Nov 21, 2024  
Fall 2024 - Summer 2025 Academic Catalog 
    
Fall 2024 - Summer 2025 Academic Catalog

Digital Filmmaking Certificate


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School: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Academic Dept: Film
HEGIS: 5606
 

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Program Description


There has never been a better time to prepare for a career in film. New York State tax incentives for the film and television industry have led to a boom in New York film and television productions in recent years, and demand for video on social media platforms has been growing exponentially. 

The Certificate in Digital Filmmaking is designed for students who seek to develop professional expertise in digital film production and postproduction. The Certificate is suited to individuals seeking to enhance their skills in an existing job or those looking to launch a career in film, television or advertising. Students will learn the latest software in up-to-date labs from working film professionals. Core courses provide students with a solid foundation in cinema history and theory, film aesthetics, screenwriting, camera operation, lighting, and digital editing. Electives allow students to explore a variety of areas, including acting, computer animation, and visual effects, in addition to an internship option.

The program offers courses at the main campus in Valhalla and at several extension locations. Film production students have access to camera, lighting and audio equipment to work on their projects, and can take advantage of open lab hours to edit in our post-production facilities. The department sponsors an active Film Club, which is open to students of all majors. In addition, the Film Program holds its annual WCC Film Festival every April. Visit the WCC Film Festival website to watch trailers and full reels from previous years.

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding and appreciation of film as an art form.

  2. Demonstrate the ability to craft a cinematic story with a coherent narrative structure.

  3. Demonstrate the ability to plan, shoot, and edit a short film.

Program Map


The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

 

Semester 1

Course Credits
ENG 101 - Writing and Research  3
FILM 100 - Introduction to Film  3
FILM 101 - Film 1895 to 1945  3
FILM 125 - Writing for Film  3
FILM 130 - Digital Storytelling  3
FILM 142 - Video Editing  3
Semester Total Credits 18

Semester 2

Course Credits
FILM 102 - Film 1945 to Present  3
FILM 140 - Video Production  3
FILM 145 - Documentary Video  3
FILM 150 - Film Internship  or Film Elective 3
Film Elective 3
Semester Total Credits 15

Minimum Total Credits: 33

Gainful Employment Disclosure


For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit Digital Filmmaking Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment

Career Opportunities


Visit Career Coach to explore career paths, job descriptions, salary trends, and job trends.

Visit the Career Services page for more career resources.

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