CMU Tech Digital Filmmaking

xtensive project-based learning approach. Four-year degree pathways are available and include CMU’s Bachelor’s in Applied Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree, a BAS in Business Administration degree, or a Bachelor’s of Arts in General Studies, Liberal Arts degree. WRITING/DIRECTING MAJOR -

Writing/Directing focuses on screenwriting, cinematography, lighting, basic video editing and audio design, leadership and supervision, film producing, production management, freelancing, and basic film marketing. Writing/Directing students start their training with fundamental skills such as learning the language of film, short-form screenwriting, script analysis, and commercial and corporate video production. At the end of the first semester, the students have to pitch two script ideas to a panel made of local video production and film companies. The panel decides which script the student will produce the next semester. Writing/Directing students will also learn basic audio recording and mixing and write a pilot episode to be produced at the beginning of their second year. In the second year, Writing/Directing students learn producing skills such as budgeting and scheduling and learn the ins and outs of freelancing. Besides film business courses, the students start preproduction for their capstone movie. The students compete to see who will direct one of the two movies to be produced. During the capstone, selected directors create their production team made up of fellow second-year Writing/Directing classmates, first-year Writing/Directing students who will act as production assistants, and Production Design students who will create concept art, storyboards, sound mixing, editing, and special effects. PRODUCTION DESIGN MAJOR -

Production Design students focus on pre- and post-production skills with basic and advanced video editing; visual effects compositing; art direction; cinematic audio design including surround sound, Foley, dialogue looping, team-building and supervision, film marketing graphic design, event coordination, product distribution, and freelancing. When students begin the Production Design major, they become familiar with the trade's creative trade skills, such as learning photo manipulation and graphic illustration. They use industry-standard tools to hone their drawing skills so they can rapidly create concept art and storyboards. In the second year, these students use their drawing and photo manipulation skills to create digital matte paintings and set extensions for use in special effects compositing work, create movie posters, and develop web-based advertising. Along with drawing, Production Design majors learn basic and advance video editing and audio mixing skills. They will help Writing/Directing students scout locations, acquire props, take cast and crew production photos, record location sound, and determine the makeup and costuming requirements. THE BUSINESS OF FILM -

Both majors have to create budgets and schedules for a film’s production. Some directing students may want to apply for grants to help fund their movies or create crowd-funding campaigns. Both majors work together to develop a marketing campaign for the productions. For directing students, this can mean being interviewed by local news media, showing clips of their films on television and web talk shows, talking on the radio, or make appearances at local civic organizations. For Production Design majors, this can mean creating logos, edit film trailers, and design movie posters. Each major learns about intellectual property rights, including copyrights and trademarks. Since the film business relies heavily on freelancers, each major learns how to market themselves and determine what to charge customers for video and graphic work. They even create a budget to survive in the real world, including grocery shopping, filing taxes, and looking for health and medical insurance. Finally, both majors set up and organize a year-end film festival that shows off all of the work created by these filmmakers and behind-the-scenes crew members. OUR MISSION -

Digital Filmmaking is part of Western Colorado Community College. Whether students are interested in an associate degree, a certificate, customized industry training, or a change in a person’s career options, we are here to serve them. Our faculty members are experts in their chosen field and have substantial formal education and training. Our excellent facility and classrooms contribute to a positive learning environment. Our business advisory board helps us keep all aspects of instruction current and relevant to today's employment needs. We offer valuable, hands-on instruction that equips students with real-world skills and lets them step into the career they want.