Associate of Arts (AA) in Motion Pictures and Television
Academy of Art University
Key Information
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
4 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 1,156 *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Jun 2024
* per unit for international students | $1,072 per unit for domestic students. Additional fees apply
Introduction
The AA degree offers an overview of key film production skills (visual storytelling, directing, producing, production design, editing, and cinematography) and an introduction to the creative world of entertainment. The AA prepares students for a seamless transition into the BFA program.
Paths
- Emphasis in Cinematography
- Emphasis in Directing
- Emphasis in Editing
- Emphasis in Producing
- Emphasis in Production Design
- Emphasis in Screenwriting
Program Outcome
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
General Filmmaking Skills
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the process of creating a film in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
Technical Skills
- Demonstrate basic technical skills in editing, lighting, and cinematography
Professional Readiness
- Produce basic materials suitable for seeking entry-level employment
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
Career Opportunities
Designed to equip aspiring Motion Picture and Television professionals with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills, our hands-on training prepares graduates to compete for a range of opportunities in the entertainment industry, such as careers in film.
Cinematography
Capture the action working as a Cinematographer, Camera Operator, 1st Assistant Camera, 2nd Assistant Camera, Loader, Media Manager, Gaffer, Electrician, Key Grip, Dolly Grip, Still Photographer in the Camera Department, or Visual Effects Camera Person.
Directing
Work as a Director in Features, Television, Documentaries, Social Media, Industrials or Commercials, or Virtual Reality. Work as a Script Supervisor, 1st Assistant Director, or perform 2nd Unit Directing.
Editing
Edit content for Features, Television, Reality Programing, Documentaries, Social Media Outlets, Fashion Videos, Industrials, and Virtual Reality projects. Work in Color Timing or Visual Effects or as a Green Screen and Composite Editor or Sound and Music Editor.
Producing
Make productions come together as a Line Producer, Production Manager, Unit Production Manager or 1st Assistant Director. Work in Development or as a Studio Executive. Work as an Agent or Manager. Work in Marketing and Distribution or as a Social Media Specialist.
Production Design
Create the look and feel of the set as a Production Designer, Art Director, Art Department Coordinator, Set Dresser, Props Master, or Scenic Artist.
Screenwriting
Write features, television, short-form content and if you choose, documentaries.
Gallery
Curriculum
Unit Requirements
Major Coursework | 15 |
Liberal Arts | 18 |
Core | 33 |
Total | 66 |
Degree Requirements
- A minimum grade of C- in all core courses, major courses, and LA 107 Writing for the Multilingual Artist or 108 Composition for the Artist
- Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
- 1 Written Communication: Composition
- 1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking
- 2 Art Historical Awareness: Western Art
- 1 Employment Communications & Practices
After the above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.
Curriculum
Semester 1
- LA 101: Freshman Symposium: Artistic Resilience (Liberal Arts)
- MPT 105: Cinematic Storytelling (Core)
- MPT 106: Edit 1: The Art of Editing (Core)
- WRI 188: Characters & Backstory (Core)
Semester 2
- LA 108: Composition for the Artist (Liberal Arts)
- LA 120: Art History Through the 15th Century (Liberal Arts)
Recommended for summer - MPT 159: Cinematography 1 (Core)
- MPT 205: Introduction to Producing (Core)
- MPT 225: Sound Design (Core)
Recommended for summer - MPT 285: Production Design Foundations (Core)
- MPT 330: Directing Actors for Film & TV (Core)
Semester 3
- LA 291: Designing Careers (Liberal Arts)
- MPT 140: Lighting 1: The Art of Seeing Light (Major)
- MPT 166: The Power of Story (Core)
- MPT 234: Scene Production Laboratory (Core)
- MPT 236: Edit 2: Avid Fundamentals (Core)
Semester 4
- LA 121: Art History Through the 19th Century (Liberal Arts)
Recommended for summer - LA 202: English Composition: Creative Persuasion & Argument (Liberal Arts)
- MPT 138: Immersive Storytelling (Major)
- MPT 235: Virtual Reality/360 Production & Post-Production (Major)
Recommended for summer - MPT 346: Edit 3: Avid Media Composer Certification (Major)
- MPT 371: After Effects for Professional Editors (Major)
Admissions
Facilities
English Language Requirements
Certify your English proficiency with the Duolingo English Test! The DET is a convenient, fast, and affordable online English test accepted by over 4,000 universities (like this one) around the world.