re ready to move on into the industry.”

Article by Emma Williams, SEU Communications Student

Photo by Victoria Casto, SEU Film Student

BA/BS in Film Production 

Degrees in Communication, Arts & Design  

Student Life at SEU

• Apply to SEU
• Campus Life
• Career Prep
• Faith Ownership
• News Release
• President's Message
• Student Blog
• Student Life
• Study Abroad
• Transfer Students

More Stories

Supporting Trades Education in the Community

We are proud to announce that SEU will be co-sponsoring the Lakeland Police Athletic League’s (PAL) 2024 Summer Trades Academy. This year, there will be

MA in Human Services Ranked in Best Online Programs

We are proud to announce that SEU has been ranked among Forbes Advisor Education’s Best Online Master’s in Human Services Programs for 2024. We are

Embrace the Future with SEU Tech

SEU Tech — our latest innovative program — blends cutting-edge technology with purpose-driven education. At SEU, we empower our students with the skills they need

• Accreditation
• Administration
• Mission & Beliefs
• President's Report
• Degree Programs
• School of Honors
• California State Disclosures
• Student Success
• Career Services
• Transcripts/Verification
• Course Search
• Log In Help
• Undergraduate
• Master's & Doctoral
• Campus Visit
• Find Your Counselor
• Request Info
• International
• Scholarships
• Tuition & Fees
• Cost Calculator
• View Your Award
• Financial Clearance
• Make a Payment
• EASE Performance Measures
• Housing & Dining
• Get Involved
• Spiritual Formation
• Campus Services
• Chapel Livestream
• SEU Worship
• International Services
• Student Login
• Fire Athletics
• Experience SEU

1000 Longfellow Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33801  |  800.500.8760

• Consumer Information
• State Authorizations
• Non-Discrimination
• Safety & Security

College of Arts & Science News

Cinema and media arts students use capstone projects to develop themselves as world citizens.

Posted by Kathryn Royster on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 in Profiles .

For students in the Department of Cinema and Media Arts (CMA), senior year involves an important rite of passage: the capstone seminar. Required for every CMA major, the seminar brings together the department’s unique blend of theory and practice. While most film departments around the country focus on training either film scholars (theory) or filmmakers (practice), College of Arts and Science students study cinema from both angles. And in the capstone seminar, they demonstrate their dual mastery as they critique each other’s work in weekly sessions and produce a culminating project for their major.

The capstone project, however, isn’t about producing a perfectly polished work of cinematic art. “It’s always been very open to do whatever kind of project you want to achieve,” said Associate Professor of Cinema and Media Arts Jonathan Rattner , who typically leads the seminar. “No matter what field they go into, I want students to leave this major having had an experience where they had to have an idea and go for it. I want them to be fearless and experiment, to try something even if they don’t know whether it’s going to be a good end result—a true thesis.”

CMA majors Stacy Horton and Linh Vu did just that. Both students used the capstone as an opportunity to stretch their own limits as creators and to pursue projects with deep personal meaning. Horton, a first-generation college student from a low-income background, became interested in media as a high school student but said she never had the resources to pursue her passion. “I was kind of jumping in blindly, applying to college as a film major, but I was determined to learn how to use the medium for social progress, especially through documentaries,” she said.

As a Cuban-American, Horton was also drawn to A&S’s nation-leading Latin American Studies program. She added the subject as a second major to help support her interest in making documentaries that celebrate the region, which is underrepresented in film. Her desire to make the most of her college experience also led her to add minors in anthropology and sociology , participate in several student organizations, and take courses in everything from statistics to geology to Portuguese. And thanks to Vanderbilt funding, she left the U.S. for the first time in her life—to study abroad in not just one country, but seven, over the course of her time at A&S.

That combined passion for Latin America and learning new things is the driving force behind her capstone project, “Soy Cubano.” The short documentary profiles a Cuban pop-up restaurant that opened in Nashville during the pandemic. Horton’s experience filming the project was emblematic of her time in A&S. “Being a CMA major has given me the opportunity to meet so many people and go so many places I wouldn’t have otherwise, like meeting actors in Nashville or going to new parts of the city for the perfect set. The exposure has been incredible and something I think is so unique to being in a creative, collaborative major,” she said.

Vu, an international student from Hanoi, Vietnam, first became interested in film as a child. Her grandfather served as a cameraman during the Vietnam War, and his black-and-white footage impressed her with its ability to convey important messages across the decades. “Film is a powerful medium in the way it alters people’s views on certain concepts and opinions in life,” she said. “Exploring cinema and media arts has allowed me to make films that deliver my own messages as an Asian female filmmaker.”

Her goal is to challenge harmful stereotypes and repressive social norms, in part by making experimental films that avoid the lavish spectacle and clichés of conventional cinema. Vu seeks to present diverse portrayals of cultures and people and to use visuals and sound in a way that evokes emotion and intellectual thought, rather than a traditional narrative structure. Her capstone project Memories, Materials, Missing uses a variety of film formats to create what she calls an “imaginary archive” of her family in Vietnam. More than an exploration of family connections or a nostalgic look at intimate moments, the film is also a visualization of cultural values and social histories.

At Vanderbilt, Vu paired her CMA major with economics , to learn marketing, data analysis, project management, and other skills that she can use to tackle the business side of working in media and film. She also looked for outside-the-classroom opportunities to flesh out her understanding of how visual media operates in the larger world. She participated in My Vanderbilt Life , producing short videos on Rattner and other professors and members of the Vanderbilt community; worked with the Vanderbilt Institute for Digital Learning, where she assisted with studio scheduling and training; and completed projects for the university’s Division of Communications. Though she’s spent the last two years in New York City—first as a visiting student at New York University and then learning remotely during the pandemic—she still feels strong ties to Vanderbilt and to what she’s learned through her CMA experience.

“I believe that cinema has the ability to transcend the poetics of the ordinary experience,” she said. “That’s why I’m particularly passionate about documentary and experimental filmmaking and about stories that call for political or social changes. Those art forms have the potential to invite the audience to interact with what they see on the screen by reflecting on their own experiences and beliefs.”

Though Horton and Vu’s projects are both unique, they share a common theme with many of the capstones produced for this year’s seminar. Because of the pandemic, Jonathan Rattner said, many of his students are seeing themselves as “citizens of the world” and recognizing cinema’s potential to connect with and comment on events and issues that are bigger than their own personal spheres.

“Creatively speaking, this year’s seniors have been taking more risks. I think they see this as a precious moment,” he said. “The attitude is, ‘Why not be fearless? Why not try something?’ We’re not just talking about being active makers, but also about being active citizens. If you’re fearless in your art, if you’re open and honest in your critiques, if you’re kind to each other, these are basic skills for the world.”

See all the Cinema and Media Arts senior capstone projects at a screening on Alumni Lawn, Thursday, April 29, 7-11 p.m. All Vanderbilt community members are welcome, but registration is required. Email Jonathan Rattner to sign up.

Tags: Cinema and Media Arts , class of 2021 , EDI , Jonathan Rattner , Linh Vu , Stacy Horton , student profile , student research , undergraduate research

Comments are closed

Faculty and Staff Resources

• Faculty Registry
• Faculty Resources
• Human Resources

Student Resources

• Enrollment & Registration
• Majors & Minors

WHAT IS THE CAPSTONE PROJECT?

Beginning in DFM440-O Capstone Film Development, you will be developing and writing the screenplay or treatment for your Capstone Project Film—a short narrative or documentary film. You will continue working on your Capstone Project for the next four months in the four courses following DFM440-O. 

The Capstone Project represents a culmination of the skills developed during your time in the Digital Filmmaking online bachelor’s degree program. Your Capstone Project will be a valuable item in your professional portfolio or demo reel. Along with your other portfolio projects, your Capstone Project will represent your work and skill set to future employers and clients.

The Capstone Project must be a fresh project, separate from your other portfolio projects, school work, or other video projects that you have previously created.

You will work exclusively on your Capstone Project in this course and the four courses during months 32–35 of your degree program (see list below). These courses will take you from development through postproduction. You will have one month of development, two months of of preproduction, one month of shooting, and one month to edit your project. View the Academic Catalog for course descriptions.

DFM440-O Capstone Film Development

DFM450-O Capstone Film Preproduction I

DFM475-O Capstone Film Preproduction II

DFM480-O Capstone Film Production

DFM485-O Capstone Film Postproduction

CAPSTONE PROJECT GUIDELINES

There are two formats to choose from, outlined below. as you read about the different formats, heavily consider the following important information: .

Keep in mind the scope of your project —length and available resources, such as cast, crew, locations, etc. Make sure that the film you develop in this course will be feasible for you to produce during your Capstone Project courses.

The content of student project work must not contain any pornographic material. Student projects that would be considered offensive by the general public, are sexually explicit, or are extremely violent cannot be filmed as a student project without prior approval of a Program Director. If a film would be rated R under MPAA guidelines it must be approved by a program director prior to filming. Projects in violation of this without prior approval from the Program Director may result in an automatic 0.

The use of real weapons is not permitted. To be clear, students should never have real weapons of any kind on set. This is a major safety and legal issue so do not have real weapons on set.

Students must get prior approval from the Program Director if they plan to use prop weapons and the proper paperwork must be filled out before the start of production (see downloadable file below). Please allow 5 business days to receive an answer when making a request.

The Digital Filmmaking Instructors and Program Director are committed to encouraging meaningful media content as well as students’ safety while on set. We want students to have the freedom to create work that is meaningful to them, but students should be prepared to justify content that pushes the rating beyond PG-13.

You cannot pass DFM440-O without a greenlit script or treatment , meaning that your script/treatment adheres to the Capstone Project guidelines listed here and is approved by your DFM440-O instructor and the Program Director.

Once you have passed this course, you must produce the script/treatment that was greenlit as your Capstone Project . You cannot change projects. Students must receive a passing grade in each Capstone Project course before moving on to the next course. 

The Capstone Project must be a fresh project , separate from your other portfolio projects, school work, or other video projects that you have previously created.

CAPSTONE PROJECT FORMATS

Below are the two format options to produce as your capstone project:.

The short narrative film must be between 4–7 minutes in length. For DFM440-O you will write a 4–7 page screenplay properly formatted using Final Draft software. The film can be any genre.

EXAMPLES & ADVICE FROM STUDENTS:

James Flores - Unplugged If you are setting up your shoot now I would advise you to delegate to those you trust and don’t to compress the schedule, if the script needs 3 days then do 3 days. Else you will burn yourself out and the end product will suffer. 

Shawna Cunningham - Coffee with a Ghost Always have a backup plan, no matter what. Things happen, people get sick, or other issues may arise, but having a backup plan helps in so many ways! Make sure that your actors are fully available on shooting days AND at least 2 weeks after just in case you need to do reshoots. If you are struggling at all with any of your shooting schedules it is VERY important that you reach out to your instructor because they can suggest other ways for you to search and find locations or work around schedules, etc. Keep your head up, don’t get discouraged, this is your dream, your passion, your career!

DOCUMENTARY

The mini documentary film must be between 4–10 minutes in length. For DFM440-O you will conduct research and write a 4–10 page treatment. The documentary type must be either expository, participatory, or performative.

Angela Williams - The Lost Lingit Always have a backup plan so you’re not wasting a day of shooting due to something like weather or location fails. Having a back up plan — and possibly a back up plan for your back up plan — helps to keep your shoot on schedule. You might lose some shoot time for the day but it’s better than losing an entire day. When it comes to weather, sometimes there are ways to improvise like using tents, gazebos, or tarps if it is raining. When scouting for locations, make sure you always have back up locations in the same area. That way if one fails you can quickly move on to the next one without having to stray too far from your first location. And remember locations can be dressed up! They don’t always have to be perfect, you can make them perfect with set dressings, props, etc. Good luck!

