Exploring Cinematic Endeavors through Recent Filmmaking Programs at our Institution
### New Filmmaking Track Launched in Digital Media Program at Our Institution
Our institution has announced the addition of a Filmmaking track to its Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Digital Media program, effective from the Fall term of 2024. This exciting development comes as part of a broader initiative to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
The Filmmaking track is a practical introduction to the art of filmmaking, designed to help students whether their goals are the film industry or content creation. The program faculty includes industry professionals such as André Robert Lee, Valeriya Golovina, Tim Kirkman, and Natalie La Scala.
The program aims to teach students how to apply filmmaking techniques to digital media projects for social platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch. Students learn the filmmaking process, from developing a screenplay and production plan to casting, shooting scenes, and editing. They also gain experience in cinematography, screenwriting, directing, and editing.
In addition to the Filmmaking track, the AOS in Digital Media program now offers two 12-credit curricular paths: Design and Filmmaking. The program was developed through a collaboration between our institution faculty, Smashcut, and Sessions faculty members.
The Filmmaking track offers Undergraduate Certificate students the option to continue their studies, transfer credits earned, and earn a degree with various financial aid options available. At the end of the program, students produce a 10-minute movie as a final project.
Zane Vella, CEO of our institution, believes the new programs provide students an opportunity to explore cinematic approaches to writing, directing, shooting, and editing high-quality digital stories. He stated, "The new programs are designed to address the challenges of training filmmakers for today's rapidly changing digital media landscape."
The launch of the new Filmmaking track is part of a broader effort to adapt to the evolving needs of the digital media industry. Our institution started the Fall term with the launch of two new programs, reflecting our commitment to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in today's competitive job market.
Students in the program will benefit from the all-star faculty of filmmaking professionals who will provide mentoring and feedback throughout their studies. Collaboration and production design are integral parts of the Filmmaking track, with students working together on hands-on filmmaking projects.
Content strategy, visual storytelling, editing and post-production, sound design and music, and distribution and marketing are all key aspects of the Filmmaking track. Understanding audience preferences and tailoring content to respective platforms is vital, with short-form content more suitable for Instagram and TikTok, while longer-form content may be better for YouTube.
Effective use of sound and music can elevate digital media projects by creating an immersive experience for viewers, while skills learned in filmmaking, such as editing software proficiency and narrative pacing, are essential for crafting compelling videos that capture and retain audience attention on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
In summary, the new Filmmaking track at our institution offers students a comprehensive introduction to the art of filmmaking, teaching them how to apply filmmaking techniques to digital media projects for various platforms. The program is designed to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing digital media landscape.
Students pursuing the new Filmmaking track at our institution can explore financial aid options as they continue their studies beyond an Undergraduate Certificate, ultimately earning a degree. This educational-and-self-development opportunity encompasses learning about content strategy, visual storytelling, editing and post-production, sound design and music, and distribution and marketing through online-education, with a focus on applying filmmaking techniques to digital media projects for various platforms.
