Digital Filmmaking

Full-time (Day): 2 terms | Part-time (Night): 4 terms

The Professional Digital Filmmaking Certificate includes an intensive hands-on curriculum, taking you through all three stages of the filmmaking process: pre-production, production and post-production. At each stage, you will be taught by professional filmmakers using the latest technology. A strong foundation in camera operation, lighting, sound recording and editing will prepare you to tackle any filmmaking challenge while classes in documentary interviewing, screenwriting, cinematography and editing aesthetics help develop your artistic voice and become a well-rounded filmmaker.

A strong demo reel is a valuable calling card for any working filmmaker. For that reason, we have created specific exercises and film projects to put your newfound skills and talents into practice; you will create material for your demo reel as you move through the program. Upon completion of the program, you will have the knowledge and experience needed to enter the workforce, with a solid résumé and reel to go along with it.

Full-time (Day): 1 terms | Part-time (Night): 2 terms

The Avid Postproduction Certificate offers training for those looking to improve and refine their postproduction skills. Through demonstration and hands-on practice, you will gain experience using four major industry-standard software programs: Avid Media Composer, Adobe Photoshop and After Effects, and Apple DVD Studio Pro. Guided by a curriculum that combines Avid’s renowned technical training programs with CDIA-generated curriculum focused on aesthetics and business, students will be prepared to take the Avid Certified User exam and embark on a career in post-production.

Full-time (Day): 4-Weeks 

The Apple Final Cut Studio Complete program includes an intensive hands-on curriculum, taking you through all the applications included in Final Cut Studio. This is a comprehensive solution for anyone who wants knowledge and experience to enter the post-production workforce.

Students will develop creative expertise in editing, compositing, color grading, mixing and delivery, as well as learn about HD formats and system configurations. This program will bring its students to Apple Certified Pro status in Final Cut Pro, Motion, Color, DVD Studio Pro and Soundtrack Pro.

FLM101 Introduction to Camera and Sound

This module introduces students to the HDV camcorder. Moving through the camera’s features, students acquire a basic understanding of the camera’s technology and begin to see how it may be used as a creative tool. In free shoots and critiques students develop their eye for composition, movement and color. The introduction of sound recording technology allows students to see how a basic news or documentary film crew operates.

FLM102 Introduction to Lighting and Grip

This module introduces students to essential lighting techniques while also developing their aesthetic sense. Time is devoted to learning about industry-standard lighting fixtures, basic grip equipment, the control and modification of light, and the importance of electrical safety. Working in small crews, students create and critique a variety of narrative and documentary-based lighting setups to be used in their upcoming film projects.

FLM103 Introduction to
Final Cut Pro I

In this module students are introduced to the essential editing tools in Apple’s popular Final Cut Pro editing program. Working with Apple Pro Training Series courseware, students move through the cycle of capturing, editing and exporting media to tape and DVD.

FLM103B Introduction to Final Cut Pro II

This module builds upon the skill set acquired during the previous week. Attention is paid to features such as time remap, ripple/roll, compositing, motion, effects, filters, transitions and the media management tool. Students also gain an understanding of where and when to “make the edit” and learn more about different editorial styles such as cutting dialogue-driven scenes, promos and short form documentaries.

FLM104 Film Project I:
Shoot and Edit I

By this point in their course of study, students have a solid foundation in the four basic areas associated with digital filmmaking: camera, lighting, sound and editing. They now plan and shoot one short video project to demonstrate their understanding of the skills they have developed to date. Working in crews of three or four, students continue developing their aesthetic sense and point of view toward the material and by week’s end will have filmed the footage required to begin the editing process during the following week.

FLM104B Film Project I: Shoot and Edit II

The opportunity to analyze strengths and weaknesses of their material and receive additional feedback increases a student’s confidence in their editing abilities and highlights the important interaction between production and postproduction. During this directed edit lab, students assemble footage shot during the previous week. This module concludes with a class screening and critique of edited films, offering the students the first of several opportunities to present their work to their peers and instructors.