Created by the Great Schools Partnership , the GLOSSARY OF EDUCATION REFORM is a comprehensive online resource that describes widely used school-improvement terms, concepts, and strategies for journalists, parents, and community members. | Learn more »

Capstone Project

Also called a capstone experience , culminating project , or  senior exhibition , among many other terms, a capstone project is a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students, typically during their final year of high school or middle school, or at the end of an academic program or learning-pathway experience . While similar in some ways to a college thesis, capstone projects may take a wide variety of forms, but most are long-term investigative projects that culminate in a final product, presentation, or performance. For example, students may be asked to select a topic, profession, or social problem that interests them, conduct research on the subject, maintain a portfolio of findings or results, create a final product demonstrating their learning acquisition or conclusions (a paper, short film, or multimedia presentation, for example), and give an oral presentation on the project to a panel of teachers, experts, and community members who collectively evaluate its quality.

Capstone projects are generally designed to encourage students to think critically, solve challenging problems, and develop skills such as oral communication, public speaking, research skills, media literacy, teamwork, planning, self-sufficiency, or goal setting—i.e., skills that will help prepare them for college, modern careers, and adult life. In most cases, the projects are also interdisciplinary, in the sense that they require students to apply skills or investigate issues across many different subject areas or domains of knowledge. Capstone projects also tend to encourage students to connect their projects to community issues or problems, and to integrate outside-of-school learning experiences, including activities such as interviews, scientific observations, or internships.

While capstone projects can take a wide variety of forms from school to school, a few examples will help to illustrate both the concept and the general educational intentions:

• Writing, directing, and filming a public-service announcement that will be aired on public-access television
• Designing and building a product, computer program, app, or robot to address a specific need, such as assisting the disabled
• Interning at a nonprofit organization or a legislator’s office to learn more about strategies and policies intended to address social problems, such as poverty, hunger, or homelessness
• Conducting a scientific study over several months or a year to determine the ecological or environmental impact of changes to a local habitat
• Researching an industry or market, and creating a viable business plan for a proposed company that is then “pitched” to a panel of local business leaders

For related discussions, see authentic learning , portfolio ,  relevance , and 21st century skills .

As a school-reform strategy, capstone projects are often an extension of more systemic school-improvement models or certain teaching philosophies or strategies, such as 21st century skills, community-based learning , proficiency-based learning , project-based learning , or student-centered learning , to name just a few.

The following are a few representative educational goals of capstone projects:

• Increasing the academic rigor of the senior year. Historically, high school students have taken a lighter course load or left school early during their twelfth-grade year, which can contribute to learning loss or insufficient preparation for first-year college work. A more academically and intellectually challenging senior year, filled with demanding but stimulating learning experiences such as a capstone project, the reasoning goes, can reduce senior-year learning loss , keep students in school longer (or otherwise engaged in learning), and increase preparation for college and work.
• Increasing student motivation and engagement. The creative nature of capstone projects, which are typically self-selected by students and based on personal interests, can strengthen student motivation to learn, particularly during a time (twelfth grade) when academic motivation and engagement tend to wane.
• Increasing educational and career aspirations. By involving students in long-term projects that intersect with personal interests and professional aspirations, capstone projects can help students with future planning, goal setting, postsecondary decisions, and career exploration—particularly for those students who may be unfocused, uncertain, or indecisive about their post-graduation plans and aspirations.
• Improving student confidence and self-perceptions. Capstone projects typically require students to take on new responsibilities, be more self-directed, set goals, and follow through on commitments. Completing such projects can boost self-esteem, build confidence, and teach students about the value of accomplishment. Students may also become role models for younger students, which can cultivate leadership abilities and have positive cultural effects within a school.
• Demonstrating learning and proficiency. As one of many educational strategies broadly known as demonstrations of learning , capstone projects can be used to determine student proficiency (in the acquisition of knowledge and skills) or readiness (for college and work) by requiring them to demonstrate what they have learned over the course of their project

In recent years, the capstone-project concept has also entered the domain of state policy. In Rhode Island, for example, the state’s high school graduation requirements stipulate that seniors must complete two out of three assessment options, one of which can be a capstone project. Several other states require students to complete some form of senior project, while in other states such projects may be optional, and students who complete a capstone project may receive special honors or diploma recognition.

Most criticism of or debate about capstone projects is not focused on the strategy itself, or its intrinsic or potential educational value, but rather on the quality of its execution—i.e., capstone projects tend to be criticized when they are poorly designed or reflect low academic standards, or when students are allowed to complete relatively superficial projects of low educational value. In addition, if teachers and students consider capstone projects to be a formality, lower-quality products typically result. And if the projects reflect consistently low standards, quality, and educational value year after year, educators, students, parents, and community members may come to view capstone projects as a waste of time or resources.

Alphabetical Search

Online Students

For All Online Programs

International Students

On Campus, need or have Visa

Campus Students

For All Campus Programs

What is a Capstone Project in College?

The capstone project in college is the apogee, or completion marker, of a student's coursework leading to the culmination of their program with a degree in their chosen field of study. The original definition of a capstone focuses on the actual stone placed at the top of a wall or building, marking the successful completion of the structure. It's a significant and celebrated piece of architecture, considered to be the most important of an entire construction project.

"(Capstone projects are) the apex of all a student's work done throughout their college career," said Dr. Jeff Czarnec , a social sciences adjunct online and on-campus at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Retired after 23 years in law enforcement, Czarnec served as an associate dean of criminal justice and social sciences at SNHU for nearly a decade. He now leverages his extensive background to teach social sciences, enriching the academic experience with his practical insights. 

When entering a capstone course, there's an expectation that you have all the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful. 

You have the opportunity to pick a research topic that is of interest to you and run with it. "After having to write research papers in all of their courses prior to (the capstone), the task is not one to dread, but to enjoy. It is their time to shine as students and to enjoy the journey," MacCarty said.

A capstone course is more than a potential degree requirement. It can serve as an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge mastery and creative thinking, which may help you stand out to potential employers.

What is Involved in a Capstone Project?

Each university, program and instructor may have different requirements — or models — for a capstone project. According to Czarnec, a general design might first include selecting a topic of interest that the instructor will approve. 

Czarnec said that, depending on the program, a capstone may include anything from a video presentation or an architectural model to an art exhibit or short film; however, it almost always includes a paper demonstrating an introduction, theory, evaluation, research and individual issues relevant to the proposal.

"Students are expected to be ready to enter the world as professionals in their field upon completion of the capstone course," said MacCarty.

The time it takes to complete a capstone project usually depends on the course's length. If you're in an undergraduate online program at SNHU, for instance, your capstone course would take eight weeks to complete, Czarnec said. 

Capstone courses are research-based, and you can choose your topic early on, allowing you more freedom to conduct research  independently. Capstone topics usually align with a program's specific disciplines, too.

For example, in the social sciences realm, "our focus is on human behavior and cognition, which may be different from a capstone course in business or STEM," MacCarty said.

Find Your Program

Types of capstones.

There are many types of capstone projects that you could consider, and they vary from learner to learner, Czarnec said. "Some will investigate issues or phenomenon that they are familiar with either professionally, personally or courtesy of a discipline-related source, such (as) a police or human services agency," he said. 

In a nutshell, a rough outline of a capstone, according to Czarnec, may look something like this:

• Select a topic and have it approved by the instructor
• Evaluate relevance to the proposal
• Perform necessary research
• Present results in the agreed-upon fashion

Czarnec said that if you're looking for a capstone topic, you may consider focusing on an area you're passionate about or you could also try to ask you instructor for some assistance. For example, Czarnec said that he can act as a guide, mentor, editor and research resource for his students to help them focus and narrow their search for a capstone topic.

Are Capstone Projects Difficult?

"Not necessarily," said Czarnec. "It does force you to be efficient and very specific to topic. No fluff. Straight forward. Razor sharp." 

The capstone is more of an opportunity to catch your breath, he said, and to retrace and pull up what you have learned in a more stress-free environment .

"It helps validate students as learners," Czarnec said.

Depending on the major and course requirements, there may be opportunities to connect with outside contacts, not only to assist with the capstone project research and problem statement but also to provide a networking community .

"Not every research project is, nor should they be, the same," Czarnec said. "Everyone has a different approach."

What is the Difference Between a Thesis and a Capstone Project?

A capstone is similar to a thesis in that the starting point involves the strengths needed for a thesis or dissertation work. For example, you may need to consider the skeletal structure of research and form your theory, hypothesis and problem statement.

"While a capstone is certainly a scholarly piece of work and does share some aspects of a thesis, the time and detail that is required of a master's thesis is greater," MacCarty said. 

A capstone paper may be 25 pages, whereas a thesis could be 100 or more. If you choose to further your education beyond a bachelor's degree, the capstone project could be an invaluable tool in preparing for a graduate thesis.

Capstone Projects are About Your Success

Capstones of all programs are leading you to the end game, Czarnec said. The goal is to develop you into a well-rounded thinker who can pull their work together in a coherent, articulate, well-organized fashion while considering the demands of the profession or vocation you're interested in.

The focus and intent of a capstone should be to create an effective device to assess and measure all that you've learned throughout your program in an aggregate fashion so you can demonstrate your life-long vocational skills in a nice, neat package. 

"My goal is for students to leave the program confident about their skills and abilities," said Czarnec.

MacCarty said that capstone courses should be structured to support your success in fulfilling program requirements and allow you the opportunity to showcase your academic abilities and skills gained throughout your degree program.

A degree can change your life. Choose your program  from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.

Laurie Smith '14 is a writer, editor and communications specialist. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

Explore more content like this article

Time Management Strategies: 8 Tips for Balancing College and Life

What is a Terminal Degree?

What is an MEd Degree?

About southern new hampshire university.

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU  page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.

• Programs & Courses
• Entire Site

Film & Video Capstone

Course Details

This course can only be taken as part of the Certificate in Film & Video Production .

About this Course

In this capstone course, you’ll make your own film, either as an individual producer/director of a drama or nonfiction film. With detailed feedback on dailies, rough cuts and more, you’ll find ways to tell your story for maximum impact. 

As part of a cohort of filmmakers, you’ll also assume additional crew roles, such as director of photography or sound mixer. You’ll expand your postproduction skills (color correction, titles, graphics, special effects) and incorporate sound elements as needed.

By the end, you’ll have both the theoretical and experiential knowledge to produce your own impactful films. The course culminates with a screening of all completed films.

What You’ll Learn

• How to execute a well-planned, creative vision for your film with maximum impact as a story
• How to take both artistic control and professional responsibility for all steps in the creative process as a director or producer
• Advanced film-editing processes, including color correction, transitions, titles and credits 
• Storage and budgeting 
• The business aspects of the film industry, including funding and distribution avenues

Get Hands-On Experience

• Complete a high-quality film for your artistic portfolio
• Work on several film projects outside of class, with the option of participating in various roles on other student projects

Program Overview

This course is part of the Certificate in Film & Video Production .

Film & Video Production Principles

Film & Video: Refining Skills

Certificate in Film & Video Production

Discover this program

Approved by the UW Department of Communication .

Talk to an Enrollment Coach

Our enrollment coaches can help you determine if the Film & Video Capstone course is right for you. Your coach can also support you as you apply and enroll. Start the conversation!

By submitting my information, I consent to be contacted and agree to the privacy policy .

Subscribe to Keep Learning!

Be among the first to get timely program info, career tips, event invites and more.

By submitting my information, I consent to be contacted and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the privacy policy .

271+ Most Creative Capstone Project Ideas for Students

Looking for the most creative Capstone project ideas? That provides an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained throughout their studies to real-world challenges.

If yes, these capstone projects often demand creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities. If you’re a student seeking inspiration for your capstone project or an educator looking to suggest ideas, we’ve compiled a list of 271+ creative capstone project ideas across various fields of study.

You can use these simple capstone project ideas to get more creative and make your overall creativity more good.

what is a capstone project

Table of Contents

A capstone project ideas is an academic undertaking, typically completed in the final year of a program, where students integrate and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their studies. It serves as a culmination of their educational journey, requiring students to tackle complex real-world problems or challenges within their field of study.

