Essential Information
Digital video courses are offered through film, television, and media arts programs at community colleges and universities. Course offerings in such programs include creative and theoretical subjects like screenwriting, directing, and acting.
Here are common concepts taught in digital video courses:
- Production techniques
- Digital video equipment
- Editing software
- Lighting
- Working with actors and scripts
List of Courses
Digital Video Production Course
Students learn the fundamental skills of digital video production from preliminary steps, such as script creation, through the final film edit. Coursework provides an overview of digital camera operation as well as basic techniques in lighting, sound and editing. Basic theory is taught through demonstration, hands-on learning and class discussion. Students also learn how to transfer VHS and Hi8 analog films to digital formats.
Storyboarding and Scriptwriting Course
Coursework utilizes script and storyboarding software to teach conceptual skills for the idea development of live action and animated films. Focus is placed on visual thinking, basic drawing skills and composition of camera shots. Also emphasized are basic scriptwriting techniques such as plotting, pacing and character development.
Beginning Editing Course
This course focuses on post-production techniques, including theory of nonlinear digital video editing. Final Cut Pro, the industry standard for digital video and film editing, is the software program most commonly utilized in digital video courses. Through editing exercises and instructor supervision, students learn the fundamental skills necessary to complete a finished product by adding music and titles and then outputting the final version to DVD.
Directing Course
Emphasis is placed on the role of the director as storyteller. Students learn how to direct actors, visualize a script and maintain artistic vision while completing the many tasks a director must perform. Coursework also introduces elements of cinematography. Participants have the opportunity to direct their own digital video projects including documentaries, experimental films and short features.