FLM201 Intermediate Camera and Production Sound

This module looks at more advanced SD and HDV camera features and techniques. Along with digging deeper into the camera’s menu settings, students develop their documentary camera technique through exercises like informal man-on-the-street interviews. Students acquire additional tools and techniques used for successful sound recording in a digital film production environment. Audio and acoustic fundamentals, microphone types and pick-up patterns, recording techniques and options for microphone placement are also presented.

FLM202 Intermediate Lighting and Grip

Building on Introduction to Lighting and Grip, this module focuses on more involved aspects of production lighting. From gels to using scrims and flags to innovative gaffing techniques, students are shown lighting challenges they are most likely to encounter in the real world and learn how to anticipate potential obstacles to successfully lighting a studio or location. Time is also spent learning effect/stylized lighting techniques, bringing a new level of artistry to the student’s skill set.

FLM203 Final Cut Pro: Beyond the Basics

This module looks at FCP’s advanced editing techniques for working with audio, motion, filters and effects, all of which contribute to the student’s training as an experienced visual storyteller. Tips for working efficiently in the software are examined along with advanced editing skills like nesting sequences and clip management strategies. Using color keying features to remove backgrounds, editing multitrack audio and audio effects, color correction and troubleshooting problems are also covered.

FLM204 Postproduction Sound and Soundtrack Pro

This module provides students with an understanding of audio postproduction techniques in Avid, Final Cut and Soundtrack Pro. Upon completion students will have the tools needed to communicate and collaborate effectively with professional audio engineers and film composers. Topics include non-destructive EQ and compression in Avid/FCP, use of the audio palettes in both editing platforms and roundtripping to and from Apple’s popular Soundtrack Pro software.

FLM205 Film Project II:
Shoot and Edit I

During this module students put into practice the techniques and theories they have learned so far. Working in crews of three or four, students plan, produce and present a nonfiction film of approximately five to ten minutes. Students deliver footage that shows a clear advancement of their technical skill set and aesthetic sensitivity. Instructors look for more developed camera technique as well as stronger lighting and sound gathering skills. Students are required to demonstrate a clear understanding of how to structure and tell their stories in a visual and aural medium and have a firm grasp of how their source material will be edited.

FLM206 Film Project II:
Shoot and Edit II

During this module footage from the previous module is assembled into an edited project. Students from each crew edit their own cut of the film, bringing their unique perspectives to the material. Instructors help students understand storytelling from an editor’s perspective. Emphasis is placed on rhythm and pacing as well as developing a layered soundtrack that includes dialogue, music and sound effects. The module concludes with a screening when students present their edit of the film to their peers and instructors for in-class critiques.

FLM301 Advanced Camera and Special Processes

This module introduces students to the emerging tapeless technology used in a variety of camcorders. The workflow in Apple’s Final Cut Pro is also demonstrated. Students learn the difference between SD, HDV and HD footage, shooting in 24p and also spend time learning how to set up and shoot using a green screen for subsequent compositing in postproduction.

FLM302 Motion Graphics
and Effects in Final Cut Pro

While creating pleasing image and sounds are essential parts of digital filmmaking, students now turn their attention to another critical component in a filmmaker’s tool kit: motion graphics. Through instructor-guided courseware they learn the basic skill set to give their films a professional looking title sequence, motion menus, and opening and closing sequences. Using Apple’s popular Motion software students learn how to animate text and objects using keyframes. They learn how to build composite images using graphics, video, text and shapes and apply these skills to their own films.

FLM303 Business Basics
and Event Videography

Understanding how to conduct business as a freelance videographer as well as knowing what is involved in working as a full-time producer at a production company are essential parts of the digital filmmaker’s career and employability. This module examines the videographer’s responsibilities to clients, vendors and his/her peers. Topics include budgeting, invoicing, proposal writing, scheduling, client/vendor meeting protocol and how these and other aspects of video production contribute toward a professional image. Attention is also paid to several key types of films such as educational, corporate, marketing and wedding videos, and their revenue potential. Sample films are screened for analysis and key business documents are distributed and examined.