These projects often involve independent research, creativity, or practical application of concepts and theories. Capstone projects vary in format, which may include research papers, creative works, software development, engineering prototypes, business plans, and more. Students are typically evaluated on their ability to demonstrate mastery of the subject matter, critical thinking skills, and effective communication of their findings.

Successful completion of capstone project ideas can serve as a testament to a student’s readiness for employment or further academic pursuits, making it a significant component of their educational experience.

how to do a capstone project

These steps will help you to make the best capstone project, let’s follow them.

• Select a Topic : Choose a specific and relevant project topic that aligns with your field of study and interests.
• Define Objectives : Clearly outline the goals and objectives you aim to achieve through your capstone project.
• Research and Literature Review : Conduct thorough research and review relevant literature to inform your project.
• Develop a Plan : Create a detailed project plan, including timelines, tasks, and resource requirements.
• Execute the Project : Implement your plan by conducting experiments, collecting data, or completing the creative work, depending on your project type.
• Analyze and Evaluate : Analyze the data or outcomes and evaluate your project’s success in meeting its objectives.
• Communicate Results : Present your findings or project outcomes through a written report, presentation, or creative display, emphasizing the significance of your work and its contribution to your field.

Most Creative Capstone Project Ideas for Students

These are the following great capstone project ideas are given below for every field student.

Engineering and Technology Capstone Project Ideas

• Solar-Powered Water Desalination System : Design a sustainable solution to convert seawater into freshwater using solar energy.
• Autonomous Drone for Environmental Monitoring : Develop a drone equipped with sensors to monitor air and water quality, wildlife, or deforestation.
• Smart Traffic Management System : Create an AI-driven traffic management system that optimizes traffic flow and reduces congestion.
• Robotic Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation : Design a wearable exoskeleton to assist patients with mobility impairments during rehabilitation.
• Energy-Efficient Home Automation : Build a home automation system that optimizes energy usage, reducing electricity bills and carbon footprint.
• 3D Printing in Medicine : Investigate and create 3D-printed medical devices or prosthetics customized to patients’ needs.
• Autonomous Agricultural Robot : Develop a robot capable of autonomously planting, monitoring, and harvesting crops.
• Drone-Based Firefighting : Design a drone system to aid in firefighting efforts, including fire detection and containment.
• Smart Wearables for Healthcare : Create wearable devices that monitor health parameters and provide real-time feedback to users and healthcare providers.
• Virtual Reality Therapy : Develop immersive virtual reality environments for therapy and rehabilitation purposes.

Capstone Project Ideas For Computer Science and Software Development

• AI-Powered Personal Assistant : Build an intelligent personal assistant capable of managing tasks, and schedules, and providing personalized recommendations.
• Natural Language Processing Chatbot : Create a chatbot using NLP techniques for customer support, information retrieval, or language learning.
• Blockchain-Based Voting System : Develop a secure and transparent voting system using blockchain technology.
• Predictive Analytics for Disease Outbreaks : Create a predictive model to forecast disease outbreaks based on historical data and environmental factors.
• Augmented Reality Educational Apps : Design AR applications to enhance classroom learning experiences.
• E-commerce Recommendation Engine : Build a recommendation system that suggests products to users based on their preferences and browsing behavior.
• Social Media Sentiment Analysis : Develop a tool for sentiment analysis on social media data to gauge public opinion on various topics.
• Cybersecurity Solutions : Design and implement cybersecurity tools or protocols to protect data and networks from cyber threats.
• AI-Generated Art : Explore the intersection of art and AI by generating creative artworks using neural networks.
• Video Game Development : Create an original video game, from concept to playable prototype.

Business and Entrepreneurship Capstone Project Ideas

• Market Entry Strategy for a New Product : Analyze market trends and competition to develop an effective strategy for introducing a new product or service.
• Small Business Sustainability Plan : Develop a sustainability plan for a small business, focusing on reducing environmental impact and increasing profitability.
• Impact Investing Portfolio : Build a portfolio of impact investments, evaluating financial returns alongside social and environmental impact.
• E-commerce Business Optimization : Optimize an e-commerce business by improving website design , user experience, and marketing strategies.
• Startup Incubator : Establish a startup incubator program to support and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs in your community.
• Financial Literacy App : Create an educational app to improve financial literacy among young adults.
• Marketplace for Local Artisans : Develop an online platform to connect local artisans with customers interested in handmade products.
• Sustainable Tourism Initiative : Design a sustainable tourism program that preserves natural and cultural resources while boosting local economies.
• Food Delivery Service Optimization : Optimize food delivery services by reducing delivery times, costs, and environmental impact.
• Green Supply Chain Management : Develop a sustainable supply chain management strategy for a company to reduce waste and emissions.

Capstone Project Ideas In Health and Medicine

• Telemedicine Platform : Create a telemedicine platform that connects patients with healthcare providers for remote consultations.
• Medical Record Blockchain : Implement a blockchain-based system for secure and interoperable medical records.
• Personalized Nutrition App : Develop an app that offers personalized dietary recommendations based on users’ health data and goals.
• Mental Health Chat Support : Build an AI-driven chat support system for individuals seeking mental health assistance.
• Medical Imaging AI : Train AI algorithms to assist radiologists in diagnosing medical conditions from imaging data.
• Healthcare Data Analytics : Analyze healthcare data to identify trends, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes.
• Health Monitoring Wearables : Design wearable devices that continuously monitor health parameters and provide real-time alerts.
• Biodegradable Medical Implants : Create biodegradable medical implants that reduce the need for additional surgeries.
• Nutraceutical Product Development : Develop innovative nutraceutical products with health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
• AI-Enhanced Drug Discovery : Use AI algorithms to accelerate drug discovery and development processes.

Environmental Science and Sustainability Capstone Projects

• Plastic Waste Reduction : Develop a solution to reduce plastic waste in oceans, rivers, or landfills.
• Carbon Footprint Tracker : Create an app that helps individuals and businesses track and reduce their carbon footprint.
• Renewable Energy Optimization : Optimize the efficiency and output of renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines.
• Eco-Friendly Design : Design sustainable and biodegradable packaging design solutions for consumer products.
• Urban Green Spaces : Plan and implement green spaces within urban areas to improve air quality and biodiversity.
• Water Quality Monitoring System : Build a system that continuously monitors water quality in lakes, rivers, or reservoirs.
• Waste-to-Energy Conversion : Develop technologies to convert organic waste into renewable energy sources.
• Community Recycling Initiatives : Create a community-based recycling program to encourage responsible waste disposal.
• Climate Change Education Platform : Build an educational platform to raise awareness about climate change and its impacts.
• Bee Conservation : Develop strategies and technologies to support bee populations and pollination efforts.

topics for the capstone project In Social Sciences and Psychology

• Online Mental Health Support Community : Create an online platform where individuals can connect and provide emotional support to others.
• Behavioral Economics Study : Conduct experiments and research on how cognitive biases influence decision-making.
• Criminal Justice Reform Proposal : Develop a comprehensive proposal for criminal justice reform, addressing issues such as mass incarceration and police brutality.
• Homelessness Intervention Program : Design an intervention program to provide housing and support for homeless individuals.
• Youth Empowerment Workshops : Organize workshops and mentoring programs to empower disadvantaged youth.
• Cultural Heritage Preservation : Digitize and preserve cultural heritage through virtual museums and interactive exhibits.
• Domestic Violence Prevention : Create educational materials and campaigns to prevent domestic violence and support survivors.
• Human Rights Advocacy : Develop advocacy campaigns and platforms to raise awareness of human rights violations.
• Community Policing Initiatives : Implement community policing strategies to improve police-community relations.
• Elderly Care and Isolation Reduction : Develop programs and technologies to reduce social isolation among the elderly.

Capstone Project Ideas For High School

• Online Language Learning Platform : Build an interactive platform for learning languages through gamification and AI-driven lessons.
• STEM Education for Underprivileged Youth : Create STEM education programs for underserved communities to bridge the educational gap.
• EdTech Assessment Tools : Develop tools for educators to assess and track student progress effectively.
• Virtual Science Labs : Create virtual labs that allow students to conduct experiments and explore scientific concepts remotely.
• Digital Storytelling for Education : Design a platform that enables students and teachers to create interactive digital stories for learning.
• Interactive History Lessons : Develop immersive historical experiences through augmented or virtual reality.
• Financial Literacy Curriculum : Create a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum for high school students.
• Inclusive Educational Games : Design educational games that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Teacher Professional Development Platform : Build a platform that offers ongoing professional development resources for educators.
• Peer Tutoring Network : Establish a peer tutoring network where students can help each other in various subjects.

Art and Design Capstone Project Ideas

• Interactive Art Installations : Create interactive art installations that engage viewers and explore societal themes.
• Artificial Intelligence in Art : Explore the use of AI in generating, enhancing, or critiquing art.
• Wearable Art : Design wearable art pieces that incorporate technology or unconventional materials.
• Virtual Art Gallery : Create a virtual platform for artists to showcase their work and engage with a global audience.
• Sustainable Fashion Collection : Design a sustainable fashion collection using eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods.
• Digital Sculpture : Explore digital sculpting techniques and create 3D printed sculptures.
• Community Murals : Collaborate with a community to create public art murals that reflect its identity and values.
• Art Therapy Workshops : Organize art therapy workshops for individuals facing mental health challenges.
• Animated Short Film : Produce an animated short film that conveys a powerful message or story.
• Interactive Graphic Novels : Combine storytelling and interactivity in the form of digital graphic novels.

Capstone Project Ideas For Media and Communication

• Podcast Series on Social Issues : Create a podcast series that explores and discusses pressing social issues.
• Documentary on Cultural Heritage : Produce a documentary film highlighting the cultural heritage of a specific region or community.
• Virtual Reality Journalism : Use VR technology to deliver immersive news stories and experiences.
• Youth Empowerment Magazine : Launch a magazine dedicated to empowering and showcasing the talents of young individuals.
• Interactive Web Series : Develop an interactive web series where viewers can influence the storyline’s direction.
• Local News Aggregator App : Create an app that aggregates local news sources for easy access and community engagement.
• Digital Marketing Campaign : Plan and execute a digital marketing campaign for a nonprofit organization or local business.
• Social Media Analytics Tool : Build a tool that provides insights into social media trends and engagement metrics.
• Multilingual Translation Service : Create a platform that offers real-time multilingual translation services for video content.
• Sci-Fi Audio Drama : Produce a science fiction audio drama series with immersive soundscapes and storytelling.

Agriculture & Food Science Capstone Project Ideas

• Precision Agriculture Solutions : Develop technology and systems for precision farming to optimize crop yields.
• Food Traceability Platform : Create a blockchain-based platform for tracking the origin and journey of food products.
• Urban Vertical Farming : Design vertical farming systems for urban environments to promote local food production.
• Aquaponics Farming : Build an aquaponics system that combines fish farming with hydroponics for sustainable food production.
• Food Waste Reduction App : Develop an app that connects consumers with surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores .
• Plant-Based Meat Alternatives : Create innovative plant-based meat substitutes using novel ingredients and technologies.
• Smart Greenhouses : Design automated greenhouses with sensors and AI for optimal crop growth.
• Farm-to-Table Delivery Service : Establish a farm-to-table delivery service that connects consumers with local producers.
• Food Allergen Detection : Develop a portable device for detecting food allergens in real-time.
• Edible Insect Farming : Explore the feasibility of farming edible insects as a sustainable protein source.

