Filmmaking

Effective: Fall 2022
Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description
Students have the unique opportunity to make their first short film and learn how to screen and promote their film. These skills will help students either continue as independent filmmakers, or continue their studies in filmmaking.

What can I do with this major?

You can explore a career as a Camera Operator, Cinematographer, Director of Photography, Producer, Editor, Director, Videographer, Animator, Production Coordinator, Visual Storyteller, Digital Storyteller, and Social Video Producer, Motion Graphics Editor.

Labor market information suggests 10% growth in video editing in the Bay Area region, 5% growth in camera operation, and 9% growth in producing and directing multimedia content.


Learning and Career Pathway
  • Arts and Design

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

Semester 1

9 units

FILM 14
Introduction to Cinematic Arts

3 units
Introduces the analysis of film and animation aesthetics. Examines form and content, aesthetics and meaning, and history and culture of film and animation. Explores the diverse possibilities presented by the cinematic art form through an examination of a wide variety of productions, cinemas, and film movements. Topics include modes of production, narrative and non-narrative forms, visual design, editing, sound, genre, ideology and critical analysis.
Course Details:
  1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A
  • Transfers to CSU

    • FILM 12
    Screenwriting and Visual Storytelling

    3 units
    A course where students write for film and electronic media. Emphasis on preparing scripts in proper formats, including fundamental technical, conceptual and stylistic issues related to writing fiction and non-fiction scripts for informational and entertainment purposes in film and electronic media.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: FILM 14
  • Transfers to CSU
    • Terms Offered: Fall

    Elective Courses (Choose 3 units from the list below)

    3 units
    Take 3 units from the Major Requirements list below
    See the full list: (Click here)

    Semester 2

    7 units

    FILM 15
    Introduction to Digital Filmmaking

    3 units
    Introduction to digital filmmaking as an artistic medium through lectures, screenings, demonstrations, and hands-on practicum. Critical analysis and appreciation of production elements and development of skills in pre-production planning, digital cinematography, direction of actors, sound design, art direction, and post-production.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: FILM 14

    Elective Courses (Choose 4 units from the list below)

    4 units
    Take 4 units from the Electives list below
    See the full list: (Click here)

    Major Requirements

    Electives-Choose 7 units from the following courses:

    DIGM 2
    Introduction to Graphic Design

    3 units
    Introduction to the essential visual elements of graphic design. Exploration of the principles, concepts, and protocols used for effective visual communication. Cultivation of the designer’s creative process and problem-solving skills. Emphasis on strong conceptual development and solid craftsmanship through design execution. Projects explore creative development of graphic design ideas from start to finish.
    Course Details:

    DIGM 4A
    Digital Illustration

    3 units
    Introduction to the principles of illustration using digital tools. Through lectures, demos and assignments students are exposed to and practice digital illustration skills for design, editorial, and animation. Emphasis is placed on the use of vector-based tools for artistic drawing and graphic design. Students explore the relationship of digital illustration with the field of Graphic Design, Animation and Fine Art.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ART 2A

    DIGM 6A
    Photoshop

    3 units
    Introduction to the use of Adobe Photoshop for retouching, editing, and compositing digital images. Students take their original photography and artistically adjust contrast, exposure, color balance, to create enhanced compositions. Students also take a number of images and composite images into an artistically balanced and well-designed composition.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: PHOT 1A

    DIGM 10A
    Introduction to Animation

    3 units
    The history and evolution of technical aspects of animation are examined. Students explore animation principles using analog media, including, phonotropes, stop motion animation, claymation and flip books. Digital aspects of animation are also explored to create short mini animated sequences.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: DIGM 11

    DIGM 11
    Video Editing

    3 units
    Introduction to the art of digital video editing using industry standard software. Students explore the theory and practice of various editing styles in order to gain a better understanding of how stories are constructed in the editing room. Through demonstrations and hands-on experience, students learn advanced editing techniques with an in-depth examination of the art of the edit. Strong emphasis is placed on post-production techniques that improve the sound and image quality of the videos.
    Course Details:

    DIGM 12A
    Motion Graphics

    3 units
    Motion Graphics is an introductory course to motion graphics for students who have a strong foundation in typography and design. This course introduces the theories, techniques, and practices of motion graphics. Students use design elements and principles to create motion graphics that communicate a message or story. Vector graphics, photography, sound, video and animation are integrated together to design compelling motion graphics.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: DIGM 11
    2. Strongly Recommended: DIGM 4A

    DIGM 20
    Digital Portfolio and Promotion

    1.5 units
    Development of an artist's/ designer's portfolio and strategies for self-promotion in the art and design industries. Students will work to revise existing projects, create advanced projects and select and organize projects for promotion. Includes use of effective techniques of presentation. Includes creation and revision of resume, business card, and template based website.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: DIGM 8A

    FILM 16
    Documentary Filmmaking

    3 units
    Introduction to documentary filmmaking and current techniques of digital documentary including, sound, video and mixed media documentary. Story basics, research, structure, objective/subjective approach, audio recording, shooting setups, interviewing, and rough-cut editing.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: FILM 15
  • Transfers to CSU

    • FILM 17
    Motion Picture Filmmaking

    3 units
    Want to be a film director and make your first short film? Then this is the course for you. This course provides an introduction to the theory, terminology, and process of motion picture production for film and television. Students will take their script, create pre-production documents, cast your film, direct actors, light, shoot and record audio for your first short film. Finally students will review dailies and prepare their film for post production.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: FILM 15
      2. or
    2. Strongly Recommended: FILM 14
    3. Strongly Recommended: FILM 12
  • Transfers to CSU

    • PHOT 1A
    Digital Photography I

    3 units
    Introduction to the processes, principles, and tools of digital photography. Course provides an overview of digital camera functions for automatic and manual exposure, image creation and capture, file management, and image editing. Students may use any appropriate digital camera including; DSLR, mirrorless, point & shoot or smartphone. Topics include the development of technical and aesthetic skills, elements of design and composition, camera technology, materials and equipment, and contemporary trends in digital photography. May not receive credit if PHOT 50 has been completed successfully.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU
    • Total Units: 16 units
    This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.