Digital Filmmaking: Writing/Directing (AAS)

The Digital Filmmaking: Writing/Directing major prepares and develops students for entry-level production and management jobs in the film, broadcast, and documentary video industries. Writing/Directing is all about storytelling. Students write scripts, plan and shoot productions, and complete their projects in postproduction. Majors use common research skills, collaborate, direct talent and crew, set up lighting and sound, and perform non-linear video editing and compositing. They also learn essential entrepreneurial business practices such as budgeting, scheduling, and forming their own video production company.

About This Major

All CMU/CMU Tech associate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy. In addition to these campus‐wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to:

1. Perform the required skill sets to fulfill entry-level employment needs in the film and video production industries.
2. Apply the physics of light, sound, and electricity to meet the film industry's technical job requirements.
3. Apply business communication using listening, verbal, written, and electronic forms needed for entry-level employment with a production company or as a freelance creator.
4. Research, evaluate, synthesize, and apply information/data relevant to above- or below-the-line production careers.
5. Demonstrate ethical, civic, and workplace responsibility as part of professional behavior for the film and video production industry.
6. Define and apply film and video terminology, symbols, business practices, principles, and application of technical skills.

Institutional Degree Requirements

The following institutional degree requirements apply to all CMU and CMU Tech Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. Specific programs may have different requirements that must be met in addition to institutional requirements.

• 60 semester hours minimum.
• Students must complete a minimum of 15 of the final 30 semester hours of credit at CMU/CMU Tech.
• 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU/CMU Tech coursework.
• A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
• No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree.
• Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education and internships, cannot exceed 20 semester credit hours for an AAS degree.
• Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
• Capstone exit assessment/projects (e.g., Major Field Achievement Test) requirements are identified under Program-Specific Degree Requirements.
• The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and degree requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate.

Specific to this degree

• 61 semester hours total for the AAS, Digital Filmmaking: Writing/Directing.

Essential Learning Requirements

(15 semester hours)

• Communication:
  • ENGL 111: English Composition I-GTCO1 (3 semester hours)
  • Select one of the following courses: (3 semester hours)
    • ENGL 112: English Composition II-GTCO2
    • SPCH 101: Interpersonal Communication
    • SPCH 102: Speechmaking
• Mathematics:
  • MATH 110: Mathematical Investigations-GTMA1 (or higher) (3 semester hours)
• Other Essential Learning Core Courses:
  • THEA 141: Theatre Appreciation-GTAH1 (3 semester hours)
  • Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences, History, Natural Sciences, Fine Arts, or Humanities course (3 semester hours)
• Total Semester Credit Hours: 15

Other Lower Division Requirements

(2 semester hours)

• Wellness Requirement:
  • KINE 100: Health and Wellness (1 semester hour)
  • Select one Activity course (1 semester hour)
• Total Semester Credit Hours: 2

Program Specific Degree Requirements

(44 semester hours, must pass all courses with a grade of "C" or higher.)

• FILM 110: Film Expression (3 semester hours)
• FILM 120: Film Script Analysis (3 semester hours)
• FILM 130: Short-Form Screenwriting (3 semester hours)
• FILM 139: Professional Documentary Production (3 semester hours)
• FILM 141: Film Production Assistant I (1 semester hour)
• FILM 142: Film Production Assistant II (1 semester hour)
• FILM 144: Sound Design for Film (3 semester hours)
• FILM 150: Episodic Screenwriting (3 semester hours)
• FILM 170: Short-Form Production (3 semester hours)
• FILM 200: Directing Film Actors (1 semester hour)
• FILM 209: Production Budget and Scheduling (3 semester hours)
• FILM 225: Cinema Capstone I (3 semester hours)
• FILM 230: Episodic Production (3 semester hours)
• FILM 265: Producing Indie Films (3 semester hours)
• FILM 270: Cinema Capstone II (4 semester hours)
• FILM 299: Internship (1 semester hour)
• THEA 150: Fundamentals of Acting (3 semester hours)
• Total Semester Credit Hours: 44

Suggested Course Plan

First Year

• Fall Semester:
  • FILM 110: Film Expression (3 semester hours)
  • FILM 120: Film Script Analysis (3 semester hours)
  • FILM 130: Short-Form Screenwriting (3 semester hours)
  • FILM 139: Professional Documentary Production (3 semester hours)
  • FILM 141: Film Production Assistant I (1 semester hour)
  • THEA 150: Fundamentals of Acting (3 semester hours)
  • Total Semester Credit Hours: 16
• Spring Semester:
  • FILM 142: Film Production Assistant II (1 semester hour)
  • FILM 144: Sound Design for Film (3 semester hours)
  • FILM 150: Episodic Screenwriting (3 semester hours)
  • FILM 170: Short-Form Production (3 semester hours)
  • FILM 209: Production Budget and Scheduling (3 semester hours)
  • MATH 110: Mathematical Investigations-GTMA1 (3 semester hours)
  • Total Semester Credit Hours: 16

Second Year

• Fall Semester:
  • FILM 200: Directing Film Actors (1 semester hour)
  • FILM 225: Cinema Capstone I (3 semester hours)
  • FILM 230: Episodic Production (3 semester hours)
  • FILM 265: Producing Indie Films (3 semester hours)
  • ENGL 111: English Composition I-GTCO1 (3 semester hours)
  • Select one KINA Activity course (1 semester hour)
  • Total Semester Credit Hours: 14
• Spring Semester:
  • KINE 100: Health and Wellness (1 semester hour)
  • THEA 141: Theatre Appreciation-GTAH1 (3 semester hours)
  • Select one of the following: (3 semester hours)
    • ENGL 112: English Composition II-GTCO2
    • SPCH 101: Interpersonal Communication
    • SPCH 102: Speechmaking
  • Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences, History, Natural Sciences, Fine Arts, or Humanities course (3 semester hours)
  • FILM 270: Cinema Capstone II (4 semester hours)
  • FILM 299: Internship (1 semester hour)
  • Total Semester Credit Hours: 15
• Total Semester Credit Hours: 61

Advising Process and DegreeWorks

Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a degree. The suggested course sequencing outlines how students could finish degree requirements. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters, while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and altering the suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student's responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for their intended degree(s).

Graduation Process

Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their degree requirements:

• Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
• Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
• Submit the "Intent to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
• Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.

Colorado Mesa University

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Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

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Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

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Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.