Capstone Project Ideas For Architecture and Urban Planning

• Sustainable Housing Designs : Create architectural designs for eco-friendly and energy-efficient housing solutions.
• Public Space Redesign : Transform public spaces to improve accessibility, aesthetics, and functionality.
• Historical Building Restoration : Restore and preserve historical buildings while making them suitable for modern use.
• Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure : Design infrastructure and buildings that can withstand natural disasters.
• Affordable Housing Models : Develop innovative housing models to address affordable housing shortages in urban areas.
• Smart City Initiatives : Plan and implement smart city projects that enhance urban living through technology.
• Urban Mobility Solutions : Propose solutions to improve transportation and reduce traffic congestion in urban areas.
• Green Building Certification : Create a certification program for environmentally friendly construction practices.
• Community Garden Spaces : Design community gardens that promote urban agriculture and community engagement.
• Accessible Playgrounds : Create inclusive playgrounds designed for children of all abilities.

Music and Performing Arts Capstone Project Ideas

• Virtual Choir Performance : Coordinate and produce a virtual choir performance with participants from around the world.
• Music Therapy Program : Develop a music therapy program for individuals with cognitive, emotional, or physical challenges.
• Interactive Dance Performance : Create an interactive dance performance where the audience’s participation influences the choreography.
• Music Production Software : Design user-friendly software for music producers and musicians.
• Digital Artistic Collaborations : Collaborate with artists from different disciplines to create multimedia performances.
• Music Education App : Create an app that teaches music theory, composition, and instrument skills in an engaging way.
• Soundscapes for Healing : Design soothing soundscapes and environments for healthcare facilities and relaxation.
• Theatrical Set Design : Create innovative set designs for theater productions that challenge traditional norms.
• Film Score Composition : Compose original film scores that enhance storytelling and emotional impact.
• Street Art and Performance Festival : Organize a festival that celebrates street art, music, and live performances.

Capstone Project Ideas For Science and Astronomy

• Astrophotography Project : Capture and analyze stunning astronomical images using telescopes and cameras.
• Satellite Tracking Software : Develop software to track and predict the movements of satellites in Earth’s orbit.
• Space Colonization Simulation : Create a realistic simulation of a space colony, considering life support systems and sustainability.
• Citizen Science Initiative : Organize a project that encourages citizen scientists to contribute to scientific research.
• Mars Rover Simulation : Build a functional Mars rover prototype capable of navigating challenging terrain.
• Astronomy Education Planetarium : Establish a portable planetarium for educational outreach in schools and communities.
• Ocean Exploration Robot : Design a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) for deep-sea exploration.
• Microgravity Experiments : Plan and execute experiments to investigate the effects of microgravity on various organisms and materials.
• Weather Prediction AI : Develop an AI system for more accurate and timely weather predictions.
• Interactive Science Museum Exhibit : Create an interactive exhibit that explains complex scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.

best Capstone Project Ideas For Sports and Fitness

• Virtual Reality Sports Training : Develop VR simulations for sports training, enhancing skills and strategy.
• Sports Injury Prevention App : Create an app that helps athletes prevent injuries through personalized workouts and assessments.
• Sports Analytics Platform : Build a platform that provides in-depth analytics for improving team performance.
• Fitness Gamification : Design fitness games that motivate users to stay active and achieve their fitness goals.
• Accessible Sports Equipment : Create adaptive sports equipment to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in sports.
• Sports Nutrition App : Develop an app that offers personalized nutrition plans for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
• E-sports Tournament Organizer : Organize and host e-sports tournaments for popular online games.
• Athlete Mental Health Support : Create a platform that offers mental health resources and support for athletes.
• Sports Event Management System : Design a comprehensive system for managing and promoting sports events.
• Sports Rehabilitation Tools : Develop innovative tools and devices for sports injury rehabilitation.

Great Capstone Projects For Psychology and Neuroscience

• Neurofeedback Training App : Create an app that provides neurofeedback training to improve cognitive functions and mental well-being.
• Memory Enhancement Game : Develop a game or app that enhances memory and cognitive skills.
• Stress Management App : Design an app that offers stress-reduction techniques, meditation, and relaxation exercises.
• Neuromarketing Research : Conduct neuromarketing studies to understand consumer behavior and preferences.
• Cognitive Rehabilitation Tools : Create tools and exercises to aid in the cognitive rehabilitation of individuals with brain injuries.
• Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy : Use VR technology to treat phobias, PTSD, and anxiety disorders through exposure therapy.
• Mindfulness and Meditation Platform : Build a platform that promotes mindfulness and meditation practices.
• Sleep Quality Monitoring Device : Develop a wearable device that monitors and improves sleep quality.
• Emotion Recognition Software : Create software that accurately recognizes and analyzes human emotions from facial expressions.
• Childhood Development Program : Design an early childhood development program that enhances cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

Capstone Project Ideas For Robotics and Automation

• Humanoid Robot Assistant : Build a humanoid robot capable of assisting humans in daily tasks.
• Robotics in Agriculture : Create robots for planting, harvesting, and monitoring crops in agricultural settings.
• Autonomous Delivery Vehicles : Develop self-driving vehicles for last-mile delivery of goods and packages.
• Robotics for Disaster Response : Design robots that can assist in search and rescue operations during natural disasters.
• Telepresence Robot : Build a telepresence robot for remote communication and interaction.
• Robotic Prosthetics : Develop advanced robotic prosthetic limbs with natural movement and sensory feedback.
• Underwater Exploration Robot : Create a remotely operated underwater robot for exploring deep-sea environments.
• Robotic Pet Companions : Design robots that provide companionship and support for individuals with disabilities or loneliness.
• AI-Powered Cleaning Robot : Build a smart cleaning robot that autonomously cleans homes or offices.
• Robotics Education Kits : Develop educational kits for teaching robotics and programming to students of all ages.

Interesting Capstone Project Ideas For Mathematics and Statistics

• Math Learning Game : Create an interactive game that makes learning mathematics fun and engaging for students.
• Statistical Analysis Software : Develop user-friendly software for statistical analysis and data visualization.
• Mathematical Modeling for Epidemiology : Build models to predict disease spread and evaluate intervention strategies.
• Cryptocurrency Price Prediction : Develop AI algorithms to predict cryptocurrency price movements.
• Interactive Geometry Visualization : Create tools that visualize geometric concepts to aid in learning.
• Number Theory Explorer : Design an interactive platform for exploring number theory concepts and conjectures.
• Math Assessment and Tutoring App : Build an app that assesses students’ math skills and provides personalized tutoring.
• Machine Learning for Financial Forecasting : Develop models for predicting stock prices, market trends, and financial risks.
• Graph Theory Applications : Explore practical applications of graph theory in various domains.
• Mathematical Puzzle Solver : Create a tool that solves complex mathematical puzzles and challenges.

Capstone Project Ideas For History and Archaeology

• Virtual Historical Tours : Develop virtual tours of historical sites, allowing users to explore ancient civilizations.
• Interactive Archaeological Digs : Create a digital experience that simulates archaeological excavations and artifact analysis.
• Historical Document Digitization : Digitize and preserve historical documents, manuscripts, and records.
• Ancient Language Translation Tool : Build a tool that translates ancient or extinct languages into modern languages.
• History-Based Educational Games : Develop educational games that immerse players in historical events and decision-making.
• Cultural Heritage Preservation : Collaborate with local communities to preserve and document their cultural heritage.
• Archaeological Site Reconstruction : Use 3D modeling to reconstruct and visualize ancient cities and structures.
• Oral History Collection : Record and archive oral histories from individuals with unique life experiences.
• Historical Costume Reproduction : Create historically accurate clothing replicas for museums and reenactments.
• Digital History Exhibits : Design digital exhibits that explore historical themes and narratives.

Good Capstone Project Ideas For Environmental Engineering

• Bioremediation of Contaminated Sites : Develop bioremediation strategies to clean up polluted soil and water.
• Waste-to-Energy Conversion : Investigate technologies for converting waste materials into renewable energy.
• Green Infrastructure Planning : Plan and design green infrastructure projects to manage stormwater and enhance urban ecosystems.
• Air Quality Monitoring Network : Create a network of air quality monitoring stations to track pollutants and inform public health decisions.
• Microplastics Detection : Develop tools for detecting and quantifying microplastics in aquatic environments.
• Environmental Impact Assessment : Conduct assessments of proposed development projects to evaluate their environmental impact.
• Habitat Restoration : Restore and rehabilitate natural habitats to support biodiversity conservation.
• Sustainable Water Management : Implement sustainable water management practices to conserve and protect freshwater resources.
• Renewable Energy Integration : Investigate methods for integrating renewable energy sources into existing power grids.
• Eco-Friendly Transportation Solutions : Develop and promote eco-friendly transportation options, such as electric vehicles and public transit.

Political Science and International Relations

• International Conflict Resolution Simulation : Create a simulation to model and explore diplomatic negotiations in international conflicts.
• Public Policy Analysis Tool : Develop a tool that assists policymakers in analyzing the potential impacts of policy decisions.
• Human Rights Database : Build a comprehensive database of human rights violations and abuses worldwide.
• Political Campaign Strategy Platform : Create a platform that helps political campaigns with voter outreach, data analysis, and messaging.
• Foreign Policy Simulator : Design a simulator that allows users to navigate complex international relations scenarios.
• Legislative Transparency App : Develop an app that provides transparency and updates on legislative activities.
• Political Participation Initiative : Organize programs and initiatives to encourage voter registration and civic engagement.
• Government Performance Assessment : Develop metrics and tools to assess the performance and efficiency of government agencies.
• Election Security Protocols : Propose and implement security measures to protect election integrity.
• Diplomatic Crisis Management : Create strategies and frameworks for managing diplomatic crises and conflicts.

Capstone Project Ideas For Geology and Earth Sciences

• Geological Hazard Prediction : Develop predictive models for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.
• Climate Change Impact Assessment : Assess the local impacts of climate change on ecosystems, agriculture, and communities.
• Geological Mapping Software : Create software for geological mapping and analysis of rock formations.
• Remote Sensing for Environmental Monitoring : Utilize satellite imagery and remote sensing data to monitor changes in the Earth’s surface.
• Mineral Exploration Algorithms : Develop algorithms to assist in the discovery of mineral deposits and resources.
• Geological Virtual Field Trips : Design virtual field trips that allow students and researchers to explore geological sites remotely.
• Geoheritage Conservation : Promote the preservation and recognition of geological heritage sites.
• Geothermal Energy Feasibility Study : Evaluate the potential for harnessing geothermal energy in specific regions.
• Hydrological Modeling : Create models to predict and manage water flow in river systems and watersheds.
• Geological Time Scale Interactive Tool : Develop an interactive tool for understanding and visualizing geological time periods.

Culinary Arts and Food Service

• Food Waste Reduction Program : Implement strategies to reduce food waste in commercial kitchens and restaurants.
• Gourmet Pop-Up Restaurant : Organize a pop-up restaurant featuring gourmet dishes and unique dining experiences.
• Culinary Innovation Lab : Establish a culinary lab for experimenting with new recipes, techniques, and ingredients.
• Farm-to-Table Cooking Classes : Offer cooking classes that teach participants how to prepare meals with local and seasonal ingredients.
• Sustainable Menu Design : Create sustainable menus for restaurants that emphasize locally sourced, eco-friendly ingredients.
• Culinary Tourism Promotion : Develop campaigns and materials to promote culinary tourism in a specific region.
• Food Allergy-Friendly Recipes : Create a collection of recipes tailored for individuals with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Food Photography and Styling : Explore the art of food photography and styling to create visually appealing dishes.
• Food History Research : Investigate the historical origins and evolution of specific dishes or culinary traditions.
• Cookbook for Sustainable Eating : Author a cookbook that focuses on sustainable and ethical eating choices.

Capstone Project Ideas For Literature and Writing

• Interactive Literature App : Design an app that allows users to interact with classic literature through immersive experiences.
• Creative Writing Workshop Series : Organize workshops and events to inspire creativity and improve writing skills.
• Digital Poetry Journal : Create an online platform for poets to share their work and engage with readers.
• Literary Analysis Tool : Develop software that assists in the analysis of literary texts and themes.
• Bilingual Literature Project : Translate and publish literature in multiple languages to promote cross-cultural understanding.
• Literary Podcast Series : Produce a podcast series that explores and discusses classic and contemporary literary works.
• Author’s Archive Preservation : Digitize and archive the works and writings of lesser-known authors.
• Interactive Storytelling Games : Design interactive games that allow players to influence the narrative and characters’ choices.
• Literary Magazine Publication : Launch a literary magazine to showcase the work of emerging writers and poets.
• Virtual Writing Retreats : Offer virtual writing retreats and workshops for aspiring authors.