FLM304 Film Project III:
Shoot and Edit I

At this point in the students’ course of study, they will have acquired the experience to work swiftly and well in small crews preparing and shooting two short films—one fiction and one nonfiction. Throughout this module instructors are looking for a more developed sense of visual storytelling as well as an increased understanding of the tools and techniques associated with digital filmmaking. For their nonfiction project, students work with a real corporate video client who pitches a variety of concepts to the class for their consideration. Students then turn the concept into a script they produce. For their fiction film students are introduced to the concept of adapting a preexisting work, whether it’s a short story, song, essay, article or other source material.

FLM305 Film Project III:
Shoot and Edit II

During this directed edit lab students assemble their media into finished films. Emphasis is placed on the film’s structure, rhythm and pacing. Image correction, transitions, effects, titles and a sophisticated audio soundtrack are all put to work at the service of the well-told story. Instructors track the student’s progress throughout the week, ending with a class screening and critique.

FLM306 Story

In this module students develop their independent project. Through brainstorming sessions, writing exercises and dedicated writing time students are guided through the process of turning an idea into a final draft screenplay or documentary film treatment.

FLM307 Directing

Beginning in preproduction and through production and editing, it is the director’s job to tell the story and oversee the creative and technical aspects of the film. In this module students are introduced to the art and craft of directing dramatic scenes and gain experience working with actors and on-camera hosts. Topics include script analysis for directors, casting and auditions, conducting rehearsals, working effectively with actors, blocking the scene and collaborating with crew.

FLM401 Independent
Project: Preproduction

The four-module Independent Project begins with preproduction on the student’s final film. Lessons learned throughout the course of study are applied to the student’s own project, with instructors acting in supervisory roles. Students conduct their own development and crew meetings, location searches and casting sessions and enlist each others’ help in getting their projects filmed. Instructors review students’ synopses, proposals and scripts from both a creative and logistical perspective. Students revise and refine their scripts and production plans and prepare for the upcoming shoot.

FLM402 Independent
Project: Production

By the beginning of the week, students are ready to move their project into production. Time is spent filming on location or in the studio. Students work on a self-directed timetable as they produce their films and use their storytelling and technical skills to express their own unique voice and to showcase the depth and range of their filmmaking skills. Upon completion, students will have the footage needed to move their projects into the editing phase.

FLM403 Independent
Project: Edit I

During this module students capture and edit their footage and begin working towards a fine cut of their footage. Instructors screen and critique scenes, offering advice and support to the students as they work toward their goals. By the end of this module, they are expected to “lock picture” and be ready to move into the sound editing phase of their work.

FLM404 Independent
Project: Edit II

Reinforcing the importance of sound in filmmaking and building on the sound editing techniques learned in earlier modules and labs, students revise and refine their edit, concentrating on and continuing to bring all their acquired filmmaking skills to their final project.

FLM405 Authoring the Demo Reel in DVD Studio Pro
and Web Distribution

This module examines the design process and technical requirements of producing a professional quality DVD of the student’s independent project and demo reel. Students are introduced to the range of encoding and compression options for both sound and picture and are given tips for interfacing between DVD Studio Pro and editing systems like Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer as well as compressing media for Internet-based distribution. Lab time is spent on individual projects with the instructor providing guidance and advice. Final projects are submitted on DVD and archived in the school’s movie collection. At the end of this module, students screen their films for peers, faculty and invited guests.

FLM999 Production Practicum

Practicum gives students who have completed the certificate program practical experience in working on a real-world project. Under the direction of a faculty member students will produce a media project for a nonprofit organization and learn to manage the constraints of a fixed timeframe and well-defined client deliverables. Students will gain confidence and better understand the professional expectations of the position they hold on a project. Practicum allows students to gain professional experience while refining their new skills in a real production environment.

ELECTIVE: FLM1000
Introduction to Avid Media Composer

Unique to the craft of filmmaking, the editing stage is where it all comes together. Using the dedicated MC101 courseware, students will be introduced to the Avid interface. For students looking for a career in postproduction, knowledge of both Avid and FCP is an important advantage. As part of tuition, Avid is offered to all students throughout the year in standalone workshop/module format.

