The Digital Filmmaking and Video Production program is designed to teach students all aspects short film and video, production, and broadcast. From basic classes all the way through advanced, students will receive hands-on education using up-to-date technology found in the field and used by professionals worldwide for any type of production.
We cover every stage of production in blocks where students progress through more advanced projects and processes. In each course, students will be given projects to develop their skills as they would apply them in the real world.
F.I.R.S.T. Institute students are graded and held accountable for each course they encounter. Consistent exercises and quizzes keep students active and interested in the information given by the instructor. F.I.R.S.T. Institute’s main objective for the program is simple: to provide students a superior education through exposure to the elements that drive their passion and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the Digital Filmmaking and Video Production industry.
Prerequisite: Basic computer and internet competencies. High school level English or higher.
Delivery Methodology: On Campus
Average Class Size: 16 Students
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates obtain a Diploma.
Thirty-Nine (39) Weeks – 1014 Clock Hours / 91.26 Academic Quarter Credit Hours
811 Hours / 81.11 Academic Quarter Credit Hours – Instruction 203 / 10.15 Academic Quarter Credit Hours – Lab
Students will cover the fundamental techniques and concepts of digital video, editing principles, and visual storytelling. The concept of visual storytelling will be explored and analyzed within various media projects to demonstrate the importance of constructing a fully developed idea using moving images. The course will instruct the process of video editing through the development of several media projects and footage assets.
There is an emphasis on footage sequencing with story continuity, media management, narration, and industry terminology. More time will also be dedicated to the importance of sound in the post environment and its subtlety in keeping the viewer grounded to the images onscreen. Classes will explore simple animation techniques including the basics of motion graphic design. Learning to animate, alter, and composite media using various tools including the use of optional plug-ins, is paramount in the process and workflow for every motion graphic professional.
Editing Techniques
Visual Storytelling
Visual Effects
In Commercial Production, students will break from the conventions of traditional modes of visual storytelling to explore short-form and digital-media creation methods. The primary focus will be on social media and marketing.
As post-production unfolds, students will begin editing the projects that were shot during this course. They will utilize the post-production concepts that they have learned to date such as scene transitions, time and space perception, tempo, sound effects, and editing with music and mood changes to enhance their final projects.
• Product Commercial Project
• Narrative Commercial Project
• Social Media Project
In Music Video Production, students will develop and produce an advanced project with a focus on the music video. A music video project will help students understand the principles of shooting uncontrolled action and how to work with real clients.
At this level, classes also have a working knowledge of advanced editing techniques, including editing on the beat, color correction, sound effects, and applying musical compositions.
• Music Video Project 1
• Music Video Project 2
In this course students will explore the history of episodic production. This course will focus on the various writing for television and streaming. Students will learn the principles of episodic script writing, story guide creation, and character development.
Story Guide Project
Television Script
Students will learn the fundamentals of live video production and streaming by using up-to-date technology for all show needs. Students will be prepared to function independently or as part of a production team in preparing and producing live shows for both traditional and live streaming, as well as corporatepresentations.
In this course, students will learn the technical aspects of streaming software and studio equipment and continue learning proper signal flow for use in studio, stage, and remote-control rooms. They will learn specific camera, lighting, and production techniques unique to each live show realm, as well as the many different career paths within these industries.
• Live Stream Project
• Live Music Performance Project
Students will learn the essentials of color theory and apply these concepts in the professional colorist program DaVinci Resolve. Practical filmmaking techniques like color balancing, correction, grading, and continuity will all be learned through hands-on work in the program’s node-based editing system.
Students will also use Davinci Resolve to learn enhanced aspects of audio post-production, diving into the concepts of voiceover, sound effects, and sound design. These concepts in color correction and audio post-production will then be applied to enhance the student’s portfolio projects further.
• Color Balance Project
• Color Grading Project
• Professional Development
