Overview
Do you want to work in the film or television industry? Trevecca’s Associate of Science in film production provides the foundational knowledge and training needed to grow in this exciting and evolving field. The program also satisfies the prerequisites needed to seamlessly continue on to earn a Bachelor of Science in media arts and studies.
Our professors offer valuable insight from their own work in screenwriting as well as in developing feature, short and documentary films. Students in the associate program gain skills in professional camera, lighting, audio and video-editing technology. The program also focuses on the importance of storytelling within the field of digital media.
Trevecca students are encouraged to take production classes in their first semester on campus and immediately begin working with professional camera and editing gear. Smaller class sizes mean more interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities with state-of-the-art equipment.
This associate degree is specifically designed for students hoping to take advantage of the Tennessee Promise scholarship. Instead of attending a two-year school and then transferring to Trevecca, the associate program puts students on track to complete their degree in two years (as required by the state) while staying on schedule to earn their Bachelor of Science in media arts within four years. The associate degree is designed to easily transition students into Trevecca’s media arts program without them ever having to leave Trevecca.
Faculty
News
Core Classes
Introduction to Mass Media
COM 2210
Founded upon an historical overview of the persons and technological discoveries that contributed to the origins of mass media, this course examines the advances, roles, and impact of mass media in a changing world. The contemporary convergence, contexts, and controversies of mass media are examined within print, electronic, information, and persuasion industries.
Introduction to Film and Video Production
COM 2215
An introduction to the use of digital cameras for professional or personal digital filming. Training includes introduction to camera capabilities, movement, control, lighting, sound, and scene composition. Essential editing skills also introduced.
Foundations of Media Writing
COM 2620
Will teach mass communication students, regardless of their concentration, basic media writing skills. Emphasis is placed on a journalistic style of writing using AP style that is required by all media industries including radio, television, newspaper, internet, and public relations.
Film Criticism
COM 2720
Students will learn several basic ways to "read" a film and how to respond to it descriptively, evaluatively, and interpretively through the writing of film reviews. Students will engage in the responsible, competent, critical evaluation/judgment of actual films. Some attention also will be given to generic influences, filmic literacy, and artistic accountability.
Theories of Communication
COM 3010
Surveys the major theories of human communication. The study will focus on the origins, usefulness, and limitations of each theory for understanding communication events. This course will help prepare students to analyze and interpret human communication in all its forms (intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, small group transactions, organizational communication, public speaking, drama, and mass communication).
Advanced Film and Video Production
COM 3020
Advanced instruction in the concepts and technique of video design and production.
Scriptwriting for TV/Film
COM 3025
An introduction to basic storytelling and screenwriting techniques. Students will research and develop multiple fictional screenplays. An on-going dialogue will be encouraged in the investigation of one's Christian faith and how it works itself out through creative endeavors.
Basic Concepts of Audio Technology
MCM 1050
Designed to familiarize the student with the basic concepts of real-time and recorded audio. Topics covered include: a brief history of recording, wave propagation, signal flow, analog and digital console operation, monitoring and amplification, cables, connectors, microphones, and a hands-on approach to mixing for live sound reinforcement, digital theory, and basic DAW operations.
Additionally, students choose three of the following courses (9 hours):
Short Film Production
COM 3100
Collaborative development and production of a short film(s) as a member of a film crew. The course offers students the opportunity to make a short film(s) using locations, resources, and protocol. The course operates as a team building experience where all students participate in at least one role in the production process. The workshop environment is specifically designed to prepare students for a move into motion picture or long-form video production.
Special Effects & Animation for Film & Television I
COM 2215
An introduction to the concepts & creation of special effects and animation for use in film, television, and other visual mediums. Training includes essential techniques & technology used in shooting for, creating, and editing special effects and animated film projects. Training also includes an introduction to essential animation and special effects software.
Camera Acting and Directing
COM 3640
Focuses on the application of acting and performance skills for single-camera film and video presentations. Development of "commercial" and on-camera spokesperson performances are presented and analyzed in a workshop environment. Students also examine the process of evaluating, coaching and directing actors for the camera. Intensive work in auditions, cold readings, blocking, and improvisations for both film and television performance is prepared.
