Digital Filmmaking, Basic Writing/Directing (Technical Certificate)

Program Overview

This Digital Filmmaking Technical Certificate program equips students with foundational skills for entry-level roles in the film and video industries. Through courses in sound design, screenwriting, production, and budgeting, graduates develop proficiency in industry knowledge, communication, critical thinking, and technical skills. Potential career paths include entry-level positions within the film, television, and commercial video sectors, as well as freelance creator roles.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Award: Technical Certificate
• Program of Study: Digital Filmmaking
• Specialization: Basic Writing/Directing
• Program Code: 1147
• Description: This certificate program prepares students with the fundamental skills needed for entry-level positions in the film, television, and commercial video industries.
• Learning Outcomes: Graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
• Specialized Knowledge:
Basic film and video terminology, symbols, business practices, and principles.
• Communication Fluency: Applying basic business communication skills (listening, verbal, written, and electronic) for entry-level production roles.
• Critical Thinking: Researching, evaluating, synthesizing, and applying information relevant to above- or below-the-line production careers.
• Information Literacy: Performing basic skill sets to fulfill entry-level employment needs in the film and video production industries.

Outline:

• Course List:
• FILM 144: Sound Design for Film (3 semester credit hours)
• FILM 150: Episodic Screenwriting (3 semester credit hours)
• FILM 170: Short-Form Production (3 semester credit hours)
• FILM 209: Production Budget and Scheduling (3 semester credit hours)
• Total Semester Credit Hours: 12
• Suggested Course Plan:
• First Year Spring Semester:
• FILM 144 Sound Design for Film (3 credit hours)
• FILM 150 Episodic Screenwriting (3 credit hours)
• FILM 170 Short-Form Production (3 credit hours)
• FILM 209 Production Budget and Scheduling (3 credit hours)

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Entry-level positions in the film, television, and commercial video industries.
• Freelance creator roles.

Other:

• Institutional Certificate Requirements:
• Consists of 5-59 semester hours.
• Consists of 100-200 level courses.
• At least 50% of credit hours must be taken at CMU/WCCC.
• 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU/WCCC coursework.
• A grade lower than “C” will not be counted toward meeting the requirements.
• A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
• Non-traditional credit (advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education, internships) cannot exceed 25% of semester credit hours.
• Pre-collegiate courses (below 100 level) cannot be used for graduation.
• Program-Specific Certificate Requirements:
• 12 semester credit hours.
• 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in program coursework.