Basic Film Production

Digital film and video technology has transformed filmmaking, making it possible to produce independent movies and video projects without huge budgets, expensive cameras or large crews. This development allows many different organizations today use film and video as part of their work. Whether the goal is to fulfill a personal artistic vision, market a product or advance a cause, the fundamental need to tell a story remains paramount, and film is a powerful means to do it. In this six course certificate program, students receive direct, hands-on experience creating visual stories that are intelligent, emotional, compelling, succinct and informative. The program covers the primary aspects of film production, including scripting, camera, sound, directing, editing and broadcasting. Students will learn: • Visual storytelling concepts, including story development, script format, film vocabulary, production tools, filmmaking protocol and workflow • Directing and producing techniques including camera placement, blocking scenes, directing on-camera performers, documentary interviewing, communicating with collaborators and crew management, • Camera skills including basic camera angles, moving image composition and lighting • Audio recording fundamentals, basic sound editing and mixing • Editing skills including how to write and shoot with the edit in mind, and creating visual effects and graphics The Basic Certificate provides a platform from which to launch further study of film production as well as a basic entry level industry skills, processes and practices. It gives students crucial communication and storytelling tools they may apply in almost any area of study. Students emerge with short films for their personal or professional portfolio.

2018/2019: 10 Enrolled / 10 Completers 2019 / 2020: 15 Enrolled / 15 Completers 2020 / 2021: 20 Enrolled / 20 Completers

The US Bureau of Labor projects the number of jobs in film and video writing, producing, directing, editing, sound and special effects has grown since 2014 and the trend will continue through 2024. In the Coachella Valley the number of jobs in each of these areas created or vacated annually justifies the creation of a new film production program at College of the Desert.  2015 Jobs: Multimedia Artists and Animators, 228; Producers and Directors, 391; Writers and Authors, 1,084; Sound Engineering Technicians, 138; Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture, 111; Film and Video Editors, 190; Grand Total, 2142 2018 Jobs: Multimedia Artists and Animators, 239; Producers and Directors, 407; Writers and Authors, 1,144; Sound Engineering Technicians, 146; Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture, 114; Film and Video Editors, 199; Grand Total, 2249 2015-18 Change: Multimedia Artists and Animators, +11; Producers and Directors, +16; Writers and Authors, +59; Sound Engineering Technicians, +8; Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture, +3; Film and Video Editors, +9; Grand Total, +105 The Basic Certificate of Achievement in Film Production address these employment needs by teaching students how to write, direct, produce, edit and analyze content for film and electronic media. With an emphasis on storytelling using current digital technologies, students will become immersed in the film and video production process from scripting through distribution. They will become competent in understanding how film and video is created and how it reaches and affects an audience. Students will, through electives, apply these skills to specific areas of interest including video journalism, mass media, new media and marketing.

Required Core (12 units) (suggested sequencing) (* denotes proposed courses): RTV 06 Introduction to Film (3) (Yr. 1, Fall, Spring); RTV 09 Basic Screenwriting (3) (Yr. 1, Fall, Spring); RTV 10 Film Production I (3) (Yr. 1, Fall, Spring); RTV 11 Film Production II (3) (Yr. 1, Fall, Spring). Electives (6 units) (suggested sequencing): MC 001 Mass Media (3) (Yr. 1, Fall or Spring); BUMA 027 Principles of Marketing (3) (Yr. 1, Fall or Spring); J 003A News Reporting & Writing (3) (Yr. 1, Fall or Spring); DDP 030 / ART 031Digital Photography (3) (Yr. 1, Fall or Spring); RTV 95A RTV Work Experience (1-2) (Yr. 1, Fall or Spring) Certificate Total: 18 units Proposed Course Sequence: Year 1, Fall = 9 + 6 units; Spring = 9 + 6 units