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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Film/Digital Cinema Production

Film/Digital Cinema Production

Overview

This Associate of Arts degree program is designed to provide skills in film production, digital cinema, and television through the preparation of projects for viewing on campus, cable TV, the Internet and new technologies. Given the expansion of new media distribution opportunities and the production convergence of High-Definition video and film, students will gain a broad exposure to visual storytelling in a professional environment, including dramatic narrative, documentary and experimental styles.

Degrees Offered

  • A.A. in Film / Digital Cinema Production

Associate Degree

A.A. in Film / Digital Cinema Production

This Associate of Arts degree program is designed to provide skills in film production, digital cinema, and television through the preparation of projects for viewing on campus, cable TV, the Internet and new technologies. Given the expansion of new media distribution opportunities and the production convergence of High-Definition video and film, students will gain a broad exposure to visual storytelling in a professional environment, including dramatic narrative, documentary and experimental styles. This option can lead to entry-level jobs in the film industry, post-production, television, new media, business and industry. Some of the courses in this major also transfer to a four year university program. Please see a counselor for more information.

Highlights include:
* Practical experience working with school equipment on productions for viewing on campus, on cable TV and the Internet.
* Working in teams to build projects using a professional approach.
* State-of-the-art digital computer lab for graphics and non-linear editing, including Apple's Final Cut Pro, DVD production, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe After Effects.
* Internship opportunities working in local independent film-makers, post-production facilities and at local television stations.
* Industry guest speakers provide real world examples of how to be successful in the film industry.


Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
RTVF 305 Film History I (1895-1949) (3) 31
   or FMS 305 Film History I (1895-1949) (3)
   or RTVF 307 Film History II (1950-present) (3)
   or FMS 307 Film History II (1950-present) (3)
RTVF 306 Introduction to Media Aesthetics and Cinematic Arts 3
RTVF 319 Beginning Audio Production 3
RTVF 330 Beginning Single Camera Production 3
RTVF 330 must be completed with a "C" or better before enrolling in RTVF 350:
RTVF 350 Intermediate Film / Digital Cinema Production 3
RTVF 360 Introduction to Motion Graphics: Adobe After Effects 3
RTVF 362 Digital Non-Linear Video Editing 3
PHOTO 301 Beginning Photography (3) 3
   or PHOTO 302 Beginning Digital Photography (3)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
RTVF 304 Introduction to Multimedia (3)
RTVF 354 Audio Editing for Film & Video Post Production (3)
RTVF 365 Intermediate Film & Video Editing (3)
RTVF 368 Scriptwriting for Film, Video & Multimedia (3)
RTVF 371 Hollywood TV and Film Studios: A Behind the Scenes Experience (1)
RTVF 378 Acting for the Camera (3)
RTVF 498 Work Experience in Radio, Television and Film (0.5 - 4)
FMS 300 Introduction to Film Studies (3)
FMS 310 Introduction to Screenwriting (3)
FMS 320 Film Genre (3)
RTVF 305 Film History I (1895-1949) (3) 32
   or FMS 305 Film History I (1895-1949) (3)
   or RTVF 307 Film History II (1950-present) (3)
   or FMS 307 Film History II (1950-present) (3)
Total Units: 33

1Students must take one of the Film History options RTVF/FMS 305 or RTVF/FMS 307.

2If not used above.

The Film / Digital Cinema Production Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Write in clear, concise English. (PSLO-1)
  • Research critically, filter the results and present them in a cogent manner. (PSLO-2)
  • Resolve and execute standard pre-production skills including planning, script, script breakdown, budgeting, storyboard creation, and crew and equipment selection. (PSLO-3)
  • Utilize basic field production equipment correctly, safely and creatively, including cameras, lights and audio. (PSLO-4)
  • Operate essential post-production equipment for audio and film/video editing and distribution in a variety of contemporary and emerging methods. (PSLO-5)
  • Analyze, interpret, and exercise critical judgment in the evaluation of media productions. (PSLO-6)
  • Demonstrate through projects that with the power of a communicator, comes moral and ethical responsibility. (PSLO-7)
  • Demonstrate a hands-on ability to perform the professional level critical thinking needed for successful teamwork in media employment. (PSLO-8)

Career Information

Camera Operator; Cinematographer; Director of Photography; Lighting Director; Computer Graphic Artist; Non-Linear Video Editor; Audio Engineer; Broadcast Technician; Gaffer; Production Coordinator; Production Assistant; TV, Film, DVD, or Internet Producer/Director; Personal or Corporate Video. Some career options may require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some career options or for preparation for transfer to a university program.

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