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Submitter's Information
Chad Sustin
Chair & Professor, Media Arts
Los Angeles
LA Valley College
CTE Dean
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins
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Program Details
AA and CA in Cinema Documentary Production
New Program
Film Production (061220)
08/24/26
This program provides students with an engaging introduction to documentary film and video production, exploring the creative and technical processes of nonfiction storytelling from concept to finished project while combining foundational theory with hands-on experience through demonstrations, exercises, and digital media tools to develop their own documentary project.
Approximately 30 completers are projected for the first cohort.
Program Proposal Attributes
- Certificate of Achievement: 16 or greater semester (or 24 or greater quarter) units (C)
- A.A. Degree (A)
-To give students a thorough background in the history and aesthetics of documentary filmmaking.
-To give students experience in documentary pre-production, production, and post-production.
-To build an understanding of all roles and positions on a documentary production team.
-Use various techniques to gain practical experience in researching, developing, and producing a documentary story.
Course Units and Hours
27
27
60
Course Report
Students will engage with a comprehensive curriculum encompassing documentary theory, history, aesthetics, and production methodologies, equipping them for successful transfer to a four-year institution or entry into the professional film documentary industry.
| Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y1 or S1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinema 104 | History of Documentaries | 3 | Yr1 Fall |
| Journalism 101 | Collecting and Writing News | 3 | Yr1 Fall |
| Cinema 109 | Beginning Documentary Production Workshop | 3 | Yr1 Fall |
| Journalism 202 | Advanced Newswriting | 3 | Yr1 Fall |
| Photography 20 | Beginning Photojournalism | 3 | Yr1 Spring |
| Cinema 119 | Advanced Documentary Production | 3 | Yr 2 Fall |
| List A (select 1): Cinema 110 Media Arts 110 | Motion Picture Sound Digital Film Sound | 3 | Yr1 Spring |
| List B (select 1): Cinema 115 Media Arts 115 | Cinematography Digital Cinematography | 3 | Yr1 Spring |
| List C (select 1): Cinema 120 Media Arts 120 | Film Editing Digital Film Editing | 3 | Yr1 Sppring |
Supporting Documents
Los Angeles Regional Questions
Los Angeles Community College District
Los Angeles Valley College
Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins
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New Program
This Cinema Documentary Production program at Los Angeles Valley College directly supports the college’s mission by providing students with practical, career-focused skills that serve as a clear pathway to success in the creative industries. Through hands-on projects and collaborative learning, the class embraces the diversity of the student body, encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to express their unique perspectives and build confidence in their creative abilities. The curriculum integrates technical training with storytelling and critical thinking, enriching the learning experience while preparing students for certificates, degrees, and transfer opportunities in documentary filmmaking and related fields. Additionally, the class promotes lifelong learning and personal development by fostering creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability—skills that enhance both professional growth and overall quality of life.
WLAC
LACC
El Camino College
We project about 30 students enrolled in the first few years.
Documentary Filmmaking
Not modification. New program.
Submission Details
05/12/26 - 12:41 PM
06/04/26 - 08:06 AM by Noushig Simonian
Under Review
Return to Drafts
Please list the reason(s) for returning "AA and CA in Cinema Documentary Production". to Chad Sustin's drafts. This message will be sent to sustinca@lavc.edu
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