APP101 Editing with Avid Media Composer (MC101) and Working in Advanced Trim Mode

This module combines review and instruction in the Avid User Interface and its industry-standard workflow. Transitioning from XpressPro to Media Composer, topics include basic setup, calibration for various analog and digital video as well as audio settings, logging and capturing media, editing and trimming techniques, 3D effect palette, title tool, audio suite, prepping for output and various output options. Special attention is paid to Advanced Trim Mode.

APP102 Working with Film and 24P, includes Assistant Editing (MC 102) and Editing Aesthetics

Both Film and 24p digital video workflows are explained and taught, including the film-to-video telecine process and the various pull-in and pulldown options available. Script integration and AutoSync are taught and applied. Throughput requirements in these advanced editing situations, specific media management and output settings are taught along with EDLs, picture and sound cultists and considerations for output to Pro Tools. The many new high def formats and their workflows are part of this module, with solutions for currently-used workflows in broadcast and feature film markets. Students learn the assistant editor role, the groundwork for all editors in long-form film and television.

APP103 Advanced Techniques for Avid Media Composer (MC 201) and Media Management

An editor’s productivity is bolstered by mastering more advanced techniques in the Avid system such as the RED ONE, XDCAM P2 and AVCHD integration with Media Composer. Asymmetrical and Multicam editing, the media tool’s capabilities, transcoding with Avid DnX resolutions, recapturing sequences, and sync-point/replace editing. Students learn multicam editing, the industry standard in film and television. Customization of keyboards, settings and workspaces, and transcoding with all the latest industry image and sound formats options are applied in this module.

APP104 Avid Workshop Series: Documentary Editing (MC 202)

This module is designed for Avid Media Composer editors who want to learn about specific workflow issues for documentary editing. Using material and examples from a current documentary, the class addresses the basic post process for documentary editing, as well as advanced bin organization, Script integration and ScriptSync, scene construction and useful effects for documentary. Media for this class includes footage from a CDIA-funded documentary used by Avid. This module is taught by a professional documentary editor.

APP105 Color Correction with Avid Media Composer (PE 239), Shared Workspace Editing

This module covers Avid’s powerful color correction, with an emphasis on industry-standard requirements for the stringent requirements of broadcast television. Topics include analyzing the color properties of shots, using internal video scopes as well as external waveform and vectorscopes, color correcting individual shots using RGB curves and HSL hue offset tools, auto-correcting individual shots or an entire sequence, then color matching from shot to shot using NaturalMatch and creating a treatment for the entire program. An introduction to shared workspace editing teaches the IT-based methods of editing in groups with shared media-pools, a technique used in many popular television shows such as “Lost,” as well as in feature films.

APP106 Advanced Media Composer Effects (MC 305)

Students learn to design multilayered and multinested effects on Avid Media Composer for maximum quality with optimal render times. The advanced-effect techniques include applications of intraframe effects, working with paint and the powerful AniMatte effects, advanced key-framing and keying, using effect shortcuts, effect media management, working with matte, chroma and luma keys and deconstructing effects.

APP107 Introduction to Photoshop and PE 210

At this intermediate level, students learn how to prepare still and moving graphics for import into Avid editing systems, using both SD and HD formats. Sessions include preparing and importing graphics, creating and using alpha channels, working with layers and matte keys and using Photoshop to treat logos and web graphics.

APP108 The ACU-Avid Certified User Exam: Prep, Test, Review

The Avid Certified User (ACU) program establishes a professional standard for Avid editing system proficiency in the postproduction industry. Certification is achieved by mastering a comprehensive set of skills on the Avid editing system and passing a rigorous multiple-choice exam. With the direct assistance of Avid certified instructors, this module prepares students for successful results in the Avid User Certified Exam. Once successfully completed, ACU graduates are listed on Avid Technology’s website, and can add the initials to their résumé and references.

APP109 Introduction to Adobe After Effects

This introduction to integrating the power and flexibility of the industry-standard motion graphics and effects application contains everything students need to know to get up to speed quickly and easily with the latest version of Adobe After Effects. In a series of lessons targeted at first-time users, students become comfortable with the basic functions and uses for After Effects for both video and graphical applications.