Film and Media Production Capstone Projects

• Short Film on Social Issues : Produce a short film that raises awareness of important social issues.
• Interactive Web Series : Create an interactive web series where viewers can make decisions that impact the storyline.
• Film Production for Nonprofits : Collaborate with nonprofit organizations to produce promotional videos and documentaries.
• Virtual Reality Film : Develop a VR film experience that immerses viewers in a narrative or documentary.
• Film Score Composition : Compose original scores for films, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
• Documentary Series on Environmental Conservation : Produce a documentary series highlighting efforts to protect the environment.
• Music Video Production : Direct and produce music videos for emerging artists and musicians.
• Film Festival Organization : Organize a film festival that showcases independent and international films.
• Stop-Motion Animation Project : Create a stop-motion animation film using innovative techniques and storytelling.
• Film Restoration and Preservation : Restore and preserve classic films to ensure they are accessible to future generations.

Top Capstone Project Ideas For Physics and Astronomy

• Particle Physics Experiments : Conduct experiments to explore subatomic particles and their interactions.
• Astrophysics Research : Investigate phenomena in the cosmos, such as black holes, neutron stars, and dark matter.
• Quantum Computing Algorithms : Develop algorithms and applications for quantum computers.
• Laser Technology Applications : Explore applications of laser technology in fields like communications, healthcare, and manufacturing.
• Astronomical Spectroscopy Analysis : Analyze astronomical spectra to gain insights into celestial objects.
• Physics Education App : Create an app that offers interactive physics simulations and educational materials.
• Advanced Materials for Energy Storage : Research and develop materials for more efficient energy storage devices.
• Nuclear Fusion Experiments : Participate in experiments related to nuclear fusion as a potential future energy source.
• Gravitational Wave Detection : Contribute to the detection and analysis of gravitational waves from cosmic events.
• Nanotechnology for Medicine : Investigate nanoscale materials and devices for medical applications.

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project Ideas

• Biomimetic Robotics : Design robots inspired by nature, mimicking the movements and capabilities of animals.
• Renewable Energy Harvesting : Develop innovative methods for harnessing renewable energy from the environment.
• Mechanical Prosthetic Limbs : Create advanced prosthetic limbs with enhanced mobility and dexterity.
• Advanced Materials Testing : Conduct experiments to test the properties and durability of new materials.
• Mechanical System Optimization : Optimize mechanical systems to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
• Aerospace Engineering Design : Design and prototype aerospace components or vehicles.
• Robotics for Elderly Care : Create robots that assist elderly individuals with daily tasks and companionship.
• Bioinspired Transportation : Design transportation systems inspired by natural organisms, such as birds and fish.
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles : Build AUVs for underwater exploration, data collection, and marine research.
• Advanced Manufacturing Techniques : Explore cutting-edge manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing and nanomanufacturing.

Simple Capstone Project Ideas For Economics and Finance

• Economic Impact Assessment : Analyze the economic impact of policy changes, events, or investments.
• Financial Forecasting Models : Develop models for predicting financial trends, stock market movements, and economic indicators.
• Behavioral Economics Experiments : Conduct experiments to study how individuals make economic decisions.
• Economic Development Strategies : Propose strategies to promote economic growth in a specific region or community.
• Blockchain-Based Financial Services : Create blockchain solutions for secure and transparent financial transactions.
• Impact Investing Portfolio : Build a portfolio of investments that prioritize both financial returns and social impact.
• Financial Literacy Program : Develop educational programs and resources to improve financial literacy among different demographics.
• Cryptocurrency and Fintech : Research and innovate in the fields of cryptocurrency and financial technology.
• Healthcare Economics Analysis : Analyze the economic aspects of healthcare systems and policies.
• International Trade Simulation : Create a simulation to model international trade scenarios and trade agreements.
• Sustainable Finance Initiatives : Develop strategies and products that promote sustainable and ethical investment practices.

Conclusion – Capstone Project Ideas

So, these are the 271+ creative and senior capstone project ideas that span a wide range of disciplines. It provides ample inspiration for students looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields. Remember to choose a project that aligns with your interests and passions, as the journey toward completing a capstone project ideas can be a rewarding one. Good luck with your capstone project examples, and may it lead to innovative solutions and valuable contributions to your chosen field of study!

What is an example of a capstone project Ideas?

Capstone projects come in all shapes and sizes, including research papers, case studies, creative works, internships, and field placement projects.

Are capstone project Ideas hard?

Taking on a big, longer-term academic or professional project can be very challenging.

Do colleges look at capstone?

Many colleges and universities offer credit and/or placement for a qualifying score in AP Seminar, AP Research, or both.

Similar Articles

How To Do Homework Fast – 11 Tips To Do Homework Fast

Homework is one of the most important parts that have to be done by students. It has been around for…

How to Write an Assignment Introduction – 6 Best Tips

In essence, the writing tasks in academic tenure students are an integral part of any curriculum. Whether in high school,…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Home > Colleges, Schools, and Departments > S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications > Television-Radio-Film > Television-Radio-Film

Television-Radio-Film Honors Capstone Projects

The Power and Importance of Women in Television and Film , Rachael MacKinnon

Felicita - An Animated Feature Film Script with Art Concept Book and Pitch Deck , Charlotte Balogh

Kat & Lily: An Original Screenplay , Isabella Engelhard

Osiris: A short film , Kathryn Ferentchak

How Comedy Television is Written and Developed. , Douglas Holloway

"All I Ask of You": A Feature Film , Margaret Siciliano

Living With Loss: A TV Pilot , Jamie Savarese

Upward and Onward: A Five-Episode Series Screenplay , Margaret Hayes Applegate

The Journey to The Lost Horizon , Claire Dunderman

"Mack": A Comedy Television Pilot , Nicholas M. Ferreiro

Anthony Jr. , Allan Duso

How To Be Alice: A Feature-Length Screenplay with Production Package , Alison Joy

“Who Wants to Be a Millennial?” Game Show Production , Lauren Lewis

The Evolution of Comic Book Movies: An Exploration and Implementation of Comic Books in Academia , Michael C. Rogers

Syracuse University Los Angeles: A Promotional Video , Bradley Slavin

Elsie: A Screenplay , Eileen M. Spath

A Mother's Love: A Screenplay , Marie Hankinson

“Vicariously” - Short Film , Kaylee Karlik

Smart Kids The Documentary , Hannah Louys

Prospects: An Original TV Pilot , Kevin Slack

Transmission - A Radio Series , Marc Sollinger

Being Somali Bantu in the City: A Look at the Life of a Somali Bantu Student in the Syracuse City School District , Bailey Nay White

Nothing is Free: A Screenplay , David Hetzron

THE ENGAGE PROJECT , Mark Schenker

Partings—a Short Film , Alicia Atterberry

The Lotus Flower , Meghan Couture

Style Talk: A collection of Interviews on Personal Style , Lauren Dulay

CTRL + Z , Andrew Golibersuch

Free Culture , Ian Heifetz

"Chance" Screenplay , Simone Laroche

What We Dreamed To Become , Caroline Clark Moore

Living in Spring , Danielle Peck

Producing SA Today , Lara Rolo

Float Your Boat , Jamian Shapiro

Dengue Fever: Infectious Hope , Collin Shea

Homecoming , Sandra Appiah

Still Water , Louis Foglia

Beneath the Waves , Allison Nast

Amanda Green , Alex Piliouras

Red Rock: An Original Dramatic TV Series , Jared Shalek

Archbold Stadium The Story of ‘78 , Gordon Christopher Brookes

Sons of Liberty , Scott Fluhler

Pickle Jarred , Robert Hetzron

The Lovely Invader: A Documentary on Lonicera Research , Danielle S. Houghton

How a work changes in response to the work itself: Researching Civil War Photography, A Case Study , Rose Margolis

Film Score , Jeff Peters

Voices Only , Alex Rabinowitz

A qualitative assessment of college-students’ functional health literacy: a case-study at Syracuse University , Thomas D. Wichman

Immortal , Eddie Beeby

Weight the Week , Dan Campis

200 Days of Innocence: An Original, Feature-Length Screenplay , Sarah Rois

Leaving Neverland , Jonathan Krieger

A Real World Love Story , Erik Jeffrey

Tears of a Clown , Adam Knobler

The Heart is a Muscle , Emily Kowalczyk

Saving Face Racial Socialization and its Effect on Cross Socioeconomic African American Interactions , Tiffany Nicholson

Doozy Productions , Andrew Steier

The [Radio] Play’s the Thing Direction and Production of The Shakespearean Baseball Game: A Comedy of Errors, Hits and Runs , Michael K. Girts

The Connection is YOU: Public Service Announcement Campaign , Julia M. Rocchi

• Academic Units
• Disciplines
• Dissertations and Theses

Advanced Search

• Notify me via email or RSS

Author Resources

• Open Access at Syracuse
• Suggest a New Collection

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright SU Privacy Policy

• StudentInfo

Academic Calendar

• > Catalogs
• > Catalog 2021-2022
• > Courses
• > Film and Digital Media Arts
• > Capstone I: Senior Film Projects

Keys and Symbols Reference

Capstone I: Senior Film Projects

Students are required to form interdisciplinary collaborative teams that will develop and plan project ideas.

Prerequisite: (2520 or 2610 or 303 with a minimum grade of "B") and 2525 with a minimum grade of "B" and (310 or 324 with a minimum grade of "B") and *401 with a minimum grade of "B".

Restriction: admitted to B.F.A. Film and Digital Arts; and senior standing; and permission of department.

Prerequisites / Corequisites

Introduction to Cinematography - FDMA 2520

Video Production II - FDMA 2525

Directing I - FDMA 2610

Moving Image Art - FDMA 303

Writing Digital Narrative - FDMA 310

Introduction to Screenwriting - FDMA 324

Digital Post Production - FDMA *401

Course Search:

Keyword search:.

MSC11 6325 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque , NM 87131

Work Phone: (505) 277-8900 Fax Fax: (505) 277-6809

© The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, (505) 277-0111 New Mexico's Flagship University

• Accessibility
• Contact UNM

• Customer Reviews
• Extended Essays
• IB Internal Assessment
• Theory of Knowledge
• Literature Review
• Dissertations
• Essay Writing
• Research Writing
• Assignment Help
• Capstone Projects
• College Application
• Online Class

Capstone Project: Definition, Types, Structure, and Examples

by  Antony W

January 2, 2024

If you're reading this, chances are that you're in your final year of school and the words "capstone project" have come up somewhere in your first or second semester.

You're probably looking for a quick score on the topic - what it's about, a project template, or even a sample. If so, you're in the right place.

Before we get into it, you' need to know that you're in the hands of consummate capstone project experts.

Help for Assessment is composed of scholars at all levels of academic achievement including Masters and Ph.D., all inspired and motivated to help students like you achieve their academic goals. The expertise and experience we have spans years. Even better, this combined academic expertise is placed at your disposal. If your capstone research project is already giving you goosebumps, we will do it for you from scratch including the project proposal, research, write up, and final review before submission.

Remember, you can trust Help for Assessment to complete your capstone project successfully and earn you top grades. All you have to do is order the service here on our service page.

 In the meantime, let us explore the definition of the capstone project, types of projects for students, and a sample capstone project.

What Is a Capstone Project? 

A capstone project in college is a final independent project undertaken in a program of study designed to assess the skills, knowledge, and expertise acquired by the student.

As the name suggests, it is the capstone or crowning achievement of academic life and the last class taken before graduation. It gives you the final credits required to pass the course, which is why every student must take the project.