Special Effects & Animation for Film & Television II
COM 3110
An introduction to the concepts & creation of special effects and animation for use in film, television, and other visual mediums. Training includes essential techniques & technology used in shooting for, creating, and editing special effects and animated film projects. Training also includes an introduction to essential animation and special effects software.
Organizational and Corporate Video Production
ITI 4190
Documentary
COM 4500
Designed to have students to research, produce, direct, write, and edit a documentary project. Story structure and creative approach to the documentary will be emphasized as well as the key stages of producing a documentary including pre-production, production, and post-production. One of the goals of the class is to have a student festival ready documentary worthy of a resume reel. Pre-requisite: COM 3610 or permission of instructor.
Audio for Digital Cinema
MCM 4210
Designed to teach the student skills in recording, editing and mixing sound for video and film. During the course, students gain hands-on experience through projects implementing key aspects in audio for the digital cinema. Aspects covered include: microphone techniques for recording on-location, sound design, automatic dialogue replacement, Foley, special effects, editing dialogue, sound effects, music score, and mixing in both stereo and surround.
Outcomes / Careers
Upon completing this degree, students will be equipped with the necessary critical thinking, communication and technical skills for a variety of jobs in film, television and media arts. Students are prepared to write, edit and produce media products such as feature films, documentaries, training videos, short films, audio promotions and webcasts. They also receive foundational training for the following fields:
- Screenwriting
- Directing
- Producing
- Lighting
- Visual/special effects
- Acting
- Editing
- Casting
- Cinematography
With a degree in film production, students can expect to achieve career success. Film and video editors can make on average $59,040 a year as well as camera operators. A producer or director can earn $70,950 a year. If you become well-known in your field, your earning potential can grow significantly. Industry jobs are expected to increase by as much as 9 percent throughout the next few years, resulting in expanding opportunities for students with a film degree.*
*Data from collegechoice.net
FAQs
Can I apply the Tennessee Promise scholarship toward this program?
Yes, Trevecca is an eligible institution for this scholarship. Tennessee Promise provides students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the Pell Grant, the Tennessee HOPE scholarship or the Tennessee Student Assistance Award.
What kind of classes will I take as part of this program?
You’ll take an introduction to mass media and film and video production, while also receiving foundational instruction in media writing and film criticism. As you progress through the curriculum you’ll take more advanced classes on film and video production, scriptwriting and audio technology. Based on your interests, a variety of electives are also offered in short film production, special effects and animation, acting and directing, corporate video production, documentary filmmaking and audio for digital cinema.
Can I transition into a bachelor’s degree after I complete my associate degree?
Yes, classes completed as part of a student’s associate degree in film production can be applied toward a Bachelor of Science in media arts. Upon completion of the associate degree, students can discuss their course plan with an academic advisor and formulate a continued, seamless path of study.
Overview
Do you want to work in the film or television industry? Trevecca’s Associate of Science in film production provides the foundational knowledge and training needed to grow in this exciting and evolving field. The program also satisfies the prerequisites needed to seamlessly continue on to earn a Bachelor of Science in media arts and studies.
Our professors offer valuable insight from their own work in screenwriting as well as in developing feature, short and documentary films. Students in the associate program gain skills in professional camera, lighting, audio and video-editing technology. The program also focuses on the importance of storytelling within the field of digital media.
Trevecca students are encouraged to take production classes in their first semester on campus and immediately begin working with professional camera and editing gear. Smaller class sizes mean more interaction with professors and hands-on learning opportunities with state-of-the-art equipment.
This associate degree is specifically designed for students hoping to take advantage of the Tennessee Promise scholarship. Instead of attending a two-year school and then transferring to Trevecca, the associate program puts students on track to complete their degree in two years (as required by the state) while staying on schedule to earn their Bachelor of Science in media arts within four years. The associate degree is designed to easily transition students into Trevecca’s media arts program without them ever having to leave Trevecca.