APP110 Advanced Adobe After Effects

This class builds on the foundations of the introductory course and introduces students to advanced effects, compositing and expressions—programmable behaviors that can unleash the true power of this industry-standard design tool. Students work on refining the basic motion design skills from APP109, concentrating on the aesthetics of animation to make projects more elegant and professional. Students produce an animation package on spec as if for a real client, and learn about the techniques necessary to work collaboratively with animators, designers and 3D graphic artists.

APP111 Working with Digidesign Plug-ins & Pro Tools

Taking advantage of Avid’s powerful built-in AudioSuite plug-ins, this module reinforces audio workflow and tools available to the editor. Students learn what the plugs-ins do and how to implement them and learn implementing the export and import settings and roundtrip techniques between Avid and Pro Tools. Students apply the techniques of consolidating, linking and embedding media with their various exports, and learn to roundtrip back to Avid from Pro Tools sessions.

APP112 Authoring and Encoding for Web & Apple DVD Studio Pro

With the Internet established as a mainstream display as well as distribution format, this module teaches students how to optimize exported sequences for web, streaming, broadband and other formats. Students are exposed to Avid’s ProEncode workflow for distributed media encoding in an efficient manner, popular in large organizations and television networks. Students perfect DVD creation techniques in DVD Studio Pro, from storyboarding, configuration and menu creations to using Compressor, creating slideshows, adding WebLinks and alternate audio stream options and encoding for BluRay DVDs. Integrating techniques from Photoshop, students learn to create impressive professional DVDs and web-based media.

FCS101: A Comprehensive Study of Apple Final Cut Pro 7 (FCP200)

This five-day, hands-on module introduces students to the primary feature set and basic interface of Final Cut Pro. In this course, you'll learn to perform basic editing functions while familiarizing yourself with the user interface. Topics include basic setup, adjusting and customizing preferences and settings, capturing video and audio, various editing and trimming techniques, the Ripple, Roll, Slip and Slide tools, audio editing and audio creation, finishing and final output. 

FCS102A: Final Cut Pro 7 Advanced Editing (FCP300)

This three-day module delivers hard-to-find advances editing and finishing techniques. Learn how to create polished transitions, fix screen-direction errors, edit multi-camera projects, work with nested sequences, create fantastic effects, use filters creatively, color-correct your video, and composite like a pro. This course also covers Soundtrack Pro, managing clips and media, and working with film. 

FCS102B: Intro to Color Correction in Final Cut Studio (CLR101)

This two-day hands-on module will familiarize students with Apple's masterful new color grading and finishing software. Start with the basics of color balancing and correction, and move on to the fine points of secondary grading, including scene matching, using vignettes to isolate and track regions, creating advanced color effects and "looks", skin tone adjustments, adjusting the composition and framing of a shot, and much more.

FCS103: Intro to Motion 4 (MTN101)

This three-day, hands-on module will familiarize students with Motion, Apple's revolutionary software for motion graphics design. This comprehensive course covers working with Motion's Real-Time Design engine and interface, behavior-based animation, parameter behaviors, blend modes, advanced particle system design, advanced title animation, working with templates, chroma key techniques, masking methods, DVD motion menu design, 3D cameras and layers, working with audio, key framing, and integration.

FCS104A: Intro to Sound Editing in Final Cut Studio (STP101)

This two-day module guides you through using Soundtrack Pro to edit audio files, repair field recordings, perform multi-track arranging and mixing, synchronize audio and video, analyze and fix common audio problems, and perform other creative sound design techniques. This course focuses on practical, professional techniques used to add professional music and sound effects to video and multimedia projects.

FCS104B: Intro to DVD Studio Pro 4 (DSP101)

This three-day, hands-on course delves into the world of DVD authoring with DVD Studio Pro 4. In this comprehensive course, students will learn everything they need to create a professional DVD title. This course guides students through every aspect of DVD authoring, from initial storyboarding to burning and replication.

Using compelling media and a real-world production workflow, students will learn how to create amazing MPEG 2 video with Compressor as well as create eye-popping motion menus directly in DVD Studio Pro 4. Students will also “author” a DVD by creating buttons, interactive links, slideshows, playlists and even adding alternate audio stream and camera angles.