Since it is designed to assess knowledge and skills gained in a particular discipline, capstone projects vary from school to school and discipline to discipline.

Such a project might involve something as simple as research on a topic, an evaluation of a new technique or method, development of a health program, research into a historical figure or event, or even composing a skit or theatre presentation.

No matter what kind of project you choose to undertake, the result is the same. You get to showcase your understanding of the coursework material learned and display your readiness to enter the professional world to start your career. It is a rewarding experience if done right, but can mess up your final year and possibly your graduation if you manage to mess it up.

Do you know that a successful capstone project also helps to land you lucrative jobs? That’s right, capstone projects are one of the ways potential employers find out just how learned, resourceful, and talented you are. Think of it as a kind of thesis.

Capstone projects are also called culminating projects, experience, senior exhibition, or other similar names. The project is usually self-directed, and most students find it a challenge to even come up with the right capstone project topic. 

Capstone Project Vs. Thesis

A capstone project and a thesis are both very similar in that they represent a final effort from the student just before graduation.

They are done in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the course being undertaken. The comprehensive approach and assessment involved are very similar, and sometimes the structure and methodology might overlap.

Both also have to be reviewed and approved by the institution and will remain in the public domain after publishing.

However, there are some important differences.

• A thesis is purely academic while a capstone project focuses more on the practical preparation of the student for the real world/job market.
• A thesis is guided by a research question resulting in the addition of new knowledge to the field, while a capstone project is guided by the practical importance of the project to the field.
• A thesis involves academic research and analysis, while a capstone project can be anything including a dance or film.
• A thesis is expected to be original and authentic, while a capstone project will have more loose requirements. You can borrow another person’s capstone project ideas , so long as you demonstrate your own advancement in the field.
• A capstone project will usually only have a brief write-up or report, while a thesis generates a detailed, extensive writeup.
• The final presentation of a thesis, called a defense, is meant to prove and show that you have mastered the subject. You are supposed to be a mini-expert in the field. A capstone project presentation comes off as a kind of exhibition where you showcase your project without having to defend it.

Types of Capstone Projects

Capstone projects vary not just in the type of project, also in the level at which they are done.

There are projects for juniors and seniors in college as well as for postgraduate students.

Here are some examples of the forms of projects depending on the academic level.

• In-depth research projects.
• Developing the concept of a product, tool, or service.
• Expositions.
• Experiments.

Capstone projects can be conducted either individually or in a group.

However, the key thing is to make sure that the project proposal has been reviewed and approved by the instructor/panel/institution in charge before proceeding.

Senior Capstone Project

Senior projects are so called because they are done by high school students in their senior year.

Just like other projects, they represent a culmination of the coursework with an interdisciplinary application of knowledge and skills gained so far.

The project usually takes the better part of the final academic year and will have different parts to it, depending on the type of project chosen.

It will also require a presentation where the student(s) explain and describe the project to an audience, including their classmates.

Sample Capstone Project Outline

The write up for a project consists of several parts. However, even before starting the write-up, you need to do a few things:

• Come up with an idea for your project. What will be your subject matter, topic, or premise?
• Find sources for the project and review them beforehand to ensure that they will be of help to you.
• Come up with a step-by-step methodology for your project.

Using this information, you will then write a capstone project proposal for your project. It informs your instructor or review panel exactly what you intend to present so that they can approve or reject it.

Once approved, you can go on to the next stage. The final write-up has the following parts.

• A title page.
• Project outline.
• A description/abstract.
• Introduction
• Rationale/relevance/reason for doing the project.
• Objectives of the project.
• Procedures/methodology.
• Research and analysis.
• Evaluation of results and findings.
• Conclusion and future work/suggestions.
• Bibliography/works cited/reference list.

Note that the project is carried out in stages. Once approved, you will need to be submitting weekly or monthly status reports to your supervisor. After the project report is submitted, you will also have to make a presentation about the whole project.

This brief outline is only meant to be a rough guide. We have a much more detailed article detailing how you can do your capstone project, including a project template. 

Capstone Project Examples

Help for Assessment has extensive experience when it comes to capstone projects of all kinds.

Whether it’s a high school project, a college capstone, or a senior capstone project, you can trust us to carry it out successfully for you.

You can check out various project samples here . 

Get Help With Your Capstone Project

Capstone projects in every level of school are a make or break it deal. Given that they complete the graduation credits required, it makes sense to leave this important part of your coursework to experts.

We are proud to offer you a guide on how to write a capstone project here . If you need help, you can take advantage of our capstone project writing service at affordable, student-friendly rates with amazing discounts. 

Check it out here and make your order to experience excellence, peace of mind, and success thanks to our stellar services.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Navigation Menu

Search code, repositories, users, issues, pull requests..., provide feedback.

We read every piece of feedback, and take your input very seriously.

Saved searches

Use saved searches to filter your results more quickly.

To see all available qualifiers, see our documentation .

• Notifications You must be signed in to change notification settings

Foundations of Data Science Capstone Project - Analysis of Opening Weekend Grosses for Movies released in USA (2005 - 2014)

aannasw/movies-capstone

Folders and files, repository files navigation, movies capstone project.

Springboard's Foundations of Data Science Workshop https://www.springboard.com/workshops/data-science

Analysis of Opening Weekend Grosses for Movies released in USA (2005 - 2014)

Capstone Project Report - click here to view

Software/Tech Info

Primarily R and APIs, but also some Python and SQL. This also necessitated hastily acquired knowledge of installing SQLObject ORM and installing and working with a SQLite database. The Python and SQL proved ultimately unnecessary for the purpose it was used for (see the section below on IMDbPy), but it was good practice.

• XML, RCurl, scrapeR, rjson, RJSONIO for data collecting
• dplyr, stringr, tidyr, lubridate for data wrangling
• ggplot2, ggthemes, gridExtra for visualization
• caTools, ROCR, mice, rpart, rpart.plot, randomForest, caret, e1071, class, tm, SnowballC, flexclust for analysis
• APIs like OMDb, YouTube Search, YouTube Get
• Python, SQLite etc

Data sources

1. movie lens via grouplens.org.

The genesis of this idea was from the Movie Lens data sets provided by Group Lens . The ' MovieLens Latest ' dataset (30K movies, 21M ratings) as well as the subset (9K movies, 100K ratings) are both available for analysis.

This analysis for this project began with the 8K subset. Once the data processing steps were nailed down, the same steps were applied to process the larger dataset.

The dataset contains the following files:

Movies with the columns movieId , title , and genres . The genres are in a pipe-separated list.

• Data processing performed : Parsed the list of genres out by creating new columns, one per genre, with a binary value identifying whether that particular movie is tagged with the said genre

Ratings with the columns userId , movieId , rating , timestamp .

• Data processing performed : Summarized the rating by mean and median, and attached to the movies dataset

Links with the columns movieId , imdbId , tmdbId

• Data processing performed : This dataset was the key to expanding out data collection to other websites. The imdbId is a proper primary key that attaches to a wealth of information available via the IMDb website.

Tags with the columns userId , movieId , tag , timestamp

• Data processing performed : This dataset has not been used in the analysis at this time. That may very well change - this is an interesting collection of descriptive phrases and tags applied to a particular movie by users.

2. OMDb API

With the IMDb IDs provided in the 30K movies dataset, the OMDb API becomes a very useful tool to extract specific data from IMDb as well as from Rotten Tomatoes. The OMDb API has a few handy toggles for turning off and on a limited number of fields, but the data output is sufficient to perform some interesting analysis.

The R code for this scrape turned out to be pretty simple and easy to put together, and quick to run. See 'OMDb API.R' for further details.

• Title : Coach Carter
• Year : 2005
• Rated : PG-13
• Released : 38366
• Runtime : 136 min
• Genre : Drama, Sport
• Director : Thomas Carter
• Writer : Mark Schwahn, John Gatins
• Actors : Samuel L. Jackson, Rob Brown, Robert Ri'chard, Rick Gonzalez
• Plot : Controversy surrounds high school basketball coach Ken Carter after he benches his entire team for breaking their academic contract with him.
• Language : English
• Country : USA, Germany
• Awards : 3 wins & 15 nominations.
• Poster : http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTIwMTc1MDQ1Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNDk3NzcyMQ@@._V1_SX300.jpg
• Metascore : 57
• imdbRating : 7.2
• imdbVotes : 84055
• imdbID : tt0393162
• Type : movie
• tomatoMeter : 65
• tomatoImage : fresh
• tomatoRating : 6.1
• tomatoReviews : 145
• tomatoFresh : 94
• tomatoRotten : 51
• tomatoConsensus : Even though it's based on a true story, Coach Carter is pretty formulaic stuff, but it's effective and energetic, thanks to a strong central performance from Samuel L. Jackson.
• tomatoUserMeter : 85
• tomatoUserRating : 3.7
• tomatoUserReviews : 405967
• DVD : 38524
• BoxOffice : $67.2M
• Production : Paramount Pictures
• Website : http://www.coachcartermovie.com/index2.html

3. YouTube Data API v3

The purpose of using this API was first, to see what kind of options are available in the API of a company as large as Google and second, to see how the API key process works in combination with the quotas and rate limits set by Google.

The data is queried in two steps:

A general keyword search of the movie name + year released + the word "trailer" to get the top 5 relevant results with that combination of words, and

A targeted query to get the number of views primarily, but also other datapoints like favoriteCount, likeCount, dislikeCount etc for each of the videos in the query results from step 1.

This involved a fair amount of grappling with gsub and string-operations in R to get the search string in the format full+movie+name+yyyy+trailer (for e.g. edge+of+tomorrow+2014+trailer ), followed by setting up a developer account in Google and enabling the YouTube API, working with the fairly easy to use form-based documentation for the general search and the video stats APIs, and some guesswork to get the R code going. See youTube API.R for more details.

4. IMDb Alternate Interfaces (along with IMDbPY, SQLite etc)

This was by far the most painful, and ultimately, useless, for the purpose of this analysis. Yet, the process of going through it all proved informative and perhaps someday, when I have nothing better to do, I might give this another try.

IMDb provides a subset of its entire database (and even that's a pretty big set of files). This reddit comment conveys my feelings about this dataset better than I can, but suffice it to say that it is a very long, laborious process that may not ultimately yield the data you need. But great for practice in all the technologies and software it required for processing.

The process went as follows:

• Download IMDbPy and install via Terminal or appropriate command line
• Install an SQL ORM wrapper like SQLObject
• Install a database engine like SQLite (actually, don't use SQLite, since the IMDbPY documentation that I read too late, specifically says that IMDbPY doesn't do well with SQLite. It took over 35 hours to completely unpack and import the IMDB text file downloads. That is before I manually deleted several large text files I did not need, or it may very well have taken 48-60 hrs. Again, there is nothing wrong with SQLite. It just doesn't work that well with the IMDbPY processing. In tests conducted by IMDbPY, MySQL seems to have performed best.
• Create an empty database using SQLite or your preferred tool
• Save the IMDb zip files you want included in the database in a folder on your computer
• Using the full paths of the locations of 1) the IMDbPY setup file 2) the SQLite database and 3) the IMDb source files, run the setup file
• At this point, you could use Python to query the resulting database, or like I did, being more familiar with SQL, used SQL to query and extract the necessary data files
• This is around when I discovered that the extracted data files possess no primary key at all that ties the data to the IMDb ID. (!!!!). Apparently using the IMDbPY files and scripts queries the website directly, giving you the IMDb ID in the process (or so I understand from skimming through the documentation), but the downloaded data files do not contain the IMDb ID.

5. IMDB Data Scraper

And finally, lacking any other way of getting movie financial data from IMDb, I wrote a scraper in R that collects the financial info for a pre-cleaned, pre-filtered dataset. Since this data isn't consistently available on IMDb, they have not designated very specific html/xml formatting for this data and as a result, the data still downloads as a chunk. Further gsub and substring magic is required to extract the 'Opening Weekend:', 'Gross:' and 'Budget:' numbers from the text chunk.

See IMDb scraper.R for more info.

6. Box Office Mojo Scraper

Box Office Mojo contains a few key pieces of data that aren't available consistently on IMDb - namely, opening weekend box office, daily collections, # of screens released, and best of all, inflation-adjusted opening weekend numbers and the flexibility to set the year you'd like to track against i.e. 2005 opening weekend numbers in today's dollars.

The process I used to get and clean this data involved multiple passes in R and a lot of relying on Excel and Excel formulas for a few cheats here and there, so a clear workflow isn't currently available for me to upload here. Stay tuned.

Thoughts and next steps

If you've read this far, thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy the visualizations and analysis. Feel free to initiate a conversation or send me your suggestions / comments / struggles with getting IMDb data via my website http://artiannaswamy.com

More analysis and writeups related to the above

Data story on Shorthand: How many Screens do you need for a Blockbuster movie?

University of California, Santa Barbara

2024 Bren Communication Capstone Presentations

Bren Communications students present 7 capstone projects, from short films to outreach campaigns

Join us for the Class of 2024  Communication Capstone Presentations on Friday, June 7, from 12:00pm - 2:00pm Pacific Time . Students in the  Strategic Environmental Media and Communication  focus area of the  Master of Environmental Science and Management  program prepare final capstone projects in the areas of science communication, public outreach campaigns, marketing/public relations research and strategy, and video production.

Join us in Bren Hall 1414  or watch online using  this link  and passcode  comm

This year we present seven dynamic projects for clients in the public, nonprofit, and corporate sectors:

Increasing Access & Use of Climate Models , Lindsay Edelman, Melissa Vezard

Prof. Stevenson is studying tropical Pacific climate variability and hopes to enhance the usability of climate models. This project creates a strategy to bring awareness of accessible climate model data to a broader audience through educational curriculum, tutorials, and web resources.

Native Plant Marketing & Audience Development , Samuel Desre, Olivia Somhegyi, Jenna Anderson, Chloe Swick, Jaden Husser

The mission of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is to conserve native plants and habitats. This team supported the Garden’s Marketing and Communications Team by exploring customer journeys and barriers to adopting native plants in landscapes across the Central Coast.

Vines to Wines:  Solminer Content Strategy , Elena Perry

Regenerative viticulture is a growing industry on the California central coast, yet there is room to expand their customers. This capstone develops a strategy to expand market reach for Solminer by connecting consumers to their regenerative farming practices through content strategy & creation.

Waste Free Waves: Marine Debris Storymap , Eleri Griffiths, Tatiana Bok, Anne Youngdahl

The team created a public-facing ArcGIS StoryMap that illustrates a baseline assessment of marine debris within the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. It is based on a Bren Master’s Group Project, and is created for NOAA Sanctuaries West Coast Regional Office.

Pre-Consumer Textile Waste Outreach Strategy , Simone Berkovitz, Erin Clem, Alexis Grana

Based upon a Bren Master’s Group Project, the goal of this project is to communicate the environmental and public health impacts of pre-consumer textile waste from cut and sew factories. It will also showcase the potential for textile recycling methods to reduce these impacts.

Ocean Conservation Game:  “The Swarm” , Justine Lang, Elizabeth Braun, Casey Walker

“The Swarm” is a novel by Frank Schatzing about the ocean and its creatures fighting back against humans due to the damage caused to the environment. This team created a concept for a video game to bring the story to a wider use base for UCSB’s Center for Digital Games Research.

"Sea Otter Savvy: A Mission for Stewardship & Coexistence" Short Film , Lars Nelson

Sea otters are found along central coast California, but experienced a sharp decline in the past century. Now thanks to the efforts of dedicated individuals, they are making a comeback. This film chronicles the work of dedicated groups like Sea Otter Savvy, and their successes.

Mechanical Engineering and Techonolgy Capstone Expo

Join the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Technology for the Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology Capstone Expo, from 2-4 p.m. on  Wednesday, June 5, 2024 in the CEB Lobby.  Please join us to celebrate student achievement and enjoy some refreshments!

The Capstone Expo showcases culminating projects by students from the mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology programs.

The student teams provided the following descriptions of their capstone projects:

Automated Can Crusher

Team Members: Dieudonne Nishimwe, Jeremy Sneddon, Ibrahima Sow, Kevin Uyekawa, Carson Ware

“Our team has designed and built an Automated Can Crusher, which is intended to reduce the number of trips to recycling centers by decreasing can size, allowing consumers to transport more cans per trip. This product is designed for the user to manually load aluminum cans into a vertical hopper, and then activate the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) driven automated can-crushing process with the push of a button. The machine uses an electric motor to assist in loading the cans from the hopper into the crushing chamber, where a pneumatic power actuated via sensors and the PLC is used to crush the can, which is then discharged through the bottom of the device. Our desired results are crushing cans to one inch in height and crushing 15 cans per minute.

Robot Knife Edging Automation

Team Members: Kolton Gifford, Clint Price, Aaron Selaya, Joshua Sims, Laura Velazquez

Buck Knives of Post Falls, Idaho, has produced the Folding 110® Hunter, a traditional locking blade knife, since 1963. Our capstone group was tasked with automating a single step of Buck’s production line for this model, delicately sanding the blade edge. This task typically requires careful and repeated fine-motor skills for a line worker, especially at production speed. The team has developed a work cell that mimics these steps using one of EWU’s “collaborative” robots, which are designed to work in close proximity with humans.

Buck Knives placed several design constraints on our project; the work cell must fit into the existing floor space and maintain the same quality standards as a human operator while still meeting the established cycle time. To address these criteria, the team designed components such as robot gripper fingers, 3D-printable blade fixturing, and hardware to connect the work cell to the existing robot table frame. Additional features were integrated to address employee safety including a light curtain and physical barrier guard to prevent unintentional interference. Collision detection was also implemented to increase worker safety.

EZ Eagle Spa Cover

Team Members: Derek Burke, Thomas Huttle, Justin McDonald, Dustin Pool, Preston Sochovka

The EZ Eagle Spa Cover allows hot tub users to open their hot tub cover with just the push of a button. This product allows users to open the hot tub cover with light debris (sticks, leaves, or less than 3” of fresh snow) on the top, without the fear of dropping the debris into the hot tub or needing to manually remove it before opening the cover. The design utilizes a remote control so the cover can be removed with a single operator. The cover assembly will slip under an existing hot tub with a non-destructive mounting to the tub.

Smart Chess Board

Team Members: Matthias Clother, Caleb Gunderson, Brenden Johnson, Hailey Palmer, Nathan Thurber

Our team has set out to create a Smart Chess Board that illuminates valid spaces a game piece can move to after a piece is picked up via magnetic sensors under the board that can sense the magnets attached to the bottom of each piece. The Arduino microcontroller runs a simulated version of the game in real time which links to the sensors and LED lights within the board. This allows beginners to learn in ways not possible before, being taught without the need for a teacher. The board is independent and rechargeable, capable of operating for two hours on a single charge, and includes a ‘move reset’ button in the event a player changes their mind on a move and wishes to go back. This board is fully portable, allowing it be taken anywhere!

eVTOL Drone

Team Members: Brennen Bazaldua, Dylan Cummings, Mathew Mason, Caleb Nass, Derek Ren

This project is a remote-controlled drone made to deliver food. The drone is made of 3D printed parts with carbon fiber rods as additional support. It has tilting motors that allow for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) flight. The drone is powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer (Li-PO) battery and capacity to deliver a 3 to 4-pound package of food, with a working range of 10 miles. Drone delivery cuts emissions from typical food delivery by running on electric power. Our design operates with four motors for vertical flight and the two front motors that rotate 90 degrees with servos for horizontal flight. This allows it to have increased speed and a longer range, yet be able to land in tight areas. Our goal for drone-aided deliveries is to cut down on emissions as our society becomes more dependent on delivery methods for goods and services.

Leidenfrost Pump

Team Members: Ben Bobeck, Nate Boutain, Noah Hieb, Esther Kumba, Jordan Mitchell

Previous research suggests that the geometry of a surface significantly influences fluid experiencing the Leidenfrost Effect (film boiling on super-heated surfaces). We created a liquid pump, without the use of any mechanical operation, to deepen our understanding of how a surface’s geometry affects a liquid undergoing this phenomenon. The experimental conditions involve exploring specifically a ratchet-like or sawtooth shaped surface. A custom testing apparatus was designed and assembled by our research team. This design included an adjustable angle of elevation and is central to operating the designed experiments and compiling the findings. The results will be presented and documented to support future research or innovation. Advanced techniques, such as CNC milling, have been instrumental for the precise construction of each testing specimen. The investigation focuses on identifying the optimal tooth angle, tooth depth, and angle of elevation by analyzing the liquid’s velocity across different specimen surfaces.

Have Feedback?

We strive to make this website the best it can be. If you have questions or comments about this website, we welcome your input. Let us know what you think.

CAMPUS SAFETY

509.359.6498 Office

509.359.6498 Cheney

509.358.7995 Spokane

[email protected]

records & registration

509.359.2321

[email protected]

Records & Registration

need tech assistance?

509.359.2247

[email protected]

ewu accessibility

509.359.6871

[email protected]

EWU Accessibility

site directory

Website Directory

student affairs

509.359.7924

[email protected]

Student Affairs

university housing

509.359.2451

[email protected]

Housing & Residential Life

register to vote

Register to Vote (RCW 29A.08.310)

eastern washington university

509.359.6200

© 2024 INSIDE.EWU.EDU

Jessica Lange on playing ‘wildly emotional characters’ and finding roles that still fit

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Jessica Lange began her Broadway career playing Blanche DuBois in a 1992 revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” It was a challenge the two-time Oscar winner admits she wasn’t ready for.

“I was very naïve,” she said via Zoom from New York, where she’s starring in Paula Vogel’s “Mother Play: A Play in Five Evictions.” “It was my first Broadway play and I stepped into this colossal play and character. I don’t want to shift anything, but I needed help and I didn’t get it. I wish I had more guidance. Someone to explain to me what it’s like to be on stage — and then the first thing you tackle is Blanche DuBois. I mean, Jesus.”

Lange didn’t let the “Streetcar” experience stand in the way of her theatrical ambitions. Since Blanche, she has stepped into the historic roles of two larger-than-life mothers on Broadway and in the West End: Amanda Wingfield in Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” and Mary Tyrone in Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night.” (For her portrayal of Mary in O’Neill’s lacerating family drama, she won a Tony Award.)

In “Mother Play,” a Second Stage world premiere at Broadway’s Hayes Theater, Lange is taking on another maternal quagmire: Phyllis, an alcoholic mother raising on her own two children, whose queer identities she would like to squelch. Like “The Glass Menagerie” and “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” Vogel’s drama is a deeply personal play, the work of an artist unpacking those sealed boxes from the past that contain the most forbidding family secrets.

Lange’s Tony-nominated performance is one of the most memorable of Broadway’s busy spring season. Notably, it’s the first time she’s originated a role in the theater since she began venturing onto the stage in the early 1990s after establishing herself as one of the finest actors of her generation.

“The plays I’ve done before this one have all been classics of the American canon,” she said. “And since doing ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’ eight years ago, I’ve been approached by people asking what I would like to do next. I never came up with something that I felt really passionate about and that I was still age appropriate for. Because at a certain point, all the parts you wanted to play, you’re now 20 years too old to do.”

But then “Mother Play” came along. “And I thought, ‘Well, yes, I would love to do a brand-new play,’” she said. “Something that’s never been seen. There are no other performances to compare it to. It’s just like a clean slate. You just walk out there, and people are going to see and hear it for the first time. They’re going to learn about a character that nobody has ever played before. So that was the reason that I signed on, other than thinking that the play was really saying something and well written.”

Lange is accustomed to working on new material on screen, but committing to an untested theatrical role carried extra risk. “The reality is you’re opening a brand-new play cold on Broadway after only three weeks of rehearsal,” she said. “And then you start to think, ‘What was I nuts?’ But we were lucky. It all came together.”

The play, directed by Tina Landau, features two other cast members, both of whom also received Tony nominations: Jim Parsons, who plays Carl, Phyllis’ precocious gay son who dies of AIDS, and Celia Keenan-Bolger, who plays Martha, Phyllis’ lesbian daughter, who is the custodian of the play’s difficult family memories.

The culmination of a lifetime of playwriting craft and inner work, Vogel’s Tony-nominated play is composed of vintage snapshots of an economically precarious childhood, dominated by a mother whose life fell cruelly short of her own expectations. Phyllis never lets her children forget that it’s their deadbeat, two-timing father who is to blame for their troubles. The close, supportive relationship of the siblings provides a bulwark that enables them to survive the fallout of her bitter disappointment.

Swiftly spanning decades (from 1964 to the 21st century), “Mother Play” avails itself of a spry theatrical freedom (not unlike Vogel’s “The Baltimore Waltz,” her beautiful play inspired by her late brother Carl). The cockroaches in the cheap apartments Phyllis is forced to rent for her family dance during scene changes, but a powerful emotional realism runs through the work.

Lange, who turned 75 in April, said that she was excited by the challenge of “moving a character through 40 years without the use of makeup, prosthetics and wigs.” Time on stage is seemingly under her command. “We’ve all done that on film, where we’ve aged or un-aged or whatever it is,” she said. “But this had to be through the physical life, the voice, the energy level, and that was a great exercise for me.”

The production keeps evolving. “This is why people do off-Broadway runs for eight weeks or whatever before moving to Broadway,” she said. “Because it continues to grow and to develop and to deepen. We’re doing it in front of our audiences, but it’s been an amazing experience.”

To call Phyllis a problematic mother would be like calling the Statue of Liberty tallish. She swills gin after returning home from her job at the post office, swoons moodily to “Moon River” on the radio and wonders how it all went wrong. One day she shows up in a new Chanel suit, bought at a thrift shop. As she models the outfit for her children, her hopes for the future are momentarily revived, even as she’s alarmed that Carl has too much interest in fashion and Martha has none at all.

The product of a bygone era, Phyllis is a prisoner of her prejudices. She reinforces a strict code of gender conformity on her children, who openly flout her edicts. Homosexuality in a son is something she might be able to overlook if the matter were discreetly handled, but lesbianism is a bridge too far for a woman whose sense of self-worth is tied to conventional standards of femininity.

Phyllis admits herself that she wasn’t equipped to be a mother, that she became one accidentally because of her fatally charming, utterly untrustworthy and ultimately abusive former husband. But her own selfishness crosses a line when she throws Carl out when he needs her most.

“A mistake that could have been made was trying to make this woman likable,” Lange said. “Which I think is always a trap actors fall into. She was so precisely written that it was just a question of accepting that this is a woman who has made terrible mistakes. Who has made the worst decisions a mother or a human being could make. There’s any number of reasons to not like her. But the challenge is to explain her as best you can.”

Lange took note of Phyllis’ background: “We have to remember that she’s a child of the Depression, growing up in the South. When her son comes out, it’s 1968. It’s not accepted as easily as it is now. I’ve talked to a lot of people, even younger people, who have said that was their experience with their mother or family or whatever. So at a certain point you have to forget about the likability factor and just say, ‘OK, this is who this woman is for all her faults.’ Maybe there were good things. She clearly loved that boy so much, but maybe she just made an unforgivable decision in the universe.”

Carl never gives up on his mother. As frustrated and hurt by her as he is, he remains dazzled by her. With Lange in the role, it’s easy to see why. While emanating from Martha’s conflicted memory, the play understands Phyllis partly through his sympathetic eyes.

“Paula said she was writing this to come to terms with her mother, almost like an exorcism of all that old anger,” Lange said. “I don’t mean to speak for Paula, but part of the desire and impetus to write this play is to somehow throw that anger into the sea. To let it go, finally. Which I think is one of the great life lessons — to learn how to forgive.

In “The Great Lillian Hall,” an HBO film directed by Michael Cristofer that premieres May 31 and will stream on Max, Lange plays another ill-equipped mother, a renowned stage actress forced to reckon with insuperable realities. While struggling with her memory in rehearsals for Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard,” Lillian is diagnosed with a form of dementia. Having lived for art — and the romance around it — she must come to terms with her encroaching dependence.

Margaret, Lillian’s daughter (a superb Lily Rabe), is accustomed to her mother’s self-preoccupied ways. When the two finally have their hospital room confrontation, Rabe and Lange wring every sorry, angry truth from the scene.

“I love playing wildly emotional characters,” Lange said. “That’s always been the most interesting to me — characters teetering on the edge and falling off every once in a while, like Frances Farmer or the character in ‘Blue Sky.’ Characters whose emotional upheavals are extreme. This is Phyllis more than Lillian Hall, but Lillian has them too.”

Lange said that she has long wanted to work with Cristofer, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright (“The Shadow Box”), who happens to be an old friend. She felt secure knowing that the director of this backstage drama (written by Elisabeth Seldes Annacone and also starring Kathy Bates) had extensive theater experience of his own.

“I’ve always loved ‘All About Eve’ and the brilliant John Cassavetes film ‘Opening Night,’ ” Lange said. “And this was an opportunity to delve into that world on film, but also to play Chekhov, which is something I’m never going to do in my life.”

Not play Chekhov? But “The Cherry Orchard” is perfect for her.

“I think I’m too old,” she said. “ I’m too old for everything now.”

Her schedule belies this remark. Lange may be looking forward to taking a long break after “Mother Play” ends on June 16, but retirement isn’t in the cards. Her upcoming projects include the release of the film version of “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” in which she reprises her acclaimed performance of Mary Tyrone, a role she speaks of with almost religious reverence.

“The Great Lillian Hall” offered a taste of “The Cherry Orchard” outside of the rigors of a Broadway schedule. “We rehearsed the play with a great cast of actors,” she said. “And that was so exciting. And those scenes were weaved into the film because there were parallels between what Lillian Hall is losing and what her character in ‘The Cherry Orchard’ is losing. The film is about loss and memory, and all those things just felt wonderfully connective.”

Are there any classic plays that still call out to her to do?

“I kind of aged out of the ones that I had thought about doing,” Lange said. “Like ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ or ‘The Night of the Iguana.’ I always thought the character of Hannah was a beautiful role but at this point in my life I can’t have a grandfather unless he’s like 150 years old. So there are certain ones that are no longer feasible.”

When asked about her acting influences, she named two Method standard-bearers, Kim Stanley and Geraldine Page . She worked with the emotionally volcanic Stanley in “Frances” and on a TV production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” at a formative point in her career.

“I had a tape of Kim in ‘The Goddess,’ ” Lange said. “It’s probably worn out by now. But years ago, before I’d start a project, I would watch it to remind myself of what great acting — what dangerous acting — is. Kim has always been for me the gold standard.”

When I mentioned that Page was in a play by Sam Shepard , with whom Lange had two children, she immediately supplied the title: “A Lie of the Mind.” Is it true that “Fool for Love,” one of Shepard’s masterpieces, was sparked by the intensity of their love affair? “Yeah, I think Sam wrote it at the beginning of our relationship,” she said.

Lange worked with Shepard , who died in 2017, on several occasions on screen. Did she ever consider doing one of his plays?

“Yes, but for one reason or another, it just wasn’t the right time or place,” she said. “At one point, we were talking about something, but I was pregnant. And another time life just somehow didn’t allow it. But there’s maybe one or two parts I could still play in a Sam Shepard play. His dialogue is so musical — it’s one of the most beautiful things about his work.”

Sensitive to the rhythms of dramatic poetry, Lange seems custom built for the high-wire lyricism of Tennessee Williams. Her voice on screen has a poetic quality (listen to her cello-inspired intonations in the 1989 Costa-Gavras film “Music Box”). It’s taken her time to develop as potent a stage instrument, though her Southern lilt in “Mother Play” subtly contours her character.

Lange is a major Hollywood star, with all the layers of protection that come with such status. But she lives her life like an artist, which is to say a person of heightened sensibility and discipline.

Her career arc has had its ups and downs. She made her film debut in the 1976 remake of “King Kong,” but the freshness of her Oscar-winning performance in “Tootsie” and the harrowing nature of her portrayal of Frances Farmer in “Frances” quickly proved that she was more than a beauteous scream queen. After her movie star heights in the 1980s and early 1990s, when she worked with some of the finest film directors (Sydney Pollack in “Tootsie,” Martin Scorsese in “Cape Fear,” Tony Richardson in “Blue Sky,” for which she won her second Oscar), she said there was a falling away of things that interested her.

“I also think I got distracted,” she said. “I lost interest in the films I was doing. And I wanted to be home more with my family. And then there was a fallow period, where I didn’t feel like I was doing good work. There was maybe a 10-year or more period of time when it was just not that interesting to me anymore.”

It was “Grey Gardens,” the highly acclaimed 2009 TV movie, that turned things around for her. “Suddenly,” Lange said, sounding like a Williams heroine in the throes of resurrection, “it all came alive again.”

While returning to the stage every decade since the 1990s, she’s been building an impressive body of TV work. Ryan Murphy extended her fame to a new generation and cultural era by casting her in two of his signature franchises, “American Horror Story” and “Feud.”

“There was a time when if you were a TV actor, you were a TV actor,” the three-time Emmy-winner said. “And if you were a film actor, you were a film actor. But now everybody’s doing everything, and thank God. I remember when I was working on stage in London and actors would be on stage at night and doing a radio play or filming in the day. There wasn’t that kind of pigeonholing that there was in the States.”

Photography is a major passion of Lange’s. What started off as a hobby became a second career with exhibitions and books.

“I didn’t pick up a camera probably until the mid 1990s, but I had been around a lot of photographers when I first lived in New York,” she said. “I knew Robert Frank, Danny Lyon, Larry Clark. It was always something that I was thrilled and fascinated by. And then, when I was able to, I started collecting photography, so I’m surrounded by the work of the great black-and-white photographers.”

Does she see a connection between photography and acting?

“There is a similar discipline,” she said. “In stage or film acting, you have to remain present. You have to absolutely stay inside the moment to find the depth of it. And with photography, it is also an exercise in being present. Because especially if you’re doing street photography, which is the only way I do it, just walking around with a camera, you have to be absolutely present to capture one specific moment.”

There’s a scene in Vogel’s play that’s called “Phyllis’ Ballet.” Lange’s character, older and alone, has returned home from work to the emptiness of her apartment. We see her attempting to fill up the time between drinks. Lange, present for every second of this solitary 12-minute stretch, doesn’t need dialogue to communicate what her character is thinking and feeling. Acting for her is an inside job, and there’s no better example on the New York stage right now than this capstone performance of her glorious career.

More to Read

Review: ‘Illinoise,’ based on Sufjan Stevens’ concept album, clears a fresh Broadway path

April 26, 2024

A new play about Jesus comes to the O.C. It could provoke ‘intense’ reactions

Review: ‘Cabaret’ with a kinetic Eddie Redmayne can’t redeem a faltering Broadway revival

April 21, 2024

The biggest entertainment stories

Get our big stories about Hollywood, film, television, music, arts, culture and more right in your inbox as soon as they publish.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Charles McNulty is the theater critic of the Los Angeles Times. He received his doctorate in dramaturgy and dramatic criticism from the Yale School of Drama.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Entertainment & Arts

How Maria Friedman and Jonathan Groff cracked the riddle of Sondheim’s ‘Merrily’

May 29, 2024

World & Nation

U.S. vows to return more looted antiquities as Italy welcomes home 600 artifacts

May 28, 2024

Artists priced out of Los Angeles head to this creative hub in the high desert

Review: A brilliant chat fest at A Noise Within, courtesy of George Bernard Shaw

May 23, 2024